Nagano

Travel Guide

Photo provided by JNTO
Nagano
Photo provided by JNTO
Nagano
Photo provided by JNTO

Enjoy vegetarian food and go skiing in this scenic mountain region, explore the ancient wooden Zenkoji Temple and historic castle, and hear legends of ninja warriors.

Nagano, on Japan’s main island Honshu, is the capital city of the prefecture of the same name. The city is most famous as being the home of the Zenkoji Temple, a national treasure. Visit this important site of pilgrimage, but also be sure to make the most of the region’s other attractions. At the nearby mountains, go skiing or see macaque monkeys bathe in hot springs. Learn about the culture of the samurai warriors and view 300-year-old chestnut and beech trees in Oku Susobana Natural Park.

Visit the grand complex of the Zenkoji Temple to see one of the largest wooden temples in Japan. The main temple dates back to the seventh century and is said to house a very early Buddha statue.

Take the train to the castle town in the suburb of Matsushiro to see the legacy of a 17th-century warlord. Discover the samurai way of life at the Sanada and Yokota Residences and the Sanada Treasure Museum. Explore a bunker which hid the Emperor and government during World War II.

At the Togakure Ninpo Museum, try your hand at shuriken throwing like a ninja. Navigate mazes and secret doors and learn about Nishina Daisuke, a samurai who created his own style of ninjutsu.

Head to the nearby Joshinetsu Kogen National park and marvel at the snow monkeys in the hot springs of the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park in Yamanouchi. At the onsen (traditional Japanese resorts) in the area you can enjoy the thermal pools for yourself. In winter, choose from over 20 ski resorts to carve up the snow on the nearby Shiga plateau.

Nagano is about a 2-hour train journey from Tokyo. Its central transport hub provides good connections to the major attractions in and around the city. Hire a car to explore the countryside. Join mushroom and fruit-picking expeditions or visit a local miso manufacturer. Nagano has a long history of catering for Zenkoji Temple’s Buddhist monks, so vegetarians will want to linger in this scenic area.

Where to stay in Nagano

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Togakushi

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Togakushi. You might want to make time for a stop at Togakushi Shrine or Chibikko Ninja Village.

Togakushi
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Minaminagano

While visiting Minaminagano, you might make a stop by sights like Gondo Shopping Street and Kitano Cultural Center.

Minaminagano

Kurita

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Kurita. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Sanmon Gate and Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum are a few top places to visit.

Kurita

Matsushiro

While visiting Matsushiro, you might make a stop by sights like Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters and Matsushiro Castle.

Matsushiro
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Minamichitose

When in Minamichitose, you can plan a visit to Gondo Shopping Street and Nio-mon Gate, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Minamichitose
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Minamichitosemachi Tsuruga

Though Minamichitosemachi Tsuruga may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sanmon Gate and Gondo Shopping Street.

Minamichitosemachi Tsuruga
Hotel JAL City Nagano

Hotel JAL City Nagano

3 out of 5
1221, Toigosho-machi, Nagano, Nagano-ken
The price is €59 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
€59
30 Sept - 1 Oct
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
Hotel JAL City Nagano
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

3.5 out of 5
1346 Minami-ishido-cho, Nagano, Nagano-ken
Fully refundable
The price is €79 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
€79
15 Sept - 16 Sept
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa

Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
1372-1 Nishiterao Matsushiro, Nagano, Nagano-ken
The price is €52 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
€52
3 Sept - 4 Sept
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Whole building rental Witchs Holiday Club - Witch Holiday CLUB / Nagano Nagano

Whole building rental Witchs Holiday Club - Witch Holiday CLUB / Nagano Nagano

Nagano
Stay at this vacation home in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Zenko-ji Temple and Anyoji Temple are located ...
Whole building rental Witchs Holiday Club - Witch Holiday CLUB / Nagano Nagano
Limited to one group one building rented an old  / Nagano Nagano

Limited to one group one building rented an old / Nagano Nagano

Nagano
Stay at this vacation home in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Zenko-ji Temple and Aqua Wing Arena are ...
Limited to one group one building rented an old / Nagano Nagano
Maccha House Nagano Zenko-ji

Maccha House Nagano Zenko-ji

Nagano
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Nagano. Enjoy laundry facilities, in-room jetted tubs, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Zenko-ji ...
Maccha House Nagano Zenko-ji
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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