All Nagano Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Nagano Samurai Journey Matsushiro Tour by Car and Local Guide

7 hoursFree Cancellation

$435$413

Discover the charming Iiyama region in Nagano on this immersive day trip. Visit the stunning Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum and enjoy a traditional Shojin ryori lunch at Daishoji Temple. Experience the art of sake brewing with a guided tour and tasting at Tanakaya Shuzo, where you’ll learn about the intricate process of sake production. This private tour includes hotel pickup, bullet train travel, and an English-speaking licensed guide, ensuring a personalized experience. Perfect for those interested in culture, history, and gastronomy. - Private tour with only your group participating - Hotel pickup and bullet train included for convenience - Sake brewery tour and tasting experience - Traditional Shojin ryori lunch provided (for 4+ guests) - Takahashi Mayumi Doll Museum is closed on Wednesdays, so if you choose Wednesday for your tour date, we will guide you to an alternative location.

Iiyama Temple and Sake Brewery Day Trip from Nagano

Iiyama Temple and Sake Brewery Day Trip from Nagano

7 hoursFree Cancellation

$389$369

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.

Yudanaka Onsen Experience with Craft Beer near Monkey Park

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.

Private Matsumoto Castle and Azumino Craft Immersive Culture Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Osuwa Daiko, a taiko drumming style rich in history and culture in the Suwa region, evolved from the Kagura music dedicated to Suwa Taisha. It has pioneered the modern ensemble taiko style and today attracts disciples from numerous countries worldwide who come to learn the art. This beginner-friendly tour offers the chance to learn about Osuwa Daiko and experience the spiritual essence of traditional Japanese taiko drumming.

For Beginners Short Taiko Lesson at Osuwa Daiko Dojo

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Escape the crowds and dive into the spiritual heart of Japan on this private day tour. Have a hiking to the mystica Togakushi Shrine, known as a center of ninja legends surrounded by towering 400-year-old cedar trees. Learn soba making from a soba master and have a end up the journey with a Japanese sake at a historic brewery. — everything with a personal bilingual guide and private vehicle. Tour Highlights 1. Learn soba-making from a master chef in the birthplace of Japan’s finest buckwheat noodles. 2. Walk through a mystical 400-year-old cedar forest to Togakushi Shrine 3. Experience sake tasting at a historic brewery What’s Included Round-trip private from Nagano Station 2 expert guides: interpreter + local guide Soba making class & lunch Japanese sake tasting at a local brewery Not Included Optional dinner Personal purchases or souvenirs Transportation to Nagano Station Duration: 6 hours Available languages: English, Japanese, Spanish (others on request)

Private Nagano Tour: Ninja Wisdom, Soba-Making & Sake

8 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

Walk through Narai-juku, one of the most atmospheric historic towns on the Nakasendo route, and discover how travelers once moved through Japan’s mountain roads. This guided tour takes you beyond a simple stroll through old streets: you will learn how the town supported Edo-period travel, see traditional wooden architecture, visit the Former Nakamura Residence, stop at local water spots, and explore the connection between crafts, daily life, and faith in the Kiso Valley. With your guide, Narai-juku becomes more than a beautiful preserved townscape—it becomes a living story of travel, trade, craftsmanship, and local culture.

Nagano: Historic Narai-juku Walking Tour on the Nakasendo

Nagano: Historic Narai-juku Walking Tour on the Nakasendo

2 hoursFree Cancellation

$113$107

Step into a hidden sanctuary. Enter private forests closed to the public to witness the authentic spirit of Japanese forestry through your own five senses. Forest Walk & Professional Demo: Journey with a local lumberjack to hear the “story of the forest.” See the ecosystem’s breath and witness a powerful professional tree-felling demonstration. Forest Artwork: Gather seasonal treasures like fallen leaves and nuts to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art in the tranquil woods. Optional Add-ons: Tree Felling Exp. / Tree Climbing / Woodworking [Important Note on Duration] As this is a private, tailored experience, please select the duration that matches your desired number of workshops to ensure a safe and deep immersion: - 4 Hours: Includes the core Forest Walk, Demo, and Artwork workshop. - 6 Hours: Standard activities plus 1 Add-on (e.g., trying your hand at tree felling). - 8 Hours: Standard activities plus 2 Add-ons for a full day of mountain mastery.

Nagano Omachi Forest Immersion and Artisan Lumberjack Tour

Nagano Omachi Forest Immersion and Artisan Lumberjack Tour

4 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover the charm of Obuse through art, history, and sake on this unique Hokusai-inspired Paint & Sip tour. Starting at Obuse Station, enjoy a leisurely walk through the picturesque town before visiting the historic Matsubaya Sake Brewery for a guided tour and tasting of local sake (note: the legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old). Next, explore the Hokusai-kan Museum, home to masterpieces by the legendary ukiyo-e artist who spent his final years in Obuse. The highlight of the tour is a guided Paint & Sip session, where you’ll create your own version of The Great Wave off Kanagawa while sipping sake made just steps away (note: on-alcoholic beverages also available). Whether you're an art lover, sake fan, or curious traveler, this hands-on experience blends creativity, culture, and fun. The tour ends back at Obuse Station, leaving you with unforgettable memories and your own wave to take home.

