Top Nagano Prefecture How to Get Around in 2026

Itinerary Time Table: Matsumoto (Meet 11:05 Dep. 11:15) → Kawaguchiko (Arr. 14:00, Dep. 15:45) → Tokyo Station (Arr. 18:40) *Please note that times may vary due to traffic conditions. Depart from Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture and journey through scenic landscapes on the way to Kawaguchiko. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to enjoy the Japanese countryside in comfort during the journey to your destination, without having to worry about luggage transportation or transfers. Be charmed by the tranquil beauty of the Fuji Five Lakes area after you arrive at Kawaguchiko, surrounded by lush nature that changes dramatically with the seasons. Bold and vibrant fall leaves, speckled-pink flowery sights in the spring, and vibrant verdure in the summer. For those going to Tokyo, after making our 1.5 hour stop (free-time) at Kawaguchiko, we will see the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center before we make our last stop at the Yaesu Bus Terminal in Tokyo, conveniently located next to Tokyo Station.

Walk through time in Narai-juku, a remarkably preserved post town on the Nakasendō, the inland highway that once linked Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). Often described as one of the route’s most prosperous towns, Narai’s wooden main street stretches for over a kilometer, creating one of Japan’s most immersive Edo-period streetscapes. On this guided walk, you’ll uncover the link between historic travel routes and a community that still lives along them. Jump on a southbound train and in less than an hour you’ll be there! Meet your guide at Narai Station, which opened in 1909. From here, it is only a short walk to Narai-juku’s preserved main street. Your guide will introduce Narai’s role as the 34th of the 69 post towns on the Nakasendō, and why its location near the route’s midpoint helped it thrive. You'll have time to explore independently, browse the lacquerware shops and cafes that now occupy historic buildings, or simply walk the street again.

Join us on a journey unlike any other with our exclusive private tour of Azumino (Matsumoto), led by an experienced local guide deeply knowledgeable in the area's culture and history. We will delve into Azumino's rich religious heritage. From ancient shrines to sacred temples, each site holds secrets waiting to be discovered. This tour will also allow you to enjoy the picturesque view of Azumino with lush forests to mountainscapes. We will take you to the different locations by car, allowing you to visit places that would take a long time to reach on foot, and customize the tour to meet your areas of interest. The tour is accompanied by an interpreter.

! Become a ninja and ski down the slopes! Enjoy skiing while experiencing Japanese culture! Ninja-themed ski wear will give you a special experience on the slopes just for you. The designs are fun for both adults and children, making it the perfect memory of your trip to Japan! It's also very popular for posting photos on social media.

Walk the ancient Togakushi Kodo path with a local English-speaking guide based in Nagano. Enjoy a relaxed, small-group trek where you can ask questions, learn about the trail's nature and history, and get personal recommendations for the rest of your trip. A personal experience, without the rush of large groups.

Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of Nagano with the Snow Monkey Onsen Trek. This guided tour takes you on a meditative forest walk through cedar trees, approximately 50 minutes each way, to the world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Witness the Japanese macaques soaking in natural hot springs, all while your guide captures the moments so you can simply enjoy the experience. The return journey includes a relaxing soak at the Yudanaka foot spa and free time in the charming chestnut village of Obuse. - 7-hour round trip trek with an English-speaking guide - Experience the wild macaques in their natural habitat - Enjoy a soak at Yudanaka foot spa after the trek - Groups capped at 10 for an intimate experience The listed start time is 9:00 AM, but the actual meeting time is 9:15 AM. Please meet your guide at [Nagano Station, exit/location] at 9:15 AM. Please do not arrive earlier.

