Top Nagano Prefecture Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises - page 2

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.

Matsumoto Castle is one of the most famous sights in Matsumoto, and this experience allows you to explore with a guide and a small group for a more personalized experience. Enjoy a relaxed walking tour of its interior, then explore the grounds of this impressive castle, which is ranked as one of Japan's most beautiful. Then head to a local sake shop, where you can learn about the Japanese drink and enjoy a light snack.

Discover the shrines and forests of Togakushi with the help of a guide during this small-group walking tour from Nagano. Nestled in a national park, this sacred site offers hidden trails and ancient pilgrimage paths waiting to be explored. As you trek through the lush landscapes, encounter Shinto statues and cedar trees lining your route. Visit three shrines and savor a delicious lunch of Togakushi soba, renowned as one of Japan's top soba dishes.

Discover Nagano’s favorite comfort food and the warming world of Sake! Learn all the different steps involved in producing Sake with the help of your guide. You will walk you through each step of the sake-making process and share stories about the rich history of brewing in Nagano. Then you can savor several varieties of sake produced by the brewery, gaining a new appreciation for the time and craftsmanship behind each one. Led throughout by your guide, it’s the perfect way to round out an immersive, informative, and warming tour. At a nearby traditional restaurant where oyaki are still prepared with care, you’ll taste this regional classic the way it’s meant to be eaten: warm, fragrant, and freshly made. Fillings often feature Nagano staples like nozawana greens, Please note the sake brewery is NOT an active brewery. This tour is designed as an educational and tasting experience, focused on the history of the brewery, the city, and the local food and drinks culture.

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.

Discover Matsumoto through a local's perspective on this city walking tour. This castle town is made up of distinct areas each with its own characteristics. Come take an easy two hour walk with us and learn about Matsumoto City's history, culture, natural landscape, and how it has played a significant role in Japan. We'll lead you down the main areas as well as some off the beaten path areas, drink from some natural spring water wells, check out a hidden shrine, see a 360 degree city view and more.

Explore the rich history of Zenkoji Temple, a 1,400-year-old site nestled in Nagano City. Walk along the ancient stone paths trodden by pilgrims and Samurai, immersing yourself in the spiritual essence of Japan. Then, transform into a Samurai apprentice in a traditional setting, where a Master Samurai instructor will guide you through katana techniques and postures. Dressed in a yukata and hakama, enjoy striking poses and learn the art of the warrior in an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Samurai film. Capture unforgettable moments with photos and videos, ensuring this unique experience stays with you long after you leave.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Karuizawa! Karuizawa is a quaint mountain resort that’s rich in nature and a prime leisure destination. From stunning natural landscapes to fun filled man made attractions, there’s always something to see and do in the place John Lennon loved to escape to. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best things to do when you visit, so you can pick what suits you, without the stress. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. 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 Two Ancient Japanese Traditions in One Memorable Half-day Experience! Your journey begins with an immersive exploration of Zenkoji Temple, among Japan's most ancient and venerated Buddhist sanctuaries, concluding with an authentic tea ceremony at a traditional local teahouse. Explore Zenkoji Temple's Sacred History and Ancient Legends: Zenkoji Temple stands as one of Japan's most hallowed Buddhist destinations. Throughout feudal times, devoted pilgrims journeyed vast distances to reach this sacred ground, frequently traveling the historic Nakasendo route. From Sacred Grounds to Tea Ceremony Heritage: At the teahouse, a skilled sadōka (tea ceremony master) welcomes you and shares the traditions and ceremonial steps you'll experience. Enter the serene teahouse space and settle into position as your tea ceremony experience unfolds.

Starting from Nagano City or any of the Nagano's 5 main ski resorts (Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, Madarao Kogen) , we will pick your party up in our private vehicle to take you on your private tour and drop you off back at the pick up location or in Nagano City. On this tour, you will visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and learn all about what makes the resident monkeys so unique, and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant and experience Nagano’s renowned food culture. Guests will also have a chance to stroll the charming streets of the historic town of Obuse, and enjoy viewing its remaining Edo period buildings, as well as explore Zenko-ji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, and home to the first known Buddhist statue to be brought to Japan. A Sake tasting experience with detailed explanations from your guide is also included(non-alcoholic options available).

This Tour get's you best locations trip around in Nagano including historic place and delicious Japanese Food. Our experienced Driver will get you around at your ease. Let's visualize Zenko-ji Temple, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park & delicious food at famous restaurant in Nagano area. This trip is fully customizable.

Explore the most iconic and hidden spots in the heart of Tokyo with a local guide. After leaving the first bar, you will embark on a photography tour of some of the most iconic yet lesser known spots in the heart of Tokyo. Your English-speaking local Japanes guide/driver will take photos of each spot and share information only a local would know. So when you finish the tour, you will not only have great photos, but also some local knowledge about each spot.

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.

Experience the natural beauty of Nagano Prefecture on this day trip to Kamikochi from Tokyo. Head to Matsumoto by train, then ride a comfortable bus deep into the Japanese Alps. Enjoy ample free time to explore Kamikochi at your own pace and soak up views of the Hotka Mountains, River Azusa, Mt. Yake, and more.