Paint & Sip in Hokusai’s Town: Sake and Art Tour

4 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

$129$123

Discover the cultural and culinary highlights of Nagano on this private full-day tour by car. Visit the sacred Togakushi Shrine area in the mountains north of Nagano, where you can walk along the famous cedar tree avenue leading to Okusha Shrine. The peaceful forest path lined with towering cedar trees is one of the most impressive natural landscapes in the region. This tour also includes hands-on local food experiences. Try making Togakushi soba, one of Nagano’s most famous regional dishes, and learn how to prepare oyaki, a traditional dumpling filled with vegetables and local ingredients. To complete the day, visit Zenkoji Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan with over 1,400 years of history. Traveling by private car allows you to explore comfortably while enjoying Nagano’s beautiful mountain scenery. This tour offers a balanced experience of spirituality, nature, and local food culture.

Nagano Private Car Tour with Togakushi Soba Making Experience

Nagano Private Car Tour with Togakushi Soba Making Experience

8 hoursFree Cancellation

$922$876

Discover the spiritual and cultural heart of Japan's mountainous interior on this private, fully guided 8-hour tour of Nagano with a government-licensed guide and a private vehicle with driver. Begin at Zenko-ji, one of Japan's oldest and most revered Buddhist temples, then travel to the cedar-lined approach of the sacred Togakushi Shrine at the foot of the mountains. Step back into the age of the samurai at Matsushiro Castle and the Sanada Treasure Museum, before exploring the charming chestnut town of Obuse, beloved by the ukiyo-e master Hokusai. Your guide tailors the day to your interests, sharing the history, legends and culture that make this region special. With comfortable private transport you can relax between sights and see far more than you could on your own. Whether you love temples and shrines, samurai heritage, art, or the beautiful Japanese countryside, this flexible tour is an unforgettable introduction to the very best of Nagano.

Nagano 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

Nagano 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

8 hoursFree Cancellation

1. "Edo Soul" and "Alpine Freedom" Experience the ultimate contrast: the historic, dark-wood streets of Narai-juku and the breathtaking 360° views of the 2,000m Utsukushigahara plateau. Explore Japan’s authentic history and wild nature in one seamless day. 2. Authentic Local Immersion and Private Access Go beyond the guidebook. Meet local artisans and taste regional flavors while we handle the logistics. Your private vehicle connects these remote "hidden gems" that are nearly impossible to reach by public transport. 3. Hands-Free Travel and Memory Gift Enjoy the journey completely unburdened. Leave your luggage in the car and put your phone away—your guide will snap photos of your group throughout the day, providing the data as a free gift so you can stay fully present.

Nagano Private Tour Narai Juku Nakasendo and Utsukushigahara

Nagano Private Tour Narai Juku Nakasendo and Utsukushigahara

6 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

$184$175

Seamless, Distinguished Private Transfer Embark on an exceptionally smooth and elegant journey from Tokyo to Hakuba aboard your exclusive private vehicle, designed to deliver absolute comfort and sophistication throughout your ride. Captivating Countryside Landscapes Immerse yourself in Japan’s serene countryside, where breathtaking scenery awaits, featuring sweeping valleys, pristine vistas, and majestic alpine horizons. Luxuriously Appointed Vehicle Travel in a meticulously maintained, premium-class vehicle offering expansive interiors, indulgently soft seating, and complimentary Wi-Fi to enhance your comfort and convenience. Elite Chauffeur Experience Unwind with confidence as your highly trained, impeccably courteous chauffeur manages every aspect of the journey with precision and professionalism. Tailored, Fully Adaptable Travel Including flexible pickup arrangements and personalized adjustments crafted to suit your exact preferences.

Special Offer

Hakuba To Tokyo Private Luxury Car Transfer

Hakuba To Tokyo Private Luxury Car Transfer

5 minutesFree Cancellation

Discover the highlights of the Japanese Alps on a private day trip from Nagano. Visit the historic Matsumoto Castle, explore the charming Nawate Shopping District, and continue into the breathtaking alpine landscapes of Kamikochi. Enjoy a scenic walk from Taisho Pond along the crystal-clear Azusa River, through peaceful forests to the iconic Kappa Bridge, with spectacular views of the Hotaka Mountains. Take time to relax, enjoy a coffee or snack, capture photos, or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Combining history, local culture, and stunning mountain scenery, this experience offers a memorable way to discover the beauty of central Japan. Note: Kamikochi is closed from mid-November to mid-April. During this period, we can take you to explore the charming historic town of Narai Juku instead.

