Top Things to do in Nagano
What to do and see in Nagano, Chubu: The Best Scenic Railroads
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Japan Adventure - 13 Day
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
From the neon lights of buzzing Tokyo to ancient temples on snowy mountain tops, Japan is a feast for the senses and INTRO is the most amazing way to experience it! You’ll walk the streets of one of the world’s busiest and most futuristic cities, watch monkeys bathe in hot springs, roll your own sushi, visit ancient shrines and castles, get taught to wield a sword by a Samurai master, stay overnight with monks in a 1000 year old Buddhist temple, experience incredible and unique accommodation and much more! With an awesome group leader from the moment you arrive at the hotel, an instant group of friends and help with all your onward travel. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, 12 Nights Accommodation, All Transport, Awesome Group Leader, Help with Onward Travel, Tokyo City Tour, Nightlife, Traditional Japanese Style Accom, Ancient Temples & Shrines, Fish Markets, Sushi Class, Sake Tasting & Brewery, Jigokudani Snow Monkeys, Shiga Kogen National Park, Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Cruise, Mount Fuji Cable Car Views, Osaka Castle Visit, Overnight Stay at Buddhist Temple, Meditation & Night Temple Walk, Morning Prayer & Fire Ceremony, Arishiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion Temple, Fushimi Inari Temple, Samurai Experience
Exclusions: Flights, Some Meals, Travel Insurance, Visas
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. 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. 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. 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
9. Nagano 5-Day Pass
Nagano 5-Day Pass is a ticket that allows you to fully enjoy the trains in the surrounding area including Nagano, Shinano, Ueda, Matsumoto. Nagano Prefecture is located in the central part of Honshu, Japan, and is called the roof of Japan. Take a trip to Nagano, one of Japan's most precious spas and treasures of history and culture. You can also observe wild monkeys enjoying hot springs in Jikkudaniya Enkoen during the winter season. ----------------------- Coverage Area: ----------------------- [[Shinano Electric Railway (しなの鉄道)]] -- Karizawa Station (軽井沢駅) - Shino noi Station (篠ノ井駅) -- Nagano Station (長野駅) to Myogogo Kogen Station (妙高高原駅) [[Nagano Electric Railway (長野電鉄)]] -- Nagano Station (長野駅) - Yudanagawa Station (湯田中駅) -- Ueda Electric Railway (上田電鉄) [[Ueda Station (上田駅) - Bessho Onsen Station (別所温泉駅)]] -- Matsumoto Station (松本駅) - Shinshigashima Station (新島々駅)
Inclusions: Nagano 5-day Pass, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Subway section not included, Personal expenses, Individual traveler insurance
Reviewed By lorrainechallenor
The tour guide was not needed if we were given a map of the theme park. I was looking forward to looking at the Winery but oh what a disappointment, Just a few empty barrels and at the end of the short walk through the walk way to the wine bar. No free samples and certainly did not have a french feel with a picture of St Marks Square Italy. Would have liked to look around the gardens but was hurried to the next cable car to the the top to the theme park not impressed. I had high hopes for this trip but felt let down., More toilet stops on the way there would have been good due to medication I struggled. More for families. Disney land and still building work being carried out. Would advise not to go but go to and spend more time at Hue, I did like the views on the cable cars going up and down.
10. 3-Day Private Tokyo and Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Tsukiji Market and Bullet Train
Take the bullet train to Nagano, round-trip from Tokyo, and explore both cities with a knowledgeable private guide. You’ll get an authentic taste of Japanese customs as you watch vendors selling seafood at Tsukiji Market, enjoy an Izakaya-style dinner at a Tokyo restaurant and tour the Zenkoji Temple. Soak in an amazing ‘onsen’ (hot springs bath), and be entertained by the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park. This private three-day tour is an ideal way to experience Japan’s cultural and culinary delights.
Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Round trip Bullet train rides and all necessary public transport fee, English speaking guide, 2 night accommodation and entrance fee to the monkey park
Exclusions: Gratuities (optional)
Reviewed By sarahcM8539YQ
The session with Noriko was great and I recommend it even if you are worried about virtual experience. I have done several virtual tours but this was the best one full of excellent information. Noriko answered all my questions had great food and sake information to deliver.
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