Location: Nagano Prefecture
Top Things to do in Nagano Prefecture
Top Hotels in Nagano Prefecture
Things to do in Nagano Prefecture, Chubu: The Best Cultural Tours
Nagano Prefecture (長野県, Nagano-ken) is a landlocked prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region on the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Nagano. Due to the abundance of mountain ranges in this area, the land available for inhabitance is relatively limited.
Restaurants in Nagano Prefecture
1. 1-Day Togakushi Forest Shrines & Mountain Ninja Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Sitting just outside Nagano City, the forests of Togakushi are home to some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines - a place linked to the very creation myths of Japan itself and the mountain refuge of the Togakure Ninja. This engaging tour takes you along short sections of the pilgrimage trails of the ‘Togakushi Kodo’ and deep into myth and legend. Including visits to two of the most important shrines, the Togakushi Ninja Museum and ending at the grand avenue of giant cedars.
Inclusions: English-speaking guide, Transport from/to Nagano Station & Togakushi using public bus, Lunch, Entry ticket to the Togakushi Ninja Museum, Guided tour at all listed attractions
Exclusions: Shinkansen/Bullet Train ticket, Accommodation, Additional food, snacks & drinks
Reviewed By LyceTherece
AMAZING Valentine's Day! Our guide (Peter, I believe) was absolutely fantastic, offering information, fun facts and history at every turn. He went above and beyond to make our experience wonderful, and it was, despite abnormally warm weather keeping the monkeys away from the onsen, and COVID precautions causing an early end to the lantern festival. Our guide was super knowledgeable and helpful, and went above and beyond to provide a memorable tour for us all. He was the epitome of the hospitality and kindness that I love so much about Japan!
2. Nagano Like a Local: Customized Private Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Get to know the city through the eyes of a passionate local. With no set itinerary, you can customize the tour or leave it up to the local for an insightful introduction to the city. Make travel about the people you meet not just the places you see.
Inclusions: Local guide ("Lokafyer", Customized private walking tour
Exclusions: Personal expenses, Tips and gratuities (optional), Optional activity costs, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from attractions (It’s a walking tour, car transportation isn’t included)
3. Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
See the real Japan and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites. You'll walk through busy streets, ride the bullet train, and enjoy local foods. Each tour is customized to fit the preferences of the group.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 559janies
My 2 friends and I went on the beginners Spring Tour 2019 for our first trip to Japan. We loved it and can't wait to go back! Becky and Shawn are awesome. They were so down to earth, helpful and very knowledgeable. I also really liked that the tour group is small. It allows you to get to know your fellow group members and ensures personal attention from your guides. We saw so many large tour groups at tour sites and they looked a little chaotic, it made me happy we chose a small group. The accommodations were always clean and comfortable and located perfectly. Food was amazing!!! If you are willing to try new things you can have an amazing gourmet experience. The events and locations that Becky and Shawn chose were top notch and we got to experience all different modes of transportation while there.
4. Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
See the real Japan and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites. You'll walk through busy streets, ride the bullet train, and enjoy local foods. Each tour is customized to fit the preferences of the group.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast
Exclusions: Travel Insurance, Airfare
Reviewed By 559janies
My 2 friends and I went on the beginners Spring Tour 2019 for our first trip to Japan. We loved it and can't wait to go back! Becky and Shawn are awesome. They were so down to earth, helpful and very knowledgeable. I also really liked that the tour group is small. It allows you to get to know your fellow group members and ensures personal attention from your guides. We saw so many large tour groups at tour sites and they looked a little chaotic, it made me happy we chose a small group. The accommodations were always clean and comfortable and located perfectly. Food was amazing!!! If you are willing to try new things you can have an amazing gourmet experience. The events and locations that Becky and Shawn chose were top notch and we got to experience all different modes of transportation while there.