From Nagano Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi Private Tour

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover Shiojiri, one of Japan’s renowned wine-producing regions, through a unique tasting experience featuring wines made exclusively in Shiojiri, Nagano. Taste 3–5 locally produced wines paired with carefully selected foods that bring out each wine’s distinctive character. Explore differences in color, aroma, flavor, grape varieties, and style while learning how Shiojiri’s climate, soil, and natural environment shape its wines. Your experience is guided by Kaori Takeda, an experienced wine educator who holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines & Spirits, WSET Level 3 Award in Sake, and the Japan Sommelier Association’s Wine Expert certification. Kaori makes wine approachable and enjoyable, sharing the stories behind the grapes, local producers, land, and culture of Shiojiri without overwhelming you with technical details. More than just a wine tasting, this experience offers a chance to discover a lesser-known side of Japan through its local wine, cuisine, landscape, and culture.

Shiojiri Wine Tasting with a WSET Level 4 Wine Expert

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover the timeless beauty of central Japan on this private full-day tour to Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku with a Guide. Meet your guide at Nagano City and travel by private vehicle through the scenic countryside of Nagano Prefecture. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's five National Treasure castles and one of the country's few remaining original castles. Explore its historic wooden keep and discover the fascinating history of the samurai. Continue to Narai-juku, one of the best-preserved post towns along the historic Nakasendo Trail. Stroll through its beautifully preserved Edo-period streets and experience the timeless atmosphere of old Japan. As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be customized to your interests. If there are other places you'd like to visit, your guide will be happy to adjust the route whenever possible. Ideal for travelers seeking authentic history, traditional architecture, and a deeper cultural experience beyond Japan's major cities.

From Nagano Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku Private Day Trip

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

$1,025$973

Naganos Hidden Samurai Town & Tomyo Lantern Festival Tour

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

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What are people saying about Nagano

Togakushi Shrine Private Tour with English Local Guide

smythefamily, Nov 2026

Exceeded expectations and a great hike

I booked this tour a couple of months ago and then cancelled thinking we could do it on our own. Then the day before we planned to do it I realized it wasn't something I could easily get to from the train station. Just 25 hours before the tour I rebooked it and I'm so glad I did. We were assigned Taketo as our private guide. What luck!! Taketo speaks perfect English and is Japanese. Just what we hoped for. We love hiking and he took us on an extra special one. It was very cold, extra windy at times, we had some snow flurries, and enjoyed every minute. We made it up to the shrine taking many pictures along the way. Taketo also took a lot of pictures with a really good camera and sent them all to me at the end of the day. He took us to a small local soba noodle restaurant where we enjoyed delicious hot soba noodle soup and bought both fresh and dried noodles to give as gifts locally and at home. Even the drive up to the stayinge point was beautiful and memorable. We couldn't have had a better guide. Taketo is personable and fun. I highly recommend doing this tour in order to make it easy and maximize your time.

Green Season Snow Monkeys: Baby Monkeys & Scenic Forest Walk

Jacque_P, Oct 2026

Snow monkeys

A wonderful experience to see the monkeys in their natural environment. We were told not to expect to see any however there were hundreds of monkeys and lots of babies in the onset area. Shinji was an awesome guide and made the whole trip really interesting.

1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

Wayne_M, Oct 2026

We enjoyed the tour,...

We enjoyed the tour, which was well orchestrated, educational, fun, and included a truly beautiful nature walk through an ancient cedar forest to the snow monkey park. Our tour leader Hiroshi-san was a top-notch guide who was personable and excellent English ability and a deep reserve of knowledge and history and interesting facts. Our driver, Ozaki-san was a skilled driver who was so friendly, kind, and patient with all of us. Together, they (and the snow monkey who decided to hang out with us for quite a long time) made the tour. Hiroshi-san's introduction to Zenkoji opened my eyes to the true significance of Zenkoji, which became so much more than simply another magnificent Japanese temple. Thanks to Hiroshi-san, I'll always remember Zenkoji's mystery and significant place in the history of Buddhism in Japan. As for the snow monkey park, I love that the snow monkeys are not held in captivity but rather come and go to the onsen as they please. The downside to this is there is no guarantee the snow monkeys will be there when you arrive. However, at a minimum, you will experience the beautiful walk through the cedar forest, and Hiroshi-san has a good contingency plan ready if needed. I highly recommend this outstanding tour!

1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle

Susan_E, Oct 2026

The whole day was...

The whole day was amazing. Our guide Endo was energetic and knowledgeable showing us some special spots for photos and as a bonus we saw some snow monkeys. Our great driver Nishi who got us safely to our sights on small winding roads well done a must do tour

Snow Monkey Park, Soba Lunch and Shibu Onsen Tour

Pearl_A, Aug 2026

We had such a wonderful...

