Things to Do in Nagano

Discover two of the top attractions on a day trip in Nagano, Zenko-ji Temple and Snow Monkey Park. Watch the monkeys playing and then finish the day with a delicious lunch, and sake tasting.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way toexplore both of the ancient post towns! You can travel between Magome and Tsumago by infrequent direct bus. Nakasendo was one of the two highways during the Edo period connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, running through the Kiso Valley. Travelers at that time walked along the highway, stopping at "post towns" for rest. Some of those post towns have been well preserved and show tourists today exactly what Japan was like hundreds of years ago. Stunning forests, beautiful villages and traditions, we would love to recommend it to everyone interested in Japanese nature and history. This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis may be used. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.

Discover the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park on a private day tour from Tokyo. Visit the Zenko-ji Temple, explore the charming hot spring towns of Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka, and more

Sitting just outside Nagano City, the forests of Togakushi are home to some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, sacred places that are linked to the myths of the creation of Japan itself, and the mountain refuge of the Togakure Ninja. This engaging tour gives insight into the daily lives of the ninja, taking you along short sections of the pilgrimage trails of the ‘Togakushi Kodo,’ and deep into culture, myth, and legend. This tour includes a hands-on soba making experience, visits to two of the most important Shinto shrines, the Togakushi Ninja Museum, and ends with a stroll through the grand avenue of giant cedar trees.

Snow Monkey tour featuring luxury vehicles like Vellfire, Land Cruiser, and Crown. Visit Zenko-ji Temple, Matsushiro Castle Ruins, Shibu Onsen, and Obuse. See snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Walking along the 400-year-old lined cedar trees and walking on the frozen lake experience are special experiences that can only be found here. Let's explore the winter of Togakushi, where mountain ascetic have been practicing the mountain worship since ancient times. The experience of walking along a row of 400-year-old cedar trees and a frozen lake is a special experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Let's explore the winter of Togakushi, where the trainees have practiced rigorously since ancient times, wearing snowshoes!

This tour will take you to Matsumoto and its famous castle, one of the few remaining castles in Japan. On this guided day-tour, you'll also head high into the grandeur of the Northern Alps and to the alpine oasis of Kamikochi.

The city of Nagano is an intensely beautiful and historic part of Japan, only a stone’s throw away from the capital city of Tokyo. Nagano is a place of incredible Shinto and Buddhist history and home to one of Japan’s most iconic temple and shrine. While many of Japan’s cities lay claim to an identity of nature-meets-human-invention, that atmosphere can be felt in Nagano better than almost anywhere else in Japan. In this tour, your knowledgeable licensed local guide will accompany you on your journey features an historic districts and even ancient pilgrimages. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize your four-hours special tour that's best for you. Note*1: You will not be able to visit all the sights on the tour. You must choose 2 to 3 sights and inform your guide. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Visit the "Roof of Japan" and marvel at the snow walls of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, one of Japan’s most iconic and unique experiences.

Home to more than eighty ski resorts such as Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba, and many more, as well as featuring some of the country’s best powder and terrain – all within easy access of Tokyo and its airports – we consider Nagano to be Japan’s best ski destination. Perfect as a day trip from Tokyo, or just to enhance an already amazing Japan vacation, we’re here to offer a stress free all-inclusive day ski package featuring everything you need to enjoy your day. From transport to the ski resort, rental equipment (including skis or snowboard, poles and boots and bindings, top and bottom wear, gloves, and goggles), lift passes, and even optional lessons, this package is perfect for those who wish to try skiing or snowboarding for the first time or those experienced who want to challenge Japan’s slopes themselves without the hassle of carrying all of their equipment!

Join a sake tasting & sake factory tour in Nagano. Try a range of sake, amazake, enjoy small dishes (like pickles & Nagano miso), & explore the streets of Nagano & the Zenkoji Temple area.

This tour takes you to the 'Roof of Japan' in summer and autumn to experience in the stunning and lush alpine landscape and one of Japan’s three sacred mountains, Mount Tate. Led by an English-speaking guide, you will be accompanied on every leg of your journey to the Roof of Japan and back down again.

