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Famous for hosting the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, the Nagano Prefecture is a popular tourist destination attracting ski loving visitors from all over world. Connected from Tokyo by bullet train, there are so many things to do in Nagano at any time of year.
Before heading out of the city to visit the onsen towns and ski resorts in the surrounding mountains, spend some time in the city checking out all the amazing temples, craft beer bars and historical streets, or take a day trip by bus to see the hot spring snow monkeys.
From bicycle tours to sake breweries, here is our guide to the best things to do in Nagano, plus some recommended things to do outside Nagano City:
SKIP TO THE THINGS TO DO IN NAGANO CITY LIST >
Where to stay in Nagano City, Japan
Chisun Grand Nagano
We stayed at this hotel during our five night stay as it was a short walk to the train station with affordable rooms. The hotel also has large room sizes (for Japan) – our room had views of the mountains, plus there are free amenities in the lobby. Check rates and availability for Chisun Grand Nagano
Compass Nagano
An 800 metre walk to Nagano JR station, all apartments at Compass have a kitchen and dining area plus some have patios. Great for self catering. Check rates and availability for Compass Nagano
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi
Modern hotel just 2 minutes walk from Nagano Station. The rooms offer great views of the local area plus the restaurant serves up a warm buffet breakfast. The highest rated 3* accommodation on booking.com as of autumn 2023: Check rates and availability for Sotetsu Fresa Inn
Check out the 10 best hotels in Nagano via Booking.com >
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How to get to Nagano City from Tokyo
By Shinkansen Bullet Train
You can take a direct Shinkansen bullet train along the Hokuriku Shinkansen line from either Tokyo Station or Ueno Station. This is the line that runs north of Tokyo, all the way up to Kanazawa Station and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
There are three different train services from Tokyo (Kagayaki, Hakutaka and Asama) – all of them stop at Nagano station. The trains run several times a day, and the Tokyo to Nagano journey takes between 80 to 110 minutes depending on which service you board.
The Shinkansen fare from Tokyo to Nagano will cost approximately 8,500 Yen (one way) or 17,000 Yen (return).
Try this – JR Rail Pass for the whole of Japan >
By Highway Bus
Multiple bus companies such as Willer and Alpico Kotsu run regular services between Tokyo and Nagano from either Shinjuku, Ikebukuro or Akihabara bus stations in Tokyo. The one way trip takes about 3 hours 40 minutes with a stop at a Highway Service station.
Check timetables and fares on 12Go Asia:
How to get around Nagano City
Most of the main attractions in this post are situated within walking distance of each other so can easily be explored by foot.
If you have tired feet then you can get around the city by either bus or by subway. The Nagano City circular bus is called Gururin-go and drives past many of the popular tourist spots. It runs every 15 minutes from Nagano Station and costs 150 Yen per ride.
Nagano’s subway route is called the Nagano Dentetsu Line and serves four stations in the city – Nagano Station, Shiyakusho-mae, Gondo and Zenkoji-shita. Fares cost around 170 Yen. The Nagano Dentetsu Line is a private line and is not covered by the Japan Rail (JR) Pass.
If you want to explore outside of Nagano City, Nagano Station is the city’s main hub and is served by the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen line, seven JR lines and private lines such as Kita-Shinano Line and Nagano Dentetsu Line.
There is also a large bus network which connects Nagano city with popular ski resorts and attractions in the mountainous areas.
Things to do in Nagano City, Japan
1. See the Nagano Snow Monkeys
One of the most magical experiences in Nagano (if not the whole of Japan), a visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the hot spring snow monkeys up-close is an absolute must-do.
The snow monkeys generally live in the mountains and forests surrounding the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park but are drawn to the onsen style hot spring by the promise of food.
It is easy to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park from Nagano JR train station either as part of a snow monkey tour (best if you are short on time) or by using public transport with the Snow Monkey Pass.
Try this – 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano Tour (includes sake tasting and lunch) >
2. Zenkō-ji Temple
One of Japan’s oldest and most cherished temples, Nagano’s Zenkō-ji Temple was established around 1400 years ago in 642 AD.
Put simply, it is one of the most stunning temples we’ve ever encountered in Japan and one of the must things to do in Nagano.
The first thing you see as you eagerly approach Zenko-ji Temple is the crowds and tour groups but don’t let this deter you – this temple is still a popular pilgrimage site in Japan so attracts scores of both domestic and overseas visitors.
Rebuilt in the early 18th century, Zenkoji’s main temple hall is a serene place to walk around with a peaceful deck to explore on the outside and Buddhist artefacts and statues on the inside.
