【Turkey!】 Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture

住所	〒380-0801 長野県長野市長野元善町491

What is Turkey!? Work Overview and Connection to Nagano Prefecture

“Turkey!” is an anime work set in Nagano Prefecture that has attracted attention from many fans. Due to the work’s compelling story and beautiful background depictions, various locations in Nagano Prefecture have come to be recognized as sacred sites.

Nagano Prefecture, which serves as the stage for the anime, is characterized by majestic mountains, historically preserved townscapes, and abundant nature. The landscapes that appear in the work faithfully reproduce actual Nagano Prefecture scenery, making it a perfect place for fans to fully enjoy the charm of “pilgrimage to sacred sites.”

Why Nagano Prefecture Was Chosen as the Setting

Nagano Prefecture is a nature-rich region surrounded by the Japanese Alps, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. The environment is ideal for expressing the work’s worldview, and as a result of detailed location scouting by the production staff, many scenes use actual places in Nagano Prefecture.

Complete Guide to Major Sacred Sites

Sacred Sites in Nagano City

Nagano City, as the prefectural capital, serves as an important setting within the work. The historic townscape around Zenko-ji Temple and the contemporary landscape of the city center appear in the work.

Zenko-ji Temple Area

Zenko-ji Temple is a famous temple with a history of over 1,400 years and serves as the setting for impressive scenes within the work. The traditional Nakamise shopping street along the approach to the temple allows you to experience the atmosphere depicted in the anime.

Address: 491 Nagano, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: About 15 minutes by bus from JR Nagano Station
Visiting Hours: From sunrise to sunset (varies by season)
Admission Fee: Main Hall Inner Sanctuary ticket: Adults 600 yen

Around Nagano Station

Nagano Station is depicted as a place frequently used by characters in the work. The station building and station plaza represent the modern face of Nagano and are used in important scenes.

Sacred Sites in Matsumoto City

Matsumoto City is the second largest city in Nagano Prefecture, with the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle at its center and historically preserved townscapes as its charm.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle, designated as a National Treasure, is a symbolic location that appears in important scenes of the work. The beautiful contrast between black and white of the keep is faithfully reproduced in the anime.

Address: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: About 15 minutes walk from JR Matsumoto Station
Opening Hours: 8:30–17:00 (varies by season)
Admission Fee: Adults 700 yen

Nakamachi Street

Nakamachi Street, lined with white-walled and black-grouted storehouses, is a shopping street with a retro atmosphere. It serves as the setting for scenes of characters taking walks in the work, and many pilgrims visit.

Sacred Sites in Ueda City

Ueda City is known as the birthplace of the Sanada clan and has abundant historical attractions.

Ueda Castle Ruins Park

The ruins of Ueda Castle, built by Sanada Masayuki, are also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. In the work, it appears in spring cherry blossom scenes and autumn foliage scenes, displaying different faces with each season.

Address: Ninomarudi, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: About 12 minutes walk from JR Ueda Station
Admission: Free (towers require admission)

Karuizawa Area Sacred Sites

Karuizawa, famous as a summer retreat, serves as an important setting within the work.

Old Karuizawa Ginza

A shopping street lined with Western-style buildings appears in summer episodes of the work. The street lined with fashionable cafes and boutiques can be enjoyed just as depicted in the anime.

Shiraito Falls

This beautiful waterfall, 3 meters high and 70 meters wide, serves as the setting for an impressive confession scene in the work. Popular with pilgrims as a healing spot full of negative ions.

Address: Nagasaki, Karuizawa Town, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
Access: About 25 minutes by bus from Karuizawa Station
Admission: Free

Azumino Area Sacred Sites

Azumino, with views of the Northern Alps, is a region of beautiful rural landscapes.

Daio Wasabi Farm

Japan’s largest wasabi farm is depicted as a tourist spot visited by characters in the work. The scenery of clear streams and water wheels is a spectacular sight worth visiting even for non-anime fans.

