Top Nagano Outdoor Activities

See two of the top attractions near Nagano on this full-day excursion. Explore the tranquil grounds of Zenko-ji, a lovely religious site known for its historic Buddhist statue. Enjoy a sake tasting and lunch before heading down a beautiful forest trail to the home of the snow monkeys, a group of local macaques known for their willingness to live in the snow and bathe in the local hot spring.

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.

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.

Enjoy fun winter activities and visit the famous Japanese snow monkeys during this full-day trip to the Shiga Kogen Highlands in Nagano. Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can observe wild macaques bathing in the area hot springs. After a warm, delicious lunch, you have time for sledding, snow bikes, snow scooters, and a lift ride up the 5,800-foot (1,900-meter) slope of a famous area ski resort.

Experience the best of Japan - the thrill of deep powder, the beauty of an unique culture, and the fun of a great guided tour. Enjoy some of the most amazing snow on planet earth, stay in a truly authentic Japanese ski village where you are the minority, visit mom and pop restaurants and mix with the locals, be entertained by Geisha, Taiko Drum, Shimansen Guitar, Lion Dance and Karate performances, visit the world famous Snow Monkeys, walk through ancient castles, temples and shrines and relax in natural hot pools. Where other companies may talk up the cultural aspects of Japan we include them in our tours so you get a truly authentic Japanese ski experience. And best of all you get to share this all with a group of like minded ski and snowboard enthusiasts, all hosted by instructor/guides who are just plain passionate about what they do for you as our testimonials attest to. And don’t forget our hidden gems that we leave as a surprise for you on your journey with us at JPC Tours.

Check out Japan’s famous cherry blossom blooms and see snow monkeys on a full-day trip from Nagano. After visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park, you’ll stop for lunch, then visit several different ‘hanami’ spots to admire the cherry blossom trees. This seasonal experience runs from April to the end of May, allowing you to take in the later blooms of the mountainous northern Nagano region.

Experience the nature and culture of beautiful Nagano on this all-day excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, head out with an informative local guide and bicycle through apple orchards along the Chikuma River, watch macaques bathe in their natural habitat at Snow Monkey Park, relax in a hot spring at Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen villages, and treat yourself to delicious chestnuts in Obuse.

Japan’s Nagano prefecture is widely regarded as the country’s winter capital, due to its snowy landscapes and premium ski spots. Visit one of Japan’s most famous winter spots on a 3.5-hour tour of Jigokudani Monkey Park from Shimotakai-gun. Marvel at red-faced Japanese macaques as they bathe in steaming ‘onsen’ (hot springs) and follow walking trails rife with flora and fauna.

Walking along the 400-year-old lined cedar trees and walking on the frozen lake experience are special experiences that can only be found here. Let's explore the winter of Togakushi, where mountain ascetics have been practicing the mountain worship since ancient times. 樹齢400年の杉の並木と凍った湖を歩く体験は、ここ以外ではできない特別な体験です。古くより修験者が厳しい修行をしてきた戸隠の冬をスノーシューを履いて探検しましょう！

Over the course of two days of an easy walk (self-guided tour) along the Nakasendo road and one overnight stay at a Minshuku (family run lodging), immerse yourself in Japan's folkloric landscapes between the villages of Nakatsugawa and Tsumago. During Japan's feudal period (1603-1868), the Nakasendo road was one of the five routes that linked the economic hub, Tokyo, to the imperial capital, Kyoto. Unlike the Tokaido road, which was replaced by today's Shinkansen train, the Nakasendo was saved from rampant modernization and still upholds an old-fashioned charm. Created by general Tokugawa in order to assert his political domination, the route spans a distance of 534 kilometers and includes 69 rest stops. Its name literally means "mountain road" and is a means of communication in case of a large flood on the Tokaido: the coastal road. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

Experience the dramatic mountain landscape of Chubu Sangaku National Park and visit the immense snow walls of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This day trip departs from Nagano Station and includes a ticket for round-trip rail transport with your guide. Traveling with a maximum of 15 passengers in your small group ensures an intimate atmosphere.

Shiga Kogen surrounded by the great nature of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park The Snowshoe Asahiyama course will guide you through courses with ups and downs while enjoying the appearance of animals and plants that survive the harsh nature of winter. The second largest loquat pond on the Shiga Kogen, the summit of Asahiyama overlooking the surrounding mountains, and walking on the frozen pond of Ichinuma.

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.

