Top 20 Experiences in Nagano Prefecture
Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience
Your chance to become a Samurai while visiting Matsumoto Castle! What better place to have your samurai experience than in a city with an authentic castle from the feudal era? First take a tour of Matsumoto Castle designated a “National Treasure” of Japan due to its well-preserved original structure! During the tour, you will learn about the Matsumoto Samurai lords, the history of Matsumoto City and even some of the castle's defensive strategies. Then experience a live hands-on Samurai Sword Fighting activity! A Master Samurai will teach you some of these ancient fighting techniques. You can choose your own colors for your outfit which consists of a yukata (light kimono), hakama (wide-leg pants), and obi (belt). You can even select your swords! The stage and the atmosphere of the place is bound to take you on a realistic journey back in time. The perfect setting for a complete immersion into this slice of Japanese history! Activity available in English and French.
Explore Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park with a Knowledgeable Local Guide
Jigokudani Yaen-koen is home to hundreds of “snow monkeys”, known as such because they spend their days soaking in the mountainous hot springs. In 1970 they appeared on the cover of Life magazine in the U.S. due to this unique behaviour. Furthermore, in 1998, when the winter Olympic Games was held in Nagano, lots of athletes, media, and tourists from foreign countries visited. Monkeys don’t soak in the hot spring in the warm season because they bathe in order to prevent from the severe coldness in winter. Soaking in the hot spring is only one part of the monkeys’ life. You can also see them lazing or frolicking on the nearby mountain and forest.
Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano
Join our tour for a night out to feel like you are residents. Unlike Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, it will be very difficult to find where the locals go to eat and drink in Nagano. Your local expert guides take a small group of eight or even 1 guest to the nice Izakaya and backstreet bars, such as Jazz bar, Whiskey bar in Nagano city, where you can chill out and drink to continue the evening. ・More than 5 dishes + Noodles(such as Soba) ・2 Drinks included in tour price ・Local expert, personable English-speaking guides ・Hidden bar and introductions. Please let us know if you have any food restrictions beforehand.
Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour
Come to Nagano and join this experience to taste one of the best Sake in Japan. The Sake maker we’ll explore has over 300 years history and you will taste the differences between Sakes of the highest quality, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and many other seasonable Sakes. - Taste more than 5 local Sakes including Nagano’s plum wine with nibbles like soy source beans and some Japanese pickles. - Taste 3 different Amazake(non alcoholic sweet drink) -Complimentary photographs taken throughout the experience to be shared with you after the tour - You can have Nagano’s miso soup - Admission free to visit old sake factory - Explore Nagano’s laid back area around Zenkoji temple to visit some local shops - Learn and practice authentic Japanese eating style and discover other parts of Nagano - Connect with local business owners to learn the history and local culture.
Flying Squirrel Watching Tour
We will watch the wild Japanese giant flying squirrel, which is endemic to Japan and one of the biggest flying squirrels in the world. Since our professional nature guides know their life style and gliding patterns, the chances of watching their gliding is 97.8% (actual result of this tour in 2019).
1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano
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!
Chartered Private Tour - Tokyo to Nikko, Toshogu, Edo Wonderland
Create your own Nikko tour with us to explore the UNESCO-listed temples and shrines with our chauffeured private tour from Tokyo free of stress using public transportation. The tour will start from the Shinkyo Bridge connecting the human world to the spiritual holy world where Mt. Nantai is still worshipped today as one of the sacred mountains of Japan. You will learn the culture and history of the samurai by exploring the most gorgeous architecture in eastern Japan, Toshogu Shrine was built in the early 17 century as the mausoleum of the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, known as the father of the capital of Japan called EDO for 265 years until 1867. In the afternoon, you can either explore more of Nikko's nature such as using the Akechidaira ropeway, see the Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji, or have a fun time at the Edo Wonderland theme park. Ashikaga Flower Park can also be an option in this tour.
