Top Nagano Prefecture Outdoor Activities

Discover the wild Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel during this guided nature tour. Professional nature guides who're familiar with the squirrel's lifestyle and gliding patterns will help you see them in their natural habitat. Native to Japan, learn about where they live and why, as well as their diet and behaviors while visiting the Picchio Visitor Center. Afterwards, bask in the silence and admire the sight of the squirrels at play.

Meet Nagano’s famous snow monkeys. With a private car and guide, avoid crowds and enjoy a personalized journey. Special moments are photographed and delivered as memories. ❑ A Unique and Fascinating Experience In the mountains of Nagano, wild monkeys soak in hot springs — a rare glimpse into animal life that feels almost human. Each season shows a different charm, from snowy baths in winter to playful scenes in summer. This private tour avoids crowds and creates moments only locals know. With a dedicated camera, every scene is captured and gifted as keepsakes. ❑ Why Private? Because it’s private, the trip adapts to your pace. Public transport takes hours with transfers, and nearby dining is limited. With a private car and English-speaking guide, travel and meals are smooth. ❑ A Personalized Journey Free from rigid schedules, you’ll explore with a local guide and private vehicle. Insider stories, flexible timing, and photo gifts ensure a truly special day.

Explore the spiritual beauty of Togakushi Shrine and the playful Japanese macaques at Jigokudani Monkey Park on this immersive day trip from Nagano. Begin at the serene Togakushi Shrine complex, where five shrines dedicated to various deities promise blessings of fortune and love. Stroll along a scenic cedar-lined path to Okusha Shrine, enveloped in mystery and tranquility. Then, witness the unique sight of wild snow monkeys relaxing in natural hot springs at Jigokudani, a must-see experience. Enjoy stunning mountain views during your 30–40 minute forest walk, making this tour perfect for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. - Take a one-day bus trip to Nagano’s most popular attractions - Feel the serenity of Togakushi Shrine, a sacred site in the mountains - See wild Japanese macaques soaking in hot springs at Jigokudani Park - Learn sake brewing and taste local Nagano sake from pure spring water - Experience Japan’s nature × history × cultural heritage all in one day

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.

Begin with a scenic drive through beautiful orchards. Reach the park via a refreshing 30-minute (2km) walk along lush nature trails—a pleasant hike especially enjoyable in the green season. From May, you may spot adorable newborn baby monkeys! Enjoy 50 minutes observing the macaques relaxing in their natural habitat. Your guide provides all essential info during the drive; there is no guided service during the walk or inside the park. As these are wild animals, sightings are not guaranteed, particularly during the mating and harvest seasons in October and November. Next, visit the historic Tamamura Honten brewery (closed Sundays/holidays). Then, explore 1,350-year-old Shibu Onsen with your guide—keep an eye on the rooftops for local monkeys! Finally, visit Koku-gonji Temple (est. 825 AD), home to sacred spring water and 1,000 cherry trees. Returns to Iiyama around 5:40 PM and to Nozawa Onsen around 6 PM, subject to traffic.

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. Please read the pick-up details before making your reservation.

Walk Togakushi’s cedar avenue to shrines tied to mountain worship and ninja legends. Enjoy handmade soba at local spots, with smooth travel by private car, guide, and photo memories gifted. ❑ A Special Day in Nagano Discover the spiritual heart of Nagano on this private tour. Follow the cedar avenue to shrines linked to mountain worship and ninja lore. For lunch, skip crowds and enjoy handmade soba at hidden favorites, a tradition of the region. This journey blends nature, spirituality, and culture in one memorable day. ❑ Why Private? Because it’s private, the tour fits your pace and interests. Public transport is slow with transfers, and restaurants often crowded. With a private car and English-speaking guide, travel and dining are smooth and stress-free. ❑ A Personalized Journey Our tours go beyond major sights. We avoid crowds and create local experiences. From walking the cedar path to savoring soba, moments are photographed and gifted afterward as lasting memories.

A full-day trip to Nagano’s snow monkeys and Togakushi Shrine. With a private car and guide, avoid crowds and enjoy local insights. Photos are captured and delivered after the tour. ❑ A Special Experience Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where in winter monkeys soak in hot springs and in summer play in forests and rivers. Then continue to Togakushi, a spiritual retreat with cedar-lined paths and centuries-old shrines. You’ll avoid crowds, discover local spots, and have moments photographed as lasting gifts. ❑ Why Private? Public transport requires hours and many transfers, while dining options are limited. With a private car and guide, travel is smooth and flexible. The day adapts to your pace, from exploring shrine trails to enjoying a relaxed lunch. ❑ A Personalized Journey Explore with an English-speaking guide, free from crowds or fixed schedules. Local insights enrich the journey, and each special moment is captured for you to keep.

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!

You can enjoy nature while listening to the flow of water and the birds singing in the quiet, green forest. If we are lucky, you might even encounter wild deer or chipmunks. The view from the top is spectacular if the weather is good enough. You can see the Alps, the city, the lake, and even Mt. Fuji. Although the top is a tourist spot, it is not too crowded.

Experience the dramatic mountain landscape of Chubu Sangaku National Park and visit the immense snow walls of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This day trip departs from Nagano Station and includes a ticket for round-trip rail transport with your guide. Traveling with a maximum of 15 passengers in your small group ensures an intimate atmosphere.

Avoid the risk of getting lost in the Japanese Alps when you take a private day hike with a guide. Enjoy an easy two-hour walk along the Nakasendo Trail between two traditional villages, Magome and Tsumago. Learn more about Japanese history and culture from your guide, and enjoy getting some exercise in the beautiful landscape.