Enjoy a thrilling outdoor adventure with a guided Mountain Bike Fun Ride designed for families and groups. This flexible tour allows participants to choose between a 90-minute ride or extend their journey up to 3 hours, catering to different skill levels and interests. Whether you're a family of four or a group of friends, you can tackle the trails together or split up based on your preferences, ensuring everyone has a great time on two wheels. - Choose between a 90-minute or extended 3-hour mountain bike tour - Perfect for families and groups with 2 or more participants - Tailored experience to accommodate various skill levels - Explore scenic trails while enjoying the company of family and friends

A local guide who loves Tateshina will take you to the best local scenery. You can leisurely cycle around this area while enjoying the rich sound and scenery of the water provided by Mt. Yatsugatake. (For Tateshina Otaki Course) You can walk through a fantastic virgin forest. (For the rice terrace course) You can also tour an agar factory that takes advantage of the local climate and get a glimpse of the unique way of life in this area. (For Otome Falls course) You can enjoy the negative ion water spray of Otome Falls up close. This is an overseas-style E-bike suitable for the terrain of this region. You can rest assured that you can row easily even on slopes without breaking a sweat.

This tour is designed to show samurai history as a living story, not just a list of old buildings. In Matsushiro, the castle ruins, the Sanada Residence, and the Former Bunbu School stand close together, allowing you to follow the world of the samurai in a clear and meaningful order. You will begin at the former political center of the castle town, then step inside a preserved residence connected to the Sanada family, and finally visit the school where young samurai learned both academic and martial skills. With your guide’s explanations, you will discover how samurai governed, lived with their families, received guests, studied, trained, and prepared to serve their domain. This experience is ideal for travelers who want a deeper understanding of Japan’s samurai culture beyond famous battles and armor. It offers a rare look at the everyday life, education, and values of samurai in a real historic town.

Walk through Narai-juku, one of the most atmospheric historic towns on the Nakasendo route, and discover how travelers once moved through Japan’s mountain roads. This guided tour takes you beyond a simple stroll through old streets: you will learn how the town supported Edo-period travel, see traditional wooden architecture, visit the Former Nakamura Residence, stop at local water spots, and explore the connection between crafts, daily life, and faith in the Kiso Valley. With your guide, Narai-juku becomes more than a beautiful preserved townscape—it becomes a living story of travel, trade, craftsmanship, and local culture.

This one-day tour in Matsumoto covers three parts: a visit to Matsumoto Castle, one of twelve castles in Japan with its original wooden keep still standing; a local lunch built around soba noodles or miso, and a tasting of sake from Nagano Prefecture. The tour starts at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most striking original castles before moving to a food experience and a lunch built around two dishes tied to Nagano Prefecture. Which experience runs on a given day depends on availability and season. The two options are a soba-making class or a miso brewery tour. Both food experiences include a lunch with vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Then, your guide will walk you through a tasting of several sake varieties, each reflecting different rice strains, fermentation methods, and aging processes. Between pours, you guide will explain how water quality, seasonal brewing cycles, and rice polishing ratios shape what's in your cup.

This tour takes you beyond a standard shrine visit and into the older ritual world of Suwa. Walk through Suwa Taisha Kamisha Honmiya, where sacred Onbashira pillars and the shrine’s unusual layout hint at a faith shaped by mountains, land, and ancient ceremonies. At Jinchokan Moriya Historical Museum, discover the Moriya family and the distinctive rituals they preserved for centuries. The tour then continues to Kamisha Maemiya, a quiet shrine closely linked to the origins of Suwa faith. Short but deep, this walk is ideal for travelers who want to understand Japan’s ancient shrine traditions, not just admire beautiful shrine buildings.

Immerse yourself in a unique blend of history and culture with the Samurai Sword Fighting, Castle & Illumination Tour at Matsumoto Castle. This exclusive winter experience allows visitors to explore one of Japan's last original castles, renowned for its stunning architecture and rich heritage. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle, learn the art of samurai sword fighting, and witness the breathtaking winter illumination featuring cutting-edge laser mapping. - Discover the historical significance of Matsumoto Castle, a registered National Treasure. - Engage in a hands-on samurai sword fighting lesson with a skilled master. - Admire the dazzling winter illumination display, perfect for photography. - Tour operates from December 12th to February 14th, starting at 15:00 for an enchanting evening experience.

