The 15 best things to do in Nagano (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle

   Outty Ranking92

   Defined by its mountains and natural landscapes, Central Japan is the literal heartland of this beautiful country and a road less travelled by many international visitors. This engaging one-day tour takes you to Matsumot. 90+ Club at 92/100, 5.0/5 from 137 traveler reviews, 9h from $181, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

   Outty Ranking91

   Take in some of the highlights of Nagano with this engaging tour starting with a visit to Zenkoji Temple – one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan - followed by sake tasting and lunch at a nearby r. 90+ Club at 91/100, 4.9/5 from 1,146 traveler reviews, 8h from $141, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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3. 

   3. 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour

   Outty Ranking86

   This adventurous one-day tour combines a visit to the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani with morning of fun in the deep powder snow of Shiga Kogen – Japan’s largest ski resort! Including lunch and led by a locally-. Exceptional at 86/100, 4.9/5 from 101 traveler reviews, 9h from $166, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. 1 Day Tour From Nagano to Matsumoto Castle and Narai-Juku

   Outty Ranking85

   Guests on this exciting 1 day tour of Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku will have the chance to get hands-on with Japan's fascinating history by personally entering the renowned Matsumoto Castle and strolling the streets o. Exceptional at 85/100, 5.0/5 from 49 traveler reviews, 10h from $197, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano

   Outty Ranking85

   Join our tour for a night out to feel like you are residents. Unlike Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, it will be very difficult to find where the locals go to eat and drink in Nagano. Your local expert guides will take you to the. Exceptional at 85/100, 5.0/5 from 62 traveler reviews, 3h from $109, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Food & Culture Walk in Nagano: Oyaki, Sake, Matcha & Zenkoji

   Outty Ranking84

   Come to Nagano for a flavorful food-and-culture walk built around four highlights in the perfect order: freshly made oyaki, the Zenkoji area, a local sake tasting, and a matcha dessert (matcha ice cream or dorayaki). Bet. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 62 traveler reviews, 3h from $89, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. 1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake

   Outty Ranking83

   Take in some of the highlights of Nagano with this engaging tour starting with a morning visit to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and its world-famous hot spring-bathing monkeys, followed by a warming winter lunch and af. Exceptional at 83/100, 5.0/5 from 42 traveler reviews, 8h from $141, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Snow Monkey Park, Soba Lunch and Shibu Onsen Tour

   Outty Ranking82

   We’ll begin with a visit to the famous Snow Monkey Park, where you can watch wild Japanese macaques enjoying a soak in the hot springs—set in the peaceful mountains of Nagano. After the walk, we’ll head over to the near. Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 32 traveler reviews, 6h from $77, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. (Spring Only) 1-Day Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route Tour

   Outty Ranking82

   After pickup in Nagano City, this tour takes you to the 'Roof of Japan' and the fabled Snow Walls of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Situated in the dramatic alpine landscape of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, this is. Exceptional at 82/100, 4.7/5 from 105 traveler reviews, 10h from $213, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee

    Outty Ranking82

    Starting from Nagano City or any of the Nagano's 5 main ski resorts (Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, Madarao Kogen) , we will pick your party up in our private vehicle to take you on your private tour a. Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 56 traveler reviews, 8h from $417, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Snow Monkeys, Obuse & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano

    Outty Ranking82

    Enjoy a premium small-group tour—typically 6–8 guests—blending nature, culture, and great local food in one smooth day. Start at Nagano Station and head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Walk a quiet forest trail to see w. Exceptional at 82/100, 5.0/5 from 29 traveler reviews, 7h from $160, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. 1-Day Ski Tour Package from Nagano Station

    Outty Ranking82

    Home to more than eighty ski resorts such as Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba, and many more, as well as featuring some of the country’s best powder and terrain – all within easy access of Tokyo and its airports – we co. Exceptional at 82/100, 4.9/5 from 38 traveler reviews, 9.8h from $243, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. 1-Day Tour from Matsumoto: Walk the Nakasendo Trail

    Outty Ranking81

    Prepare to experience Old Japan on foot with this exciting hike through traditional post towns, ancient forests, and dramatic mountain passes. Starting in Tsumago-juku post town, your guide will explain a bit about what. Exceptional at 81/100, 4.8/5 from 51 traveler reviews, 8.9h from $190, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Nakasendo Magome & Tsumago in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

    Outty Ranking81

    This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way toexplore both of the ancient post towns! You can travel between Magome and Tsumago by infrequent. Exceptional at 81/100, 5.0/5 from 25 traveler reviews, 6h from $152, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Nakasendo Magome to Tsumago Day Hike with Licensed Guide

    Outty Ranking80

    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 tradition. Exceptional at 80/100, 4.8/5 from 43 traveler reviews, 6h from $152, free cancellation.

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