Top Nagano Cultural Tours

Discover Nagano’s many highlights on this private 2-day tour. Save time planning transport, as a driver and private vehicle is included. You’ll have a guide to show you around on the first day, and then free time to explore on the second day. Overnight stay in a Japanese Ryokan, entrance fees to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, and a private onsen experience is included, making it the ultimate hassle-free tour.

Explore the magnificent temples and natural wonders of Nagano on a full-day tour and benefit from the undivided attention of a private guide. Visit the famous Zenkoji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, enjoy lunch (own expense) in Obuse Town, then choose a soak in the hot springs at Shibu Onsen.

Japan’s food culture is renowned throughout the world and as one of the country’s primary agricultural regions, there’s no better place to get hands-on and indulge in the local cuisine than Nagano!

Pair up with a Nagano local for a private walking tour that’s a new concept in travel. Unlike traditional, pre-packaged tours, it’s like exploring the city alongside a local friend, complete with tips, advice, and insider recommendations. From a pre-tour chat with your Lokafyer guide to the walking tour itself, the experience is completely tailored to your preferences.

Explore Matsumoto at your own pace and to your own interests on this full-day private guided tour from Nagano. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's best-preserved castles, then explore surrounding streets, including quirky "Frog Street," known for its abundance of frog products. Afterward, visit tranquil Hotaka Town, home to Japan’s largest wasabi farm where you can try wasabi ice-cream and visit nearby Hotaka Shrine.

The 80km Shinetsu trail, the best woodland trail in Japan, runs over the ridges of the Sekida mountains at about 1,000 meters above sea level, forming a boundary between Nagano and Niigata prefectures. It is one of the few long trails in Japan. This area is blessed with a rich ecosystem nurtured by Japanese beech tree forests. Historically, there were 16 passages connecting Nagano with Niigata. The forests are perhaps best known for their beech trees. The tall, well-shaped beech trees form a corridor of nature along the path. The earth-packed trail also makes it easy to walk. Spring (from mid-June to the end of July) and autumn (from mid-September to the end of October) are great seasons to visit the trail. In the spring, the last traces of snow can be seen among new greenery and flowers bursting into bloom. In the fall, hikers can enjoy the brilliant colors of autumn leaves.

The 80km Shinetsu trail, the best woodland trail in Japan, runs over the ridges of the Sekida mountains at about 1,000 meters above sea level, forming a boundary between Nagano and Niigata prefectures. It is one of the few long trails in Japan. This area is blessed with a rich ecosystem nurtured by Japanese beech tree forests. Historically, there were 16 passages connecting Nagano with Niigata. The forests are perhaps best known for their beech trees. The tall, well-shaped beech trees form a corridor of nature along the path. The earth-packed trail also makes it easy to walk. Spring (from mid-June to the end of July) and autumn (from mid-September to the end of October) are great seasons to visit the trail. In the spring, the last traces of snow can be seen among new greenery and flowers bursting into bloom. In the fall, hikers can enjoy the brilliant colors of autumn leaves.

Situated between the popular destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto, the mountainous of region of Nagano is the literal heart of Japan and a road less travelled by many international visitors. This tour combines some of the region’s most iconic destinations - including the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, the 1400-year old Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, and the historic old town of Takayama - with the unforgettable experience of being driven through Japan’s Northern Alps, a place of high mountain peaks and rarefied beauty. With English-speaking guide, lunch, and full-service accommodation on Day 1 followed by hotel pick-up and transport to Matsumoto and Takayama, including hotel drop-off, on Day 2, this tour captures the history and beauty of central Japan with the convenience and comfort of one easy package.

Only a couple of hours from Tokyo, this sacred Togakushi Shinto-Shrine can easily be visited in a day trip. Togakushi shrine is like no other. Far from the usual tourist destination, Togakushi Shrine is a true hidden gem. The Togakushi Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Nagano Prefecture, in Japan. Mt. Togakushi is where Togakushi shrine sits and it is in the National Park called Myoukou Togakushi Renzan National Park. Togakushi Shrine consists of five shrines in a large area. We begin our exploration of ancient pilgrimage trails at Togakushi, where a steep sometimes but not too long, such as going up the stairs to the shrines and hiking mountain path. We walk the old trails called “Togakushi Kodo” and you will see old Shinto statues and beautiful, great, spiritual cedars, line our route along the way to our destination of Okusha. We will visit each five shrines and also enjoy having Togakushi soba(Togakushi Soba is ranked in top 3 soba in Japan) for a lunch.