5. Full-Day Private Nagano Tour: Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Jigokudani Monkey Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
On this tour, spend a full-day in Nagano exploring the city and enjoying what this quaint town has to offer. Your English-speaking tour guide will pick you up from your hotel or Nagano Train Station at 8:45 AM. You will either take public transportation (train and bus) or private chartered vehicle around town based on your booking. Immerse yourself in the city's culture and visit major Nagano attractions such as Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, the famous Zenkoji Temple, Chikuma River, Obuse Town, and relax in a traditional onsen/ hot spring (optional).
Inclusions: Private tour with English-speaking (or other available language) tour guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels within Central Nagano only), Transportation within Nagano City , Fuel surcharge
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Onsen (hot spring) fee: 700 JPY per person, Other optional activities for guests .
Reviewed By 926maggieh
While we were sad to have to cancel our July trip to Japan due to the pandemic, we found the process of working with Japan Awaits to be easy and efficient. I can't speak to the full experience since we weren't able to go, but filling out the form and our communication with the company was no problem. And their prompt and courteous response to our request for a refund speaks to their professionalism. We will definitely come back to ask for their help in procuring tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum when we do finally make it to Japan! Fingers crossed for next summer.
6. Nagano Private Two Day Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 27 reviews
Enjoy a 2-day, 1 night trip in Nagano where you will spend one full day with an English-speaking guide taking you around the city—enjoying attractions such as snow monkeys, the famous Zenkoji Temple and later relaxing at a traditional onsen (hot springs) and enjoying a traditional Japanese multi-course (kaiseki) dinner at a traditional Japanese ryokan (hotel). On the second day after checking out of the hotel, spend the free day snowboarding/ skiing or spend more time exploring the city on your own (without tour guide), or book one of the add-on second-day tours with us.
Inclusions: Private tour with local tour guide (tour guide on the first day only, the second day is free day without tour guide), Breakfast, Dinner, Transportation within Nagano City on the first day (public transport or chartered vehicle options), Onsen (hot springs) experience at hotel. Please note that the onsen is within the hotel and may not be connected to your room (there may be times when there is no onsen within your hotel, but you will have access to the onsen in the area of the ryokan). For private onsen experience, it is available at additional cost at the ryokan (usually around 1500 to 2500 JPY for 1 hour), Overnight accommodation at traditional Japanese hotel (ryokan) rated at 3 Stars (or 4 - 5 Star hotel option is available at checkout)
Exclusions: Lunch, snacks and drinks, Optional activities, Add-on experiences on the second day (available at booking), Private onsen experience (additional cost for private experience at ryokan), Gratuities
Reviewed By 926maggieh
While we were sad to have to cancel our July trip to Japan due to the pandemic, we found the process of working with Japan Awaits to be easy and efficient. I can't speak to the full experience since we weren't able to go, but filling out the form and our communication with the company was no problem. And their prompt and courteous response to our request for a refund speaks to their professionalism. We will definitely come back to ask for their help in procuring tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum when we do finally make it to Japan! Fingers crossed for next summer.
7. Matsumoto Private One Day Tour
Explore Matsumoto at your own pace and to your own interests on this full-day private guided tour. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's best-preserved castles, then explore surrounding streets, including quirky "Frog Street," known for its abundance of frog products. Afterward, visit tranquil Hotaka Town, home to Japan’s largest wasabi farm where you can try wasabi ice-cream and visit nearby Hotaka Shrine.
Inclusions: Transportation within Matsumoto City (either public transportation or private chartered vehicle), Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off within Matsumoto, Flexibility to customize your itinerary according to your preferences, Trip to Matsumoto Castle, Nawate Street, Daio Wasabi Farm and more
Exclusions: Meals, snacks and drinks, Optional Activities in Matsumoto
Reviewed By 926maggieh
While we were sad to have to cancel our July trip to Japan due to the pandemic, we found the process of working with Japan Awaits to be easy and efficient. I can't speak to the full experience since we weren't able to go, but filling out the form and our communication with the company was no problem. And their prompt and courteous response to our request for a refund speaks to their professionalism. We will definitely come back to ask for their help in procuring tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum when we do finally make it to Japan! Fingers crossed for next summer.
