6 Best Things to do in Nagano, Japan

Planning a trip to Nagano? Start here!

This mountain-filled region in the heart of Japan is packed with incredible experiences—historic temples, hidden izakayas, alpine hikes, and even hot spring–loving snow monkeys. But with so many amazing options, it can be tough to know which tours are truly worth your time (and money). But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! 

We’ve traveled Nagano extensively, exploring everything from its peaceful temple towns to its scenic mountain trails, and handpicked the best experiences to help you plan your trip with confidence. Whether you’re visiting for the food, culture, or adventure, these are the tours that showcase the very best of Nagano. Let’s dive right in!

Things to do in Nagano

1. Eat like a local in Nagano’s cozy izakayas

There’s no better introduction to a city than through its food, and Nagano is full of local flavor waiting to be discovered. For travelers who love digging into authentic dishes while learning about local culture, this small-group food and bar tour is the perfect way to get to know the city.

Your local guide leads the way through Nagano’s backstreets and hidden izakaya (Japanese pubs), introducing you to places that most visitors would never find on their own.

You’ll stop at several cozy spots for five different dishes and two drinks, sampling everything from sizzling yakitori to comforting bowls of ramen or soba. The food portions are generous enough to make a full meal—so come hungry!

Because it’s a small group, the experience feels relaxed and social, almost like joining friends for a night out. You won’t have to worry about getting lost or struggling with the menu, because your guide takes care of everything, even snapping photos along the way so you can relive the fun later.

Whether you’re looking for a memorable start to your trip or a satisfying evening on its own, this tour is a delicious way to experience Nagano’s local side!

2. Meet Japan’s famous snow monkeys

Trying to see Nagano’s most famous sights in one day can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling transport, temple etiquette, and figuring out where to eat. That’s why we joined this temple and snow monkey tour, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of our trip.

The day began at Zenko-ji Temple, a 1,400-year-old Buddhist landmark that truly feels like the spiritual heart of Nagano. Our guide, Kay, had such a warm, engaging personality and shared stories that gave real meaning to the temple’s long history and hidden traditions. After exploring, we headed to a nearby sake brewery where we sampled several varieties and learned the delicate balance of flavors that make each one unique.

Lunch came next, and it was honestly one of the most memorable meals we had in Japan—a beautifully presented bento and hot pot served in a century-old traditional home surrounded by calm countryside. It felt special, unhurried, and deeply local!

The grand finale was the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, reached by a peaceful forest trail. Watching the wild macaques soak and play in the steaming hot springs was nothing short of magical. Their calm expressions and playful splashes made it easy to see why they’re some of Japan’s most beloved residents.

The combination of culture, cuisine, and nature made this tour our absolute favorite experience in Nagano! And we’re clearly not the only ones who loved it—check out the glowing five-star reviews here to see why travelers call this the highlight of their trip!

3. Explore on a walking tour (with tasty stops along the way!)

It’s easy to walk through Nagano’s temple town without realizing how much history and flavor hide behind the shopfronts. This small-group walking tour uncovers that side of the city, blending centuries of culture with delicious local bites you won’t find anywhere else.

Led by a local guide, the tour winds through the streets surrounding Zenko-ji Temple, where you’ll stop at traditional shops and family-run stalls to try specialties like oyaki, Nagano’s famous stuffed dumplings cooked over an open hearth. 

The experience feels like stepping back in time—especially as you watch the dumplings crisp beside a cozy bonfire. Along the way, you’ll sample handmade sweets, make matcha tea served in a traditional tatami room, and even take part in a sake tasting paired with local snacks like pickled vegetables and miso soup.

What makes this tour special is how seamlessly it connects food and culture. Between tastings, your guide shares stories from Zenko-ji’s 1,400-year history, introduces you to neighborhood artisans, and shows you the quieter backstreets most visitors miss. It’s the kind of experience that reveals how everyday life and ancient tradition still blend effortlessly in Nagano.

With plenty of authentic flavors and fascinating insights packed into just a few hours, this small-group experience is a relaxed and flavorful way to discover the real Nagano—one bite at a time!

4. Take a day trip to Kamikochi and Matsumoto Castle

From historic castles to alpine rivers, this small-group day trip from Nagano feels like stepping into two completely different worlds in a single day. It makes exploring both Matsumoto and Kamikochi effortless—no transportation hassles, no tight schedules—just a smooth, well-paced adventure you can fully enjoy.

We started the day at Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles. Climbing its steep wooden stairs to the top felt like stepping straight into the samurai era, with sweeping mountain views from the upper floor. 

Afterward, we wandered through the quirky Nawate Shopping District, nicknamed “Frog Street,” where every corner hides a charming shop or café (and yes—lots of frog-themed souvenirs!).

From there, the scenery changed completely as we drove into the Japanese Alps to explore Kamikochi. The walk along the crystal-clear Azusa River, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, was peaceful and breathtaking. With only a small group, we had time to soak in the views, chat with our guide, and even stop for coffee by the river.

This tour was the perfect blend of nature, culture, and convenience. We can see why so many travelers rave about it—scroll through the stellar five-star reviews here to see why it’s one of the top-rated day trips from Nagano!

Related Read: Need help planning your trip? Check out our 1 or 2-day Nagano itinerary, which includes some of these top activities and our personal recommendations!