This is a 1-night 2-day premium sake brewery tour that goes around the three sake breweries in Saku City, which is famous for producing delicious rice, and the Karuizawa Brewery Karuizawa Factory, which can be proud of all over the country! Visit such a wonderful and attractive Japanese sake brewery to learn about the history and culture of the sake brewery, learn about sake brewing, taste various sake from the sake brewery, and drink clean water! Eat delicious local food, visit sightseeing spots while enjoying the rich nature, enjoy the inn, and touch the local "heart of hospitality"!

Nagano 5-Day Pass is a ticket that allows you to fully enjoy the trains in the surrounding area including Nagano, Shinano, Ueda, Matsumoto. Nagano Prefecture is located in the central part of Honshu, Japan, and is called the roof of Japan. Take a trip to Nagano, one of Japan's most precious spas and treasures of history and culture. You can also observe wild monkeys enjoying hot springs in Jikkudaniya Enkoen during the winter season. ----------------------- Coverage Area: ----------------------- [[Shinano Electric Railway (しなの鉄道)]] -- Karizawa Station (軽井沢駅) - Shino noi Station (篠ノ井駅) -- Nagano Station (長野駅) to Myogogo Kogen Station (妙高高原駅) [[Nagano Electric Railway (長野電鉄)]] -- Nagano Station (長野駅) - Yudanagawa Station (湯田中駅) -- Ueda Electric Railway (上田電鉄) [[Ueda Station (上田駅) - Bessho Onsen Station (別所温泉駅)]] -- Matsumoto Station (松本駅) - Shinshigashima Station (新島々駅)

Picture yourself traversing over 3000m/ 9850ft high ridgelines connecting Japan’s tallest mountains trailing off endlessly into the distance with dramatic 360 degree views. The Alps in Nagano is like nowhere else in Japan. While it is best known to the international community for world famous ski resorts, to the Japanese it is equally known as the Mecca of hiking. While the high altitude mountains offer unrivalled scenery, the real magic is the multi-day hiking experience available to those “in the know”. Thanks to comfortable mountain hut accommodation providing bedding and fresh meals, you are afforded the luxury of travelling light each day & waking up in the clouds. 2020 TOUR DATES August 3 - 8 September 21 - 26 September 28 - October 3 October 5 - 10 October 12 - 17 Join us in October for the brilliant display of colourful autumn leaves at their peak. To learn more about this tour please visit our Quest Adventure Tours website.

Walk past Karuizawa inn from the former Nakayama Road to the Sakamoto inn. Sui Hui is a place that was once said to be the most difficult place in Zhongshan Road. At the top of the Usui Pass, you can see the view point of the Kanto plains panoramic view and the Kumano Imperial Shrine, which is famous for its power spots. After that, while going down the borge weir, we aim for Sakamoto inn while passing "Yamanaka teahouse ruins", "Sakamoto inn" with a panoramic view "Nagi". At the end of the trekking we will stop by and guide you to the hot spring "Kotonoyu". Slowly bathe in the hot spring, but if you are on your way back to Yokogawa Station, return to Karuizawa by bus.

This action-packed private day tour to Matsumoto combines a visit to the historic Matsumoto Castle, the foodie experience of going to one of Japan’s biggest wasabi farms, and Hotaka Shrine too. Going on a guided tour saves time navigating and uncovers hidden gems you might not discover alone such as the quirky “Frog Street” which is known for its abundance of frog products.

This value-packed trip with a nationally/state licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Matsumoto! Matsumoto is an attractive, cosmopolitan city featuring a superb castle, pretty streets, galleries, and cafes. Matsumoto is a great stepping stone on your way to the Northern Alps, or you can simply enjoy the city's fresh air and dramatic scenery of the nearby mountain peaks. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: Nationally and State Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

In the middle of the cold winter, there is one festival that will surely keep you warm at night! The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, called 'Dosojin Matsuri' in Japanese, is one the three great fire festivals in Japan, taking place each winter in the picturesque village of one of Nagano's most popular ski resorts. This lively tour takes you to the Fire Festival in combination with a visit to the world-famous hot spring-bathing snow monkeys of Jigokudani - a day and night that will leave you with burning memories of the tradition, culture, and snow monkeys of Nagano!