The main temple is free to visit but there is a small charge to enter the main altar and inner chamber.
The pagoda at the rear of the Zenkō-ji Temple houses the Zenkoji History Museum, which has dozens of statues and religious artefacts that can be observed up close.
Try this – Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight ‘Shukubo’ (Temple Lodge) >
3. Sanmon Gate
This is the main entrance gate to the Zenkō-ji Temple, which was built in the 1750s.
When passing through Sanmon Gate, look up to see how ornate the carvings are.
The gate houses five Buddhist statues of Monju Bodhisattva and four kings as well as a handwritten carved plaque by the Imperial prince, which is believed to have several disguised doves in the calligraphy.
The Sanmon Gate also has a viewing gallery on the second floor with views of the Zenkō-ji Temple and Nagano’s city skyline.
Try this – 2 day private tour of Nagano >
4. Niōmon Gate, Zenkōji Temple
The gateway to Zenkoji Temple and Sanmon Gate, the intricately carved Niōmon Gate has a presence that looms large over the whole area and is the main thing you can see as you walk from downtown Nagano uphill towards the temple.
The imposing Niōmon Gate is over 10 metres and is a Buddhist temple gate guarded by two wooden warriors called Niō (two Kings or guardians).
As equally impressive as Zenkōji Temple itself, take time to look at the details of the carved guardians as you pass through the gate.
Try this – Sky Blue Paragliding Experience in Nagano >
5. Zenkoji Omotesando
A traditional shopping street that runs between downtown Nagano and the Zenkoji Nakamise shopping street, Zenkoji Omotesando has a certain old world charm (including a courtyard where several old townhouses have been transformed into restaurants and artisan bakeries).
Zenkoji Omotesando has many well known local restaurants and gourmet food shops dotted along it including Ogawanoshodaimonten dumpling store (more on this later).
Try this – Nagano/Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku Day Trip >
6. Zenkoji Nakamise Street
A shopping street in the shadow of Zenkōji Temple, Zenkoji Nakamise is a mix of gift shops and cafes squarely aimed at the tourist trade.
From heavenly ice-creams including miso soft serve (a n’ice’ thing to do in Nagano) to Soba restaurants, there are lots of food options to enjoy here.
Weirdly one of the most popular cafes is a Starbucks which seems a little out of place in this thoroughfare.
Best of all, the Zenkoji Nakamiseis pedestrianised so it is a pleasant (albeit busy) shopping and eating area to enjoy before entering the temple.
Try this – Nagano Half Day Private Tour with Guide >
7. Nagano Prefectural Art Museum
Nagano’s premier modern art museum, Nagano Prefectural Art Museum in Joyama Park is open six days a week (closed Wednesdays) and has a permanent collection (700 Yen entrance fee as of September 2023) plus special temporary exhibitions (additional entrance fees apply).
Whilst we didn’t make it inside the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum ourselves (alas, we arrived after closing time at 5pm), we can recommend the gardens and rooftop here as one of the best aerial views of Nagano, Zenkoji Temple and the surrounding mountains.
Try this – Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide >
8. Nishinomon-Yoshinoya Sake Brewery
Nagano’s most famous sake brewery established around 300 years ago, Nishinomon sake brewery offers sake brewery tours plus has a ‘showroom of sake’ where you can try before you buy – we’ll drink to that!
If you are driving or don’t like alcohol, there are also non alcoholic versions available. So for a unique souvenir, save some room in your suitcase for goodness ‘sake’.
Try this – Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour >
9. Oyaki Dumplings at Ogawanoshodaimonten
Oh yay to these Oyaki dumplings! Hands down the best oyaki dumplings we had in Nagano, this is the food memory from Nagano that lives on with us a long time after visiting – take us back to Ogawanoshodaimonten!
We love everything about this dainty dumpling place – we visited Ogawanoshodaimonten several times in the winter months and tried all of their dumplings.
There are three Oyaki dumpling flavours to choose from – adzuki red bean, Nozawana green leaves or okura / unohana (which is soy bean with shiitake mushroom and seaweed).
The owners / staff are so lovely and make you feel so welcome – cozy up around the fire pit in the back room and watch as they cook your dumplings over the hot coals on a small griddle.
In the shop at the front, there are frozen oyaki dumplings to take away plus a small section which details the history of the shop.
This place was easily one of our favourite memories in Nagano. Go, enjoy oyaki and eat well – you will not be disappointed.
