Top Things to do in Nagano
What to do and see in Nagano, Chubu: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. 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.
2. 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.
3. Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum
4. Matsushiro Zozan Chikago
5. Patio Daimon
6. Sanada House
7. Nagano City Tourist Information Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By suebww11 - Queensland, Australia
This was our 2nd visit to Nagano so we knew to visit the Centre before we did anything else. Staff are all very helpful and made sure we understood directions etc. Helpful maps and tourist info in English (and other languages).
8. Midori Nagano
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By williamsM29HU - Kobe, Japan
A department store with Tokyu Hands! Lots of departments, restaurants and takeaway stalls. The 2nd floor includes a sake/wine bar with pickles and other bar food. They have lots of gift items and Yamato Transport to send them to your hotel or home.
