Nagano

Tours

Join a full-day trip to experience a blend of natural beauty and unique culture from a meeting point in Osaka or Kyoto. Take in the magnificent vistas of Amanohashidate, seek blessings at Chionji Temple, and uncover the secrets of Kyoto at the boathouses of Ine. Accompanied by your guide and driver, venture to Amanohashidate, a sand bar known as one of Japan's three most scenic views. Stretching 3.6 km along the Japan Sea and Amanohashidate Bay, this masterpiece of nature has been formed by coastal sedimentation, adorned with around 8,000 pine trees. Admire white sandy beaches to the east and west – a truly unique natural landscape. See how the shape resembles a bridge reaching towards the sky, giving it the name “Amanohashidate” or Heaven's Bridge. Soak in pure natural beauty and ocean views of the islands. If you wish, take a cable car to Mt. Monju to behold Amanohashidate from an observation deck at your expense. From this vantage point, see Amanohashidate shaped like a dragon soaring into the sky, earning it the name “View of the Flying Dragon”. Enjoy a sightseeing car and attractions designed for all ages. Next, head to the Chionji Temple, also known as Bussharado (a temple for academic success). The temple's gate is the largest in the Tango region. Observe the unique fan-shaped omikuji (fortune-telling paper). When hung upside down, the width of the fan varies, symbolizing gradual improvement. Nearby, see the revolving bridge connecting Amanohashidate and Bussharado on land. When large ships need to pass, the bridge rotates 90 degrees to allow them through. Or head to the Amanohashidate Hot Springs to relax in natural spring waters with a view. Give the outdoor foot bath a try for free. Finally, journey to the charming world of Ine Boathouses, one of Kyoto's hidden gems. Marvel at the small fishing village renowned for its traditional boat-house architecture. Explore Ine on foot or by bicycle, or feed seagulls by boat , all while appreciating the coastal scenery.

Take in some of the highlights of Nagano on 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 local restaurant. It’s then time to head to the world-renowned Snow Monkey Park! This troop of monkeys are the only monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs. Watching them live their best life in close proximity is a wonderful experience unlike any other. Led by a locally based English-speaking guide, this tour is a great way to see the best that Nagano has to offer. Meet your tour guide at Nagano Station at 9:35 AM. For guests traveling from Hakuba, from December through March, your journey can begin with a shuttle from Hakuba Tokyu Hotel (Wadano area) at 7:40 AM OR Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal at 7:55 AM. Please be at your chosen pickup point in advance of the meetup time as the tour must depart on-time. This tour is scheduled to conclude at Nagano Station by 17:30 (and by 18:45 for guests joining from Hakuba in winter).

The tour begins at JR Nagano Station at 8:15 AM. Your guide will greet all guests and quickly have you on your way toward the historic city of Matsumoto. Arriving around 09:45 AM, your guide will lead you to Matsumoto Castle one of Nagano’s most impressive cultural sites, known for its structural beauty set against a splendid mountain backdrop. Before making your way to the castle. Explore the famous "Frog Street" Nawate-Dori. Home to more than 50 shops, restaurants, and cafes most famous for selling all things frog-related. At the castle you will be guided into the castle grounds as your guide reveals the history and features which make it so lauded, before giving you time to explore for yourself. It’s then time to head high into the mountains, as you are transported into the Northern Alps and onto Kamikochi. Situated 1500 meters above sea level deep within the Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is famous for its pristine natural state, beautiful rivers and ponds, lush forests, and dramatic mountain peaks rising to over 3000 meters. The next few hours are yours to enjoy as choose. You can choose to stroll further along the river or sit at a café or restaurant, and simply take in the view. At 5:30 PM the tour bus will depart and begin the journey back toward Nagano.