Address: 3640 Hotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: About 10 minutes by taxi from JR Hotaka Station
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (varies by season)
Admission: Free

Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Route Proposals

1 Night, 2 Day Model Course

Day 1: Nagano City and Matsumoto City Route

9:00 Arrive at JR Nagano Station
9:30–11:30 Visit and tour Zenko-ji Temple and surroundings
12:00–13:00 Lunch in Nagano City
14:00 Depart from Nagano Station, travel to Matsumoto Station (about 50 minutes by limited express)
15:00–17:00 Visit Matsumoto Castle and tour Nakamachi Street
18:00 Check in to hotel in Matsumoto City

Day 2: Ueda City and Karuizawa Route

9:00 Depart from hotel
10:00–12:00 Visit Ueda Castle Ruins Park
12:30–13:30 Lunch in Ueda City
14:30–17:00 Tour Karuizawa area (Old Karuizawa Ginza, Shiraito Falls)
18:00 Depart from Karuizawa Station for return journey

Day Trip Course (Centered on Nagano City)

A day trip plan for those with limited time.

9:00 Arrive at JR Nagano Station
9:30–12:00 Tour Zenko-ji Temple area
12:00–13:00 Lunch
13:30–15:30 Visit sacred sites within Nagano City
16:00–17:00 Purchase souvenirs
17:30 Depart from Nagano Station for return journey

3-Day Complete Coverage Course by Car

Using a rental car allows you to visit more sites efficiently.

Day 1: Nagano City → Matsumoto City (about 1 hour)
Day 2: Matsumoto City → Ueda City → Karuizawa (about 1 hour each)
Day 3: Karuizawa → Azumino → Nagano City (about 1 hour each)

Access Information and Transportation

Access from Tokyo

Using the Shinkansen

The Hokuriku Shinkansen is the most convenient and fastest means of transport.

Tokyo Station → Nagano Station: About 1 hour 30 minutes (using Kagayaki)
Tokyo Station → Karuizawa Station: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Fare: Non-reserved seat approximately 8,000 yen, reserved seat approximately 8,500 yen

Using Highway Buses

Recommended for those wanting to reduce costs.

Shinjuku → Nagano: About 4 hours
Fare: One way approximately 3,500 yen–

By Car

Nerima IC → Kashii IC (toward Nagano City): About 2 hours 30 minutes
Highway toll: Approximately 5,000 yen (regular vehicles)

Access from Osaka and Nagoya

From Osaka

Shinkansen + Limited Express: Shin-Osaka → Nagoya (Shinkansen) → Nagano (Limited Express Shinano) About 4 hours
Highway bus: About 6 hours 30 minutes

From Nagoya

Limited Express Shinano: About 3 hours
Fare: Non-reserved seat approximately 6,500 yen

Travel Within the Prefecture

JR Local Lines

Major cities in Nagano Prefecture are connected by the Shinetsutsu Main Line, Shinonoi Line, Omari Line, and others.

Route Buses

Route buses are convenient for moving within each city and accessing tourist destinations. Nagano City also operates loop buses such as “Gurulin.”

Rental Car

If you desire flexible travel, there are numerous rental car shops around Nagano and Matsumoto stations.

How to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimages and Etiquette

Photography Tips

Recreating Anime Scenes

Taking photos that recreate specific scenes from the work is the highlight of sacred site pilgrimages. Taking screenshots of relevant scenes from the anime beforehand makes it easier to photograph from the same angles.

Best Times for Photography

Morning: Few people and soft light (7:00–9:00)
Evening: Beautiful light during the magic hour (16:00–18:00)
Season: Visiting during the same season as scenes in the work makes it easier to recreate the atmosphere

Etiquette to Observe

Consideration for Private Property

Some sacred sites include private land or residential areas. Never enter areas marked off-limits, and respect the lives of residents.

Noise Consideration

Avoid shouting or making noise in groups even in excitement. It is important to act quietly, especially in early mornings and at night.

Taking Trash With You

Leave places cleaner than when you arrived. Always take trash with you and cooperate with environmental conservation.

Etiquette at Commercial Facilities

When visiting stores and cafes, obtaining permission for photography is essential. Avoid unauthorized photography, and properly purchase products or services when using facilities.

