Chikuma
Discover Chikuma
Chikuma (千曲市 Chikuma-shi) is a city in Nagano. With a population of about 62,000, Chikuma is a small city by Japanese standards, and has urban areas mixed in among the forests, orchards and rice paddies. It's a great place to experience a different aspect of Japan than what you find in the big cities or on the regular tourist trail. Chikuma City was formed in 2003 from the amalgamation of Koshoku City in its northern parts with the historic onsen towns of Togura and Kamiyamada in the south. This southern part of the city, known locally as Togura Kamiyamada Onsen, boasts numerous traditional ryokans (inns), ancient temples and shrines, seven public onsen bathhouses, a history of geisha entertainment that lives on today, and numerous natural features such as mountains, forest, hiking trails and picnic spots. In the west of the city, the areas known as Obasute and Yawata provide other historical and cultural attractions including the famous moon viewing rice paddies of Obasute and the Takemizuwake Shrine in Yawata. In the east of the city is the village of Mori, often called Anzu no Sato, or Apricot Village, because of the wealth of apricot trees that blossom profusely in spring.
Taste of Chikuma...
Not available
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Chikuma.
Soak up the atmosphere and steam away your worries at one of the public bathhouses:
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsChikuma has one JR station at Obasute on the Shinonoi Line, and four stations on the Shinano Railway: Yashirokokomae, Yashiro, Chikuma and Togura. Chikuma doesn't have its own bus station per se, but does have three stops which are served by intercity buses. The nearest highway interchanges are Koshoku IC, at the north end of town, and Sakaki IC, a few kilometers south of town. Both are connected to the city via Route 18. Chikuma City Council runs an extensive local bus network connecting various parts of the city and stopping at all the railway stations. Most lines run less than once per hour, so be sure to pick up a schedule if you are going to be relying on them. The main routes are: The Shinano Railway runs through the city along the east side of the Chikuma River. Stations from north to south are Yashirokokomae, Yashiro, Chikuma and Togura. Fares between these stations range from ¥190 to ¥240. The Chikuma River valley is quite flat and is great for getting around on a bike....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Chikuma City Council runs an extensive local bus network connecting various parts of the city and stopping at all the railway stations. Most lines run less than once per hour, so be sure to pick up a schedule if you are going to be relying on them. The main routes are: The Shinano Railway runs through the city along the east side of the Chikuma River. Stations from north to south are Yashirokokomae, Yashiro, Chikuma and Togura. Fares between these stations range from ¥190 to ¥240. The Chikuma River valley is quite flat and is great for getting around on a bike. Bikes can be hired from Kamesei Ryokan. A cycle path goes along the west side of the river from the northern to the southern end of the city, providing excellent views of the river, various neighbourhoods, and the surrounding mountains. Plenty of other sights and attractions also are accessible by bike. Soak up the atmosphere and steam away your worries at one of the public bathhouses:
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Chikuma
at obasute station 姨捨駅
a small pond with a small waterfall
a river running through a lush green valley
Atlassian growth.
at obasute station 姨捨駅
a small pond with a small waterfall
a river running through a lush green valley
Atlassian growth.
at obasute station 姨捨駅
a small pond with a small waterfall
a river running through a lush green valley
Atlassian growth.
at obasute station 姨捨駅