Meet your guide at JR Nagano Station and board the tour bus to begin your journey to the fabled Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Arriving at Ogisawa Station around 10:15, prepare for your ascent before boarding the Kanden Tunnel trolley bus at 11:00, the first of a variety of mountain transports you will utilize to reach the summit. Your first stop is the Kurobe Dam. Constructed between 1956 and 1963, this immense structure required the labor of up to 10 million people and is Japan's highest dam. A source of national pride and emblematic of man's attempts to conquer nature, enjoy some time to admire the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains before starting the next leg of your journey toward the summit. Next, head to the Tateyama Ropeway. Spanning 1700 meters, you will be transported upward to the final stop of Daikanbo, before taking the final trolley bus to Murodo. At 2450 meters, this is Japan's highest station – an isolated outpost in an inhospitable, dramatic landscape. Stroll through the iconic snow corridor which rises up 20 meters above you. Enjoy 1.5 to 2 hours of free time to stroll around the area, with enough time to visit the museums before beginning the journey back to Nagano.

This tour takes you from JR Nagano Station to the world-famous Jigokudani snow monkeys and to some of the most beloved cherry blossom viewing spots in Nagano. Seeing the blooming cherry blossoms (called hanami in Japanese) is one of the most Japanese things one can do whilst being in the land of the rising sun. Located in a chilly, mountainous region, northern Nagano’s blossoms start blooming later than those in cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. Every year, the blossoms normally come into bloom from the middle of April. Nagano is not as famous as an aforementioned city but has many lovely places where you can see the brightly colored flowers. If you wish to get off the beaten track and see the wild monkeys and cherry blossoms on the same day, this tour is perfect for you. First, you will be taken to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can observe the wild Japanese macaques at an incredibly close distance. April is generally the month when newborn babies arrive to the Jigokudani monkey troop. Usually there are 20 to 30 babies born every spring, and it’s endearing to see the newborns taking their first step and climb. After being filled by a Japanese lunch, the tour will take you to the hanami spots where cherry blossoms can be seen. The spots are selected depending on the degree of bloom of the blossoms on the tour date. Each spot has different types of cherry blossoms with overall more than 500 to 1000 sakura trees. Experience the yearly tradition to welcome spring in full. After enjoying the cherry blossoms, you will be taken to the train that takes you back to JR Nagano Station. The tour is scheduled to conclude at JR Nagano Station by 6:30 PM. Don’t miss this special opportunity to witness Japan’s beautiful spring.

Experience the cultural and natural wonders of Nagano Prefecture on a captivating day tour that showcases its rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey at Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano City, an ancient Buddhist temple dating back over 1,400 years. Explore its revered halls and the hidden Amida Buddha statue, a symbol of spiritual devotion and pilgrimage. Next, venture into the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park to visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, where Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, delight visitors by bathing in natural hot springs amidst snow-covered mountains. Witness their playful antics and capture the serene beauty of this unique wildlife sanctuary. Continue to the picturesque town of Obuse, steeped in artistic heritage and renowned for its ties to the legendary artist Katsushika Hokusai. Visit the Hokusai Museum to admire his iconic works, including "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," and explore the town's traditional streets lined with sake breweries and shops offering local specialties like "kuri manju," sweet chestnut-filled buns. Delve into Nagano's feudal past at Matsushiro Castle Ruins, once a strategic stronghold of the Sanada clan during Japan's Warring States period. Wander through the remains of the castle complex, discovering stone walls and defensive structures that speak of centuries-old military history and samurai traditions. Conclude your day tour in Shibu Onsen, a serene village renowned for its therapeutic hot springs and traditional ryokan inns. Immerse yourself in the restorative waters at one of the many public bathhouses, each offering a unique bathing experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps. This day trip through Nagano Prefecture offers a harmonious blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, providing unforgettable experiences at every turn. Whether you seek spiritual enlightenment, historical intrigue, artistic inspiration, or simply relaxation in natural hot springs, Nagano promises to captivate and inspire with its diverse attractions and timeless charm.