(Spring Only) 1-Day Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route Tour
With two pickup points in both Nagano City, this tour takes you to the 'Roof of Japan' and the fabled Snow Walls of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Situated in the dramatic alpine landscape of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, this is one of Japan’s most iconic and unique sights, accessible only in spring and early summer and via a series of different mountain transports. Led by an English-speaking guide, you will be accompanied on every leg of your journey to the 'Roof of Japan' and back down again – the perfect way to experience one of Japan’s more remote and stunning landscapes.
Tokyo Private Car Tour: Professional Guide and Driver/Optional airport xfer
Being surrounded by skyscrapers with the neon of Shinjuku, seeing thousands of people crossing the intersection of Shibuya, and salary-men (Japanese businessmen) going for a couple of beers after hours in Ginza, these scenes might make you feel like a Deja Vu of some scenes from "Blade Runner" or "Lost in Translation". Just next to this, in the middle of the city, you can then suddenly be in a quiet Japanese garden dating back to the 17 century, out of the noisy crowd, and relax with a cup of the traditional matcha green tea. We offer round trip transportation from your accommodation for a full day excursion that showcases the diversity of Tokyo to show you at ease the contrast of this immense capital from traditional to futuristic high-tech aspect with a private car and a private licensed guide. Please tell us about your requests upon booking or ask your guide to give you recommendations.
(Spring Only) 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano Tour
This tour combines a visit to the world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park with an afternoon of cherry blossom-viewing at some of Nagano’s best blossom sites. Known as ‘sakura’ in Japanese, the stunning flowers are a must-see for any visitor in spring, with Nagano’s countless blossom trees coming into bloom later than other areas – the perfect activity to combine with your visit to the Snow Monkeys!
Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
Kiso Valley, best known for the Magome and Tsumago traditional villages, is another beautiful spot in the Japanese Alps. With one of the most famous hiking paths in all Japan, we set foot there on our quest for traditional Japan. Magome and Tsumago are two beautifully preserved traditional villages. This value-packed Nakasendo trail day hike between Magome and Tsumago with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore both of the ancient post towns! It is about 8 kilometres (5 miles) long and has only gentle elevation changes which takes around 2 hours to easy walk at a leisurely pace. This private tour is a hiking day tour. Please wear hiking boots and gear for this tour. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.
Snow Monkey, Zenko Ji Temple, Sake in Nagano Tour
On this full-day journey, see two of the great sights close to Nagano. Discover the serene grounds of Zenko-ji, a beautiful temple famous for its ancient Buddhist statue. Before traveling down a lovely woodland walk to the home of the snow monkeys, a troop of native macaques renowned for their ability to live in the snow and bathe in the nearby hot spring. Discover Zenko-ji, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Take a break from sightseeing and have lunch & Sake testing at Monzen Terrace beautiful hotel. Visit the Snow Monkey Park to learn more about snow monkeys in their natural environment. Visit a restaurant close to Nagano and have a typical Japanese meal. Note. Total tour will be 8 to 10 hours including traveling.
Matsumoto Discovery - Half Day Walking Tour
Discover a real feudal era castle and the historical streets! Matsumoto is a city with deep-rooted living traditions and proud people who retain an ancestral way of life that we have to honor and respect! Get an introduction into Matsumoto’s past and present during a 3 hour half-day walking tour. Make your stay in Matsumoto the most unique and enjoyable experience possible! Your guide will help you enjoying the best of the city. Our half-day Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour is designed to reveal the living traditions of our city by following a different route to and from the castle, and in doing so, bring the history and tradition of the famous castle town to life! Take more than just a tour, discover ancient history and wisdom, have a unique and enlightening experience! Get a glimpse of all there is to explore in Matsumoto City!
