Top Things to do in Nagano
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Nagano That You Shouldn't Miss
One of the main attractions in Nagano is Zenkō-ji, a colorful 7th-century Buddhist temple with proud architecture and a humbling presence. The compound contains lovely gardens, a treasure house, sacred statues and a massive incense burner. Kids will love the “ancient” appeal of the Chausuyama Dinosaur Park, adjacent to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo. Test your stealth skills at the Chibikko Ninja Village, then reward your hard work with a tasting tour at the Nishi-no-Mon sake brewery.
Restaurants in Nagano
1. Snow Monkey Resorts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 317 reviews
Snow Monkey Resorts takes you on experiences in the Northern Nagano region. Our tours show you the most beloved attractions and the best hidden secrets in this area. Tours include visits to the Snow Monkey Park, the Zenko-ji Temple, snow fun in the Shiga Kogen, Japanese cherry blossoms, countryside cycling, and mountain experiences. Besides group tours, we have customized private tours as well.
2. Zenko-ji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,931 reviews
Reviewed By hfot2 - Vermont, United States
We have visited Zenko-ji on three different sakura trips and each time the blossoms did not disappoint. The weeping tree on the side of the main hall is spectacular when in full bloom - not to be missed. Bridal shoots occur throughout the temple compound in this season, but especially at this tree. The grounds are lovely throughout. Don’t miss the trees behind the main hall and the many stone lanterns there and elsewhere. There are several small gardens with more flowering trees. If you stand near the photogenic bell tower long enough, you will be there when the ringer arrives, bows to the bell and using the beam suspended on ropes strikes the bell which resonates for a very long time. Statues abound, especially the seven Jizo Bodhisattva at the Sanmon Gate. Many side buildings are more peaceful and less crowded than the main hall area and they too contain statues, bells and lanterns. If you walk behind the main hall and up a bit you arrive at the pagoda which contains the Zenkoji History Museum. It can take several hours to walk around, view, and photograph all that is here. Take your time to enjoy the whole temple compound. There is a city bus that runs to the temple from the station, or you can walk up the hill to the temple from the station - it takes about 30 minutes. The road immediately in front of the gate is full of shops selling souvenirs, religious items, and food. Good soft ice cream can be had here. The streets running parallel to this one are very interesting and worth a stroll. Even if the cherry trees are not a peak, and even if it is not sakura season at all, Zenko-ji is definitely worth a visit.
3. Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum Higashiyama Kaii Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Higashiyama Kaii Gallery is temporarily closed for renovation from May 31th 2017. Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum is also closed for reconstruction from October 1st 2017.
4. Matsushiro
5. Togakushi Shrine Okusha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 615 reviews
Reviewed By From_Hotel_to_Hotel - Singapore, Singapore
Visited Togakushi for the 2nd time. Return bus tickets can be purchased at the Alpico bus office, across the street from Nagano stn. Board the bus to Togakushi at bus stop #7 which is just outside the office. About 50mins journey to the entrance to the path to giant cedar trees which leads to the upper shrine. There is also a small path to Lake Kagami. Since I had visited the upper shrine, which in my opinion small and I knew that the nicest views are located just around the giant cedar tree area, this time round decided not to continue to hike up to the upper shrine. You may want to do the same should you are there just to see the trees or running out of time. The path and stairs to the upper shrine are steeper and views are not that nice. Bus day pass entitle some discount at selected soba restaurants on Togakushi area. From the upper shrine, I walked down around 30mins to middle shrine although one can also choose to take the bus. The middle shrine is much more beautiful than the upper shrine. Several soba restaurants are nearby, check the validity of the day bus pass to enjoy discount. Overall it is a nice place to spend at least half a day. On the way down, I stopped at the Zenkoji temple to admire the amazing structures and its beautiful garden. The day bus pass also come with a separate ticket for bus fee from Zenkoji temple back to Nagano stn, although one can choose to have pleasant 30mins walk to Nagano stn.