Experience the essence of Nagano Prefecture with our exclusive full-day private tour, designed to immerse you in the cultural and natural wonders of this region. Our itinerary ensures you spend one hour at each captivating destination or you can Customized itineraries maximize enjoyment and ensure a personalized journey. Zenko-ji Temple: Begin your day with a visit to Zenko-ji Temple, a spiritual haven and one of Japan's most important pilgrimage sites. Jigokudani Monkey Park: Journey to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can observe wild snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs—a unique and unforgettable sight. Obuse: Explore the charming town of Obuse, renowned for its traditional miso production and historical significance. Nagano Prefecture: Discover the scenic beauty and rich history of Nagano Prefecture as you travel through its picturesque landscapes. Matsushiro Castle Ruins: Step back in time at Matsushiro Castle Ruins, a testament to Nagano's feudal past and a site of historical intrigue. Shibu Onsen: Conclude your journey at Shibu Onsen, a historic hot spring village known for its relaxing waters and traditional architecture. This meticulously planned tour ensures you experience the best of Nagano's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical landmarks, all in the comfort of a private setting with expert guidance throughout your exploration.

Join a guided hike of the historical Nakasendo walking trail from the well-preserved old Japanese town of Tsumago to Magome with roundtrip transportation from Matsumoto. Pass by eateries, souvenir shops, Japanese inns, and waterfalls along the way. Meet your guide in Matsumoto Station and be led to the tour bus to begin the journey to the Kiso Valley. Sit back and soak in the scenery on the way to Tsumago. Make a stop at a Japanese Michi-no-Eki, or a roadside service area. Leaving the Michi-no-Eki, continue to Tsumago, a well-preserved, rustic town of wooden buildings and mountain views. Be rewarded with a glimpse into Japan’s past. Enter one of the many buildings that are open to the public to see the lifestyle this town once followed. Follow your guide around on a walk and stay entertained and informed the whole way. After everyone has finished up at Tsumago-juku, it is time to start the 8 km hike to Magome. Keep an eye out for wildlife of various kinds – birds, lizards, and maybe even deer or badgers. Along the way, you will see parts of the path lined with cobblestones from the Edo Era (1600-1868), when this road was one of the major transportation connections between what is now Tokyo and Kyoto. Observe how the path now imparts an atmosphere of tranquility rather than bustling commerce. On the trail, find 2 adjacent waterfalls – Odaki and Medaki – the perfect spot to take a short break and feel the cool mist on your face. Or head inside one of the traditional houses offering water and relaxation. Share the same experience that travelers on this road have for hundreds of years. After the hike, rest up or treat yourself to a little snack from a wide variety of eateries in the post-town of Magome. Take in views of the surrounding mountain scenery. Walk through the main street lined with wooden buildings. See the waterways on either side of the street that power waterwheels.

Meet your guide at one of the 5 meetup points of your choice. Board the tour bus and head straight to the mountains of Shiga Kogen, Japan and Asia's largest and highest ski resort. Upon arrival, spend 1.5 hours playing in the snow. Whizz down the mountain on a snowscoot, snowdrive, sled, or tube. Once you have worked up an appetite, stop for lunch at a restaurant adjoining the ski slopes. Choose from a menu offering a variety of Japanese or Western style dishes. Next, board the tour vehicle for the short journey out of the mountains and onto the Snow Monkey Park. Upon arrival, you will walk along the tranquil 1.6km trail leading to the park itself. As the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs, the monkeys have achieved global fame and observing them living their best life at such short proximity is a real treat. After walking back along the trail, treat yourself to a fun souvenir at the gift shop or an apple pie at the nearby cafe (time permitting). Finally, return to your chosen drop off point after a snow-filled adventure that promises to leave a lasting impression. 

Experience the ultimate blend of fun and entertainment tailored for families, friends, couples, and groups. This unforgettable tour promises to create lasting memories. En route to Nagano, marvel at the breathtaking scenery and the majestic view of Mt. Fuji. Delve into the rich history of Zen-koji Temple, home to the revered Buddha statue, dating back to the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. Explore the renowned Snow Monkey Park, where these fascinating creatures captivate visitors worldwide with their winter baths and year-round antics, ensuring they remain the highlight of your journey. This Trip get's you best locations trip around Nagano. Tour duration is approx 12 hours including commuting time. Our Experienced Driver will get you around at your ease. One More big plus, These trips are fully customizable. Recommend itinerary 1 Jigokudani Monkey Park 2 Zenkoji Temple 3 Matsushiro Castle 4 Shibu Onsen.