Top Nagano Sightseeing Tours

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy a guided hike to the breathtaking Happo-ike pond in Hakuba, accessible from a series of gondolas and chair lifts. Then, visit beautiful Reisho-ji temple and the nearby onsen town of Omachi-Onsenkyo. Nestled among the Northern Japan Alps in Nagano, Hakuba Valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and clear blue lakes, and is known for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. The high altitude of the mountain ridges in Hakuba makes for some of the best hiking and trekking in all of Japan, with trails that can be accessed from chair lifts and gondolas that run year-round. Starting from Nagano Station, this tour will take guests up to one of the most iconic and breathtaking spots in Hakuba, Happo-ike pond, to see its mirror-like surface reflecting the nearby peaks. Afterwards, guests will visit a historic temple in the area, and have time in a traditional hot spring town, where they can enter a full hot spring, or an outdoor "ashi-yu" footbath.

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.

This tour takes you beyond simple sightseeing and into the rich world of Kiso lacquerware, one of Nagano’s traditional crafts. Lacquerware is not only beautiful to look at; it is also a craft made for daily life, shaped by wood, refined through layers of urushi lacquer, and finished with techniques that create depth, shine, texture, and warmth. At the Kiso Lacquerware Museum, you will learn about the tools, materials, and traditional methods behind each piece, including how different techniques create different expressions. After this background, you will walk through Kiso-Hirasawa, a historic craft town where lacquerware is still part of local life. With your guide, you will visit local shops, compare bowls, trays, chopsticks, cups, and handcrafted items, and learn to appreciate subtle differences in finish, feel, and use. Ideal for travelers who want to understand Japanese craftsmanship not only as art, but as everyday beauty shaped by local history and skilled makers.

This action-packed private day tour to Matsumoto allows you to create a tour that fits your interests. Choose from a list of over 15 landmarks and attractions and experience the city at your own pace. Visit the historic Matsumoto Castle, stop at one of Japan’s biggest wasabi farms, Hotaka Shrine, Buddhist temples, museums, and many more. Going on a guided tour saves time navigating and uncovers hidden gems you might not discover alone.

Explore the historic towns of Magome and Tsumago more efficiently with a private guide on this walking tour. Save energy by traveling between the towns by local bus or taxi, and avoid the risk of getting lost by going with a guide. Learn more about Japanese history and culture from your guide and get plenty of time to explore the two historical villages.

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 Nagano’s many highlights on this private 2-day tour. You’ll have a guide to show you around on the first day, and then free time to explore on the second day. Overnight stay in a Japanese Ryokan, entrance fees to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, and a private onsen experience is included, making it the ultimate hassle-free tour.

Pair up with a Nagano local for a private walking tour that’s a new concept in travel. Unlike traditional, pre-packaged tours, it’s like exploring the city alongside a local friend, complete with tips, advice, and insider recommendations. From a pre-tour chat with your Lokafyer guide to the walking tour itself, the experience is completely tailored to your preferences.

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 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.

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.

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.

Explore Matsumoto at your own pace and to your own interests on this full-day private guided tour from Nagano. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's best-preserved castles, then explore surrounding streets, including quirky "Frog Street," known for its abundance of frog products. Afterward, visit tranquil Hotaka Town, home to Japan’s largest wasabi farm where you can try wasabi ice-cream and visit nearby Hotaka Shrine.

10:00 Departure from Nagano Station 10:45 Arrival in Obuse 11:00- Visit 北斎館 (Hokusai Museum) 12:20-Lunch at a local restaurant in Obuse 13:30- Visit 岩松院 (Gansho-in Temple) 14:30-Local Café time 15:15 Departure from Obuse 16:00 Arrival at Nagano Station This tour was made with one simple wish: we want you to feel the real charm of Japan. First, we’ll visit the Hokusai Museum in Obuse. It’s a great place to learn about Hokusai’s life and artwork, and the charming streets around the museum are perfect for a slow and enjoyable walk. After that, we’ll enjoy a local lunch in Obuse, featuring seasonal and regional flavors. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Gansho-in Temple in Obuse, where you can see Hokusai’s impressive ceiling painting, created in his final years. After visiting the temple, we’ll take a relaxing café break in Obuse. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a local sweet while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of this historic town. Finally, we return to Nagano Station.

This tour offers a deeper way to experience Zenkoji Temple beyond a simple visit to the Main Hall. With a knowledgeable guide, you will explore Zenkoji’s key paid-admission areas, including the Main Hall, the atmospheric Okaidan Meguri, the Sanmon Gate, the Kyozo Sutra Repository, and the temple museum. Your guide will connect each site to Zenkoji’s history, pilgrimage culture, worship practices, and long-standing importance in Japanese Buddhism, helping you understand why this temple has welcomed visitors from across Japan for centuries. It is ideal for travelers who want more than a quick photo stop and wish to appreciate Zenkoji as a living place of faith, architecture, and cultural memory.

Home to some of Japan’s highest mountains and most stunning alpine vistas, Central Japan is a region which will impress the traveler with the breadth of activities it has to offer. From historical sites, to unique culture, to world-class nature, there is something for everyone. On this private tour, guests will be able to visit the over 400 year old Matsumoto Castle, followed by a trip high into the Japanese Alps to enjoy a hike in the fresh mountain air of Kamikochi, a secluded valley that is considered the gem of the Chubu-Sangaku National Park. Guests on this tour are free to mix and match their starting and end points from the following locations: Nagano City or Matsumoto City. For example, you may start at Nagano City and end in Matsumoto City, or start in Matsumoto City and end in Nagano City, or start and end in the same city. For this reason, this tour is ideal for customers looking to travel through Central Japan while visiting its key sites.

Embark on an exclusive 8-hour journey through the scenic heritage and artisanal soul of the Japanese Alps. Relax in the ultimate comfort of a high-end luxury van as you travel seamlessly between the historic streets of Matsumoto and the tranquil landscapes of Azumino. This immersive tour offers a perfect balance of architectural history and hands-on artistry. Explore two National Treasures—the majestic Matsumoto Castle and the historic Former Kaichi School—before savoring a fresh lunch at Japan’s largest wasabi farm. The highlight of your afternoon is a personalized craft session where you can choose between traditional wooden chopstick making or professional glassblowing at The Art Studio 8. Follow this with a visit to either the Rokuzan Art Museum or the Chihiro Art Museum, based on your preference. Designed for discerning travelers, this private experience ensures a deep, mindful connection to local craftsmanship and the timeless beauty of Nagano’s alpine region.

Witness the enchanting Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where wild Japanese macaques roam freely and soak in hot springs during winter months. Enjoy a scenic forest walk amidst nature before heading to a local sake and beer brewery. Discover the rich flavors of Nagano with optional tastings that highlight the area's cultural heritage. This private tour ensures a flexible and relaxed experience with dedicated transportation, allowing you to connect with wildlife and local craftsmanship seamlessly. - Visit the iconic Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and see wild macaques - Scenic forest walk to enhance your nature experience - Enjoy optional tastings at a traditional sake and beer brewery - Private transportation allows for a flexible and relaxed itinerary