Nagano tours

Things to do in Nagano

Welcome to Nagano, cradled by the majestic Japanese Alps, where ancient temples and mountain adventures beckon. The air is brisk, a gentle reminder of nature's embrace, as the seasons transform the landscape into a living canvas. The city pulses with a unique rhythm, harmonizing the quiet elegance of Zen gardens with the lively buzz of bustling markets. A local guide transforms your visit from routine sightseeing into a profound journey. Experience the serenity of Zenko-ji Temple at dawn, where the world feels paused. Delight in the delicate nuances of local soba noodles on a culinary tour, or feel the exhilaration of the snow-capped peaks on a guided walk. Sidestep the crowds to discover hidden tales and lesser-known paths. Your guide opens doors to Nagano's essence, turning each discovery into a memory worth cherishing. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Nagano. Explore Nagano your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Nagano tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Nagano for every interest, including: Food and Drink tours: Join a private tour to hand-cut Togakushi soba with buckwheat flour and slurp it with mountain wasabi, then sample fresh-griddled oyaki dumplings along Zenko-ji’s Nakamise street. Add a sake tasting at a local brewery in Obuse or seasonal apple picking at a family orchard in Suzaka. History tours: On a private tour, descend into the pitch-dark Okaidan Meguri beneath Zenko-ji Temple to touch the “key to paradise,” then continue to Matsushiro’s samurai quarter for the Bunbu Military Arts School and the Sanada Treasures Museum. If you’re curious, visit the former underground imperial headquarters tunnels from the late war years. Nature and Wildlife tours: Watch wild Japanese macaques soak in the hot spring at Jigokudani Monkey Park and stroll the boardwalks of Shiga Kogen’s marshlands in summer on a private tour geared to your pace. Or follow the giant cedar avenue to Togakushi Okusha Shrine, with snowshoeing in winter and cool forest hikes in spring and autumn. Zenko-ji and the area around Nagano Station are walkable, and local trains and buses reach Obuse, Yudanaka, and Togakushi. For farther nature spots and smoother timing, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to arrange private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Nagano inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Imagine wandering through Nagano with a local guide who knows every nook and cranny. A private walking tour not only lets you delve into the city's vibrant history but also invites you to explore its popular neighborhoods. There's no better way to truly know a place than with a local by your side. - Zenkō-ji Temple Area: This neighborhood is a must-visit for families and those interested in history. Centered around the ancient Zenkō-ji Temple, it offers a glimpse into the city's spiritual side and has shops and eateries that provide a taste of local culture. - Togakushi: Perfect for nature enthusiasts and families, this area is famous for its stunning shrines and serene hiking trails. Experience the beauty of the cedar-lined paths and enjoy local soba noodles, a specialty of the region. - Matsumoto: For those interested in art and architecture, this neighborhood is home to Matsumoto Castle and several art museums. It's an excellent spot for cultural tourists looking to explore Japan's artistic heritage. Day trip ideas from Nagano From the city you can reach mountains, onsen towns, and castle streets on easy day trips, and your tour can focus on nature, craft, or local food without rushing. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and Shibu Onsen: Walk the forest path to see wild macaques near the hot spring, then wander the wooden lanes of Shibu Onsen for snacks and a foot bath, which works if you like wildlife and a small-town feel in one loop. Matsumoto: The black-walled castle anchors a compact centre with old storehouses on Nakamachi Street and cafés nearby, and you can add Azumino’s wasabi farms for a simple countryside stop if you want history and mountain views in one day. Obuse: A small town known for Hokusai links, chestnut sweets, and sake breweries, so it fits if you enjoy art, seasonal flavours, and easy walks between tidy lanes and gardens. Togakushi: Tall cedar avenues lead to quiet shrines, local soba is a highlight, and the alpine setting stays cool, making it a good choice if you want forest walks, folklore, and a calm pace without a long climb. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Nagano most travellers miss.