8. Old Nakasendo trekking from Karuizawa-Beyond Sugahi Pass to Sakamoto Hotel-
Walk past Karuizawa inn from the former Nakayama Road to the Sakamoto inn. Sui Hui is a place that was once said to be the most difficult place in Zhongshan Road. At the top of the Usui Pass, you can see the view point of the Kanto plains panoramic view and the Kumano Imperial Shrine, which is famous for its power spots. After that, while going down the borge weir, we aim for Sakamoto inn while passing "Yamanaka teahouse ruins", "Sakamoto inn" with a panoramic view "Nagi". At the end of the trekking we will stop by and guide you to the hot spring "Kotonoyu". Slowly bathe in the hot spring, but if you are on your way back to Yokogawa Station, return to Karuizawa by bus.
Inclusions: Guide fee, travel insurance
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Jq C
made a day trip from tokyo. need alot of planning to ensure you get there. shinkansen-local train-bus. be prepared to walk.. easily 30 mins in and another 30 mins out. but once you see them... you will be captivated by them.
9. Tour with a dedicated car! Visiting the basic tourist spots in Karuizawa (half-day course / English / Chinese guide)
We recommend visiting Karuizawa sightseeing spots for those who want to go around sightseeing spots in Karuizawa efficiently in a short time, or for the first time in Karuizawa. A local taxi driver guides you through the sights. Karuizawa is a course where you can experience the history, culture, and nature of Karuizawa, starting with the former Karuizawa area, which is the birthplace of Karuizawa, to the power spot "Kumano imperial shrine" and the scenic spot "Kumoba Pond".
Inclusions: Private transportation, Guide fee, travel insurance
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Jq C
made a day trip from tokyo. need alot of planning to ensure you get there. shinkansen-local train-bus. be prepared to walk.. easily 30 mins in and another 30 mins out. but once you see them... you will be captivated by them.
10. Private Full Day Magome &Tsumago Walking Tour from Nagoya
Visit the best parts of Japan with a English speaking guide. You will be taken to the Magome-juku, where you'll see a scene that very much resembles how the post town looked in the Edo period hundreds of years ago. Walk along a well preserved trail as a part of the historical Nakasendo Road between Kyoto and Edo (the old name for Tokyo) where Daimyo lords traveled about 200-300 years ago.The tour will also go to Tsumago-juku which has row of historic buildings that should not be missed. Take a photos of the traditional Japanese scenary, then your tour will end at your hotel.
Inclusions: Landing and facility fees, Lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified
Reviewed By Yvo51
Dreadful value for money. We spent £450 for something which would have cost less than £50 for entry and travel. The tour suggests driver and guide to cover a lot of sightseeing on the same day. We got picked up at the hotel and dropped at the ferry. The people were nice. The taxi could not take the ferry - though other cars did! We then walked for about 2.5 hours through the shops and to the shrine at Miyajima and back to the ferry. We a nice lunch at the Ferry Port in the Hiroshima side which we paid for) and then got picked up at the same ferry port and taken to the peace museum and then on to the A dome about 2pm. We had a lift to the A dome which they had expected that we might have walked. Its not that far but we were tight on time and i was tired b It was already 4pm so we missed the castle, they did offer it but we had had enough as the info we were getting was better said when read in english at the museum. The guide meant we did not get the audio at the museum which would have been far more informative than telling us what we were reading or looking at. I would have preferred to do the peace museum before the crowds came into town at 9/10am. It was so full at 2pm to move around, it was like leaving a football stadium or concert. In hindsight, our JR pass made the ferry free ( they refunded that) and a tram would have done it all for a day pass of 600 yen each. I feel completely ripped off and so disappointed. The English was learnt to share info but not to answer questions which were never understood or answered, we supply gave up engaging. Don't take this tour. The price is seriously inflated and not made up with the quality of the product.
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