Chikuma may refer to:
While the Shinano’s local name is well‑known, the river’s quieter tributaries host a surprisingly vibrant network of seasonal festivals. In early summer, neighbourhoods along the river stage modest fire‑fly lanterns, a tradition that draws residents out for quiet riverside picnics. Travelers who linger past the main stations can find small tea houses that open only during these nights, offering a sip of locally grown saké alongside stories of the river’s role in historic irrigation. It’s an unadvertised glimpse into how the water shapes daily rhythms beyond the headline attractions.
Chikuma sits at the foot of the surrounding highlands, making it an ideal base for cyclists and hikers who prefer to avoid the more crowded resort towns. A short ride north leads to lesser‑known passes that afford sweeping views of the Nagano plateau without the lift‑ticket price. Early autumn brings a kaleidoscope of foliage that is visible from the town’s modest bike paths, offering a gentle alternative to the steep climbs of nearby ski areas. Packing a lightweight rucksack and a portable stove lets you savour a mountain‑top lunch while the crowds remain on the main slopes.
The presence of a historic publishing house grants Chikuma a quiet literary pulse. Small, independent bookshops line the streets near the old station, curating selections of regional poetry and design monographs that are often overlooked by larger city chains. Visitors with an eye for paper craft can attend monthly workshops on traditional Japanese binding, hosted by artisans who still use the same hand‑press techniques that date back to the town’s early publishing days. These sessions provide a tactile link to the city’s cultural heritage, far removed from the usual museum narratives.
[edit] Chikuma, Angola, a commune Chikuma District, a former district located in the vicinity of the current city of Matsumoto Chikuma mountains, mountains in Nagano Prefecture of Japan Chikuma, Nagano, a city located in Nagano Prefecture of Japan Chikuma Station Chikuma Shobō, a Japanese publisher Chikuma River, the name of the Shinano River as it flows through Nagano Prefecture
[edit] Fumiko Chikuma (知久馬 二三子; born 1937), Japanese Social Democratic Party politician Jun Chikuma (竹間 淳), Japanese music composer and musician
[edit] Chikuma Koshirou, a character in the novel The Kouga Ninja Scrolls
[edit] Chikuma-class cruiser, a class of protected cruisers of the Imperial Japanese Navy Japanese ship Chikuma, several warships Topics referred to by the same term This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Chikuma.If an internal link incorrectly led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article.