Nagano, Japan · Asia
Saku is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Takanomachi, 29km from Venus Line.
Saku is a town located in Nagano, Japan. With a population of 99,131, it is an important destination in Asia.
On a road trip, Saku sits in Japan, where you drive on the left. It's in the Asia/Tokyo time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Saku to your route.
Ōtabe Station (太田部駅, Ōtabe-eki) is a train station in the city of Saku, Nagano, Japan, operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East).
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Saku offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Saku is located in Nagano, Japan, Asia. The coordinates are 36.2167 latitude, 138.4833 longitude.
Saku has a population of approximately 99,131 people, making it a town in Japan.
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Essential numbers in Japan
Japan Helpline (24h English assistance): 0570-000-911. An International Driving Permit (1949 convention) is required to drive.
Full driving guide for Japan8 notable places within an hour's drive.
mountain pass
Historic pass on the old Nakasendo route between Gunma and Karuizawa, packed with 180-plus corners and the brick Megane-bashi viaduct. Another Initial D battleground beloved by drivers and rail historians alike.
19 km · about 20 min drive
photogenic
A small irrigation reservoir whose acidic, iron-rich water holds a still green surface mirroring the birch and larch on its bank. It became famous as the subject of a Higashiyama Kaii painting.
27 km · about 30 min drive
famous road
A 76 km free touring road across Nagano's Kirigamine and Utsukushigahara highlands, rolling over open alpine meadows at up to 1,959 m. One of Japan's best-loved drives for bikers and grand tourers.
29 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
A thousand-year-old spa at the foot of the Nagano hills, ringed by ancient temples including a rare octagonal three-storey pagoda. Three small public baths still serve the village for a few coins.
33 km · about 40 min drive
famous road
The winding climb to Lake Haruna in Gunma, immortalised as 'Mount Akina' in Initial D. Gentle hairpins, a crater lake at the top, and constant pilgrimages by fans of Japan's street-racing manga.
44 km · about 50 min drive
castle
One of Japan's premier historic castles, known as the Crow Castle for its striking black exterior, dating to the 16th century.
46 km · about 55 min drive
photogenic
The steaming timber sluice at the centre of Kusatsu, where 4,000 litres a minute of highly acidic spring water is cooled across wooden channels before reaching the baths. Floodlit and clouded in steam after dark.
46 km · about 55 min drive
mountain pass
At 2,172 m this is the highest point on any Japanese national highway, on Route 292 between Nagano and Gunma. In spring the road is cut through snow walls several metres high.
50 km · about 60 min drive
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