Try this – Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple including these oyaki dumplings >
Nagano Craft Beer
Kanpai! There are several good craft beer bars in Nagano to visit (and great to warm up in the winter months) including:
10. Nagano Minamikaze Craft Beer Bar
A long established craft beer bar that also started to start to brew their very own beers in 2022, we popped by Nagano Minamikaze Craft Beer Bar one evening and were blown away by the friendliness of the two bar owners.
We propped ourselves up at the end of the bar and were the first customers of the night.
A cute and cosy craft beer bar, there were around six craft beers on tap at Nagano Minamikaze when we visited including a Fruit ale, Weizen and several IPAs.
Prices started from around 800 Yen for the cheapest half pint to 1,300 to 1,500 Yen for a full pint.
11. Yamanoma Brewery Craft Beer Pub
Our favourite craft beer bar in Nagano, the Yamanoma Brewery Craft Beer Pub is run by the most adorable couple who pride themselves on using local Shinshuu ingredients both in their beers and food menu.
Opened in late 2021 in a rather grand looking building and only a couple of minute’s walk from Nagano JR / train station.
All of the Yamanoma Brewery Craft Beers are brewed onsite, priced at 550 Yen for a small beer, 830 Yen for medium and a large beer for 1,100 Yen (as of September 2023). Their craft beer range includes Mount Haven Rice Weizen beer and Karahafu Grandpa IPA.
We also liked the fact the larger beers are served in an old school pint glass you see in traditional British pubs. Yamanoma Brewery Craft Beer Pub is open from 3pm to 9pm Thursday through Monday (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
You might like – Our guide to Japan’s HUB pubs and 82 Ale House Bars >
12. Nagano Don Quijote Stores
No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to one of the numerous Don Quijote stores, Japan’s best loved discount chain and thrift shop.
You know you’ve found a Don Quijote store when you see either a bright blue penguin character Don Pen or hear the catchy / irritating (delete as appropriate) Don Quijote theme tune.
As there are a lot of shops open late in downtown Nagano, the Don Quijote store next to Nagano station is a blessing with three floors of food, Japanese Kit Kats, toys (including the adult kind), clothes and homewares.
It is a great place to pick up inexpensive winter clothing too if you’re unprepared for the elements.
Don Quijote Nagoya Station is located in the West Plaza Nagano building and accessed from the station through an elevated walkway across the street. There are around 3 Don Quijote stores in the Nagano area including a MEGA Don Quijote a little way out of town.
None of the Don Quijote stores in Nagano are open 24 hours, but two close at midnight (including the one closest to Nagano JR station) and one at 3am.
Check out our ultimate guide to Japan’s Don Quijote stores >
Try this – Hot Stuff! A visit to a Nagano Wasabi Farm >
13. MIDORI Nagano shopping mall
The biggest shopping mall in Nagano, the MIDORI Nagano mall is a great place to grab a bite if you are between trains or killing time before heading off to see the Nagano snow monkeys.
Open daily from 10am to 8pm, there six floors of stores at MIDORI Nagano including shops and restaurants like Starbucks, Beard Papa’s, Tully’s Coffee and the North Face.
On the upper floors, there are some really cool fashion and stationery floors plus a really nice fine food foods supermarkets and food hall on the ground floor.
If you’ve ever wanted to try a portion of famed Japanese omelette rice, there is also a handy branch of omelette rice chain Pomu no Ki here in Midori / Nagano station. We ate here one night and enjoyed it – Pomu no Ki is quite cheap and as such, is very popular with student and after school groups.
14. A day trip to Matsumoto
If you are staying in Nagano for several days and want to explore somewhere nearby, a day-trip to Matsumoto is highly recommended and can easily be accessed by a direct train from Nagano JR station.
Matsumoto is famed for its incredible Matsumoto-jō Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful historic castles (particularly in winter time when they light up the castle with festive illuminations). The original castle dates back to the 1590s and is surrounded by a moat home to lots of swans.
Another popular thing to do in Matsumoto is Matsumoto City Museum of Art, home to the one of the world’s biggest collections of Yayoi Kusama works (she was born in Matsumoto). The building is even painted like her work including even the vending machines!
Alternatively, take a walk along Nawate Street in Matsumoto AKA Frog Street. Chock full of cute shops and frog themed gifts (plus big frog statues), Nawate Street is a riverside avenue that gives thanks to all the frogs that frequent the river.
Kaeru, the Japanese word for “frog” also translates as “to return home.” so this is a place that is special to locals and frequently visited by tourists.
Direct trains to Matsumoto from Nagano JR station depart frequently and take around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Try this – Matsumoto Custom Full Day Tour >
15. Gondo District
Quiet by day, busy by night, Gondo is a Nagano neighbourhood that centres around the long Gondo Shopping Arcade strip.
