Top Things to do in Nagano
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Things to do in Nagano, Chubu: The Best Multi-day Tours
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. 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!
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. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