Explore Obuse's cultural and rural charms on a leisurely, half-day self-guided cycling tour. This tour is self-guided, but if you'd prefer a guide, book a guided tour through the options. This tour is seasonal, available from April to November. After walking around the town, rent a bicycle and go cycling. Visit the Gansho-in Temple, home to Hokusai’s awe-inspiring Phoenix ceiling painting, and enjoy a picnic lunch under the apple trees at Kobayashi Farm—an unforgettable way to experience Obuse’s orchard culture. (Note: if you join us for the afternoon tour, we will have the picnic lunch first.) The tour ends back at the station with plenty of scenic memories in tow. This tour is perfect for travelers looking to combine gentle activity, cultural discovery, and fresh air in a beautiful countryside setting. Caution: Obuse experiences intense summers, so always carry water to prevent dehydration, as well as a pair of sunglasses.

Explore “Old Japan” on a relaxed small-group tour to Narai-juku, a beautifully preserved Nakasendo post town, and enjoy a hands-on wasabi grating lunch at Daio Wasabi Farm. Walk through Narai-juku’s historic wooden streets with your local guide, then enjoy free time for photos, shops, and cafés. At Daio Wasabi Farm, grate fresh wasabi yourself during lunch and stroll along the clear-water canals and traditional waterwheels. With just 2–12 guests, enjoy authentic local culture at a comfortable pace. Available year-round, although some shops may close during winter. Departure options: - Matsumoto: 9:45 AM–4:00 PM (6.25h). Optional Matsumoto Castle drop-off. - Nagano: 8:15 AM–5:15 PM (up to 9h). Earlier return possible when no Matsumoto stop is needed. Highlights: - Narai-juku guided walk and free time (2h) - Wasabi grating lunch and farm stroll (1.5h) - English-speaking local guide and comfortable transportation

Step into a true samurai town—and finish with seasonal fruit picking—on this relaxed small-group day tour from Nagano. Your day centers on Matsushiro Samurai Town, one of Nagano’s best-preserved former castle districts. Walk through calm Edo-period streets and explore key sites tied to the legendary Sanada clan, including the castle ruins, the Sanada Treasure Museum, a samurai residence, and the Bunbu School where warriors trained in both studies and martial discipline. With an English-speaking guide, Matsushiro’s history comes alive. Then head to the countryside for seasonal fruit picking in Chikuma (included)—a fun local highlight that changes with the time of year. Along the way, stop at Oyaki Farm Matsushiro for terrace views and factory viewing; freshly made oyaki are available to purchase (optional). This tour is smooth and well-paced, returning to Nagano Station by mid-afternoon—ideal if you want a full experience without a late finish.

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 six-hours special tour that's best for you. Note*1: There are 4 different area[Zenko-ji, Matsushiro,Obuse and Togakushi] You can visit 3-4 site from same area from the list. Choosing sites from different areas may limit the number of locations you can visit because of the travel time required. 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.

Discover the charm of Obuse through art, history, and sake on this unique Hokusai-inspired Paint & Sip tour. Starting at Obuse Station, enjoy a leisurely walk through the picturesque town before visiting the historic Matsubaya Sake Brewery for a guided tour and tasting of local sake (note: the legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old). Next, explore the Hokusai-kan Museum, home to masterpieces by the legendary ukiyo-e artist who spent his final years in Obuse. The highlight of the tour is a guided Paint & Sip session, where you’ll create your own version of The Great Wave off Kanagawa while sipping sake made just steps away (note: on-alcoholic beverages also available). Whether you're an art lover, sake fan, or curious traveler, this hands-on experience blends creativity, culture, and fun. The tour ends back at Obuse Station, leaving you with unforgettable memories and your own wave to take home.