Recommended Visiting Seasons

Spring (March–May)

Attractions

Cherry blossoms at Ueda Castle Ruins Park (mid-April)
Zenko-ji Temple’s Grand Opening (once every seven years)
Rapeseed flower fields in Azumino (late April–early May)

Clothing: Bring something to wear as mornings and evenings can be cold

Summer (June–August)

Attractions

Charm of Karuizawa as a summer retreat
Coolness of Shiraito Falls
Pleasant climate of the highlands

Note: Even at high elevations, sunlight is strong, so sun protection is necessary

Autumn (September–November)

Attractions

Fall foliage around Matsumoto Castle (late October–early November)
Golden rice paddies in Azumino (September)
Fall foliage spots in Nagano City (early November)

Best Season: Mid-October through early November offers the most beautiful autumn foliage

Winter (December–February)

Attractions

Snow-covered Matsumoto Castle
Zenko-ji Temple’s New Year’s pilgrimage (January)
Winter sports in Karuizawa

Note: Snow road countermeasures are essential. Consider potential public transport delays in your plans

Gourmet Information Around Sacred Sites

Recommended Gourmet in Nagano City

Shinshu Soba

A local dish representative of Nagano Prefecture. Many long-established soba restaurants are found around Zenko-ji Temple.

Recommended shops: “Tamarui,” “Imamura Soba Honten”
Price range: 800 yen–1,500 yen

Oyaki

A local dish where vegetables and wild vegetables are wrapped in wheat flour dough and baked. You can eat them while walking along the Zenko-ji approach.

Price: 200 yen–300 yen per piece

Recommended Gourmet in Matsumoto City

Yamabotoyaki

Chicken marinated in a garlic and soy sauce-based sauce and fried, Matsumoto’s soul food.

Recommended shops: “Kawasho,” “Uya”
Price range: 1,000 yen–1,500 yen

Shinshu Salmon Bowl

A rice bowl using Shinshu salmon from Nagano Prefecture is fresh and flavorful.

Recommended Gourmet in Karuizawa

Karuizawa Pudding

Rich-flavored Karuizawa-exclusive pudding. Available for purchase on Old Karuizawa Ginza.

French Toast

French toast served at long-established Karuizawa cafes is exquisite.

Recommended Gourmet in Azumino

Wasabi Cuisine

At Daio Wasabi Farm, you can enjoy various dishes using wasabi, such as wasabi rice bowls and wasabi soft-serve ice cream.

Azumino Apples

In autumn, fresh apples and sweets using apples are plentiful.

Accommodation Guide

Recommended Accommodations in Nagano City

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Location: Directly connected to JR Nagano Station
Price range: 8,000 yen–15,000 yen per night
Features: Excellent access for sightseeing

Temple Lodgings Around Zenko-ji

Price range: 8,000 yen–12,000 yen per night including two meals
Features: Can experience morning Buddhist services

Recommended Accommodations in Matsumoto City

Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu

Location: 5 minutes walk from Matsumoto Station
Price range: 6,000 yen–12,000 yen per night
Features: Hot spring bath available

Guest Houses

Price range: 3,000 yen–5,000 yen per night
Features: Enjoy interaction with other travelers

Recommended Accommodations in Karuizawa

Karuizawa Prince Hotel

Location: 10 minutes walk from Karuizawa Station
Price range: 10,000 yen–30,000 yen per night
Features: Full-fledged resort atmosphere

Pensions

Price range: 8,000 yen–15,000 yen per night including two meals
Features: Homey atmosphere

Souvenir and Merchandise Information

Standard Souvenirs from Nagano Prefecture

Shinshu Apple-Related Products

Apple juice: 500 yen–1,000 yen per bottle
Apple butter: 600 yen–800 yen per piece
Dried apples: 500 yen–700 yen per bag

Shinshu Soba

Dried noodles: 500 yen–1,500 yen per bag
Soba soup set: 1,000 yen–2,000 yen

Oyaki

Frozen oyaki: 1,200 yen–1,800 yen for 6 pieces

Specialties from Matsumoto City

Matsumoto Folk Craft Furniture Items

Price range: 1,000 yen–10,000 yen
Features: Popular as traditional craft items

Kaiunsodo Confections

Swan Lake: 1,080 yen for 8 pieces
Features: Matsumoto’s representative Western confectionery shop

