Plan your Nagano travel itinerary with our expert

Nagano
Anna Kraskovska

Anna Kraskovska

Welcome travel fans! I’ve been traveling around the world for 20 years and most of my trips were to Asia. I think I have been crazy about Japan since I was a child and I will be happy to share this passion with you…

Nagano City is the capital of Nagano prefecture, called a temple town and the most convenient point to explore lots of amazing destinations in Central Japan. And we collected the best sights, wildlife sanctuaries and hidden “gems” not only in Nagano city, but in Nagano prefecture.  

Surrounded by mountains, Nagano Prefecture is a home for 2 million people. It is a magic land of beautiful nature, historical heritage, sacred temples and delicious food. It is also known as a prefecture where people enjoy long healthy life experiences.

What we propose

Anna Kraskovska

Anna Kraskovska


Expert Japan
Marco Rossi

Marco Rossi


Expert for Italy
Jena Hovor

Jena Hovor


Expert France

Let us create your perfect itinerary!

Contact us now and we'll begin creating your one-of-a-kind itinerary, tailored specifically to your preferences and needs.

Our expert travel planners will craft a unique, custom route that includes all the must-see sights and hidden gems, divided by day and with a clear route from A to Z.

  • We'll save you time by doing all the research and planning for you.

  • Our experts have insider knowledge of unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations that aren't typically found in guidebooks.

  • Your itinerary will be fully customized to your interests, preferences, and travel style.

  • We'll provide you with all the essential details, such as transportation options, recommended accommodations, and restaurant reservations.

  • You'll have access to ongoing support from our team throughout your entire trip, ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable experience.

  • The cost of our service is only $190

Contact us now to start planning your dream trip and get all the details and answers to your questions.

نقدّم الخدمات لزبائننا باللغة العربية والإنجليزية

Since 2015, our site has been offering expert travel itinerary planning services that result in a comprehensive, user-friendly PDF guidebook personalized to each client’s unique needs and preferences, featuring daily summaries, attraction recommendations, dining suggestions, maps, a curated database of tested accommodations worldwide, as well as detailed guidance on car rental options and ongoing support via phone and Whatsapp.

Our personalized routes from A to Z include many unique and little-known places, along with detailed information such as parking addresses, tips, and exact directions, making the trip more exciting and enjoyable while saving travelers time during preparation and on their journey.

Stories of Our Customers

Must-visit places

Tourist Attractions

Attractions For Kids

Kids’ Ninja Village
Price: from 500 yen

Kids’ Ninja Village

3193 Togakushi

from 9 am to 5 pm

Chausuyama Zoo
Price: 600 yen

Chausuyama Zoo

570-1 Shinonoiutabi

from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

Snow Monkey Park
Price: 800 yen

Snow Monkey Park

6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District

from 9 am to 4 pm

Togakushi Ninja Museum
Price: 600 yen

Togakushi Ninja Museum

3688-12 Togakushi

from 9 am to 5 pm

Museums

Museums

Nagano Prefectural Art Museum
Price: 700 yen

Nagano Prefectural Art Museum

1 Chome-4-4 Hakoshimizu

from 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on W

Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Stone Church
Price: free

Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Stone Church

Hoshino, Karuizawa, Kitasaku

free access

Hokusai Museum
Price: 1,000 yen

Hokusai Museum

Obuse, Kamitakai District, Nagano

from 9 am to 5 pm

Togakushi Ninja Museum
Price: 600 yen

Togakushi Ninja Museum

3688-12 Togakushi, Nagano

from 9 am to 5 pm

Nagano overview

01

Nagano overview

Purpose: visiting top sights & some hidden “gems”

1-2 days

02

Nagano in Zoom

Purpose: visiting top sights & hidden “gems”, and rejuvenation

3-4 days

03

Nagano hidden “gems”

Let’s go a little further from the basic itinerary to off the beaten path…

Expert tips in Nagano

Anna Kraskovska

Rent a car

To cover the most interesting sights of Nagano and be mobile I recommend renting a car. Most of the “gems” are located a bit far from each other and car will be essential to discovering this amazing land.

Anna Kraskovska

Explore & Discover

Don’t limit yourself with Snow Monkey Park and Matsumoto Castle only. Nagano is much much more than these 2 great top sights.

Anna Kraskovska

Choose for family trip

This prefecture is a perfect destination if you have kids and want them to discover the true Japan and the beauty of our planet, but not just typical amusement parks and attractions like DisneyLand.