Similar to the other shopping arcades in Japan like Nagoya’s Osu Kannon or Sun Road / Sun Mall Shopping Street in Nakano, Tokyo, Gondo’s Shopping Arcade is a old style covered strip that has lots of thrift stores (100 Yen stores), old cafes plus lots of vacant shops. Lots of locals also seem to use the arcade as a cut through on their cycles.
We’ve only visited Gondo by day but by night, it apparently comes to life with backstreet bars and clubs like Beer Hall Topi that are frequented by salary-men and young groups.
Gondo Shopping Arcade and nightlife district is a 15 to 20 walk from Nagano JR station or you can take the Nagano Dentetsu train and alight at Gondo station.
16. Togakushi-Jinja / Shrine
A little way out of downtown Nagano, Togakushi-Jinja consists of five sublime shrines found on the foothills of Mount Togakushi.
Surrounded by trees (some of which are said to be around 1000 years old) and established over 2000 years, thousands come here to worship and you can witness the traditional kagura dance.
Togakushi-Jinja / Shrine can be accessed by a bus from the JR Nagano Station and takes around 1 hour one way.
Try this – Snow Walls of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route from Nagano >
17. Nagano Manhole Covers
One of our favourite things to do in Nagano whilst exploring on foot was to keep an eye out for cool and curious manhole covers.
Each region in Japan has their own unique manhole cover designs. The Japanese manhole mania trend started in the 1950s when some regions created their own simplified designs but it really took off in the 1980s as a PR exercise to get locals onboard with costly sewer modernisation programmes that were funded by taxes.
Some of the ‘best’ / coolest Japanese manhole covers in Nagano that we saw whilst pounding the streets included a Japanese fire fighter manhole cover plus 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic manholes.
Try this – Miso in Matsumoto: Fermentation Factory Tour and Lunch >
18. Nagano Hot Springs / Onsen
After a long day of temple walks or skiing, why not relax in one of Nagano’s numerous hot springs and onsen complexes.
There are dozens of natural hot springs in Nagano and there is nothing like an open air onsen or super steaming bath to unwind in.
Nagano’s most popular hot spring areas include Hirugami Onsen, Nozawa Onsen and the Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen
Check out the top 10 Nagano hotels and accommodation with onsens >
Try this – Snow Monkey Tour including Shibu Onsen >
19. Skiing in Nagano
Nagano’s ski season generally lasts between December and early April each year. One of Japan’s most popular winter activities, thousands flock to Nagano each year for skiing and hot spring vacations.
Popular ski resorts and areas in the region include Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort, Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort, Shiga Kogen Ski Resorts and Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort.
And if you aren’t a fan of skiing, you can always enjoy the apres ski activities in Nagano afterwards instead and get ‘piste’ in another way!
Check out these ski resorts in Nagano >
You might like:
Hakuba Goryu Snow Resort Chair Lift and Ski Experience >
Ski & Snowboard Package Rental in Hakuba >
20. Nagano 24/7 vending machines
Japan is known for its cool vending machines – Nagano is no different with a cluster of varied vending machines downtown.
Given it is a relatively small city compared to the likes of Tokyo and Osaka, we were surprised by how many Nagano vending machines there were.
We think this possibly be because there are less 24/7 places open and most of the shops and supermarkets close relatively early in Nagano.
Some of the vending machines we spotted in 2023 on the streets of Nagano included:
A tofu vending machine – 24/7 tofu yoghurt cakes and more (dishes start from 150 Yen)
A flying fish stock vending machine – Dashidouraku’s dashi soup with Sodabushi (dried bullet mackerel)
A Japanese sweet potato vending machine
Try this – Guenpin Restaurant in Nagano – Puffer Fish Specialty >
21. Nagano’s Omotesando Olympic Memorial Park
Nagano is famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, seen by billions worldwide and which saw over 2000 competitors from over 70 nations from all over the world.
The legacy of the Winter Olympics looms large over Nagano and the locals still use many of the local winter sport and skiing facilities that were built for the games.
On the approach towards Zenkoji Temple, you’ll see the Nagano Omotesando Olympic Memorial Park, which was once the main medal awards ceremony location and popular meeting spot during the competition.
This park was established in 2012 with a small replica of the Olympic cauldron, built by the hands of local volunteers – also keep an eye out for Olympic themed manhole covers in Nagano.
22. Yawataya Isogoro custom blend spice seasoning
Sssssh, have you heard about the ‘spiciest’ thing to do in Nagano?! Welcome to Yawataya Isogoro!
