Top Nagano Art & Culture

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.

Visiting Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi Shrine, Nozawa Onsen, or the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? Stop by Obuse, an enchanting town in Nagano prefecture, renowned for its connection to the legendary artist Katsushika Hokusai. Stroll through the charming streets, admiring the beautiful gardens and inviting walking paths. Visit the Hokusai-kan Museum and uncover the fascinating story of why Hokusai journeyed from Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Obuse in his 80s. Enjoy culinary delights that have been savored since Hokusai's time, including local sake and miso (including a bonus miso souvenir!). We offer start times from 9:00am and 1:00pm. If you’d like to enjoy lunch in Obuse after the morning tour or begin the afternoon tour a bit earlier (such as around 12:00pm), we’re happy to adjust the schedule to suit your plans. Just let us know your preferred time when booking.

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.

Foodies who love to learn about local culture through cuisine will enjoy this small-group evening tour of Nagano’s local bars and eateries. Throughout the evening you’ll visit several izakaya and backstreet bars, eating enough samples to comprise a full meal. Your guide will take you to places you’d struggle to find by yourself, and will make sure you have a good time and don’t get lost.

Discover Matsumoto on this full-day tour designed to cover the city’s key cultural highlights in one rewarding day. Explore black-walled Matsumoto Castle, a rare original fortress rich in samurai history. Visit a 150-year-old miso brewery for a guided tour and onigiri lunch. Stroll Japan’s largest wasabi farm, with time to try wasabi ice cream and local treats. Stop at a scenic countryside winery for a casual tasting of local wines. End at the Ukiyo-e Museum, home to one of Japan’s major woodblock print collections. ※ Depart from Nagano (8:00 AM / 8.5 hrs) or Matsumoto (9:30 AM / 6.25 hrs). Finish at either station. Luggage accepted only for one-way transfers between Nagano and Matsumoto (advance notice required). ・Matsumoto Castle ・Miso brewery tour & onigiri lunch ・Japan’s largest wasabi farm & local treats ・Casual local wine tasting at a scenic winery ・Ukiyo-e Museum print collection ・Start/finish at Nagano or Matsumoto (luggage one-way only, notice required)

Enjoy a premium small-group tour—typically 6–8 guests—blending nature, culture, and great local food in one smooth day. Start at Nagano Station and head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Walk a quiet forest trail to see wild macaques relaxing in natural hot springs—one of Nagano’s most iconic sights. Next, visit Obuse for a local lunch and a historic brewery sake tasting. Then enjoy some free time in this charming town, long associated with the artist Hokusai, whose later years in Obuse helped shape its cultural identity—stroll the scenic streets, browse local shops, and sample a few local treats at your own pace. On 8:45 AM departures, there is also time for an optional visit to Zenkoji Temple—one of Nagano’s most important historic landmarks (not available on 9:35 AM departures). With beautiful scenery, authentic flavors, and a touch of art and history, this tour captures the best of Nagano—comfortably, efficiently, and in a genuinely personal small-group setting.

See two of the top attractions near Nagano on this full-day excursion. Explore the tranquil grounds of the 1400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan's most important temples. Enjoy a guided sake tasting at a nearby brewery and a hearty lunch at a local restaurant. Then, head to the Snow Monkey Park, located down a beautiful forest trail, to witness a group of local macaques known for their willingness to live in the snow and bathe in the local hot springs.

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.

If you’ve ever wondered how wasabi is grown and cultivated, then this is the tour for you. Visit one of Japan’s biggest wasabi farms to see its fields up close. No need to worry about language barriers, as a private guide accompanies you on a tour of the grounds, and provides commentary about the secrets of wasabi production. As an added bonus, a wasabi ice cream tasting is included too.

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.

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!

Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.

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.

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!

Guests on this exciting 1 day tour of Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku will have the chance to get hands-on with Japan's fascinating history by personally entering the renowned Matsumoto Castle and strolling the streets of the quaint Narai-juku. There will also be opportunities to walk the downtown area of Matsumoto city and window shop or taste some of its delicious local specialties. With all transport included in the tour, you will not have to worry about anything more than which souvenirs to buy for your family and friends. This tour also includes a seasonal activity at Narai-juku, to allow you to get even closer to the fascinating culture of this region of Japan which often feels as though it has been pulled out of a different era.

Swap Nagono for an exploration to Matsumoto and Kamikochi in a day. Instead of looking up bus timetables, you can benefit from having round-trip transportation included. Along the way, check off a mix of scenic nature spots, as well as historical attractions, such as Matsumoto Castle, with guided tours included for extra convenience.

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.

Walk in the footsteps of Japan’s most celebrated artist, Hokusai Katsushika, on this engaging one-day tour in the quaint, historic town of Obuse. Starting from Nagano Station, you will visit Hokusai’s original studio in Obuse, view his original work at the Obuse Hokusai-kan Museum and finally, view his last and largest remaining ‘in-situ’ artwork – the giant phoenix of Gansho-in Temple. Including plenty of time to explore Obuse for yourself, this tour is designed to introduce you to or further your understanding of Japan’s greatest artist in the very place he walked, worked and produced his final masterpiece.

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.

Travelers who enjoy hiking but don’t have time for the full 5-day Nakasendo Trail will love this day hike between Magome and Tsumago, two post towns on the route. Avoid the risk of getting lost by going with a private guide. Learn more about Japanese history and culture from your guide and get plenty of time to explore the two historical villages.

At YUDANAKA BREWERY COMPLEX U, you can relax in a spacious private room in an open-air bath of natural hot spring water. Enjoy YUDANAKA BREWERY's original craft beer. Take a dip in the Aburaya Tosen hot springs at "YUDANAKA BREWERY COMPLEX U", an 8-minute walk from Yudanaka Station. Enjoy a private room all to yourself. Relax on a comfortable sofa or chair, read a book at the table, chill your beer in the refrigerator, drink tea from a beautiful tea set, or relax on the terrace. Amenities include towels, bathrobes, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, hairbrush, toothbrush, and razor.

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.

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".