Top Nagano Prefecture Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

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.

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.

Japan’s Nagano prefecture is widely regarded as the country’s winter capital, due to its snowy landscapes and premium ski spots. Visit one of Japan’s most famous winter spots on a 3.5-hour tour of Jigokudani Monkey Park from Shimotakai-gun. Marvel at red-faced Japanese macaques as they bathe in steaming ‘onsen’ (hot springs) and follow walking trails rife with flora and fauna.

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.

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.

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

Meet in Karuizawa as early as 10:00 a.m. and enjoy a relaxed, flexible journey to Kusatsu with a dedicated private guide until up to 5:00 p.m. Travel comfortably by private vehicle, avoiding crowded buses and trains, with a hotel-to-hotel transfer from Karuizawa to Kusatsu. During the tour, your luggage can be stored in the vehicle, allowing you to travel hands-free. You may stop at selected highlights such as Harunire Terrace, Onioshidashi Park, Shiraito Falls, and Asama Farm according to your preferences, with free stops at scenic photo spots. If you wish to visit locations not listed, please consult with us in advance. The itinerary can be adjusted within the available time and route. This tour is ideal for travelers who value flexibility, local insight, and a personalized experience while enjoying the nature and attractions of the Karuizawa–Kusatsu area. Arrival times may vary depending on the places visited.

Nagano has so much to offer that limiting your sightseeing to one day can feel stressful. This intimate, small-group tour eliminates the hassle of planning your own itinerary and arranging transportation. Visit the Snow Monkey Park to see wild macaques relaxing in natural hot springs; stop in the charming town of Obuse for a local lunch and sake tasting at a historic brewery; and enjoy an optional visit to Zenkoji Temple (only available for earliest departure times).

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.

Discover Kamikochi, a pristine alpine valley at 1,500m. Walk quiet trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy pure air in a protected sanctuary. Travel smoothly with a private guide, with photos gifted after. ❑ A Special Day in Kamikochi At 1,500m in the Japanese Alps, Kamikochi is one of Japan’s most beautiful valleys. Walk forest paths and cross bridges as you breathe alpine air. You may glimpse monkeys, stoats, or even a rare Japanese serow. With rivers, 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.

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.

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".

Journey across the “Roof of Japan” with a private car and guide, where each moment is captured as a photo gift. ❑ Seasonal Highlights The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route combines electric buses, ropeways, and trolley buses to reach the 2,450m Murodo Plateau. Each season offers a highlight: 20m snow walls in April–June, cool alpine breezes in July–August, and brilliant foliage in September–October. Closed in winter, each visit is rare. ❑ Why Private? The route has many transfers and can be complex, but your English-speaking guide manages tickets, timing, and connections. With private car access to the entrance, your trip is smooth so you can focus on the scenery. ❑ A Personalized Journey Because it’s private, the pace and stops follow your interests. Linger in the Snow Corridor, relax in a café, or take a short hike—your plan adapts flexibly. We avoid crowds and share moments locals know. Treating Japan as a studio, we capture your journey and deliver photos afterward as keepsakes.

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

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.

Miso is a staple of Japanese cuisine, and a key source of the famous “umami” flavor—but few travelers get a chance to see how the fermented soybean paste is actually manufactured. On this full-day combo tour, visit a historic miso brewery to observe behind-the-scenes productions, topped off by a visit Jigokudani Monkey Park to observe Japanese macaques frolicking or bathing in hit springs during the wintertime.

Explore the magnificent temples and natural wonders of Nagano on a full-day tour and benefit from the undivided attention of a private guide. Visit the famous Zenkoji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, enjoy lunch (own expense) in Obuse Town, then choose a soak in the hot springs at Shibu Onsen.

Enjoy fun winter activities and visit the famous Japanese snow monkeys during this full-day trip to Shiga Kogen, Japan’s largest and highest ski resort. Enjoy some fun in the snow with sledding, snow bikes, and snow scooters and then head to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can observe the famous wild macaques bathing in the hot springs. This seamless tour lets someone else take care of logistics so you can focus on the sights

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.

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

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.