Top Activities on the Ground in Nagano Prefecture

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.

Enjoy a leisurely cycling tour of Karuizawa's classic spots. After renting a bicycle in front of Karuizawa Station, head to Kumobaike Pond, Karuizawa's most scenic spot. After getting off the bike and strolling around for a while, head to Old Karuizawa through the wooded villa area. While touring the narrow paths of the backstreets of Old Karuizawa, we will guide you to classic spots such as St. Paul's Catholic Church, Shaw Memorial Chapel, and the Karuizawa Association Tennis Court, famous for the romance between the Emperor and Empress. The entire route is flat, so people of all ages and genders can participate. For parents and children or couples, there is also a tandem (two-seater) tour unique to Karuizawa!

Shinanoji Nature Trail is a hiking course about 10km in length, which is almost a descent from the peak teahouse. Walk about 7,5 km to the hot spots in Oze, which has many attractions. A downhill trek is relaxed while being healed by the colorful miscellaneous trees and larch forest. You can also see the two famous Karuizawa waterfalls (Shiraito Falls and Dragon Falls) along the way. This course is recommended for people who are not always confident in their physical fitness, and young and old alike, since the entire trip is almost a descent. From Oze Onsen, it is also possible to return to the peak chaya parking lot by bus or directly to Karuizawa Station.

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.

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.

The opportunity to freely ride an E-Kart (a four-wheeled electric kart similar to a go-kart) on Japan's public roads without a license will be a memory that you will cherish for the rest of your life!

Let’s Roam is the ultimate app-led adventure hunt company! Embark on a journey to discover top landmarks and hidden gems, all while answering trivia questions and tackling exciting challenges. Team up with friends or compete against them as you uncover fun facts and create unforgettable memories. Let’s Roam Adventure Hunts are perfect for any occasion—whether it's a regular day out, a bachelorette party, a birthday celebration, or a corporate team-building event. Each player picks an interactive role, with unique challenges tailored to everyone. Get ready for an epic adventure!

Discover a side of Japan most visitors miss with this 3-day countryside immersion in Nagano. Cycle quiet backroads, meet locals in farming hamlets, and relax in hot spring villages - all just a short train ride from Tokyo. Unlike a simple day trip, this experience offers a deeper look at life in rural Japan’s Snow Country. Days are filled with gentle cycling, cultural encounters, and changing scenery through rice fields, rivers, and mountain valleys. Evenings are at traditional inns with seasonal meals and a warm welcome from local hosts. Designed for travelers who want to slow down and experience daily life in rural Japan, this trip blends activity and relaxation into an unforgettable journey. Highlights: - Cycle through rural hamlets, rice fields, and riverside paths - Stay in traditional farm inns with seasonal country meals - Experience onsen culture at historic a hot-spring town - Connect with local residents and countryside traditions - Only 2 hours form Tokyo by Shinkansen

Experience Nagano’s top winter highlights in one private guided tour: the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani and the frozen Yonako Falls. This unique adventure combines wildlife, snowshoeing, and dramatic winter scenery for an unforgettable day in Japan. Enjoy private transport with pick-up available from major resort areas including Hakuba, Matsumoto, Tsugaike, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Obuse, Shinano Omachi, and Shiga Kogen. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comfortable and hassle-free winter experience. Perfect for those interested in photography, nature, culture, and hidden winter destinations. Recommended for up to 4 guests, with options for larger groups by coordinating additional guides. If you want a premium Nagano winter tour beyond standard sightseeing, this Snow Monkey and frozen waterfall experience offers a memorable and meaningful journey.

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.

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

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.

Let’s enjoy the various trails that spread over Norikura Kogen on an E-Mountain Bike! E-Mountain bike stands for electric assist mountain bike. The skill-check/lessons cover basic techniques required for trail riding such as how to use brakes, derailleurs, electric functions, basic riding positions, etc. Lessons will cover how to control the bike both on and off the trail. After basic lessons, we will depart to the trail. Your guide will choose trails according to your level and ability starting from flat trails to more intermediate trails as you progress in your riding.

Explore the serene trails of Mt. Iizuna, a revered mountain in Nagano, known for its lush wooded paths and spiritual significance. Along the hike, encounter 13 stone Buddhas that guide your journey through this tranquil landscape. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Hoku-shin mountain range—if the weather cooperates, witness the beauty of all five peaks. This hike offers a perfect blend of nature and spirituality, inviting adventurers to connect with the majestic scenery and rich history of the area.

Explore the stunning landscapes of Kamikochi, a prime mountain destination within the Japanese Alps. On this private guided day tour, experience a customizable itinerary that perfectly fits your interests and fitness level. Wander along the Azusa River, marvel at iconic landmarks like Kappa Bridge and Taisho Pond, and delve into the area's rich wildlife and history with insights from your local guide. Whether you prefer a leisurely nature stroll or a more vigorous hike, your adventure in this picturesque setting can be tailored just for you. - Private transportation from the Nagano area for convenience - Flexible itinerary to match your interests and fitness level - Discover breathtaking alpine views and ancient forests - Learn about the unique wildlife and history from a knowledgeable guide

Indulge in a personalized, Nagano wine journey from Karuizawa with complimentary private transport. With a dedicated driver, all guests can fully enjoy wine tastings without driving worries. Your personal host, Eriko—a former 16-year international Flight Attendant, certified Sommelier, Nagano Terroir Guide, and Tōmi Wine Ambassador—brings world-class hospitality, having guided for the prestigious Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (Tastevin Wine Brotherhood). Explore Unno-juku, a preserved Edo-period post town, and learn about the Chikuma River Wine Valley at the local Wine & Beer Museum. Then, visit Villa d’Est Garden Farm & Winery, a pioneer of Japanese fine wine, to discover its gardens and boutique winemaking philosophy. Savor an exquisite seasonal farm-to-table lunch paired with estate wines (or craft non-alcoholic pairing) amidst panoramic vineyard views. Experience Nagano’s rich terroir and wine gastronomy completely at your own pace.