Specialties from Karuizawa

Karuizawa Beer

Price: 400 yen–600 yen per bottle
Varieties: Premium Clear, Premium Dark, and more

Jam

Sawaya Jam: 700 yen–1,000 yen per jar
Features: Additive-free, made with fruit’s natural flavor

Depending on the area, merchandise from collaborations with the work may be available. Check at visitor information centers and major tourist attractions.

Apps and Tools Useful for Sacred Site Pilgrimages

Google Maps

Saving sacred sites to your My Map allows for efficient pilgrimage planning. Offline map downloads are also possible.

Butai Meguri

An app specialized for anime sacred site pilgrimages. Check in when visiting stages depicted in works, and enjoy interaction with other fans.

Transportation Information Apps

Norikae Annai

Search timetables and transfer information for JR, private railways, and buses. Real-time delay information is also available.

Jodan Norikae Annai

Search optimal routes while comparing fares and travel times.

Weather Forecast App

tenki.jp

Check detailed weather forecasts for Nagano Prefecture. Weather in mountainous areas changes easily, so frequent checking is important.

Photo Editing Apps

SNOW, BeautyPlus

Beautifully enhance photos taken at sacred sites. Also useful for creating comparison images with anime scenes.

Events and Collaboration Information

Regularly Held Events

Regular anime and manga collaboration events are held throughout Nagano Prefecture.

Nagano Anime Festival

Held: Once annually (typically in autumn)
Venue: Various locations throughout Nagano City
Content: Voice actor talk shows, merchandise sales, sacred site pilgrimage tours, and more

Stamp Rallies

Stamp rally campaigns collaborating with the work may be held. Collect stamps while visiting major sacred sites and receive limited merchandise.

Exhibitions and Panel Displays

Panel exhibitions related to the work are held at visitor information centers, stations, and commercial facilities. Check official sites and SNS for the latest information.

Sacred Site Pilgrimage Preparation Checklist

Essential Items

Smartphone: Essential for maps, camera, and information searches
Mobile Battery: Battery consumption is heavy with photo shooting
Cash: Many shops in rural areas accept cash only
IC Card (Suica, etc.): Convenient for using transportation
Comfortable Walking Shoes: Prepare for long walks

Useful Items to Have

Folding Umbrella: Mountain weather changes easily
Towel, Handkerchief: For wiping sweat and hands
Sunscreen: High elevation means strong ultraviolet rays
Hat: Sun protection for summer
Outerwear: Cold temperature protection (especially spring and autumn)
Eco Bag: Convenient for souvenir purchases
Notebook and Pen: Record memories and observations

Advance Preparation

Watch the Work: Rewatch the work before the pilgrimage
Create a Sacred Site Map: List places you want to visit
Reserve Accommodations: Book early, especially during tourist season
Confirm Transportation: Check timetables and fares in advance
Check Weather Forecast: Check weather one week in advance

Summary: Maximize Your Enjoyment of Turkey! Sacred Site Pilgrimage

The sacred site pilgrimage of “Turkey!” set in Nagano Prefecture is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your love for the work and experience Nagano Prefecture’s abundant nature, history, and culture.

Key Points for Successful Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Thorough Advance Preparation: List places you want to visit and plan an efficient route
Allocate Time Generously: Don’t pack the schedule too tightly, and enjoy at a leisurely pace
Respect Local Culture: Follow etiquette and show consideration for residents
Consider the Season: Visiting during the same season as work scenes increases the emotional impact
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Savor Nagano’s food culture alongside sacred site pilgrimage

A sacred site pilgrimage in Nagano Prefecture will be a special experience beyond mere tourism. Immersing yourself in the work’s worldview while feeling the actual scenery and atmosphere will provide new discoveries and emotions.

Using this guide, enjoy a safe and pleasurable sacred site pilgrimage. Create wonderful memories with love for the work and respect for the region.