* THIS IS AN ONLINE EXPERIENCE by using Zoom * Enjoy watching live online tour in Nagano city. ■ This online experience is recommended for people who is - Planning to visit to Nagano city and Japan near future - Willing to know about Japan but don't really like to travel, prefer to watch live at home - Having difficulties to go out - Willing to know Japanese real local culture & people ■ In this tour We go to Zenkoji Temple We explore Nagano's back street area, where is not on your guide book and you see 1400 years history of the town. We can see a traditional Japanese Houses, like sunken hearth for making Oyaki (Japanese Stuffed Dumplings) ** Please note that the route could be changed by weather and seasons **

Great way to experience a beautiful countryside of Japan and visit popular sightseeing spots around Iiyama city. The rural landscape with lush mountain scenery is dotted with traditional old houses. You will feel like you have gone back in time and see a simple life of local people in Japan countryside. - Friendly and informative local guide. - Exploring beautiful, yet completely different scenery with Japan's distinct four seasons. - Stopping at cherry blossom spots during the blossoming season. - Total cycling distance is 15km/9.3miles - Mostly flat route, easy for riders of basic fitness. - Visiting Buddhist Alter Street and historical temples. - Discover unique traditions and life styles in a harsh winter.

Have ever seen real Wasabi? Discover the Japan’s largest Wasabi Farm! Like a little spice? The Wasabi farm is a popular tourist friendly destination and is comprised of many large fields with a meticulously maintained network of small streams that constantly provides each wasabi plant with pure clean water. Wasabi is an essential element in Japanese cooking, but a lot of people, even many Japanese, are not aware of where it comes from. Take a stroll through the Wasabi fields and discover all the secrets of the Wasabi! We recommend you try some of the many different Wasabi-flavored products during your visit, such as Wasabi ice cream, Wasabi beer, Wasabi sausages or even a Wasabi burger! Our tour is the easiest way to visit the Wasabi farm! Tour available in English and French/

We recommend visiting Karuizawa sightseeing spots for those who want to go around sightseeing spots in Karuizawa efficiently in a short time, or for the first time in Karuizawa. A local taxi driver guides you through the sights. Karuizawa is a course where you can experience the history, culture, and nature of Karuizawa, starting with the former Karuizawa area, which is the birthplace of Karuizawa, to the power spot "Kumano imperial shrine" and the scenic spot "Kumoba Pond".

A trip to experience the history of Karuizawa and traditional crafts. The owner of Karuizawa Carving will guide you through the history and traditions of Karuizawa while visiting historical buildings such as the Volleys architecture in the former Karuizawa area. With a special tour of "Abusu Sanso" which is not open to the public. After the walk, you will experience the Karuizawa carving star making and create the original Karuizawa carving card stand. Please use the Karuizawa carving card stand you made as a souvenir. This is a premium experience tour where you can experience the history and tradition of Karuizawa.

Missed cherry blossoms in Tokyo? If you arrived in Tokyo too late for the cherry blossoms, don't give up yet. Cherry blossoms tend to bloom here in northern Nagano about two weeks later than those around central Tokyo. It only takes about 100 mins to be here from Tokyo station by Hokuriku Shinkansen. Cycling tour is a great way to experience a beautiful countryside of Japan and visit popular sightseeing spots around Iiyama city. The rural landscape with lush mountain scenery is dotted with traditional old houses. Let's go find a simple life of local people in Japan countryside with us! - Friendly and informative local guide. - Stopping at cherry blossom spots during the blossoming season. - Exploring beautiful, yet completely different scenery with Japan's distinct four seasons. - Total cycling distance is 15km/9.3miles - Mostly flat route, easy for riders of basic fitness. - Discover unique traditions and life styles in a harsh winter.

We recommend visiting Karuizawa sightseeing spots for those who want to go around sightseeing spots in Karuizawa efficiently in a short time, or for the first time in Karuizawa. A local taxi driver guides you through the sights. Karuizawa is a course where you can experience the history, culture, and nature of Karuizawa, starting with the former Karuizawa area, which is the birthplace of Karuizawa, to the power spot "Kumano imperial shrine" and the scenic spot "Kumoba Pond".

Come to Nagano and join this experience to taste one of the best Sake in Japan. The sake maker w’ll explore has over 300 years history and you will taste the differences between sakes of the highest quality, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and many other seasonable sakes. 2020 Cherry blossom Forecast in Nagano. Now forecast says full bloom in Nagano city is 14/April/2020. If you wanna see beautiful cherry blossom with this experience, please book between 8th and 14th of April. - Taste the best Nagano’s sakes with nibbles like soy source beans and some Japanese pickles. Also you can have Nagano’s miso soup - Admission free to visit old sake factory - Explore Nagano’s laid back area around Zenkoji temple to visit some local shops - Learn and practice authentic Japanese eating style and discover other parts of - Connect with local business owners to learn the history and local culture.