Just down the hill from the Zenkoji temple, Nagano’s Yawataya Isogoro spices was founded in the 1720s and is one of Japan’s most famous spice suppliers.
Commonly referred to as a 7 spice chilli mix, the Japanese word is Shichimi or Shichimi togarashi, meaning (literally “7 flavours).
At the flagship Yawataya Isogoro store, you can create your own custom blend of chilli spices or even enjoy 7 spice ice-cream.
23. Patio Daimon Kura Niwa
A cute courtyard in the heart of Zenkoji’s old town area, Patio Daimon Kura Niwa is a tranquil tree-lined square full of old townhouses that have been converted into artisan shops, incredible bakeries and highly rated Nagano restaurants.
Even if you aren’t visiting one of the half dozen restaurants, Patio Daimon Kura Niwa is a peaceful pit stop before facing the crowds of nearby Zenkoji temple. So grab a bite to eat from one of the bakeries and enjoy a sweet treat in the cooling courtyard or upstairs cafe areas.
24. Take the train to Obuse
Famous for its chestnuts, Obuse is a small town on the outskirts of Nagano that is just half an hour away by train (there is a train from Nagano to Obuse approximately every hour).
Most of the restaurants and patisseries here have their own Obuse chestnut dishes plus there are a couple of nice museums including the Hokusai Museum dedicated to the work of local printmaker Katsushika Hokusai and a top topiary museum, the Taikan Bonsai Museum.
We visited Obuse using our 2 day Snow Monkey Pass (it includes free public transport for two days) and thought it was a quaint and tranquil town, with some nice bakeries but nothing extraordinary.
Visit Obuse and the Nagano Snow Monkeys as part of a private tour >
25. Nagano Tokyu Department Store
Apart from MIDORI Nagano, food courts and supermarkets are few and far between in downtown Nagano so we’d rate Nagano Tokyu Department Store for their basement food court and supermarket which has an awesome array of tasty and inexpensive dishes.
We often bought food here in Nagano Tokyu Department Store like sashimi, breaded meat cutlets or sweet treats. Also if you are on a tight budget, much of the fresh food is reduced in price a couple of hours before closing.
The other floors at Nagano Tokyu Department Store are mainly fashion, jewellery and homewares but the top floor has several restaurants and cafes and is another excellent and affordable option for daytime dining in Nagano.
26. Joyama Zoo Nagano
Despite the title, Joyama Zoo is more of a small animal park than an actual zoo – it has a small number of animals including a sea lion pool, a very animated monkey enclosure plus penguins, lemurs and various bird exhibits.
There are also a handful of dated, small scale amusement style rides and attractions – whilst not the best ‘zoo’, Joyama Zoo is free to visit and a fun thing to do in Nagano with kids.
Joyama Zoo in the spring is a popular place to see sakura / cherry blossoms too.
You might like – Guide to the coolest Japanese gachapon capsule toys >
27. ABC Cookery School Nagano
Located on the third floor of the shopping centre above Nagano Station, ABC Cookery School Nagano offers one day culinary lessons in the art of bread, sweet treats or epic epicurean courses.
Cooking courses are available in English and you get to take home your treats at the end of the day – perhaps a tasty thing to do in Nagano on a rainy or snowy day.
28. Red Dragon English pub
Whilst Nagano doesn’t have any British themed Hub pubs or Ale House 82s, you’ll find a little piece of Britain at the Red Dragon pub.
Open most days from 6pm until midnight (closed Mondays), the Red Dragon Nagano serves up pub grub style favourites like fish and chips coupled with a pint of Guinness.
There is also a good selection of Japanese craft beers here. Although if your tastes are more ‘crafty’, we’d recommend Nagano’s Minamikaze bar or Yamanoma Brewery Craft Beer Pub instead.
29. Explore Nagano by Bicycle / Nagano Cycling Tours
The downtown area of Nagano is very walkable but if you fancy seeing it on two wheels, there are a few ways to explore Nagano by bicycle.
Nagano is surrounded by nature, including the Chikuma river (Japan’s longest river), the Karuizawa forest and the green fields of Azumino.
Several hotels and hostels in Nagano offer their guests free bicycle rental (like Hotel Kokusai 21) or alternatively, try this Nagano cycling tour on a ‘fat bike’.
Otari Fat Bike Center offers guided cycling tours of Nagano’s outer areas with thick bike tyres that also work well on snow.
30. Other Things to do near Nagano, Japan
- Something for families – visit the Kid’s Ninja Shrine and learn ninja skills like star throwing (‘shuriken’) and blow darts.
- The Nozawa Fire Festival – one of the three great Japanese fire festivals held every January
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