Top Nagano Prefecture Likely To Sell Out

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).

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.

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

Miso is a staple of Japanese cuisine, and a key source of the famous “umami” flavor—but few travelers get a chance to see how the fermented soybean paste is actually manufactured. On this full-day combo tour, visit a historic miso brewery to observe behind-the-scenes productions, topped off by a visit Jigokudani Monkey Park to observe Japanese macaques frolicking or bathing in hit springs during the wintertime.

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

This tour includes a visit to Zenkoji Temple, a historic temple that attracts worshippers from all over the world, as well as a visit to the temple to enjoy local sake and the optional local delicacy oyaki. Since the Edo period (1603-1867), it has been said, “Even if you are far away, you must visit Zenkoji Temple at least once.” Many famous warlords and other famous warriors have visited the temple, and it continues to be a power spot for worshippers today. Another attraction of this tour is that you can walk along the approach to the temple, which has a long history, and visit a sake brewery behind the approach to the temple. You can also sign up for an optional experience to cook and eat “oyaki,” a local dish of Nagano Prefecture, in a traditional hearth. Oyaki is made of wheat flour and buckwheat flour, with seasonal vegetables and sweet bean paste sandwiched inside the dough. Those with wheat or buckwheat allergies are not eligible to apply, so please check in advance.

Discover the shrines and forests of Togakushi with the help of a guide during this 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.

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.

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.

Discover the captivating world of Japan's Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, the only place where wild Japanese macaques are seen bathing in natural hot springs. This guided tour takes you through the serene valley, where an experienced local guide shares insights into the region's history and ecology. Observe the monkeys in their natural habitat, witnessing their playful interactions and unique behaviors up close. With options for local meeting points or travel from Nagano Station, this immersive experience offers a unique perspective on these remarkable creatures and their environment. - Visit Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, home to Japan's famous Snow Monkeys - Guided insights into the ecology and behavior of Japanese macaques - Observe monkeys bathing in hot springs in their natural setting - Choose from local meeting or Nagano Station departure options

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.

Discover Nagano & Matsumoto on a Fully Customizable Private Tour A full-day private tour for comfort and authentic local experiences across Nagano, Matsumoto, and nearby regions — your way. Highlights Tailor-Made Itinerary Visit Zenkoji, Togakushi, Snow Monkey Park (Yudanaka–Shibu), Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi (seasonal), or Daio Wasabi Farm—or let us design your route. Routes that cross areas (Nagano↔Matsumoto) or include outskirts / long-distance pairings (e.g. Kamikochi, Narai-juku, Tateyama Kurobe) may require a travel supplement due to extra driving time and hours; we’ll confirm the total after booking. Private Guide & Vehicle Local English-speaking guide with seamless door-to-door transport in a private vehicle. No crowds, no stress. Local Culture & Flavors Stroll nature paths and castle towns, enjoy sake tastings, and savor handmade soba—timed to you. Ideal for couples, families, and small groups seeking a flexible, meaningful day in Nagano or Matsumoto. Book now.

Enjoy a guided temple tour and a fire ceremony as well as a traditional tea experience, sampling of local dumplings, ‘sake’ tasting, and a unique stay at a traditional ‘shukubo.’

Discover the enchanting village of Togakushi, just outside Nagano City, where ancient traditions meet natural beauty. Explore iconic Shinto shrines and stroll along the majestic cedar avenue as your guide shares the area’s rich myths and legends. Try your hand at making soba noodles, then savor your flavorful creations for lunch. For an exciting twist, step into the secretive world of ninjas at the Togakushi Ninja Museum.

Experience a day in the life of a samurai, as this tour explores Nagano’s unique samurai past in historic town of Matsushiro, including visits to some of Japan’s best-preserved samurai residences and hands-on experiences cooking local specialty “oyaki” and katana practice at an Edo Period military school. All led by a locally-based guide, this engaging tour is available throughout the year and offers real insight through firsthand experience of Nagano’s samurai heritage

Dive into Nagano’s food culture with a hands-on cooking and walking experience. In a traditional Japanese house with a sunken hearth, you’ll learn how to make oyaki—a beloved local dumpling filled with seasonal vegetables or sweet bean paste—and enjoy them warm with soba tea by the fire. After the cooking session, stroll through the peaceful backstreets leading to Zenkoji Temple. Discover small, locally owned shops, taste unique regional flavors, and learn about Japanese dining customs and everyday culture from your guide. ・Make two oyaki dumplings and enjoy them with soba tea in a traditional Japanese hearth house ・Explore Nagano’s backstreets on the way to Zenkoji Temple ・Discover local flavors and learn about Japanese dining culture ・Meet small business owners and hear stories of the neighborhood *Please let us know if you have any food restrictions beforehand*

Best tour to discover the highlights of Tokyo. The tour is just a sample. You can also arrange your destinations if there are some places you would like to visit. Please let us know your interests! This tour is guided by public transportation. Please let us know if any of your member prefer not to walk long. If you have questions, you can ask anything because National licensed guide assist your tour. We will try to do our best to provide you unforgettable memories. We are looking forward to meeting you. Thank you!

This tour is a seasonal tour which can be held only in winters. You can have a unique opportunity to enjoy to see monkeys in the hotspring! You can enjoy a short hiking before and after the monkey section. (please wear comfortable shoes.) This tour would be leaded by national licensed guides, so you can ask anything about the local information, as well. *The snow monkey season is from December to mid-March each year; it is still possible to see monkeys in April, but there is no snow. The tour might be changed if the weather condition is not good. Please note that crampons will be attached to your shoes for this tour because you will be walking on snow-covered trails to meet the snow monkeys. Please be aware of this in advance.

Experience the magic of Nagona’s water-bathing snow monkeys on a 2-day tour that takes you off the beaten path. As well as soaking up the scenery of Japan’s northern mountains as you’re transported in climate-controlled comfort, you’ll tick off the snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, the 1400-year old Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, and the historic old town of Takayama.

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.

This engaging special event tour transports you to Nagano’s hidden samurai town of Matsuhiro for an afternoon of samurai experiences and discovery of the open secret beneath its feet before enjoying an early dinner and guided evening tour of the city’s near-1400 year old Zenko-ji Temple during it’s Tomyo Lantern Festival.

This is a tour for families with children who love vehicles, people who love trains, and people who love architecture to come and see and experience the joy of Japanese railroads! At the Railway Museum, you can learn about the history of Japanese railroads, enter an old train car that was actually running, and see dioramas and other exhibits. The museum also has two restaurants and a café, including a high-class restaurant with a motif of a dining car that used to be connected to Shinkansen and sleeper trains. In addition, visitors can purchase ekiben (boxed meals) at the store or bring their own lunch boxes to eat on the actual train. In the outdoor Park Zone, visitors can actually experience driving a mini driving train and mini shuttle. In the “mini driving train,” visitors can drive a mini train on a track with a circumference of about 300 meters. The “Panorama Deck” on the rooftop provides a panoramic view of the Shinkansen tracks and is a great place to spend the day.

Discover Matsumoto on this full-day tour designed to cover the city’s key 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 tour and onigiri lunch. Enjoy free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm, with time to try wasabi ice cream and local treats. Stop at a scenic 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 final museum stop is replaced by Matsumoto City History Village. ・Entry to Matsumoto Castle ・Miso brewery tour & onigiri lunch ・Free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm & local treats ・Casual local wine tasting at a scenic winery ・Entry to the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum (History Village on Mondays) ・Matsumoto’s key cultural highlights in one day