1. "Edo Soul" and "Alpine Freedom" Experience the ultimate contrast: the historic, dark-wood streets of Narai-juku and the breathtaking 360° views of the 2,000m Utsukushigahara plateau. Explore Japan’s authentic history and wild nature in one seamless day. 2. Authentic Local Immersion and Private Access Go beyond the guidebook. Meet local artisans and taste regional flavors while we handle the logistics. Your private vehicle connects these remote "hidden gems" that are nearly impossible to reach by public transport. 3. Hands-Free Travel and Memory Gift Enjoy the journey completely unburdened. Leave your luggage in the car and put your phone away—your guide will snap photos of your group throughout the day, providing the data as a free gift so you can stay fully present.

Prepare to experience Old Japan on foot with this exciting hike through traditional post towns, ancient forests, and dramatic mountain passes. Starting in Tsumago-juku post town, your guide will explain a bit about what kinds of people traveled the roads in Old Japan, where they were going, and how they lived. You will get a chance to enter some buildings including an old Inn and a horse-stable that perfectly illustrate what your guide has mentioned. Leaving Tsumago-juku post town, you will start out on an 8km trek to the next post town, passing by roaring waterfalls and quiet hamlets along the way. Keep an eye open for wildlife and wildflowers while you are led by your guide along what was once one of the main avenues of travel in Japan. Arriving at Magome-juku post town, you will be treated to far off views of fields and mountains as you descend to the bottom of this very vertical village. After having a little time for shopping, you will board the tour vehicle and head back.

Discover the stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage of Nagano on this full-day tour. Visit the renowned Zenkoji Temple, a spiritual icon with a rich history, and explore the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you can observe these unique creatures in their natural habitat. With an experienced driver at your service, enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free journey through the captivating landscapes of Nagano. This tour is perfect for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. - Full-day tour of Nagano's highlights including Zenkoji Temple and Snow Monkeys - Visit the historic Zenkoji Temple, a must-see for visitors - Observe the playful snow monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park - Enjoy a comfortable ride with an experienced driver throughout the tour

Visit Snow Monkey Park, one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Nagano, on your bike at your own pace. Watch monkeys bathing in hot springs and playing on the riverbed up close as long as you want. Bikerentals are the best way if you looking for an exiting and unforgettable activitiy. You can enjoy not only the park also the nature and scenery of Nagano on the way while planning your itinerary. We are the only bikerentals shop that offer cross bikes, Ebikes, and road bikes made by Trekbikes in Obuse and the closest store to Nagano Station. Bikes for the tall are available. You can get helpful safety and route tips from our local cyclist staff.

Discover the captivating world of Japan's Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, the only place where wild Japanese macaques are seen bathing in natural hot springs. This guided tour takes you through the serene valley, where an experienced local guide shares insights into the region's history and ecology. Observe the monkeys in their natural habitat, witnessing their playful interactions and unique behaviors up close. With options for local meeting points or travel from Nagano Station, this immersive experience offers a unique perspective on these remarkable creatures and their environment. - Visit Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, home to Japan's famous Snow Monkeys - Guided insights into the ecology and behavior of Japanese macaques - Observe monkeys bathing in hot springs in their natural setting - Choose from local meeting or Nagano Station departure options

The biggest feature of this tour is the high chance of seeing wild animals. The wildlife encounter rate over the past 3 years has been 99.5%.The guides at Picchio are familiar with the ecology of all the wildlife species. They will be able to guide you through the unique aspects of living creatures from an expert perspective, not only from observing the animals themselves but also from observing the surrounding natural environment and ecosystem as a whole. *This tour is guided in Japanese and basic English. English ability may vary depending on the guide.

Discover the serene beauty of Kirigamine in Nagano on this private guided tour led by a local English-speaking guide. After meeting in Suwa, enjoy a scenic drive up to the 1,600-meter highlands, where clear days may offer views of Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps. The tour then continues to Yashima Marsh, a 12,000-year-old National Natural Monument of Japan and the highlight of the experience. Walk at a relaxed pace along flat boardwalk trails surrounded by seasonal flowers and peaceful wetland scenery with a lunch break at a traditional mountain hut during the walk. On the way back down, stop at several favorite local viewpoints for more scenic views before drop-off at the station or local accommodation. - Private English-guided tour - Scenic drive through Kirigamine (1,600m) - Visit Yashima Marsh, a National Natural Monument - Relaxed walk on flat boardwalk trails - Lunch break at a traditional mountain hut - Extra scenic stops - Drop-off at station or accommodation

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 :)

Nagano is best known for its ski slopes, but this full-day tour from Nozawa Onsen covers its cultural experiences that are just as worthwhile. Your day starts at Jigokudani Monkey Park to watch Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs, then moves to Zenkoji—one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan—after a warming local lunch. Finish on a high with a guided sake tasting at a local brewery.

Unlike a typical city jog or sightseeing walk, this experience blends trail running with storytelling. You’ll run through Matsumoto’s quiet backstreets, past the Yayoi Kusama Art Museum, the old Agata school park, and up the forested trails toward the ruins of Hayashi Castle — a forgotten fortress overlooking the Northern Alps. Along the way, I’ll share local insights about Matsumoto’s samurai past, mountain culture, and modern art scene, showing how nature and history meet in one 15 km loop. It’s designed for intermediate runners who want more than just a workout — a cultural journey on foot through one of Japan’s most atmospheric castle towns without actually going to the famous castle.

Step into silent winter world of Nagano on a private half-day snowshoe trek. Cross vast snowfields, a hidden Snow lake, and panoramic mountain views. No car needed, beginners feel instantly at home. - Free transport from Iiyama station and gear, easy join without rental car! - Private guide adjusts pace and route, making every guest feel valued! - Explore snow-laden pines and a buried lake freely, wild Madarao awaits! So join!