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 Please pick 1 of the 3areas(Zenko-ji Area, Matsushiro Area,Obuse Area) then you can select 2–3 sites in the same area.(It is not possible to visit more than 2 areas.) 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.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route offers a remarkable journey through Japan's Northern Japan Alps, showcasing stunning alpine scenery and unique transportation experiences. Traverse the route via cable cars, ropeways, and buses, while witnessing breathtaking landscapes that change with the seasons. Highlights include the famous Yuki-no-Otani Snow Corridor in spring, vibrant autumn foliage, and the impressive Kurobe Dam. Each season reveals a different side of this natural wonder, making it a year-round destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. -Take comfortable bus from Nagano/Kanazawa, explore Northern Alps. -Spring-limited "Snow Wall Valley", a spectacular snow wall landscape that you must see once. -Visit world-class engineering marvel, the Kurobe Dam, experience firsthand the magnificent grandeur of Japan's largest dam. -Enjoy unique journey using six different mountain transportation in one day. -Special gift: Hokushinetsu specialty and local cuisine "Sasa Sushi".

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.

Sacred Streets, Historic Zenkoji Temple and Nagano’s Hidden Corners. Discover the soul of one of Japan’s most sacred cities with our local guide Follow a path that leads you deep into the city’s past. This isn’t just a walk. It’s a cultural journey once shared by monks, pilgrims, and samurai. From the sacred grounds of Zenkoji Temple to atmospheric backstreets lined with old storehouses, a historic sake brewery, and local shops, the tour uncovers sides of Nagano that most travelers miss.

It is a trekking tour with an exclusive guide to the summit of the small Asama mountain of the Asama mountain foot. Koasayama is a parasitic volcano on the eastern foot of Mt. Asama at an altitude of 1,655 m. A guide will guide you through the formation and vegetation of Mt. Asama and aim at the summit. As it is about two and a half hours by round trip, if you are new to mountain climbing, you can feel free to participate regardless of age or sex. From the top of the mountain covered by the volcano, the spectacular Mt. Asama and the wonderful prospects await.

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 the city and its surroundings on this off-the-beaten-path bike tour! Far from the Japanese metropolises, enjoy a deep breath of fresh air and the magnificent landscapes of Matsumoto City. Ride an electric bicycle with your guide through the countryside of Matsumoto and discover the main historical sites of the city while enjoying a country ride through the vast fields surrounding the city. The ideal experience for all cycling enthusiasts! Matsumoto is centered in the Japanese countryside and is the ideal place to get on a bicycle for an exploration of the city and its surroundings! Beyond the city built around its historic castle, Matsumoto offers all kinds of magnificent rides. Explore the city's historic sites, take a deep breath of fresh air, as you cycle around the city, past rice fields and admire the beautiful and traditional Japanese farmhouses. The tour includes a soba noodle lunch at a traditional countryside restaurant.

Experience two of the most stunning locations that Nagano has to offer: the world-famous Snow Monkey Park, with its charming hot spring-bathing macaque monkeys, and Togakushi Shrine, also known as the "Five Shrines", famous for its breathtaking forest path lined with towering ancient cedar trees. Starting from Nagano Station, this tour will take you to Jigokudani Monkey Park, commonly known as the Snow Monkey Park, to see Nagano’s most iconic residents—the Japanese macaque monkeys that bathe in their natural hot spring. After enjoying a Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the 1,000-year-old Togakushi Shrine complex to learn about its deep spiritual history and walk the cedar-lined path to the "Okusha," or inner shrine. Enjoy Nagano’s unique nature and wildlife while also learning about Japanese culture, Shinto traditions, and religious history, set within a breathtaking mountain landscape.

Discover Kamikochi, a pristine alpine valley at 1,500m. Walk quiet trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy pure air. Travel smoothly with a private guide, with photos gifted after. ❑ A Special Day in Kamikochi Kamikochi offers breathtaking beauty each season. Beat the intense heat and enjoy a cool 22°C (71°F) paradise with shaded trails, crisp air, and icy rivers in summer. Witness a golden, fiery-red wonderland framed by majestic peaks in autumn. You may glimpse monkeys, stoats, or a rare Japanese serow. With clean air and open views, this vehicle-free sanctuary is a serene escape. ❑ Why Private? Public transport is slow, crowded, and inflexible, since private cars are restricted. With your own car to the entrance and an English-speaking guide to manage transfers, the journey is smooth and tailored to you. ❑ A Personalized Journey We guide you to quiet trails, viewpoints, and hidden spots others miss. Wildlife, scenery, and alpine calm are photographed and gifted afterward as memories.

A guided tour that uses snowshoe to trek the vast field of Asama. Courses for beginners, intermediates, and advanced students can be selected depending on the level, so anyone of all ages can participate. While looking for traces of wild animals and observing wild birds, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of Mt. Asama and the superb view.