We had such a wonderful experience on this tour. Everyone was incredibly friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable. The whole experience was well-organized and enjoyable, and we learned so much along the way. The team made us feel very comfortable and well taken care of throughout the day. Highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Nagano! 🐒❄️

(Spring Only) 1-Day Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route Tour

Vacation36085085597, Jun 2026

Trip to Liu Shan Black

The tour guide "Mr. Endo" performed very well! The journey is full of life from the beginning to the end, and the ability to drive the atmosphere is superior, so that the interaction between the team members is very harmonious. Her professional spirit and careful service make this trip not a little more, thank you very much for her contributions, definitely deserve the highest score!

Jigokudani Snow Monkey and Togakushi Shrine Private Tour

David_B, Jun 2026

We had a great private...

We had a great private tour with Takaeto, who spoke very good English and made communication easy throughout the day. Despite visiting out of season, we still saw plenty of snow monkeys and appreciated having as much time as we wanted at the park. Togakushi Shrine was peaceful and beautiful, with the walk through the cedar forest being a highlight. We also enjoyed a fantastic soba restaurant popular with locals, which made the experience feel even more authentic. The tour finished with a visit to scenic Kagami-ike Pond, which is more like a beautiful lake surrounded by stunning scenery. To top it off, Takaeto kindly dropped us off near the station as requested, which was especially helpful with our suitcases. Highly recommended!

Snow Monkeys, Obuse & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano

Pat_B, Apr 2026

Adapting a tour for diverse ages and fitness-,Masa rocked!

This was a small tour and Masa was superb! Great directions on meeting point and check in. Gave some history and pointed out sites aling the way. Since this was a moderate hike to see the monkey's he was clear on what to expect and kept the group moving but not rushed so everyone could keep their own pace. Pretty muddy in spots but the hike was well worth it. Lots of time for pics and enjoying this amazing bit of nature. After the hike, stopped for lunch (loved the pork over the chicken). Might let them know of any allergies since this a preset meal. Then off to sako tasting...loved the Shu! 30 minutes to tour and then back to Nagano. Masa took great care of us and highly recommend him as a guide. Just awesome, encouraging us to take the time need to enjoy the mountain on our way!

1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake

Robert_O, Mar 2026

Amazing Tour

Dillion was an amazing guide. His deep knowledge was put to the test by our endless curiosity. If he didn’t know the answer he knew who to ask. We had a wonderful day that just kept getting better. We expected the snow monkeys to be the highlight and they certainly were, but the rest of the day was just as fascinating. Lunch was delicious and the conversation never slowed. The temple tour was quite interesting and Dillion shared his knowledge and personal experience freely. We bumped in to another tour group and their guide learned a few tidbits from Dillion. We enjoyed a little free time to explore and sampled a few treats at the temple complex. The final highlight was learning about the Sake brewing process and sampling a variety of excellent variations. A truly informative and adventurous day.

Wasabi Farm Walking Tour & Lunch

Alexandra_B, Jan 2026

Very rewarding!

A visit to the wasabi farm is worth it anyway, but this tour made our day even more interesting. Guide Tim could tell us a lot about wasabi and the specific way it is grown here. He also knew a lot about the region. Since we were the only visitors, there was plenty of room to ask the questions. During lunch that was also very nice - Tim taught us about Japanese customs and etiquette. Valuable knowledge for the rest of our journey! We visited the farm in December and that was absolutely fine as far as I was concerned. The weather was good and there were few other visitors so we could look everywhere quietly.

1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour

Lenore_M, Dec 2025

Great tour, wonderful guide!

My friend who lives in Japan and I (visiting) had an incredible time on this tour! Our guide, Dylan, was extremely knowledgeable about the region, as well as patient and kind, and did an incredible job leading our group and ensuring we all were comfortable and enjoying our time. The tour was well-paced and all the activities were truly memorable. We loved the time spent at the snow park, the lunch was delicious, and the snow monkeys were incredible! The bus was also very comfortable and all communication was top notch. Highly recommended experience! And thank you, Dylan, for your friendliness, organization, and knowledge!

Nakasendo Magome to Tsumago Day Hike with Licensed Guide

Sylvia_K, Nov 2025

Excellent Guide for a memorable walk

Hiroshi-San was an excellent guide. Gave us a history of Japan before we started the walk so we have understanding of the Nakasendo walk history. He was a gentleman and speaks English well as he lived in USA for a long time. He was attentive and very helpful holding my arm as I navigate the downhill slope as I was afraid of falling, We enjoyed Hiroshi-San company very much. It is better to have a guide as we saw some people taking the wrong way and Hiroshi-San alerted them ... perhaps they are on wrong path. Definitely recommend Hiroshi-San as a guide. He also does Nagoya tours