What we propose

Jena Hovor

Jena Hovor


Expert France

Let us create your perfect itinerary!

Contact us now and we'll begin creating your one-of-a-kind itinerary, tailored specifically to your preferences and needs.

Our expert travel planners will craft a unique, custom route that includes all the must-see sights and hidden gems, divided by day and with a clear route from A to Z.

  • We'll save you time by doing all the research and planning for you.

  • Our experts have insider knowledge of unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations that aren't typically found in guidebooks.

  • Your itinerary will be fully customized to your interests, preferences, and travel style.

  • We'll provide you with all the essential details, such as transportation options, recommended accommodations, and restaurant reservations.

  • You'll have access to ongoing support from our team throughout your entire trip, ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable experience.

  • The cost of our service is only $190

Contact us now to start planning your dream trip and get all the details and answers to your questions.

Stories of Our Customers

Great Food Experience

Okina-do ($$ - moderate)

Okina-do ($$ - moderate)

2 Chome-4-10 Central, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0811, Japan 〒390-0811 長野県松本市中央2丁目4−10

Really nice Japanese Western style restaurant with a good atmosphere, great music, friendly staff and delicious food.

Shinano restaurant (Hotel Metropolitan), $$$ - moderate to expensive

Shinano restaurant (Hotel Metropolitan), $$$ - moderate to expensive

Minamiishidocho-1346, Nagano, 380-0824, Japan 〒380-0824 長野県長野市南石堂町1346

Good choice for dinner. Try "Nagano Food Exploration Lunch" or “Shinshu Premium Beef Teppanyaki” to get the best food experience.

Korean BBQ Namsan ($$ - moderate)

Korean BBQ Namsan ($$ - moderate)

Japan, 〒380-0921 Nagano, Kurita, 1009−2 センターウィング

One of the best Korean BBQ restaurants with private rooms, very delicious food, awesome service, and also a kids-friendly atmosphere.

Yayoiza ($$ - moderate)

Yayoiza ($$ - moderate)

503 Nagano, 380-0841, Japan 〒380-0841 長野県長野市長野503

An awesome place with incredible taste of food and very cozy ambience. Truly authentic.

Shopping Malls

Aeon Mall Matsumoto

Aeon Mall Matsumoto

4 Chome-9-51 Central, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-8560, Japan 〒390-8560 長野県松本市中央4丁目9−51

It is a huge mall for all your shopping needs located 10-15 min walk from the castle and Matsumoto art gallery and 25 minutes walk from the station.

Aeon Town Nagano Miwa

Aeon Town Nagano Miwa

9 Chome-43番24号 Miwa, Nagano, 380-0803, Japan 〒380-0803 長野県長野市三輪9丁目43番24号

It is a shopping center with a wide choice of stores, shops, and restaurants. Convenient and affordable shopping.

K’s Town Wakasato

K’s Town Wakasato

3 Chome-22-1 Wakasato, Nagano, 380-0928, Japan 〒380-0928 長野県長野市若里3丁目22−1

Electronics, drug store, grocery store, arcade, fashion stores, coffee shop, dollar store, it's all here with covered parking.

MIDORI Nagano

MIDORI Nagano

1 Chome-22-6 Minamichitose, Nagano, 380-0823, Japan 〒380-0823 長野県長野市南千歳1丁目22−6

Great stop to get nice products from Nagano with lots of stores and restaurants.

Shopping Streets

Gondo Shopping Street

Gondo Shopping Street

Nagano, 380-0833, Japan 〒380-0833 長野県長野市

It’s an old style shopping street with a mix of ordinary shops that sell daily necessities, izakayas, and snacks.

Zenkoji Omotesando

Zenkoji Omotesando

Nagano, 381-0841, Japan 〒381-0841 長野県長野市長野

This road connects Nagano Station and Zenkoji Temple and is full of small charming shops selling souvenirs and food. It’s a kind of temple market.

Nawate Shopping Street

Nawate Shopping Street

Japan, 〒390-0874 Nagano, Matsumoto, Ote, 3 Chome−4−3 松本M―1 〒390-0874 長野県松本市大手3丁目4−3 松本M―1

If you happen to visit Matsumoto Castle, don’t miss this beautiful street with many lovely souvenirs (a bit overpriced, to be honest) to take nice pictures and have fun.

