All Nagano Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Karuizawa! Karuizawa is a quaint mountain resort that’s rich in nature and a prime leisure destination. From stunning natural landscapes to fun filled man made attractions, there’s always something to see and do in the place John Lennon loved to escape to. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best things to do when you visit, so you can pick what suits you, without the stress. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. 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.

Instead of joining a large group for an in personal experience, discover Karuizawa in comfort during this private trip led by a licensed guide. Uncover hidden gems and indulge in the natural landscapes and exciting attractions of this mountain resort. Take an intimate journey through the beloved retreat of John Lennon, choosing from a variety of curated experiences along the way.

Begin in Kamikochi amid alpine peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and quiet forest trails. Depart from Matsumoto (8:00 or 9:45 AM) or Nagano (8:45 AM), and arrive before the busiest hours—when the scenery feels calm and serene. Skip the bus lines with a direct ride to Kamikochi’s central parking. Enjoy a scenic walk from the Kappa Bridge area toward Taisho Pond, with time for photos, viewpoints, and a flexible lunch break. Later, visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s oldest original wooden castles. With pre-arranged admission, you can skip the ticket line and explore at your own pace while your guide shares helpful stories and context. For Nagano departures, the tour normally returns to Nagano, with an optional end in the Matsumoto Castle area. Designed as a premium small-group experience, this day blends mountain beauty with cultural depth. Autumn peak season: Matsumoto 8:00 AM departure only due to congestion in Kamikochi.

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.

Matsumoto is a vibrant city steeped in arts, history, and culture. It is known for a feudal castle, cafes, folk arts and a traditional shopping district. Whether you are on your way to the Northern Alps or Matsumoto is your destination, see the best of the city with a government licensed local tour guide. Choose from several attractions, including the Matsumoto Castle and museums, for a tour of your own design.

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".

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.

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.

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.

Avoid the risk of getting lost in the Japanese Alps when you take a private day hike with a guide. Enjoy a beginner-friendly hike 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.

Discover Matsumoto on this full-day tour designed to cover the area’s cultural highlights in one rewarding day. Enter the black-walled Matsumoto Castle, a rare original fortress rich in samurai history, and explore at your own pace. Depart from Nagano (8:00 AM / 8.5 hrs) or Matsumoto (9:30 AM / 6.25 hrs). Visit a 150-year-old miso brewery for a guided visit and onigiri lunch. Enjoy free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm, with canals, waterwheels, wasabi souvenirs, and optional snacks such as wasabi ice cream. Stop at a countryside winery for a casual tasting of local wines. End at the Ukiyo-e Museum, home to a major woodblock print collection. On Mondays, this museum stop is replaced by Matsumoto City History Village. ・Entry to Matsumoto Castle ・Guided miso brewery visit & onigiri lunch ・Free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm ・Casual wine tasting at a scenic winery ・Entry to the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum (History Village on Mondays) ・Matsumoto’s cultural highlights in one day

Explore “Old Japan” on a relaxed day trip to Narai-juku (a beautifully preserved Nakasendo post town) and a hands-on wasabi grating lunch at Daio Wasabi Farm. Enjoy a guided walk plus free time in Narai-juku—browse small shops, try local snacks, and take photos at your own pace. Then grate fresh wasabi for lunch and take a short stroll along the clear-water canals and iconic waterwheels. Not a rushed checklist tour—we keep the pace calm so you can truly enjoy the town and taste what real freshly grated wasabi is like. Main option: Matsumoto Start (9:45 AM) → return to Matsumoto Station, with an optional Matsumoto Castle drop-off (entry ticket not included; tour ends at the drop-off). Also available: Nagano Start (8:45 AM) → return to Nagano Station (no castle option). -Narai-juku guided walk + free time (about 2 hours) -Daio Wasabi Farm: wasabi grating lunch + stroll (about 1.5 hours) -Small premium group tour with an English-speaking local guide

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.

This private and customizable tour for Kamikochi is ideal for guests who want their trip tailored to their interests and preferences, ensuring they can explore the city at their own speed. With our personalized approach, guests can delve into Kamikochi's charm, discovering its unique sights and experiences curated just for them. Whether it's seeking adventure or embracing serenity, our tour caters to every preference, promising an unforgettable journey through Kamikochi's wonders.

Experience two of the most stunning locations that Nagano has to offer: the world-famous Snow Monkey Park, with its charming hot spring-bathing macaque monkeys, and Togakushi Shrine, also known as the "Five Shrines", famous for its breathtaking forest path lined with towering ancient cedar trees. Starting from Nagano Station, this tour will take you to Jigokudani Monkey Park, commonly known as the Snow Monkey Park, to see Nagano’s most iconic residents—the Japanese macaque monkeys that bathe in their natural hot spring. After enjoying a Japanese-style lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the 1,000-year-old Togakushi Shrine complex to learn about its deep spiritual history and walk the cedar-lined path to the "Okusha," or inner shrine. Enjoy Nagano’s unique nature and wildlife while also learning about Japanese culture, Shinto traditions, and religious history, set within a breathtaking mountain landscape.

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.

Matsumoto is world-famous for its earthy soba noodles made from buckwheat flour. It is also known for its well-preserved feudal castle. Experience both on this unique tour of the city. After touring Matsumoto Castle—one of Japan's National Treasures—you will learn how to prepare a traditional soba dish and then taste its exquisite flavors! Both exciting and enriching, this hands-on experience gives you an unforgettable way to learn about Japanese history and culture.

Kintsugi reflects the Japanese spirit of cherishing broken things. Tableware that holds memories or old, broken tableware can be repaired with kintsugi, making it usable again. In this experience, kintsugi, which usually takes several months, can be completed in just a few hours using resin.

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.

Itinerary Time Table: Matsumoto (Meet 11:05 Dep. 11:15) → Kawaguchiko (Arr. 14:00, Dep. 15:45) → Tokyo Station (Arr. 18:40) *Please note that times may vary due to traffic conditions. Depart from Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture and journey through scenic landscapes on the way to Kawaguchiko. Enjoy the freedom and flexibility to enjoy the Japanese countryside in comfort during the journey to your destination, without having to worry about luggage transportation or transfers. Be charmed by the tranquil beauty of the Fuji Five Lakes area after you arrive at Kawaguchiko, surrounded by lush nature that changes dramatically with the seasons. Bold and vibrant fall leaves, speckled-pink flowery sights in the spring, and vibrant verdure in the summer. For those going to Tokyo, after making our 1.5 hour stop (free-time) at Kawaguchiko, we will see the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center before we make our last stop at the Yaesu Bus Terminal in Tokyo, conveniently located next to Tokyo Station.

Explore the greater part of Zenkoji temple town and sample authentic Japanese snacks and sweets on this small-group walking tour. Try traditional Nagano bites such as oyaki (Japanese stuffed dumplings), sweets, matcha, and a sampling of sake and meet local business owners in the area. Your guide will take you off the beaten path in Nagano and tell you all about the 1400-year history and culture while discovering parts of the city not found in guidebooks.

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.

Matsumoto Castle is one of the most famous sights in Matsumoto, and this experience allows you to explore with a guide and a small group for a more personalized experience. Enjoy a relaxed walking tour of its interior, then explore the grounds of this impressive castle, which is ranked as one of Japan's most beautiful. Then head to a local sake shop, where you can learn about the Japanese drink and enjoy a light snack.