Nagano Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by JNTO
Nagano
Photo provided by JNTO
Nagano
Photo provided by JNTO
Enjoy vegetarian food and go skiing in this scenic mountain region, explore the ancient wooden Zenkoji Temple and historic castle, and hear legends of ninja warriors.

Nagano, on Japan’s main island Honshu, is the capital city of the prefecture of the same name. The city is most famous as being the home of the Zenkoji Temple, a national treasure. Visit this important site of pilgrimage, but also be sure to make the most of the region’s other attractions. At the nearby mountains, go skiing or see macaque monkeys bathe in hot springs. Learn about the culture of the samurai warriors and view 300-year-old chestnut and beech trees in Oku Susobana Natural Park.

Visit the grand complex of the Zenkoji Temple to see one of the largest wooden temples in Japan. The main temple dates back to the seventh century and is said to house a very early Buddha statue.

Take the train to the castle town in the suburb of Matsushiro to see the legacy of a 17th-century warlord. Discover the samurai way of life at the Sanada and Yokota Residences and the Sanada Treasure Museum. Explore a bunker which hid the Emperor and government during World War II.

At the Togakure Ninpo Museum, try your hand at shuriken throwing like a ninja. Navigate mazes and secret doors and learn about Nishina Daisuke, a samurai who created his own style of ninjutsu.

Head to the nearby Joshinetsu Kogen National park and marvel at the snow monkeys in the hot springs of the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park in Yamanouchi. At the onsen (traditional Japanese resorts) in the area you can enjoy the thermal pools for yourself. In winter, choose from over 20 ski resorts to carve up the snow on the nearby Shiga plateau.

Nagano is about a 2-hour train journey from Tokyo. Its central transport hub provides good connections to the major attractions in and around the city. Hire a car to explore the countryside. Join mushroom and fruit-picking expeditions or visit a local miso manufacturer. Nagano has a long history of catering for Zenkoji Temple’s Buddhist monks, so vegetarians will want to linger in this scenic area.

Where to stay in Nagano

Kurita

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Kurita. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum and Zenko-ji Temple are a few top places to visit.

Kurita
Default Image

Togakushi

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Togakushi. You might want to make time for a stop at Togakushi Shrine or Chibikko Ninja Village.

Togakushi
Default Image

Miwa

Though Miwa may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum and Zenko-ji Temple.

Miwa
Default Image

Mamejima

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Mamejima and surrounding area, you can visit M-Wave Olympic Memorial Arena and Aqua Wing Arena.

Mamejima
Default Image

Aokijimamachi-Aokijima

Aokijimamachi-Aokijima might not have many top sights, but Saisho-in Temple and Nagano City Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Aokijimamachi-Aokijima
Default Image

Tokuma

While Tokuma may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Aqua Wing Arena and Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum.

Tokuma
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
3.5 out of 5
1346 Minami-ishido-cho, Nagano, Nagano-ken
The price is ₹5,570 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
₹5,570
₹6,740 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Located next to the main station, the hotel is really convenient. Also friendly staff and good variety of breakfast."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Zenkojiguchi
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Zenkojiguchi
3 out of 5
1356 Suehiro-cho Minaminagano, Nagano, Nagano
The price is ₹3,687 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
₹3,687
₹4,488 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"Conveniently located near restaurants, convenience stores, bus and train stations. There is a queue when waiting for the washing machine as there are only 2 available."

Reviewed on 19 Nov 2024

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Zenkojiguchi
TENNEN-ONSEN HOTEL LiVEMAX PREMIUM Nagano-ekimae
TENNEN-ONSEN HOTEL LiVEMAX PREMIUM Nagano-ekimae
2.5 out of 5
1016-1 Kurita, Nagano, Nagano
The price is ₹3,035 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
₹3,035
₹3,339 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Zenko-ji Temple and Saiko-ji Temple are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (195 reviews)
"The hotel is located within reasonable walking distance from the train station. The hotel room was a single double bed for two which was cramped, but it was just for sleeping so it’s doable. There was no open floor area to open a full size suitcase without having to close it every time you need to ..."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

TENNEN-ONSEN HOTEL LiVEMAX PREMIUM Nagano-ekimae
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Angel Resort Yuzawa
Angel Resort Yuzawa
2.5 out of 5
173-1-610 Tsuchidaru, Minamiuonuma-gun, Yuzawa, Niigata
Stay at this apartment in Yuzawa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and hot springs on-site. Popular attractions Iwappara Ski Resort and Yuzawa Nakazato Ski Resort ...
7/10 Good! (15 reviews)
"It’s got a great view, the owner is super nice. I stayed in September. However, the shower/bath water in the room was VERY cold. Honestly my only complaint about the place. Otherwise I loved it. Check in is very easy too."

Reviewed on 15 Sep 2024

Angel Resort Yuzawa
HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin
HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin
4.5 out of 5
3020-1116 Shinden, Hokujo, Hakuba, Nagano
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hakuba. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area and ...
HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin
IKEDA life kan
IKEDA life kan
3 out of 5
7078-13 Hokujo, Hakuba, Nagano
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Hakuba. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room deep-soaking baths. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (7 reviews)
"Plenty of room for kids. Well stocked and maintained. Close to town."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

IKEDA life kan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Nagano