Nagano
Nagano
Innovation rooted in nature and regional industry — a founder-centered ecosystem anchored by Shinshu Startup Station, with easy access to Tokyo and Nagoya while offering the flexibility and lifestyle of a mountain-based region.
- Support for founders
Central to Japan's main island with easy access to Tokyo and Nagoya, Nagano has shifted from one-off seminars and subsidies to a real ecosystem — one where startups are treated as partners for solving regional challenges alongside government, companies, universities, and municipalities. At the core is Shinshu Startup Station (SSS), a hands-on hub operating from Matsumoto (33GAKU) and Nagano City (NICOLLAP) that walks founders from idea to early business. The prefecture aligns with Japan's national Startup Ecosystem Development Initiative and actively welcomes international startups via Karuizawa and Hakuba, particularly in water/environmental, healthcare, and tourism.
Strengths
Central Japan location
Located in the center of Japan's main island, Nagano gives founders convenient access to major metropolitan markets — Tokyo and Nagoya are both reachable — while keeping the flexibility and lower cost base of a regional environment. Big-market connection without big-city overhead.
Founder-centered startup support
Shinshu Startup Station (SSS) anchors the ecosystem with hands-on guidance from idea stage through early business development, plus dedicated consultation for women entrepreneurs. Complemented by Startup Saturday, Nagano Startup Studio, and municipal initiatives like 33GAKU in Matsumoto — a multi-layered system rather than a single program.
Manufacturing and regional industry base
Nagano combines precision manufacturing with agriculture, food production, and tourism. Shinshu University's four campuses (engineering, medicine, agriculture, textile science) actively push research commercialization via gap funding and mentoring — giving startups both industry partners and a research base to build from.
Nature-driven lifestyle and innovation environment
Surrounded by mountains and rich natural landscapes, Nagano offers a high quality of life and a strong outdoor culture. Internationally recognized destinations like Karuizawa and Hakuba serve as gateways for global engagement and attract founders seeking balance between business opportunity and sustainable lifestyle.
Things to see
Zenkoji Temple
Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City is one of Japan's most historic Buddhist temples, founded over 1,400 years ago. Known for welcoming worshippers from all sects, it remains a spiritual and cultural landmark of the region.
Matsumoto Castle
One of Japan's best-preserved original castles and a designated National Treasure. Its striking black exterior earned it the nickname "Crow Castle" — a symbol of Nagano's historical heritage.
Kamikochi
A scenic alpine valley in the Northern Japan Alps, widely regarded as one of Japan's most beautiful natural landscapes. Pristine rivers, forests, and mountain views attract hikers and nature lovers from around the world.
Hakuba
An internationally known mountain resort that hosted events during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. Today it's popular year-round for skiing, outdoor sports, and its growing international community.