Tateshinakogen Art Forest Sculpture Park

Tateshina Highland Art Forest Sculpture Park is located in the highland region of Nagano Prefecture, positioned at approximately 1,000 meters elevation adjacent to Lake Tateshina. The park integrates contemporary sculpture with the natural environment of the Yatsugatake mountain range, creating a synthesis of art and nature that reflects Japan's tradition of harmonizing human creativity with landscape design.

The park features more than 70 works of art by Japanese sculptors displayed along a two-kilometer walking path. Most pieces on exhibition are by Seibo Kitamura, the renowned sculptor born in 1884 who created the famous 10-meter-tall Peace Statue in Nagasaki Peace Park. The sculptures are distributed throughout moss-covered forests and around the lakeside, with the natural setting changing dramatically across seasons. The park's layout encourages contemplative walking, with benches positioned at intervals for rest and observation.

Visitors typically require approximately two hours to view the complete collection. The terrain features gentle paths suitable for most fitness levels, though the highland environment means cooler temperatures even in summer. The proximity to Lake Tateshina provides scenic water views that complement the sculptural works. The park operates as part of the Resort Hotel Tateshina complex but maintains separate access for day visitors.

Admission to the park is free. Access from JR Chino Station requires boarding the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway Line bus and disembarking at Tateshinako-mae bus stop, followed by a five-minute walk. The bus service operates multiple times daily from Chino Station. For travelers arriving by car, the park is approximately 30 minutes from Suwa IC on the Chuo Expressway, with parking available at the resort complex. The location is accessible as a day trip from Tokyo, which is approximately two hours away via limited express train to Chino Station.