Top Nagano Prefecture Nature and Wildlife Tours

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.

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.

Nagano has so much to offer that limiting your sightseeing to one day can feel stressful. This intimate, small-group tour eliminates the hassle of planning your own itinerary and arranging transportation. Visit the Snow Monkey Park to see wild macaques relaxing in natural hot springs; stop in the charming town of Obuse for a local lunch and sake tasting at a historic brewery; and enjoy an optional visit to Zenkoji Temple (only available for earliest departure times).

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.

The biggest feature of this tour is the high chance of seeing wild animals. The wildlife encounter rate over the past 3 years has been 99.5%.The guides at Picchio are familiar with the ecology of all the wildlife species. They will be able to guide you through the unique aspects of living creatures from an expert perspective, not only from observing the animals themselves but also from observing the surrounding natural environment and ecosystem as a whole. *This tour is guided in Japanese and basic English. English ability may vary depending on the guide.

Enjoy a leisurely cycling tour of Karuizawa's classic spots. After renting a bicycle in front of Karuizawa Station, head to Kumobaike Pond, Karuizawa's most scenic spot. After getting off the bike and strolling around for a while, head to Old Karuizawa through the wooded villa area. While touring the narrow paths of the backstreets of Old Karuizawa, we will guide you to classic spots such as St. Paul's Catholic Church, Shaw Memorial Chapel, and the Karuizawa Association Tennis Court, famous for the romance between the Emperor and Empress. The entire route is flat, so people of all ages and genders can participate. For parents and children or couples, there is also a tandem (two-seater) tour unique to Karuizawa!

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 the beauty of the Japanese Alps without having to navigate the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route alone on this small-group tour from Nagano. With a guide handling the logistics, you can relax and focus on the views. During the tour, see Kurobe Dam and beautiful alpine scenery, with a guide to provide commentary, and plenty of great photo opportunities throughout.

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.

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.

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

Discover the stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage of Nagano on this full-day tour. Visit the renowned Zenkoji Temple, a spiritual icon with a rich history, and explore the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you can observe these unique creatures in their natural habitat. With an experienced driver at your service, enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free journey through the captivating landscapes of Nagano. This tour is perfect for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. - Full-day tour of Nagano's highlights including Zenkoji Temple and Snow Monkeys - Visit the historic Zenkoji Temple, a must-see for visitors - Observe the playful snow monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park - Enjoy a comfortable ride with an experienced driver throughout the tour

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".

Experience the dramatic mountain landscape of Chubu Sangaku National Park, also known as the "Roof of Japan," and visit the immense snow walls of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Only accessible in the spring and early summer, this day trip departs from Nagano Station and includes a ticket for round-trip bus transport with your guide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Japan’s Nagano prefecture is widely regarded as the country’s winter capital, due to its snowy landscapes and premium ski spots. Visit one of Japan’s most famous winter spots on a 3.5-hour tour of Jigokudani Monkey Park from Shimotakai-gun. Marvel at red-faced Japanese macaques as they bathe in steaming ‘onsen’ (hot springs) and follow walking trails rife with flora and fauna.

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

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.