Your Travel Guide to Nagano: How to Plan a Trip 2026/2027

Nagano is a peaceful city that perfectly combines culture and nature.

You can explore traditional hot spring towns, hike along the Nakasendo Trail or Kamikochi, or visit historic buildings. During winter, you can even see the unique sight of snow monkeys soaking in hot springs and go skiing.

In this guide, you will find all you need to plan a perfect trip and make the most of your time. It includes top experiences, recommended places to stay, a sample itinerary, and helpful tips.

Top 7 Things to Do in Nagano - Explore the City's Best Taste

You probably know Nagano's popular spots: Jigokudani Monkey Park, Nakasendo, and more. But unlike others who just visit these places, we'll help you to experience these highlights in an immersive and meaningful way.

Below are the 7 top things to do in Nagano based on our visit.

1. See the Unique Snow Monkeys Soak in Hot Springs

• Distance from Nagano: 50-minute drive

Undoubtedly, this is one of the main reasons why people visit Nagano.

Located in the mountains at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, you can get up close to observe monkeys relaxing in hot springs in their natural habitat.

However, you can only witness this unique sight during the winter months (December to March). With heavy snowfall during these months, you'll have the biggest chance to see the snow monkeys enjoying the hot springs.

For your safety, it's best to wear ice crampons and waterproof shoes. The area can become very slippery and snowy during winter, increasing the risk of falling while walking.

Although the monkeys can be found in other seasons as well, they usually don't soak in the hot springs due to the warmer weather.

We recommend arriving between 9 and 10 a.m. This will help you avoid the big crowds.

2. Hike the Nakasendo to Immerse in the Ancient Local Life

• Distance from Nagano: 25-minute drive

The Nakasendo Trail traces back to Japan's Edo period, offering a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Japanese people.

We'll get you hiking from Magome-juku to Tsumago-juku, which is the most essential part. You'll see historic houses and enjoy stunning natural scenery. The section is mostly flat with more downhill, making it suitable for everyone from teenagers to active seniors.

During your hike, our private guide will share the stories behind the trail, enriching your experience with deeper insights.

3. Relax in the Traditional Onsen Town

• Distance from Nagano: a 50-minute drive

Nagano's hot springs are very popular among the Japanese people. They provide a wide variety of high-quality onsens, fewer crowds, and maintain a traditional onsen town vibe.

Shibu Onsen is our top pick! You can immerse yourself in a well-preserved old onsen street while wearing a yukata and clogs. Plus, it's only a short 10-minute drive from Jigokudani Yaen-Koen, making it easy to connect with your plans.

The biggest highlight at Shibu Onsen is the tour of nine public baths. With a special key, you can access nine different hot springs. As you explore, you can also collect stamps for good luck and health. However, this experience is only available if you stay overnight.

4. Hiking in Kamikochi to Connect with Nature

• Distance from Nagano: 1.5-2 hours by driving

Though Kamikochi is located far away from Nagano, it is still a popular attraction for travelers in the area.

Located in the Japanese Alps, you can fully immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures here. For example, walk through lush forests, cross streams, and unwind by rivers.

Hiking is the best way to explore Kamikochi. It is usually open from April to November each year. We recommend visiting in October. This period offers stunning views of red maple leaves and distant snow-capped peaks, all in one picturesque.

Kamikochi has several hiking routes to choose from. Our first choice is the path from Kappa Bridge to Taisho Pond. This classic and flattest route is perfect for everyone. If you'd like to try a different trail, we can help arrange that for you, too.

5. Skiing on Some of the Best Powder Snow in Winter

• Distance from Nagano: an hour by car

Skiing is a popular winter activity in Nagano. The region boasts high-quality powdery snow and is easily accessible from other cities like Tokyo. Moreover, you can enjoy traditional Japanese hot springs near the ski resorts.

Hakuba Valley is a great choice for skiing in Nagano. As a former Winter Olympics venue, its powdery snow quality is absolutely top-notch. With over 200 ski runs, the resort is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

6. Try Your Hands at Making Oyaki (Nagano's Dumpling)

Looking to try something unique and local? Give making oyaki (Nagano's dumpling) a shot! This specialty from Nagano is a must-try. Shaped like a small bun, it's filled with vegetables and grilled over charcoal.

Instead of just tasting oyaki like regular travelers, we will arrange a special hands-on experience for you at a century-old restaurant. With the guidance of a master, you'll get to create your own oyaki using seasonal fillings. Afterward, you can enjoy the delicious results of your hard work.

7. Explore the Sacred Togakushi Shrine

• Distance from Nagano: a 40-minute drive

If you're seeking a hidden gem, we recommend visiting Togakushi Shrine. Unlike the highly visited Zenkoji Temple, this spot combines culture with forest hiking, giving you a deeper cultural experience.

Surrounded by ancient cedar trees, this shrine holds a significant role in Japanese mythology. It's a perfect place to learn about Japanese culture while being close to nature.

The shrine site features five separate shrines. It usually takes around 3 hours to explore all of them.

For a more energy-efficient visit, we'll plan you beginning with the Okusha (Upper Shrine), then proceeding to the Chusha (Middle Shrine), and ending at the Hokosha (Lower Shrine). Travelling on this route will avoid a challenging uphill climb.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Nagano?