Explore Japan’s first UNESCO Biosphere Park with its hidden emerald lake, and a 1,300-year-old Ghibli-inspired hot spring town. With a private car and guide, avoid crowds and receive photo memories. A Unique Experience of Nature and Culture Deep within the forests of Shiga Kogen — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — lies a shimmering emerald lake, a true hidden gem known only to locals. Unlike crowded tourist spots, here you can enjoy the scenery and seasonal wildlife in peace, from playful macaques to elusive stoats or even a Japanese serow. After this tranquil nature walk, step into a nostalgic hot spring town where cobblestone alleys, lantern-lit paths, and wooden inns evoke the charm of a Studio Ghibli film. Each moment is captured with a dedicated camera and gifted back to you as lasting memories.

On this 1-day walking tour, your guide will show you around one of Japan's best medium sized cities - Matsumoto. Set to a beautiful background of the Japanese Alps and blessed with hundreds of years of refined culture, there is a lot to do here. Starting with a trip to the City Museum to get a sense for the history of the area, your guide will then walk you by the famous Matsumoto Castle and the beautiful Former Kaichi School, both registered national treasures of Japan. You will even get to drink from some secret local wells! You will then have time for lunch and relaxation in the city's relaxing downtown, before heading to the local art museum, housing many works of Yayoi Kusama, who was born and raised in Matsumoto. To round out the day, you will have a chance to whisk your own Matcha!

This tour connects two sides of Shimosuwa that are rarely experienced together: the ancient faith of Suwa Taisha and the history of a town that once welcomed travelers on Japan’s old highways. You will visit two important Suwa Taisha shrines, learn about shrine customs and local rituals, and walk to the mysterious Manji Stone Buddha, one of the area’s most memorable spiritual landmarks. Along the way, your guide will help you understand how faith, folk belief, travel, and daily life shaped Shimosuwa. The visit to Honjin Iwanami Residence adds another layer to the experience, showing how high-ranking travelers were received in the Edo period. Rather than simply moving from one landmark to another, this walk reveals Shimosuwa as a historic crossroads of pilgrimage, worship, and travel culture.

This tour offers a deeper way to experience Zenkoji Temple beyond a simple visit to the Main Hall. With a knowledgeable guide, you will explore Zenkoji’s key paid-admission areas, including the Main Hall, the atmospheric Okaidan Meguri, the Sanmon Gate, the Kyozo Sutra Repository, and the temple museum. Your guide will connect each site to Zenkoji’s history, pilgrimage culture, worship practices, and long-standing importance in Japanese Buddhism, helping you understand why this temple has welcomed visitors from across Japan for centuries. It is ideal for travelers who want more than a quick photo stop and wish to appreciate Zenkoji as a living place of faith, architecture, and cultural memory.

Discover Matsumoto, a historic castle town known not only for its original wooden castle, a National Treasure, but also for its local soba production, sake breweries, and artistic culture. Just 1.5 hours away from the ski resorts in Hakuba, this tour is the perfect option for guests who want to take a break from skiing for a day or experience some of Japan’s rich culture on their way to or from the ski resorts. Starting from four areas in Hakuba, this tour will bring guests to Matsumoto City to experience the rich culture that Central Japan has to offer. First you will get a hands-on experience of making "soba" buckwheat noodles, then get to enjoy those noodles for your lunch! Next, you will visit the historic Matsumoto Castle, while learning about its history from your guide. Then, visit Matsumoto City Museum of Art, famous for its collection of Yayoi Kusama's artwork. Lastly, taste the local specialties at a sake brewery, before heading back to Hakuba to end the day.

Discover a side of Nagano that many travelers miss: the wine country of Shiojiri’s Kikyogahara. This guided walking tour takes you to three local wineries, where you can taste Japanese wines and learn how the region’s cool, dry climate has shaped its grape-growing culture. Along the way, you will walk past vineyards, hear the story of Shiojiri wine, visit the vineyard area at Goichi Wine, and see the cellar at Shinano Wine. With tastings at all three wineries, this tour is a relaxed and flavorful way to experience one of Japan’s most interesting wine regions.