Nagano Prefecture Cyclist-Friendly Environment Development Subsidy

This Nagano Prefecture subsidy supports municipalities, tourism associations, and private operators in developing infrastructure to welcome cyclists, with the aim of improving cyclist safety and convenience and promoting cycle tourism along the 878 km Japan Alps Cycling Road and related local cycle routes. Applications opened on 13 May 2026 and are handled by the Tourism Promotion Division of the Tourism and Sports Department, with eligible expenses limited to facilities and equipment near the designated cycling routes. Eligible applicants vary by program track: the Cycle Station / Gateway track is open to municipalities, tourism associations, DMOs, and companies with a head office or branch in the prefecture; the Cyclist-Friendly Lodging track is for lodging operators in the prefecture; the Cycle Train track is for private rail operators licensed under Article 3 of the Railway Business Act operating in the prefecture; and the Cycling Route Signage track is for municipalities and national-road management offices. Organized crime affiliates, prefectural tax delinquents, and religious/political activities are excluded. Eligible costs include cyclist toilets, pumps and tools, water and refreshments equipment, sheltered rest spaces, information signage, Wi-Fi, rental/share cycle equipment, lockers, showers, bike assembly spaces, baggage transfer equipment, bike storage and laundry at lodgings, in-train fixtures, station ramps, booking systems, promotion costs, and Japan Alps Cycling Road wayfinding, hazard, and tourism signs. Consumption tax, local consumption tax, and bank transfer fees are excluded. The subsidy rate is up to 2/3 (or a fixed amount for signage), with caps of 1.0 million yen for cycle stations, 1.0 million yen for lodgings, 3.0 million yen for cycle trains (of which up to 1.0 million yen for promotion), and 300,000 yen per signboard for route signage. The application period runs 13 May 2026 (Wed) through 28 December 2026 (Mon), closing earlier if the budget is exhausted. Applications use Form No. 1 with a business plan, cost-estimate basis, and site drawings, submitted by email to kankoshin@pref.nagano.lg.jp. As an accommodation-tax-funded program, beneficiaries must display the official logo.