Nakamachi Dori

Nakamachi Dori

Central, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0811, Japan

Beautiful shopping street with carefully restored Edo era warehouses that have been converted into shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries. About a 10-15 minute walk from Matsumoto Station.

Markets

Kakujo Gyorui Nagano

Kakujo Gyorui Nagano

932-3 Higashiwada, Nagano, 381-0038, Japan 〒381-0038 長野県長野市東和田932-3

When it comes to delicious and cheap sashimi, fresh fish or meat, and side dishes in Nagano City, this is the place. You will find even fried fish and ready-made tempura.

Marche Kokubu

Marche Kokubu

80 Kokubu, Ueda, Nagano 386-0016, Japan 〒386-0016 長野県上田市国分80

Local farmer’s market where you can find cheap matsutake mushrooms (seasonal) and many other seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables.

Seisen Ichiba JC Nagano Chuo

Seisen Ichiba JC Nagano Chuo

Japan, 〒380-0935 Nagano, Nakagosho, 1 Chome−8−292-1 生鮮市場JC長野中央店

It’s a small indoor market with a very nice choice of fresh farmer’s fruits and vegetables, fresh meat and fish.

Farmers' market in Obuse

Farmers' market in Obuse

Ojima, Obuse, Kamitakai District, Nagano 381-0203, Japan 〒381-0203 長野県上高井郡小布施町大島

Small farmer’s market with plenty of local seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Dangerous & recommended city areas

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Fortunately there are no dangerous areas in Nagano. Where to stay is up to you. I would choose the area close to Zenkoji Omotesando or Nakamise street area which connect Nagano Station and Zenkoji Temple and are full of small charming shops selling souvenirs and have some very nice authentic restaurants, cafes, and bars. There are some really nice traditional ryokans over there, like Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan

map

Best Hotels

Price:

Kokuya Ryokan Shibu Onsen

2200 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401
    〒381-0401 長野県下高井郡山ノ内町平穏2200
Anna Kraskovska

Anna Kraskovska

Exceptional experience. Definitely worth staying.

Price:

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Minamiishidocho-1346, Nagano, 380-0824
    〒380-0824 長野県長野市南石堂町1346
Anna Kraskovska

Anna Kraskovska

A great stay. Clean, comfortable, close to Nagano station, delicious dinners at Shinano restaurant.

Price:

Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan

Motoyoshicho-484, Nagano, 380-0851
    〒380-0851 長野県長野市元善町484
Anna Kraskovska

Anna Kraskovska

Amazing location with Zenkō-ji temple right on your doorstep. The Ryokan has a very traditional feel with super friendly owners and comfortable Japanese-style rooms.

Recommended Trip Budget and how to save money

For a couple (4-star)

Budget per day Cost, $
Accommodation “Hotel” $120 (incl. breakfast)*
Accommodation “Ryokan” $187 (incl. breakfast)**
Meals from $20* per pax = $40x2 times=$80***
Entertainment from $5*x2 = $10
Car rental Toyota Rent a Car from $54 (incl. taxes)****

Family of 4 (4-star)

Budget per day Cost, $
Accommodation “Hotel” $200 (incl. breakfast)*****
Accommodation “Ryokan” $345 (incl. breakfast)******
Meals from $20* per pax = $80x2 times=$160***
Entertainment from $5*x4 = $20
Car rental Toyota Rent a Car from $90 (incl. taxes)*******

* Superior Queen room with 1 large bed

** Traditional Japanese room with 2 futons, tatami area, good quality & service

*** Good meal course in a restaurant

**** Mini/Compact class, 5 seats

***** 2 Double rooms with 2 large beds

****** Traditional Japanese room with 4 futons, tatami area, good quality & service

******* Toyota, Standart class, 5 seats

3 days Itinerary in Nagano

Day 1
Amazing Nagano

08:30

Breakfast at Ryokan

11:30

Togakushi-Jinja

12:30

Upper Togakushi Shrine & Forest

13:30

Lunch at Okusha-mae Naosuke

14:30

Togakushi Ninja Museum & Ninja Trick Mansion

16:00

Zenkōji Temple complex

17:30

Zenkoji Nakamise Street & Zenkoji Omotesando

18:30

Dinner at 鳥蔵別邸 東屋 (Kaiseki restaurant)

