About our School

School 1 School 2

On a hill overlooking the famous Zenkoji Temple and the heart of downtown Nagano City sits Nagano Nishi High School. Originally an all girls school, Nagano Nishi is the second oldest school in Nagano City, having been founded in 1894. Approximately fifty years ago, the school became a coeducational institution, and, in 1996, we celebrated both the centennial anniversary of our full-time schooling system department and the bicentennial anniversary of our part-time correspondence course.

Graduates from Nagano Nishi High School continue to take active roles in various fields, in Japan and abroad. Currently, 962 students are studying diligently, preparing for the entrance exams that will be their entry tickets into the universities and junior colleges of their choice.

To better prepare our students for positions of leadership in an increasingly international 21st Century, Nagano Nishi is introducing a new course of study in 1999: the International Studies Course. The ISC makes much of raising global awareness and of fostering the ability to actively participate in the global community. The program offers a number of features aimed at better preparing our students for this role: reduced class sizes; computer-based study; an enhanced language program offering classes in German, French, Chinese, and English; a multitude of courses designed to increase international awareness; and personalized college counseling. Students call also participate in a number of activities specific to ISC, such as debate tournaments, English camps, guest speakers, and class excursions.

Courtyard, Entrance, Scene of the practicing

Courtyard Entrance Scene of the practicing

Statics

About Nagano Prefecture

Nagano City
View from Nagano Nishi High School

Introduction

Nagano's location in the towering Japan Alps has made for natural comparisons with the Alps of Europe. Both areas are known for their rich natural splendor, peerless winter sports and panoramic scenery. But they have another point in common -- one not shared by Sapporo, Japan's other Winter Olympic city. In contrast to Sapporo's North American-inspired frontier freshness, Nagano and Europe count their respective cultural heritages in the hundreds of centuries.

For this reason, Nagano is ideal for tourists wishing to experience both sides of Japan: traditional culture and outdoors excitement. Indeed, the only thing lacking, if that is the word, is the industrial excess and overcrowding of the nation's metropolitan areas. The overseas visitor to Nagano will doubtless come across natives escaping to Nagano for a respite from urbanized Japan.

The prefecture's cultural centerpiece is Zenkoji, the Buddhist temple that ranks among Japan's most celebrated religious complexes. Dating from the seventh century, Zenkoji combines traditional architecture with a unique history as one of the few temples to remain unaffiliated with a single Buddhist sect. Ironically, the fame of Zenkoji has tended to overshadow other nearby cultural treasures. The Hokusai Museum, in Obuse, showcases the genius of the master painter and Ukiyo-e (woodblock print) artist who lived and worked here in his twilight years. Arts of a less placid sort were refined in Togakushi; this village's ninja museum provides a fascinating look at this mysterious martial art.

Profile

Nagano is often called the Switzerland of Japan Also, is called Shinsyu and historical name is Shinano. City is the prefecture's capital and population is approximately 352,000. Today, millions of visitors pass through on their way to or from the various recreational activities in the surrounding areas. There are many ski resorts in the mountains and highlands which about 30 minutes to 1 hour by car from City.

Shiga Kogen (Shiga Heights) is located in the center of the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park, is located about 30 Km east-northwest, Mt. Hakuba & Foothills is located about 30 Km west, Nozawa Onsen (Nozawa Spa) is located 40 Km Northeast, Iizuna Kogen (Iizuna Heights) is located 10 Km West-northwest of City.

Copyright © 2003 Nagano Nishi High School. All rights reserved.