Breathe in the fresh mountain air on a guided hike of the Nakasendo Trail through rural countryside trails. Explore one of Japan's ancient highways with roundtrip transportation from Matsumoto.

With over 15,000 individual fireworks lighting-up the crisp autumn sky, Nagano’s annual Ebisu-ko Fireworks Festival attracts over 400,000 people to the city to watch this amazing spectacle. As Japan’s largest and most beautiful autumn fireworks display, this tour includes reserved seating at the event with a visit to Nagano’s world-famous Snow Monkey Park – home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs – and late lunch at one of the region’s best restaurants. This once a year tour is one of our most popular and is sure to leave a lasting impression long after the fireworks fade away!

Snow Monkey Park is famous for its wild Japanese macaques, commonly known as snow monkeys. These monkeys are known for their unique behavior of soaking in natural hot springs.

Embark on a captivating journey through Nagano, where history, culture, and culinary delights converge. After meeting your guide at Matsumoto Station, step into the past at Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure dating back to the 16th century. Ascend its wooden halls, absorb the ambiance of tatami mat floors, and relish panoramic views from the castle keep, unraveling the tales of feudal Japan. Continue with a sake-tasting odyssey at a historic brewery run by seasoned owners. Immerse yourself in the nuances of local sake flavors. Savor 2 street foods (e.g. sweet rice dumplings, taiyaki, oyaki) on the the lively Nawate Street affectionately known as Frog Street. Delve into history at Nakamachi Shopping Street, an Edo-period avenue adorned with well-preserved merchant houses. Explore quaint shops and cafes, absorbing the echoes of Matsumoto's past. Reflect on a day filled with Matsumoto's medieval grandeur and modernity as the tour concludes at Matsumoto Station.

This tour includes a visit to [Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park] and [Togakushi Shrine] as a fixed itinerary, with the [lunch]

Walk in the footsteps of Japan’s most celebrated artist, Hokusai Katsushika, on this engaging one-day tour in the quaint, historic town of Obuse. Starting from Nagano Station, you will visit Hokusai’s original studio in Obuse, view his original work at the Obuse Hokusai-kan Museum and finally, view his last and largest remaining ‘in-situ’ artwork – the giant phoenix of Gansho-in Temple. Including plenty of time to explore Obuse for yourself, this tour is designed to introduce you to or further your understanding of Japan’s greatest artist in the very place he walked, worked and produced his final masterpiece.

Visit Matsumoto Castle – one of the remaining original castles in Japan and a registered National Treasure – before heading to the post town of Narai-juku on a day trip from Nagano or Matsumoto.

Combining a visit to Nagano’s world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and evening exploration of the Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival, this enjoyable 1-day tour marks the midpoint of winter and illuminates Nagano’s ancient heart! Including an early dinner at Monzen Terrace Enya, this tour brings warmth and light into the midst of winter. This tour begins at Nagano Station, from where you will be transported to the Jigokudani Monkey Park before returning to Nagano City for a warming winter dinner at Monzen Terrace Enya, before being guided around the Zenko-ji Temple precinct in the beauty and tranquility of its annual Tomyo Lantern Festival. All led by a locally-based, English-speaking guide, this tour is a great way to experience the best of Nagano in winter.

Walk the sacred cedar path to Togakushi Shrine, savor sushi made with fresh Japan Sea catch, explore historic Takada Castle, and relax in a scenic mountain onsen in Myoko

Designed to provide guests with an intimate yet entertaining understanding of Nagano’s near-1,400-year-old Zenkoji temple, this half-day group tour combines a guided experience and a unique fire ceremony at the temple as well as a traditional tea ceremony, sampling of local dumplings, and even ‘sake’ tasting.

Explore the historically significant district of Matsushiro Nagano, Visit the Matsushiro Castle Ruins, the Sanada Treasures Museum, the Former Sanada Family Residence, and the Matsushiro Bunbu School.

