Are you a fan of the Japanese anime Detective Conan? In the latest movie, Detective Conan: The Afterimage of the One-Eyed, the story takes place in Nagano Prefecture, attracting many fans from across Japan and beyond on anime pilgrimage trips.
One of the most important and iconic locations featured in the film is the Nobeyama Radio Observatory, officially part of the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. Commonly known as “Nobeyama Observatory,” it has become one of the must-visit spots of 2025.
In this guide, we’ll introduce how to get there and recommend the best places to stay nearby.
Detective Conan: The Afterimage of the One-Eyed – Anime Pilgrimage Spot
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Nobeyama radio observatory
Address: 462-2 Nobeyama, Minamimaki Village, Minamisaku District, Nagano
[How to Get There]
By Train:
From Tokyo or Nagoya: Take the JR Chuo Main Line to Kobuchizawa Station, then transfer to the JR Koumi Line. Get off at Nobeyama Station. Approx. 40-minute walk from the station.From Tokyo, Gunma, or Saitama: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Sakudaira Station, then transfer to the JR Koumi Line. Get off at Nobeyama Station. Approx. 40-minute walk from the station.
*Free Shuttle Bus (Apr 18 – Sep 30, 2025):
A free shuttle runs daily between Nobeyama Station and the observatory (5-minute ride).Shuttle Schedule (Operated by Nanmokumura Village):
– From Nobeyama Station to Observatory (every 30 minutes):
First bus: 8:45 / Last bus: 16:45– From Observatory to Nobeyama Station (every 30 minutes):
First bus: 9:00 / Last bus: 17:00
Note: Extra buses may run during peak times. Schedules are subject to change.By Car:
From Tokyo area:
From Sutama IC on the Chuo Expressway, drive about 30 km via National Route 141 toward Kiyosato.
From Nagasaka IC, take the Kiyosato Road for about 20 km.*Parking Notice (Apr 18 – Sep 30, 2025):
Weekdays:
Use the parking lot at Nobeyama Radio Observatory
Capacity: 12 large vehicles, 87 standard cars, 2 accessible spotsWeekends & Holidays:
The observatory parking is only available for buses (large/micro) and motorcycles.
Regular cars (except those transporting individuals with disabilities) must use the temporary parking lot at Nobeyama General Sports Ground (capacity: 540 cars). From there, take the free shuttle bus to the observatory.Special Event Day – Saturday, August 30:
Use the former Nobeyama Ski Area temporary parking lot. A free shuttle bus will take visitors from the lot to the observatory.Rental Bicycles:
Location: Nobeyama Tourist Information Center (in front of JR Nobeyama Station)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Standard bicycles (adult/child): from ¥500 per hour
Electric-assist bicycles: from ¥1,000 per hour
Bicycle parking is available in front of the observatory entrance.-
Zengoro Falls – A Scenic Spot in Norikura Highlands
Located in the Norikura Highlands of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Zengoro Falls is one of the area’s top three waterfalls and is known for its beauty in every season.
In winter, the waterfall freezes into a dramatic icefall, offering a truly spectacular sight.The movie Detective Conan: The Afterimage of the One-Eyed is set in winter, and Zengoro Falls is one of the real-life locations that fans visit.
If you’re planning to view the icefall in winter, be sure to bring appropriate gear such as snowshoes and trekking poles.
While it normally takes around 10 minutes to walk from the parking area to the waterfall, it may take twice as long in snowy conditions.Address: Suzuran, Azumi, Matsumoto City, Nagano
[How to Get There]
By Car:
From Matsumoto IC on the Nagano Expressway, take Route 158 and then Prefectural Route Norikura-dake Line. Travel time is approximately 1 hour.*Parking Information
– Zengoro Falls Entrance Parking Lot
A free parking lot along Prefectural Road 84 with space for 15 cars. From here, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the waterfall viewing platform.– Norikura Highlands 3rd Parking Lot (Yamaboushi Parking)
A large tourist parking area with 400 spaces, also free of charge. It’s located along Prefectural Road 84, just before Suzuran Bridge. From here, it’s about a 7-minute walk to the viewing platform.-
Nagano Station
Renovated in 2015 following the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Nagano Station features a striking large canopy and columned facade designed to represent the “gateway to Buddhist Nagano.” It is one of the stations featured in the movie.
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Zenkoji Temple
Zenkoji is one of Nagano’s most iconic landmarks, founded nearly 1,400 years ago. The temple enshrines the Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai, believed to be the oldest Buddhist statue in Japan. A must-visit spot when exploring Nagano, Zenkoji also appears in the movie.
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Sakudaira Station
This station appears in the movie and has become one of the pilgrimage spots visited by fans.
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Nagano Prefectural Government Office
Featured in the movie, the cafeteria on the 10th floor plays a key role in the story. Inside the Nagano Prefectural Civic Hall, you’ll find a signature from Gosho Aoyama, the creator of Detective Conan.
To visit Nobeyama Radio Observatory and Zengoro Falls—two of the most significant real-life locations featured in Detective Conan: The Afterimage of the One-Eyed—
it’s best to base your stay in Yamanashi Prefecture for easy access to both.Here are some recommended accommodations that make the perfect base for your Conan pilgrimage!
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HOKUTO BASE
Popular as a summer getaway, this cottage is in a prime location with restaurants, supermarkets, and day-use hot springs nearby. It’s open year-round with no winter closure, making it perfect for wintertime pilgrimage trips as well.
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YATSUGATAKE HACHI
The spacious garden offers beautiful seasonal views unique to the Yatsugatake area, and the stylish wood-burning stove makes it a cozy spot even during the colder months.
Note: Closed for the winter season from late November to mid-April. -
Yatsugatake Mountain Cabin
This cottage, surrounded by rich natural scenery in Koumi Town, Nagano Prefecture, is also a great base for fans visiting the real-life locations featured in the movie “Your Name”.
https://www.staycation.jp/en/property/510/
*List of vacation rentals in Yamanashi
[More Information]
Highly-selected Vacation Rentals reservation site: STAYCATION
Tel：+81-3-6379-7591
Email：stay_contact@staycation.jp
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