For a well-rounded experience, we recommend spending two full days in Nagano. This will provide you with enough time to explore the major highlights without rushing.

You can also set aside a day to explore the nearby Matsumoto for a richer experience, like visiting the historic Matsumoto Castle and hiking in Kamikochi.

If you're coming to Nagano for skiing, plan to spend 3-4 full days. You can take one day to explore Nagano's major attractions and the rest of your time for skiing at the resorts.

A classic 2-Day Nagano itinerary

This sample itinerary covers Nagano's top attractions, giving you a flavor of the city. If you have other preferences, we can customize it to fit your needs.

• Day 1: Nagano city highlight ( Zenkō-ji- making oyaki - Shibu Onsen)

Start your journey at Zenkō-ji. Visiting in the morning can help you avoid the crowds and capture good photos.

Then, try making local oyaki. You can enjoy your handmade creation for lunch.

Finally, head to Shibu Onsen. Relax by soaking in a public bath at a bathhouse and take a leisurely stroll through the traditional hot spring streets in a yukata.

• Day 2: Matsumoto Day trip (Jigokudani Yaen-Koen - Matsumoto Castle - Kamikochi)

Begin your adventure at Jigokudani Yaen-Koen. You can see the snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs. This spot is on the way to Matsumoto. If you're not traveling in winter, you can skip this attraction and head straight to Matsumoto.

Next, discover Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's oldest castles. Stroll along the moat to admire the castle from various angles, or step inside to explore its interior.

Lastly, take an easy hike at Kamikochi. It offers several trails suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced hikers. We can help you select the best route based on your schedule and physical strengths.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Nagano?

Nagano is a year-round city, and winter is especially perfect for a visit.

Winter in Nagano (December to February) offers more unique seasonal activities. You can watch snow monkeys soaking in hot springs, go skiing, and relax in a hot spring surrounded by snowy scenery.

The winters in Nagano are pretty cold, with temperatures ranging from -2- 5°C (29-42°F), and frequent snowfall. Make sure to pack a thick down jacket, hat, gloves, and waterproof boots.

Each of the other three seasons has its own charm.

Spring in Nagano (March to May) is pleasant. The cherry blossoms usually bloom around mid-April, later than in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. The blooming flowers, along with historic shrines, create an authentic Japanese atmosphere.

During summer (June to August), Nagano provides a cool escape. You can explore the towering trees at Togakushi Shrine or enjoy outdoor fun by hiking in Kamikochi.

Autumn in Nagano (September to November) offers fall colors and mild weather. Hiking in Kamikochi is a popular activity, where you can witness red maple leaves alongside a snow-covered mountain peak in a single view.

Where Should You Stay in Nagano?

Not sure where to stay for your first visit: Nagano or Kumamoto?

We suggest staying in Nagano. Most major attractions are located there, providing more lodging choices and better transportation connections to other cities.

If you like Western-style hotels:

The best place to stay in Nagano is the Nagano Station area. This location offers convenient transportation, plenty of hotel options, and a variety of restaurants.

As Nagano's transportation hub, it has Shinkansen access to Tokyo and train services to nearby cities. Plus, you can easily explore most of the city's attractions by bus from here.

Moreover, this area offers a range of Western-style hotel choices, including modern business hotels and cozy mid-range accommodations.

If you prefer traditional Japanese ryokan:

If you wish to experience a traditional Japanese ryokan with an onsen, staying in an onsen town is a good idea.

We suggest staying at Shibu Onsen. It offers numerous high-quality ryokan options and convenient access to other attractions. If you prefer to stay in a different onsen town, we can also help you arrange that.

If you want easy access to Kamikochi and aim to spend less time on the road, staying in Matsumoto is a great option. Wherever you choose to stay, we can help with the arrangements.

How to Get to and Get Around Nagano?

How to Get to

The most convenient way to reach Nagano is by taking the Shinkansen. I recommend starting your journey from Tokyo, as it only takes about 1.5 hours to get to Nagano.

If you are traveling from Osaka or Kyoto, it usually takes about 3-3.5 hours by Shinkansen with one transfer in Nagoya.

How to Get Around

After exploring Nagano, I must say that using a private car is the best way to get around.

Reaching Nagano's top attractions relies on buses. This might mean more time on the road and less time enjoying the sights.

During peak seasons (winter), waiting in line for buses can exceed 30 minutes. This limits your visits to only 1-2 attractions per day. Moreover, you can't leisurely explore as you'll always be checking the time to avoid missing the bus.

Using a private car allows you to avoid these issues! You can travel at your own pace, enjoy more flexibility in your itinerary, and delve deeper into each attraction.

Let's Customize Your Nagano Trip Together

Just let us know the experiences you want to enjoy, and our expert Japan travel advisors will make your dream trip a reality! We'll handle everything, from tailoring the itinerary and choosing hotels to arranging transportation. All you need to do is relax and enjoy.

Here are our popular Japan trips that include Nagano for your inspiration.

• 8-Day Tokyo Highlights and Nagano Skiing Tour
• 12-Day Japan Magical Winter Tour