Enjoy a premium small-group tour (typically 6-8 guests, maximum 12), blending nature, culture, and culinary delights. Start your day at Nagano Station and visit the iconic Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll walk through serene forests to see wild monkeys soaking in natural hot springs. Next, explore the charming town of Obuse, enjoying a delicious local lunch and a sake-tasting session at a historic brewery, sampling two premium sakes. Discover the Hokusai Museum, showcasing masterpieces by Japan’s ukiyo-e legend, and stroll through picturesque streets lined with traditional shops. For those seeking more, an optional visit to the historic Zenkoji Temple—one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist sites—is available. Walk in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims and experience its serene atmosphere. With stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and insights from a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a carefully curated day immersed in Nagano’s nature, art, history, and flavors.

Discover the natural beauty of Nagano on a private tour. Hike to a hidden lake in the Shiga Highlands, enjoy a local lunch, and explore the historic hot spring town of Shibu Onsen.

The departure location is selectable from the Iiyama Station, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen. Starting with a visit to the famous Snow Monkey Park. Get up close and watch as the Snow Monkeys relax in the naturally occurring hot springs of Jigokudani. Thanks to the tour's early morning start you will see the Monkeys as exclusively as it gets! Following this, we will commute to Shibu Onsen town. The first place to stop is Tamamura Honten, a sake & beer brewery established in 1805 attached to a traditional art gallery. After that, our guide will offer you insight into the historic Onsen village. This village was once frequented by Samurai, poets, and travellers alike. Good fortune is said to come to those who bathe in each of the Onsen in town. This section is a walking tour, but if you would prefer to relax in an Onsen, you may do so for just ¥800! Finally, during green season we visit Kokugonji, a serene and beautifully maintained temple nestled in rural Nakano and founded in 825.

Enjoy a morning of snow play in Shiga Kogen, the largest and highest ski resort in Japan. After a filling lunch, visit the famous Snow Monkey Park for an unforgettable afternoon.

Discover the sacred forests and ancient shrines of Togakushi on this guided walking tour from Nagano. Follow hidden mountain paths lined with towering cedars, visit important Shinto sites like Chusha and Okusha, and hear the legends of Japanese mythology from your local English-speaking guide. Along the way, take in stunning alpine scenery and enjoy a traditional lunch of handmade Togakushi soba noodles, a regional specialty. Depending on the season and conditions, the route may also include quiet forest trails, scenic ponds, or optional cultural stops.

Visit the Snow Monkey Park and a miso brewery on a day trip from Tokyo. See the Japanese macaques soaking in hot springs and learn about the production process of miso.

On this full day private tour, visit the city of Matsumoto with your tour guide. Enjoy the historical Matsumoto Castle, the unique streets of Nawate and Nakamachi and see Daio Wasasbi Farm, the largest wasabi farm in Japan in the tranquil Hotaka Town.

This tour will take you up to the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani where you can enjoy observing the monkeys in close proximity, followed by lunch and an afternoon enjoying the best cherry blossom spots in the region.

The class is held at the over 130 years old house. It was built in Machiya style and was used to be a house of Shoya, the biggest merchant in the city at that time. You can have a look around the unique inside. We will show you traditional life style such as Koto, a Japanese harp and an old sawing machine, which have been carefully stored for a long time in Kura, an old style storage in back of the house. The kitchen is made of Sake barrel lids came from a local brewery. It’s located on the second floor, you will see the beautiful Japanese garden. We provide aprons, so you don’t need to bring anything. We will give you a recipe that you can cook at your country. The class consists of some basics of Japanese cooking, such as how to make Dashi broth, and introduction of local made ingredients, which are not normally seen at regular supermarkets. We will explain for you to cook at home when you go back. Recipes are adjustable for vegetarians and vegans.

This tour includes a hands-on soba making experience, visits to the most important Shinto shrines, the Togakushi Ninja Museum, and ends with a stroll through the grand avenue of giant cedar trees.