Overnight in Nagano city

Day 2
Close to Nature

08:30

Breakfast at Ryokan/ Hotel

11:00

Snow Monkey Park

13:00

Check-in at Kokuya Ryokan (Shibu Onsen)

13:30

Lunch at Chokkun Izakaya

14:30

Onsen experience & relaxation

20:00

Dinner at Gonki

Day 3
Hidden “gems” of Nagano

08:00

Breakfast at Ryokan

12:00

Matsumoto Castle & Park

13:00

Lunch at Okina-do

15:00

Suwa Taisha Upper Main Shrine

16:00

Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya

20:00

Dinner at Korean BBQ Namsan

Customer Journey Stories

Public bathrooms (WC)

A few of them are as follows:

WC near Zenkoji Temple

WC near Matsumoto Castle

WC near Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani)

Parking lots in Nagano city

1 Chome-1-15 Kaichi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0876, Japan 〒390-0876 長野県松本市開智1丁目1−15

2 Chome-3 Hakoshimizu, Nagano, 380-0801, Japan 〒380-0801 長野県長野市箱清水2丁目3

Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan 〒381-0401 長野県下高井郡山ノ内町平穏

City areas closed for vehicles

Don’t bother about this point. There are plenty of parking lots where you can leave your car even very close to the most popular tourist areas like Zenkoji Temple or Matsumoto Castle.

Cooking Classes

Ogawanoshodaimonten

Ogawanoshodaimonten

Japan, 〒380-0841 Nagano, 53 小川の庄大門店 〒380-0841 長野県長野市長野53 小川の庄大門店

Learn how to make oyaki sitting close to the fire watching the oyaki being grilled over the charcoal, having a cup of soba tea. Absolutely unique experience.

Nagano Farm Stay

Nagano Farm Stay

Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0061

Stay at a traditional, centuries-old Japanese farmhouse in Nagano, cook traditional recipes with locals and learn about the frozen cuisine of Yamaura Village from local producers and village grannies! Truly unique experience.

Tamamura Honten

Tamamura Honten

1163 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan 〒381-0401 長野県下高井郡山ノ内町平穏1163

Outside of Yamanouchi’s Shibu Onsen hot spring area is Tamamura Honten, a sake brewery which has been in operation since 1805. The sake produced here with the area’s clean water, clear air, and cool climate has been loved by locals for centuries. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste exquisite sake.

Farm stay in south Nagano

Farm stay in south Nagano

Centrip Japan

In Toyooka Village is a unique inn called Farmer's Guest House Higashi. Only one guest per day can stay at this inn. The building is an old farmhouse over 100 years old, and the owner, Mr. Mibu, a hunter, provides the best meat, mainly venison and arranges custom plans for the best countryside experience for each guest, according to the customer's desires and the season. Unforgettable experience!

Frequently asked questions

01

When is the best time to come to Nagano?

02

How many days to spend in Nagano?

03

What to try in Nagano?

04

Do I need a car in Nagano?

Reviews

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Audrey Foster

Thank you for providing such professional advice and guidance, and doing so patiently and kindly, even at a late hour and without compensation. You are truly a champion, and I wish you all the best! I would highly recommend your services to anyone.

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Ava Patel

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Benjamin Davis

Our experience with Anna was fantastic. She is incredibly knowledgeable about Japan and provided us with a well-planned itinerary that was tailored to our interests. She was also very responsive to our questions and requests throughout the trip. We highly recommend her services!

Stories of Our Customers

What we propose

Anna Kraskovska

Anna Kraskovska


Expert Japan
Marco Rossi

Marco Rossi


Expert for Italy
Jena Hovor

Jena Hovor


Expert France

Let us create your perfect itinerary!

Contact us now and we’ll begin creating your one-of-a-kind itinerary, tailored specifically to your preferences and needs.

Our expert travel planners will craft a unique, custom route that includes all the must-see sights and hidden gems, divided by day and with a clear route from A to Z.

  • We’ll save you time by doing all the research and planning for you.
  • Our experts have insider knowledge of unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations that aren’t typically found in guidebooks.
  • Your itinerary will be fully customized to your interests, preferences, and travel style.
  • We’ll provide you with all the essential details, such as transportation options, recommended accommodations, and restaurant reservations.
  • You’ll have access to ongoing support from our team throughout your entire trip, ensuring a stress-free and unforgettable experience.
  • The cost of our service is only $190

Contact us now to start planning your dream trip and get all the details and answers to your questions.

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