Shinshu Film Commission Network
Nagano Prefecture—long ago known as Shinshu—is surrounded by the mountains of the Japanese Alps and blessed with a diverse natural landscape, historic townscapes, ancient trails and industrial heritage. Since the dawn of Japanese cinema, Nagano and its treasure trove of shooting locations have inspired countless film and video productions.
Nagano’s history of supporting Japanese cinema goes back over 100 years. Following in this tradition, we are committed to bringing Nagano’s locations and filmmakers’ creative visions together to realize their full creative potential and bring their stories to life.
From our small corner of the world, we, together with filmmakers, aim to give rise to new stories that will resonate with audiences around the world and contribute to regional revitalization and to the promotion of culture and tourism.
Activities
■Location Support
We provide consultation services for various filming projects—including TV programs, movies, dramas, commercials, and music videos—to facilitate smooth production within Nagano Prefecture.
Our services include
- Introduction and information on filming locations
- Information on permit applications for filming
- Consultation and coordination for filming permits at Nagano Prefecture-owned facilities
- Coordination and consultation regarding the use of private facilities
- Consultation on recruiting extras
- Consultation on lodging, location preparation, lunch box arrangements, etc.
- Other various consultations related to filming
Characteristics of Nagano Prefecture
Convenient Access via the Hokuriku Shinkansen or Expressways
Nagano Prefecture boasts exceptional access from the Tokyo metropolitan area! This significantly reduces the burden of transporting film crews and materials.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen allows travel from Tokyo to major cities (such as Nagano and Ueda) in as little as approximately 80 minutes. Furthermore, the extensive network of expressways—including the Kan-etsu, Chuo, and Joshin-etsu expressway—ensures the smooth transportation of large equipment and vehicles.
Some areas are accessible for day-trip shoots from Tokyo, enabling efficient filming even on tight schedules.
No matter the season, there’s always a shot you’ll want to capture
Nagano Prefecture’s greatest strength lies in its abundant natural beauty, allowing you to shoot diverse landscapes representing all four seasons within a single prefecture.
The majestic Alps, beautiful lakes, and vast plateaus enable filming on a grand scale. Spring cherry blossoms, summer’s deep green forests, autumn’s fiery foliage, and winter’s silver world—you’ll never struggle to find the perfect seasonal location.
This expands your creative possibilities, allowing you to flexibly incorporate diverse scenes within a single project.
Utilizing Traditional Townscapes like Post Towns and Castle Towns
Nagano Prefecture preserves numerous historic buildings and townscapes, making it ideal for filming scenes regardless of time period.
In particular, the region’s post-towns and castle towns are steeped in the atmosphere of the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho eras.
Places like the samurai residences in Matsushiro (Nagano City) and the old merchant houses in Komoro City are all picturesque locations perfect as settings for period dramas or nostalgic modern dramas. Realistic and compelling footage can be created without the need for large-scale sets.
Shinshu Film Commission Network Secretariat
Public Affairs Division 1, Nagano Prefecture Tourism Organization (General Incorporated Association)
Address: 3F Hotel Shinanoji, 131-4 Nakagoshio-Okada-cho, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture 380-0936