In recent years Central Japan has become increasingly popular as a stop along the Tokyo to Kyoto “Golden Route”. The reason for this, simply stated, is that Central Japan offers every experience the traveler could desire from Japan, while also being located close to some of Japan’s largest cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. From majestic mountain peaks to delicious local sake, and of course the famous Snow Monkeys, our multiple day group tour of this amazing region of Japan will bring you to every location you dreamed of, and many you may not have heard of yet. Starting in Nagano and ending in Kanazawa, this tour is perfect for those wishing to move through central Japan and removes the necessity of dealing with train and bus transfers. While accommodation is not included, transport between all destinations and an English speaking guide are provided on every day of the tour, so you do not have to worry about the small things and can instead focus on enjoying your vacation time.

This isn’t just a trip to Kamikochi. With a local English-speaking guide, break the language barrier and explore like a local. Discover real Japan with flexible, private plans tailored to your pace.

Dive into Nagano’s food culture with a hands-on cooking and walking experience. In a traditional Japanese house with a sunken hearth, you’ll learn how to make oyaki—a beloved local dumpling filled with seasonal vegetables or sweet bean paste—and enjoy them warm with soba tea by the fire. After the cooking session, stroll through the peaceful backstreets leading to Zenkoji Temple. Discover small, locally owned shops, taste unique regional flavors, and learn about Japanese dining customs and everyday culture from your guide. ・Make two oyaki dumplings and enjoy them with soba tea in a traditional Japanese hearth house ・Explore Nagano’s backstreets on the way to Zenkoji Temple ・Discover local flavors and learn about Japanese dining culture ・Meet small business owners and hear stories of the neighborhood *Please let us know if you have any food restrictions beforehand*

Explore Luxury rides with an expert English speaking driver. Customize your itinerary with pickup and drop-off at your hotel WiFi hotspot highway tax fuel & complimentary water tea & coffee

Discover the Art of Hokusai in Obuse: A Walking Tour with Sake & Local Flavors. Step into the world of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai on this walking tour in Obuse, just 30 minutes by train from Nagano City. Obuse offers a unique mix of history, art, and local culture. ・Explore Hokusai’s Legacy: Visit the Hokusai Museum and Kozan Takai Memorial Museum to discover the life and works of the artist behind The Great Wave. ・Temple Experience: See Hokusai’s ‘Phoenix Glaring in All Directions’ at Ganshoin Temple, a stunning ceiling painting of a phoenix that follows you. ・Sake Tasting & Local Delights: Enjoy sake tasting at a local brewery and a delicious lunch at a trendy restaurant, showcasing Obuse’s culinary scene. ・Experience Obuse's Charm: Wander through picturesque streets, meet local shopkeepers, and explore the town’s culture and history. This tour blends art, history, and local flavors for an unforgettable experience in one of Japan’s most charming towns.

Discover the spiritual wonders of the Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano and see the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani Monkey Park on a private tour from Tokyo.

Snowmobile Adventure Itinerary: 9:00 AM – Meeting Point Pickup Begin your journey with a convenient pickup from the designated meeting point. 10:00 AM – Arrival at Sakae Snowmobile Location or arrival at Shiga Kogen Snowmobile Location (It depends on the weather conditions) Reach the scenic Sakae region, surrounded by stunning snow-covered landscapes. 10:25 AM – Preparation Time Gear up and receive a brief introduction to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. 10:30 AM – Snowmobile Adventure Begins Embark on an exhilarating one-hour snowmobile ride through Sakae’s pristine trails. 12:00 PM – Snowmobiling Ends 12:15 PM – Onsen Experience Begins Relax and rejuvenate in a traditional onsen, soaking in the warm waters while surrounded by snow. 1:00 PM – Onsen Experience Ends Finish your relaxing onsen experience. 1:00 PM – Lunch Enjoy a delicious lunch with local specialties. 3:30 PM – Return to Meeting Point Enjoy a relaxed drop-off back at your starting location.

Discover the Togakushi Shrine on a guided tour from Nagano station. Hike through the Togakushi area and see ancient forests and towering cedar trees. Enjoy a delicious lunch of Togakushi soba.