Snow Monkey Park & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour
Visit the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), named after the plumes of steam shooting out of the ground, as well as the smell of brimstone. Not as scary as it sounds, however, it is a truly memorable experience safe for all ages. After visiting with the Monkeys we offer you the exclusive look into the historic Onsen Village of Shibu. This village was frequented by Samurai, poets, and travellers alike; all looking to recharge and heal wearied or battle-damaged bodies. Good fortune is said to come to those who bathe in each of the Onsens in town. This village is a picture from the past. As you stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional buildings, some hundreds of years old, you might just get to see some more wild monkeys as they try to scavenge food! Our professional, experienced, English-speaking staff can offer the bilingual service that ensures peace of mind and an unforgettable day tour to your already memorable holiday here in Japan!
Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano
Enjoy having Oyaki(Japanese Stuffed Dumplings) in front of a traditional Japanese sunken hearth, and also you have local sweets & Matcha tea as we walk through Zenkoji temple's town area in Nagano. - Taste 2 Oyaki(Japanese Stuffed Dumplings), Miso soup & Soba Tea in a traditional Japanese sunken hearth. - Explore Nagano's back street area, where is not on your guide book and you see 1400 years history of national treasure temple - Taste the best Nagano’s sakes with nibbles like soy source beans and some Japanese pickles. Also you can have Nagano’s miso soup - Having a Matcha tea in the traditional Japanese style tea place. - Learn and practice authentic Japanese eating style and discover other parts of Nagano outside of your guidebook. - Connect with local business owners to learn the history and local culture. *Please let us know if you have any food restrictions beforehand*
1-Day Private Snow Monkey ZenkoJi Temple & SakeTasting NaganoTour
This Tour get's you best locations trip around in Nagano including historic place and delicious Japanese Food. Our experienced Driver will get you around at your ease. Let's visualize Zenko-ji Temple, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park & delicious food at famous restaurant in Nagano area. This trip is fully customizable.
Full-Day Private Nagano Tour: Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Jigokudani Monkey Park
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).
Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way toexplore both of the ancient post towns! You can travel between Magome and Tsumago by infrequent direct bus. Nakasendo was one of the two highways during the Edo period connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, running through the Kiso Valley. Travelers at that time walked along the highway, stopping at "post towns" for rest. Some of those post towns have been well preserved and show tourists today exactly what Japan was like hundreds of years ago. Stunning forests, beautiful villages and traditions, we would love to recommend it to everyone interested in Japanese nature and history. This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis may be used. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.
Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee
Starting from Nagano City or any of the Nagano's 5 main ski resorts (Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, Madarao Kogen) , we will pick your party up in our private vehicle to take you on your private tour and drop you off back at the pick up location or in Nagano City. On this tour, you will visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and learn all about what makes the resident monkeys so unique, and enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant and experience Nagano’s renowned food culture. Guests will also have a chance to stroll the charming streets of the historic town of Obuse, and enjoy viewing its remaining Edo period buildings, as well as explore Zenko-ji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, and home to the first known Buddhist statue to be brought to Japan. A Sake tasting experience with detailed explanations from your guide is also included(non-alcoholic options available).
eTour de Matsumoto - Electric Bike Tour
Explore the city and its surroundings on this off-the-beaten-path bike tour! Far from the Japanese metropolises, enjoy a deep breath of fresh air and the magnificent landscapes of Matsumoto City. Ride an electric bicycle with your guide through the countryside of Matsumoto and discover the main historical sites of the city while enjoying a country ride through the vast fields surrounding the city. The ideal experience for all cycling enthusiasts! Matsumoto is centered in the Japanese countryside and is the ideal place to get on a bicycle for an exploration of the city and its surroundings! Beyond the city built around its historic castle, Matsumoto offers all kinds of magnificent rides. Explore the city's historic sites, take a deep breath of fresh air, as you cycle around the city, past rice fields and admire the beautiful and traditional Japanese farmhouses. You will not fail to marvel at the beauty of the landscapes, with the vast and spectacular Japanese Alps as a backdrop.