【OUTLINE】 Explore Nagano’s Togura Kamiyamada Onsen area by bicycle and learn about life in the Japanese countryside with explanation by a local guide. You will see examples of traditional Japanese houses in an old residential area, have a talk with farmers in apple orchards and rice paddy fields, touch the Japanese spirits in a shrine with a sumo ring and a temple with a thatched roof, and view the scenery of the river and surrounding mountains from the Chikuma River Cycling Road. And lastly, have soft ice cream while taking a footbath.

Japan Snowsports is a group of highly qualified and experienced instructors who are passionate about snow sports and Japan. Next to improving your skills to the best of your ability they will show you the best Japan has to offer.

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.

On this guided tour, you are visiting the primitive forest in Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park. The guide is a national licensed English translator guide as well as a licensed trekking guide. You will learn a lot about the history, nature, and the local culture of north Nagano. After the snow melt in late April, lots kind of flowers ( so called spring ephemeral) start to bloom on the ground of the forest. In July to August, it's the best place for avoiding the summer heat, and in fall, the leaves change its color to the gorgeous autumn colors. The forest in here are mostly the mix of beech, oak, and many other broadleaf trees. Some of those trees are more than 400 years old.. In the forest, you may also find a charcoal kiln or a small shinto shrine from olden times. Even in this deep mountainous area, people used to live and use the forest for their lives since ancient times. Let's explore the north Nagano's hidden gem together.

It’s a Cycling tour around north Nagano's Satoyama landscape and the Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park. During the cycling tour, we will stop by the beautiful lake, waterfall, very old local shrine, or maybe some farmer's house. Since the area used to be a post town along the Hokkoku Kaido, very old road which connect Edo (Tokyo) to Kanazawa, there are many historical monuments remained around the area. I will take you to a secret place where never on a guidebook! Participants can feel an authentic life style,history and nature of snowy rural area in Northern Nagano.

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.

Insightful and memorable Nagano tour experience provided in-person or small group covering areas still to be discovered by mainstream tourists. The tour traveling in a comfortable car and guided by an experienced local includes the beautiful panorama view of Iiyama from high up in the mountain, good coffee or tea (rare to find in the area) at the little LAIME jam factory, visiting an old ski resort from Showa era and Houiji village shrine. The guide will share with you the local insights, new perspective from Japanese country side and make sure you are having a great time and fun. Book today and enjoy Iiyama like a local!

【OUTLINE】 Explore Nagano’s Togura Kamiyamada Onsen area by bicycle and learn about life in the Japanese countryside with explanation by a local guide. You will see examples of traditional Japanese houses in an old residential area, have a talk with farmers in apple orchards and rice paddy fields, touch the Japanese spirits in a shrine with a sumo ring and a temple with a thatched roof, and view the scenery of the river and surrounding mountains from the Chikuma River Cycling Road. And lastly, have soft ice cream while taking a footbath.

Our cycling tour uses the latest E-BIKE. It makes cycling tour super easy and fun even in mountainous area. The tour is guided by a local guide who knows the area thoroughly. The guide will take you to the special secret trails and scenic spots unique to local guides. There are many wonderful discoveries that you will not notice from a travel guidebook. Sometimes we might take a break in the beautiful forest, or have fun chatting with local farmers. For those who are interested in history, we will guide you the history of the Hokkoku Kaido road and an old local shrine, and in spring, we enjoy the beautiful flowers at the roadside. Also we have a tour option of Kominka lunch experience (traditional Japanese house lunch experience). Feel free to contact us for more details!

Kiso Valley, best known for the Magome and Tsumago traditional villages, is another beautiful spot in the Japanese Alps. With one of the most famous hiking paths in all Japan, we set foot there on our quest for traditional Japan. Magome and Tsumago are two beautifully preserved traditional villages. This value-packed Nakasendo trail day hike between Magome and Tsumago with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore both of the ancient post towns! It is about 8 kilometres (5 miles) long and has only gentle elevation changes which takes around 2 hours to easy walk at a leisurely pace. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: 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.

You can enjoy to observe lovely wild monkeys bathing in an outdoor hot spring at Snow Monkey Park. Each monkey has different personality and it's quite fun to be able to watch them from very close. After the monkey park, we are visiting an old Shinto shrine called Togakushi shrine which has been one of the most important place for the mountain worship since ancient era. The shrine and precincts forest are all covered with thick snow during the winter season. However,by snowshoeing, it is the perfect opportunity to discover areas that are inaccessible any other time of the year. Frozen bodies of water and a heavy carpet of snow make otherwise untraversable terrain accessible. I will lead you to these undisturbed areas, so you can explore and appreciate the unspoiled nature around you. I'm a National Government licensed guide interpreter as well as licensed mountain trekking guide. Let's have a cup of coffee on the snow made table and chair :)