about NAGANO

　

 Nagano

Nagano is very proud to host the 2002 World Figure Skating Championships . The city of Nagano, the venue for the event, is surrounded by the beautiful mountain ranges of Kita -Shinano (Northern Nagano), and the Chikuma River and the Sai River, two major rivers in Nagano which flow gently through the region. The city is located the heart of Japan and the area is famous for its delicious apples that grow in the clean air and rich agricultural land.
The city and the surrounding area have undergone a major transformation into an international city since it was decided in 1998 to hold the Winter Olympic Games here. The newly constructed Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) now serves Nagano Station, and the surrounding district has been upgraded with modern high-rise buildings and beautiful tree-lined streets. The major sporting facilities used in the Nagano Winter Olympics are still there, including M-Wave, The Big Hat, Minami-Nagano Athletic Park, Aqua Wing, White Ring, and The Spiral. Not Surprisingly, Nagano city has declared itself and "athletic city."
　
 After Competition

Zenko-ji Temple is set in a serene environment surrounded by the beautiful mountain ranges of Kita-Shinano and the Chikuma River flowing gently nearby. Zenko-ji Temple is a symbol of the centuries of prosperity of the city of Nagano and has attracted worshippers both young and old, regardless of religious denomination. In fact, there are many old sayings and anecdotes about the temple, including the very famous one about someone "who was taken to the Zenko-ji Temple by his cow."
Johyama Park, which extends eastward from Zenko-ji Temple, is famous for its beautiful flower clock. The Shinano Museum of Art located in the park exhibits many works, including fine landscepe pictures, by local artists. The Kaii Higashiyama Pavilion, the museum's annex facility, has on permanent display about 750 masterpieces by Kaii Higashiyama, including very famous titles such as "Forests in Hakuba," and "Echoes from Green Mountaions."