5. Hike the scenic Nakasendo Trail

It’s easy to romanticize hiking through the Japanese Alps until you realize how tricky it can be to navigate rural trails, catch the right local buses, and still have time to actually enjoy the scenery. Booking this private hike on the Nakasendo Trail turned out to be such a great choice—it combined gentle exercise, rich history, and incredible scenery all in one day.

Our guide, Hiroshi, was incredibly knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and genuinely kind. He brought the route’s history to life with fascinating stories about the travelers who once journeyed between Kyoto and Tokyo. He even organized thoughtful touches along the way, like a stop for a comforting soba lunch and a visit to the Wakihonjin Museum in Tsumago. 

The walk itself was peaceful and scenic, starting in Magome, with its sloping stone paths and wooden homes, and ending in Tsumago, one of Japan’s best-preserved post towns. We passed waterfalls, forested stretches, and quiet hamlets, each revealing something new about rural life in Japan. 

Having a private guide made it even better—we could take our time, enjoy the views at our own pace, and really soak in the quiet beauty of the countryside.

By the end of the day, we felt both accomplished and inspired! The mix of peaceful scenery, fascinating history, and Hiroshi’s thoughtful guidance made this hike an experience we’ll never forget. 

6. Sip and stroll your way through Nagano’s best sake spots

If you’ve ever been curious about Japan’s national drink, there’s no better place to experience it than Nagano. This small-group sake tasting tour is more than just sipping—it’s a journey into centuries of craftsmanship, flavor, and local pride.

Led by an expert guide, you’ll explore the quiet streets surrounding Zenko-ji Temple, stopping at local shops and shrines before stepping inside a 300-year-old sake maker for a tasting that’s both educational and delicious. 

Here, you’ll sample more than five different sakes, including premium unfiltered and unpasteurized varieties, as well as seasonal blends and a sweet plum wine unique to Nagano. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn how subtle differences in ingredients and technique can completely transform the flavor.

You’ll also try Amazake, a traditional non-alcoholic rice drink, and enjoy local nibbles like soy beans, pickles, and a comforting bowl of Nagano miso soup—a perfect pairing for the crisp sake. Plus, a visit to an old, unused sake factory, built over a century ago, offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s historic brewing process.

With its mix of culture, taste, and tradition, this small-group tour stands out as one of the most authentic ways to experience Nagano. It’s an intimate, flavorful experience that connects you directly to the city’s heritage, sip by sip!

Where to Stay in Nagano

We loved staying in Nagano’s historic center. It put us right in the action of sights, ancient temples, and amazing food. Plus, the historic charm had us swooning! I’d highly recommend booking your hotel in advance, especially if you’re trying to visit during the winter to see the snow monkeys. If these hotels are still available when you’re ready to book, they are our top picks for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay.

Sauna Villa – $$$

Tucked just 15 minutes on foot from Zenko-ji Temple, Sauna Villa is more than just a place to sleep—it’s a full-on wellness escape. Each suite here feels like your own little retreat, complete with a private kitchen, sleek bathroom, and some even have an in-room sauna or open-air bath. 

There’s a hot tub, sun terrace, and garden too, so you can totally lean into that slow, rejuvenating pace of the historic center. Suites typically range from ¥42,000 to ¥108,000 per night ($280 to $720 USD), depending on room size and features. Free cancellation is available too, which is always a nice bonus!

Check prices and availability for Sauna Villa here!

Kokusai 21 International Hotel – $$

If you’re after comfort, convenience, and a bit more space to stretch out, Kokusai 21 International Hotel is a solid choice right in the heart of the historic center. The rooms are way more spacious than your typical Japanese hotel, and some even come with city views or spa tubs! 

It’s an easy 15-minute stroll to Zenko-ji Temple, and the hotel also offers a free shuttle to and from Nagano Station, which is such a nice touch if you’re arriving with luggage. Prices usually fall between ¥15,000 and ¥67,500 per night ($100 to $450 USD), with upgrades available for bigger suites.

This spot fills up fast—check availability and book your stay here!

Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan – $

If you’re after that classic ryokan experience without breaking the bank, Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan is an absolute gem. Located just a two-minute walk from Zenko-ji Temple, it’s one of the best-located stays in the area—perfect for early temple visits or a peaceful evening stroll under the lanterns. 

Rooms are traditional, with tatami floors, futon beds, and shoji screens, and you can choose between shared or private bathrooms depending on your budget. There’s even a small public bath on-site if you want to soak after a day of exploring. Rates start around ¥16,500 per night ($110 USD), with options that include both breakfast and dinner.

Snag this budget-friendly stay near Zenko-ji here!

Related Read: For even more options, see our guide on Where to Stay in Nagano for the best areas and our recommended hotels, plus our list of the best onsen hotels in Nagano for easy, on-site soaking

Thanks for reading!

While the Snow Monkey Park is a huge reason for visiting Nagano, we were happy to discover so many other fun activities in this city! We loved strolling through the historic center, seeing ancient temples, and finding centuries-old buildings. Plus, getting out into nature is easy, and we found some amazing restaurants. Needless to say, there is a lot to do in Nagano!

If you need help planning more of your travels, check out all of our Japan blogs here! We love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers, so I’ll leave a few related blogs below to help you plan your next adventure.

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