All Nagano Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Experience the life of a samurai in an actual feudal castle in Matsumoto, Japan! Matsumoto Castle is a designated “National Treasure” thanks to its well preserved historic structure. We’ll get a chance to step inside to learn about the life of the samurai lords who lived here, the castle’s defensive strategies and the history of the city. Afterwards, get a hands-on sword fighting lesson with your own hand-picked sword and samurai outfit.

Whether you are a child or a foreign tourist, anyone can enjoy authentic soba noodle making experience at Shinshu Soba Restaurant Yamahei in Karuizawa Prince Outlets (5-minute walk from Karuizawa Shinkansen Station). An Experienced instructor will carefully guide you through the process of kneading, stretching, and cutting soba noodles. The finished soba noodles will be served with tempura and the famous walnut sauce on the spot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Come to Nagano for a deeper sake experience — compare around 10 local sakes (seasonal selection may vary), taste 3 kinds of amazake(non alcohol), enjoy warm Nagano miso soup, and visit a historic old sake factory area. The brewery has over 300 years of history, and you’ll learn the differences between premium styles like unfiltered, unpasteurized, and seasonal sake. First, enjoy a relaxed walk through the streets of Nagano and the Zenkoji Temple area, then head to the tasting experience before returning toward Nagano Station. -Taste 3 different amazake (a traditional non-alcoholic sweet drink) -Enjoy a warm bowl of Nagano miso soup -Admission included to visit a historic old sake factory area -Explore Nagano’s laid-back streets around Zenkoji Temple and stop by local shops -Learn simple, authentic Japanese tasting etiquette and local food culture -Connect with local business owners and hear stories about Nagano’s history and everyday life

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.

Discover the charm of Japan's winter landscape on the Snow Monkey Tour, featuring a visit to the renowned Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park, home to over 200 wild monkeys soaking in natural hot springs. The tour includes a scenic 40-minute hike to the hot springs, a traditional Japanese lunch in Obuse, and a visit to the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Enjoy a unique cultural experience while marveling at the beauty of snow monkeys in their natural habitat. - Daily departures from Hakuba, available December 19th, 2025 to February 28th, 2026, and select days in March. - Includes a traditional Japanese set-course meal with sake at Kyoumitei in Obuse. - Visit the iconic Zenkoji Temple, a National Treasure with over 1,400 years of history. - Perfect for travelers seeking a blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights in Japan.

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.

Qualified instructors will provide easy-to-understand and kind instruction in skiing and telemarking for beginners to intermediate skiers. The content of the lessons can be changed between morning and afternoon, so please feel free to join with your family. We recommend Karuizawa because it is close to Tokyo and the station, but it is possible to go to other areas near Kanto. Lessons for children under 12 years old are OK, but there are restrictions on the number of children depending on their age.

See the unique and captivating snow monkeys and explore cultural highlights on this private tour. Visit top sightseeing spots in Hokushin and the Northern Nagano area. Go to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, renowned home to the special snow monkeys (admission fee not included). Then, head to Obuse Town, where you’ll visit the Hokusai Katsushika Museum and the optional addition of the Ganshoin Temple.

Matsumoto Castle is one of the most famous sights in Matsumoto, and this experience allows you to bypass long ticket lines as admission is included. First, explore the grounds of this impressive castle which is ranked as one of Japan's most beautiful. Then, learn about Japan’s signature drink at a sake brewery.

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.

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.

Picchio's nature watching tour takes advantage of the abundant nature surrounding Karuizawa, immersing guests in a tranquil forest environment to enjoy nature as it is. There is the opportunity to see wildlife including Japanese squirrels, montane brown frogs, and many bird species. Our expert guides share their knowledge and passion, hoping to inspire people to love and engage with Japanese nature. *Guided in Japanese and basic English (English ability varies by guide). ■ Important Notes ・Rain: Held in rain (bring rainwear). Cancelled only in severe weather. ・Trail: Approx. 2km unpaved. No strollers or wheelchairs. ・Infants (0-3): Free, but please bring a baby carrier as they may get tired. ・Bring: Water bottle (refills available at reception) & bug spray/long clothes in summer. ・Parking: Use Hoshino Area P1 (next to Sonmin Shokudo, 5-min walk). Extra parking in peak seasons. ・Cancellation: 100% fee applies for no-shows or if you arrive too late to join.

Discover Matsumoto beyond the castle on a full-day tour combining samurai history, local food, wasabi, wine, and ukiyo-e. Depart from Nagano (8:00 AM / 8.5 hrs) or Matsumoto (9:30 AM / 6.25 hrs). Explore the black-walled Matsumoto Castle, visit a 150-year-old miso brewery for a guided visit and onigiri lunch, and enjoy free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm. Stop at a countryside winery for a casual tasting of local wines, then finish at the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum. On Mondays, the museum 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 countryside winery ・Entry to the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum (History Village on Mondays) ・Castle, food, countryside & culture in one day

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.

Go off the beaten path in Matsumoto, without having to do any route planning, thanks to this private e-bike adventure. With equipment provided and a private guide to lead the way, you can enjoy a stress-free ride that passes by scenic rice fields and traditional farmhouses. Later, after working up an appetite, round off the tour with a soba noodle lunch at a countryside restaurant.

In recent years Central Japan has become increasingly popular as a stop along the Tokyo to Kyoto “Golden Route”. The reason for this, simply stated, is that Central Japan offers every experience the traveler could desire from Japan, while also being located close to some of Japan’s largest cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. From majestic mountain peaks to delicious local sake, and of course the famous Snow Monkeys, our multiple day group tour of this amazing region of Japan will bring you to every location you dreamed of, and many you may not have heard of yet. Starting in Nagano and ending in Kanazawa, this tour is perfect for those wishing to move through central Japan and removes the necessity of dealing with train and bus transfers. While accommodation is not included, transport between all destinations and an English speaking guide are provided on every day of the tour, so you do not have to worry about the small things and can instead focus on enjoying your vacation time.

Discover the shrines and forests of Togakushi without getting lost on a 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.