Location: Nagano Prefecture
Top Things to do in Nagano Prefecture
Top Hotels in Nagano Prefecture
Things to do in Nagano Prefecture, Chubu: The Best Historical & Heritage 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. Matsumoto Private One Day Tour from Nagano with Tour Guide and Private Vehicle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
On this full day private tour, visit the city of Matsumoto with your tour guide. Enjoy the historical Matsumoto Castle, the unique streets of Nawate and Nakamachi and see Daio Wasasbi Farm, the largest wasabi farm in Japan in the tranquil Hotaka Town.
Inclusions: Transportation within Matsumoto City (either public transportation or private chartered vehicle), Trip to Matsumoto Castle, Nawate Street, Daio Wasabi Farm and more, Flexibility to customize your itinerary according to your preferences.
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.
3. 2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano to Takayama via Matsumoto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Situated between the popular destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto, the mountainous of region of Nagano is the literal heart of Japan and a road less travelled by many international visitors. This tour combines some of the region’s most iconic destinations - including the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, the 1400-year old Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, and the historic old town of Takayama - with the unforgettable experience of being driven through Japan’s Northern Alps, a place of high mountain peaks and rarefied beauty. With English-speaking guide, lunch, and full-service accommodation on Day 1 followed by hotel pick-up and transport to Matsumoto and Takayama, including hotel drop-off, on Day 2, this tour captures the history and beauty of central Japan with the convenience and comfort of one easy package.
Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Transportation from Nagano to all listed destinations, ending at Takayama, Snow Monkey Park entrance fee, Sake tasting, Accommodation at Hotel Kokusai 21 on Day 1 (inc. breakfast on Day 2), Matsumoto Castle entrance fee on Day 2, English-speaking guide & transport on Day 1, Driver & transport on Day 2
Exclusions: Dinner on Day 1 & Day 2, Accommodation in Takayama, Shinkansen/bullet train tickets, English-speaking guide on Day 2
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!
4. Explore Kiso Valley : Magome - Tsumago Mountain Trail Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Nakasendo was formerly known as the Higashisendo and connects Kyoto and the eastern provinces including present day Tokyo. It was one of five highways created within a 7 year period from 1601 along with the Tokaido, Nikko, Oshu, and Koshu. This tour is a 5 hour mountain trail walk that traverses along a 9km trail that connects the two most beautiful post towns along the Nakasendo - Magome-Juku and Tsumago-Juku. Both towns still retain their medieval flare. Your guide will show you the commercial town in the Tono region that flourished when the highway was active. From cobbled roads going through Magome-Juku, the view of Mt. Ena, a quaint teahouse on a mountain pass, and beautiful mountain village scenery around Tsumago-Juku, there is no doubt that you will feel like you've been transported back to medieval Japan.
Inclusions: English Guide, Bus Ticket, Entrance Fee
Exclusions: Food & Drink
Reviewed By lenorer9950
Tomomi, our tour guide was so well informed. Plus gave us great tips on other things to do & places to visit - great bonus!
5. 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 194 reviews
Take in some of the highlights of Nagano with this engaging tour starting with a visit to Zenko-ji Temple – one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan - followed by sake tasting and lunch at a nearby restaurant. It's then time to head to the Snow Monkey Park and its world-famous hot spring-bathing monkeys! All led by a locally-based English-speaking guide, this tour is a great way to see the best that Nagano has to offer and get up close and personal with its most famous furry residents! From Dec.1st 2020 until Mar.15 2021 guests based in Hakuba have the option of joining this tour by using our morning shuttle service from the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal*. Departing at 08:20, our staff will have you board the tour bus and begin your journey toward the Snow Monkey Park. *Please note, that the guide will join the tour from JR Nagano Station.
Inclusions: Transportation fee from Nagano to the Snow Monkey Park and between activities/attractions, Lunch (vegetarian and vegan options available, please try to let us know in advance), Sake tasting, English-speaking guide
Exclusions: Shinkansen/bullet train tickets, Entry to paid attractions at Zenko-ji , Additional food, snacks and 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!
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. Nakasendo self-guided walking tour 2 days
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Over the course of two days of an easy walk (self-guided tour) along the Nakasendo road and one overnight stay at a Minshuku (family run lodging), immerse yourself in Japan's folkloric landscapes between the villages of Nakatsugawa and Tsumago. During Japan's feudal period (1603-1868), the Nakasendo road was one of the five routes that linked the economic hub, Tokyo, to the imperial capital, Kyoto. Unlike the Tokaido road, which was replaced by today's Shinkansen train, the Nakasendo was saved from rampant modernization and still upholds an old-fashioned charm. Created by general Tokugawa in order to assert his political domination, the route spans a distance of 534 kilometers and includes 69 rest stops. Its name literally means "mountain road" and is a means of communication in case of a large flood on the Tokaido: the coastal road. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Inclusions: 1 night overnight accommodation at family run traditional Japanese inn, 1 Japanese breakfast, 1 Japanese dinner, Detailed day-by-day itinerary and directions (PDF), Detailed walking map (Google Map), Local support by telephone
Exclusions: Activities entrance fees, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guide, Drinks, Lunches, Travel insurance, Train tickets according to itinerary (*if NO TRAIN option selected), Luggage delivery
Reviewed By davegoodrich
It was our first time in Japan and we decided to have a tour guide for our first day in Kyoto. Pierre was very nice, guiding with patience and enthusiasm. He shows us many beautiful temple that was not in any guide book, and we could feel a zen atmosphere. We realize after three days here, that it is not so easy to find beauty and calm in this really touristic city, Pierre knew those unknown temple, this is why we definitely recommend him.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Mt.Fuji Full-Day Private Tour By Public Transportation
Would you like to enjoy Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site? You can enjoy a guided sightseeing tour only with your family and friends. This is a tour using public transportation from Tokyo. Guides and you go to the destination by limited trains or Express buses. This tour includes Lake Kawaguchi, Oshino Ninja Village and Oshino Hakkai. You can also ride on Kachi Kachi ropeway to the observation platform where you can see the magnificent and beautiful Mt. Fuji. For more information on destinations, please see the what to expect, inclusions and exclusions section of this web page.
Inclusions: English speaking professional guide, Private tour, Hotel pick up and drop off
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Transportation to/from (customers), Admission fee(customers)
Reviewed By Melannew
Yoshi was a great tour guide. He tells a lot of stories and takes you to your desired places and then some. We went to the National Gardens, stopped to say hi to Hachiko, and went to the Chiku Chiku Cafe. The Hedgehogs were so cute! They're usually nocturnal and the one I was visiting, Butter, was really tired and wanted to sleep so I only took a couple pictures and let him rest the rest of the time :) Take care Yoshi! Hope you have more fun adventures
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