We’ll begin with a visit to the famous Snow Monkey Park, where you can watch wild Japanese macaques enjoying a soak in the hot springs—set in the peaceful mountains of Nagano. After the walk, we’ll head over to the nearby Shibu Onsen area, a beautiful historic hot spring town. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant here, featuring freshly made soba noodles and other regional specialties. After lunch, you’ll have time to unwind in one of Shibu Onsen’s public baths. The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties and offer the perfect way to relax. And for a bit of extra fun, there’s the chance to collect stamps from different hot springs using a special towel—a local tradition that adds a playful touch to your visit. Whether you're here to relax, explore, or enjoy good food and drink, this tour offers a great mix of what makes Nagano special. Optional free pick-up support available upon request. Our tours start from April 15, 2025.Join us for an amazing experience

Karuizawa is known for Perfect Summer Retreats, shopping, beautiful forest and foods. This small-group tour explores the Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza shopping street.

Our snowshoeing tour at the snow-covered Togakushi Shrine is a unique experience available only during a three-month period each year. Togakushi Shrine is a renowned destination for tourists, but without joining a guided tour, navigating the area can be more challenging, and you may miss many attractions while increasing the risks associated with outdoor activities in nature. To ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and safe experience, we provide multilingual guiding for our clients. Hama and Yuki, both active registered nurses and UIMLA-certified hiking guides, are fluent in English, with Yuki also speaking Mandarin Chinese to assist native Chinese-speaking clients. We warmly welcome you to this winter wonderland for an unforgettable one-day experience that combines the beauty of authentic Japanese culture with the magic of the snow-covered landscape.

Immerse yourself in the world of samurai with a sword-fighting experience and explore the historic Matsumoto Castle on a guided tour. See the castle illuminated in brilliant light and color at night.

This engaging special event tour transports you to Nagano’s hidden samurai town of Matsuhiro for an afternoon of samurai experiences and discovery of the open secret beneath its feet before enjoying an early dinner and guided evening tour of the city’s near-1400 year old Zenko-ji Temple during it’s Tomyo Lantern Festival.

Enjoy a ski package with everything you need from Nagano Station. Includes transportation, rentals (see below), lift passes, and optional lessons, perfect for both first-timers and the experienced.

Begin your morning in Kamikochi, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, clear rivers, and untouched marshlands. Departing early from Matsumoto or Nagano, you'll arrive before the crowds—when the air is crisp and the trails are quiet. Skip the bus lines with our direct ride in. Take a 2.5 to 3-hour walk from Kappa Bridge to Taisho Pond, returning via Tashiro Bridge. Forest and riverside paths bring you close to nature, with guide insights along the way. Enjoy lunch at your own pace—on a bench or by the river. Bring something simple—cafés can be crowded. Later, visit Matsumoto Castle—Japan’s oldest original wooden fortress. Skip the line with pre-booked entry and explore freely. Guests preferring a later start may begin with the castle, followed by a walk in Kamikochi’s soft afternoon light. Thoughtfully designed for small groups, this tour blends mountain stillness with cultural depth—ideal for travelers who value calm, beauty, and discovery.

Enjoy having Oyaki in front of a traditional Japanese sunken hearth, Sake tasting and also you have local sweets & Matcha tea as we walk through Zenkoji temple’s town and back street area in Nagano.

You can enjoy to observe lovely wild monkeys bathing in an outdoor hot spring at Snow Monkey Park. Each monkey has different personality and it's quite fun to be able to watch them from very close. After the monkey park, we are visiting an old Shinto shrine called Togakushi shrine which has been one of the most important place for the mountain worship since ancient era. The shrine and precincts forest are all covered with thick snow during the winter season. However,by snowshoeing, it is the perfect opportunity to discover areas that are inaccessible any other time of the year. Frozen bodies of water and a heavy carpet of snow make otherwise untraversable terrain accessible. I will lead you to these undisturbed areas, so you can explore and appreciate the unspoiled nature around you. I'm a National Government licensed guide interpreter as well as licensed mountain trekking guide. Let's have a cup of coffee on the snow made table and chair 🙂