Top Nagano Prefecture Walking Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This tour takes you to the 'Roof of Japan' in summer and autumn to experience in the stunning and lush alpine landscape and one of Japan’s three sacred mountains, Mount Tate. Led by an English-speaking guide, you will be accompanied on every leg of your journey to the Roof of Japan and back down again.

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.

Matsumoto brings together two threads of Japanese tradition: the stone and timber of defensive architecture, and the rice and water of sake brewing. This tour starts at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most striking original castles before moving through historic Nakamachi street, once the main commercial artery of Matsumoto's castle town and pauses at Kurassic-kan, a former sake brewery dating to 1888. Then the route leads to a small sake brewery where spring water has defined local craft for generations. Matsumoto has long supported sake production, fed by a network of spring wells drawing from mountain runoff that surrounds the city. A glimpse into how Matsumoto's past still lives in the city today. Your guide will walk you through a tasting of several sake varieties, each reflecting different rice strains, fermentation methods, and aging processes. Between pours, they'll explain how water quality, seasonal brewing cycles, and rice polishing ratios shape what's in your cup.

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

Sacred Streets, Historic Zenkoji Temple and Nagano’s Hidden Corners. Discover the soul of one of Japan’s most sacred cities with our local guide Follow a path that leads you deep into the city’s past. This isn’t just a walk. It’s a cultural journey once shared by monks, pilgrims, and samurai. From the sacred grounds of Zenkoji Temple to atmospheric backstreets lined with old storehouses, a historic sake brewery, and local shops, the tour uncovers sides of Nagano that most travelers miss.

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.

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.

Matsumoto Castle stands as a testament to Japan’s architectural brilliance, with its iconic black façade and rich history. This guided tour provides an in-depth exploration of the castle, revealing its intricate design and the stories woven into its walls. Visitors will delve into the Honmaru area to discover the castle's defensive strategies and craftsmanship, while local legends breathe life into the experience. The journey culminates in breathtaking views from the main keep, intertwining architectural marvels with cultural significance. Perfect for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike, this tour offers a unique lens into the past. - Explore Matsumoto Castle’s architectural details and history - Learn about local legends and engineering innovations - Experience stunning views from the top of the main keep - Ideal for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike

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.

This full-day private tour of Matsumoto showcases the amazing history and way of life of the people who call it home. Fully customizable, this tour is adapted to your interests to ensure you enjoy the most unique and interesting experiences of the city. Explore ancient traditions, samurai lifestyles, unique foods or local artistry—whatever you fancy, we can accommodate in this deep-rooted and historic city.

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).

Travelers who enjoy hiking but don’t have time for the full 5-day Nakasendo Trail will love this day hike between Magome and Tsumago, two post towns on the route. Avoid the risk of getting lost by going with a private guide. Learn more about Japanese history and culture from your guide and get plenty of time to explore the two historical villages.

Nagano is a place of incredible Shinto and Buddhist history and home to one of Japan’s most iconic temple and shrine. While many of Japan’s cities lay claim to an identity of nature-meets-human-invention, that atmosphere can be felt in Nagano better than almost anywhere else in Japan. In this tour, your knowledgeable licensed local guide will accompany you on your journey features an historic districts and even ancient pilgrimages. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize your four-hours special tour that's best for you. Note*1 Please pick 1 of the 3areas(Zenko-ji Area, Matsushiro Area,Obuse Area) then you can select 2–3 sites in the same area.(It is not possible to visit more than 2 areas.) 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.

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.

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.

This tour is ideal for those who want to visit Kyoto from Tokyo in a single day. The itinerary includes two well-known sightseeing spots: Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine. However, if there are other specific places you'd like to visit, we would be more than happy to customize the plan for you. Since this tour is guided by a nationally licensed guide, you'll benefit from immersive cultural experiences, insider knowledge, and memorable encounters with local traditions. This tour is great for any types of travelers, such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.

This tour invites you to step into the quiet elegance of Matsushiro, a samurai town that still preserves the charm of old Japan. Guided by a local expert, you’ll explore temples, shrines, and castle ruins that tell the story of Japan’s artistry and spirit. Each site reveals a different layer of beauty—from the wooden architecture of Zen temples to the stonework of samurai castles. With fewer crowds and a slower pace, this half-day tour offers a serene and authentic journey into Nagano’s cultural heart. Matsushiro is one of Nagano’s best-kept secrets—a place where Japan’s history quietly lingers in the air. Visiting Matsushiro allows you to experience the timeless atmosphere and quiet beauty that make this region truly special. Optional samurai armor dressing experience is also available to enhance your visit.

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.