General Information of Nagano

Introduction of Nagano City Nagano Prefecture, located in the central part of Japan, is called the  "Roof of Japan" surrounded by 2,000m-3,000m high mountains.  It is the fourth largest prefecture in Japan and its population is about 2,200,000. Nagano City is in the north of Nagano Pref. and also surrounded by magnificent mountains, which soar 2,000 meters above sea level. It developed as a temple town of Zenkoji and is a regional political and economic center of Nagano Prefecture as the prefectural and government site of NP.  Furthermore, Nagano is known for hosting the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 1998 and has promoted the friendships and cultural exchanges with the people of neighboring Asian countries as well as other countries from all over the world.  Owing to the rich natural environment and cultural properties, many people from all over Japan often visit here and enjoy our beautiful nature of four seasons, rich culture and a long history. The population of Nagano City; about 360,000 The population of foreign people; about 3,000 Climate We have four distinctive seasons with refreshing inland and alpine climate in Nagano.  Because of snowy winters, it is especially suitable for winter sports. Average Temperature; 11.5C Monthly Average Rainfall; 78.2mm Area 404.35km2 Above sea level;  362.49m History Nagano City has developed as the temple town of Zenkoji and celebrated its 100 anniversary in 1997. With the union of the near-by cities and towns on the Zenkoji Plateau in 1923, 1954 and 1966, Nagano City grew into the area gradually.  When Nagano was firstly decided as the capital city of Nagano Prefecture under the Meiji Restoration, it had a population of 29,000 and covered a total area of 9.05km2, 1/45 the area of modern Nagano City. Education Number of Schools in Nagano Classification  (year) Number of facilities Kidergarten (2 or 3) 32 Elememtary school (6) 54 Junior High School (3) 21 High School (3) 16 Technical college (5) 1 Junior college (2) 4 University & Graduate school 1 *Compulsoly education Industry The main industries include electrical and electronic product manufacturing, publishing and printing, and agricultural products such as rice and apples.  Especially Nagano is famous for apples due to its high yield. 　 The three largest manufacturing industries 1. Electrical machinery, & equipment  2. Publishing, printing, & related industries 3. Foods Area Landmarks in Nagano City Zenkoji Temple Ancient Tumuli at Omuro in Matsushiro Town Olympic Facilities The Imperial Headquarters of World War ll in Matsushiro Town The 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games    --- One School and One Country Program---   The school children of 76 elementary, junior high, and special schools in Nagano City were provided with the opportunities to participate in the unique program, "One School and One Country."  Under this program, each school was paired with a country or region taking part in the Olympic Games and students learned a lot about the culture and customs of their  partner country.  Furthermore they could deepen their exchange with the athletes through the various activities and programs while the Games were held.  The athletes and delegations visited schools and they were introduced the food, music, and traditions of Nagano by students.  Through these exchanges, not only Japanese students but also visitors could promoted international awareness and deepened their understanding of each other's culture.  This legacy of the Games was succeeded by the next Winter Olympic Games' site, Salt Lake City. Our Hometown ---by the students of NNHS    Visiting Spots and Popular Culture in Nagano  ---> Students' Website

Created by 1st-year students' English Reading classes of Nagano Nishi High School