14 Days of Adventure in Nagano Itinerary

Begin your second day with an early morning trip to Matsumoto. Join the Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour in Nagano. This tour will guide you through Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's premier historic castles, followed by sake tasting and sampling local delicacies.

After the tour, enjoy lunch at Kobayashi Soba, famous for its traditional soba noodles. Spend your afternoon exploring Nakamachi Street, known for its well-preserved old merchant houses and charming shops.

Return to Nagano city for dinner at Yawataya Isogoro Honten, where you can savor exquisite Japanese dishes. Later, experience Nagano's nightlife with an Izakaya food night tour: Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano.

Kick off your third day with an adventurous journey on the From Nagano: Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. This scenic route takes you through stunning alpine landscapes including snow corridors, highland plateaus, and breathtaking mountain views.

For lunch, stop by Cafe Gusto along the route for some hearty meals before continuing your exploration. Spend your afternoon visiting Kurobe Dam, Japan's tallest dam offering spectacular views of the surrounding nature.

Conclude your day by unwinding at Kusatsu Onsen via the tour: From Nagano and Karuizawa: Unwind in Kusatsu Onsen. Enjoy soaking in natural hot springs that are believed to have healing properties. For dinner, indulge yourself at Restaurant Yo, known for its delightful fusion cuisine.

Start your day with a visit to the historic Matsushiro Castle, a well-preserved castle town that offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. Explore the castle ruins, samurai residences, and the Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters.

After your historical exploration, join the Nagano/Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku Day Trip. This tour will take you to Matsumoto Castle for another perspective on this iconic landmark, followed by a visit to Narai-juku, a beautifully preserved post town along the Nakasendo Trail.

Return to Nagano city for dinner at The Farmhouse, known for its farm-to-table dining experience. After dinner, relax with a drink at Bluebird Coffee, which offers a cozy atmosphere and excellent coffee.

Begin your day with an early morning hike in Togakushi, known for its beautiful shrines and scenic trails. Visit Togakushi Shrine's five shrines scattered across the forested mountainside.

Join the Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley. This tour combines cultural heritage with natural beauty as you explore Matsumoto Castle and then head to Kamikochi, an alpine valley offering stunning views of the Japanese Alps.

For dinner, head to Sasa, where you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine in a serene setting. End your evening with a relaxing stroll around Zenkoji Temple's illuminated grounds.

Start your day with a visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park on the Snow monkeys Zenkoji temple one day private sightseeing tour. Observe the famous snow monkeys as they bathe in hot springs surrounded by snow-covered landscapes.

Enjoy lunch at Enza Cafe, located near Jigokudani Monkey Park. The cafe offers delicious meals and stunning views of the surrounding nature. Spend your afternoon exploring Shibu Onsen, a charming hot spring town with traditional ryokan inns and public baths.

Conclude your day with an unforgettable experience on the November 23: Ebisu-ko Fireworks & Snow Monkey Tour. Witness one of Japan's largest fireworks displays while enjoying local food stalls and festivities. For dinner, savor local delicacies at Kura Sushi before heading back to your accommodation.

Begin your day with a cultural immersion experience at the Zenkoji Experience Tour: Overnight 'Shukubo' (Temple Lodge). This unique tour allows you to stay overnight at a temple lodge, participate in morning prayers, and learn about the history and traditions of Zenkoji Temple. It's a serene way to start your day, surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of this ancient temple.

After checking out from the temple lodge, head to the Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum for an afternoon of art appreciation. The museum features a diverse collection of works by local artists as well as international exhibitions. Enjoy lunch at Matsushiro Soba, known for its delicious handmade soba noodles.

In the evening, join the Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip. This tour combines visits to Zenkoji Temple and Jigokudani Monkey Park with a sake tasting experience. End your day with dinner at Suyakame, where you can savor traditional Japanese dishes paired with locally brewed sake.

1 Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen kicks off your eighth day with an exciting adventure in Shiga Kogen. This tour includes visits to Jigokudani Monkey Park and various snow activities such as snowshoeing or skiing in one of Japan's largest ski resorts.

Shiga Kogen Heights is an excellent spot for lunch, offering hearty meals to refuel after your morning activities. Spend your afternoon exploring more of Shiga Kogen's scenic beauty or relaxing in one of its many onsen hot springs.

Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano offers another chance to dive into Nagano's vibrant nightlife. Enjoy dinner at various izakayas (Japanese pubs), sampling local dishes and drinks while mingling with locals. Conclude your evening with a visit to The Hakuba Taproom, known for its craft beers and lively atmosphere.

Nagano/Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku Day Trip begins your ninth day with a visit to Matsumoto Castle followed by Narai-juku, a historic post town along the Nakasendo Trail. Explore these well-preserved sites that offer a glimpse into Japan's rich history.

Narai-juku Teahouse is perfect for lunch, offering traditional Japanese tea and snacks in a charming setting. Spend your afternoon wandering through Narai-juku's narrow streets lined with wooden buildings, shops, and museums.

From Nagano and Karuizawa: Unwind in Kusatsu Onsen concludes your day with relaxation at Kusatsu Onsen. Soak in natural hot springs known for their healing properties before enjoying dinner at Restaurant Yo, which offers delightful fusion cuisine.

Begin your day with an adrenaline-pumping experience on the Minakami Half-Day Canyoning. This tour takes you through the stunning canyons of Minakami, where you'll rappel down waterfalls, slide down natural water slides, and jump into crystal-clear pools. It's a thrilling way to start your day and connect with nature.

After your canyoning adventure, enjoy a hearty lunch at Terrain Cafe, known for its delicious sandwiches and refreshing drinks. Spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful surroundings of Minakami, including its scenic rivers and lush forests.

Return to Nagano city for dinner at Gohanya Isshin, a highly-rated restaurant offering traditional Japanese cuisine. After dinner, unwind with a drink at The Red Dragon, a cozy bar known for its extensive selection of cocktails and friendly atmosphere.

Start your day with a visit to the Nagano Prefectural Museum of History. This museum offers fascinating exhibits on the history and culture of Nagano Prefecture, including artifacts from the Jomon period and displays on local folklore.

Join the Nagano Audio Guide: Zenkō-ji, Museum & Zoo for an informative afternoon exploring Zenkoji Temple, the adjacent museum, and the nearby zoo. This audio-guided tour provides in-depth insights into the significance of these sites while allowing you to explore at your own pace. Enjoy lunch at Cafe Restaurant Lavenir, which offers a variety of delicious dishes in a relaxed setting.

For dinner, head to Yakiniku Misoya, where you can savor mouthwatering grilled meats and vegetables. Conclude your evening with a visit to Bar Unplugged, known for its live music performances and vibrant atmosphere.

Begin your day with another visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park on the Private Snow monkey Zenkoji temple Sightseeing day tour. This private tour allows you to spend more time observing the snow monkeys in their natural habitat while learning about their behavior from an expert guide.

Enjoy lunch at Enza Cafe near Jigokudani Monkey Park before heading back to Nagano city. Spend your afternoon exploring more of Zenkoji Temple's grounds or visiting nearby shops for souvenirs.

Conclude your day with an unforgettable experience on the Nozawa: Full-Day Fire Festival & Snow Monkey Tour on Jan 15. Witness one of Japan's most famous fire festivals in Nozawa Onsen while enjoying local food stalls and festivities. For dinner, savor local delicacies at Kura Sushi before heading back to your accommodation.

Start your day with a visit to the picturesque Kamikochi Valley. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Kamikochi offers breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps, crystal-clear rivers, and lush forests. Take a leisurely hike along the well-maintained trails and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of this alpine paradise.

After exploring Kamikochi, head to Matsumoto for lunch at Matsumoto Brewery Taproom, where you can enjoy delicious craft beers and hearty meals. In the afternoon, join the From Nagano: Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route tour. This scenic route takes you through some of Japan's most spectacular mountain landscapes, including snow corridors, highland plateaus, and breathtaking views from the Kurobe Dam.

Return to Nagano city for dinner at Suyakame, known for its exquisite Japanese cuisine and locally brewed sake. After dinner, unwind with a drink at The Hakuba Taproom, which offers a cozy atmosphere and a great selection of craft beers.

From Nagano and Karuizawa: Unwind in Kusatsu Onsen kicks off your final day with a relaxing visit to Kusatsu Onsen. Soak in the natural hot springs that are believed to have healing properties while enjoying the tranquil surroundings of this famous onsen town.

Restaurant Yo is an excellent spot for lunch, offering delightful fusion cuisine in a charming setting. Spend your afternoon exploring more of Kusatsu Onsen or indulging in additional onsen baths.

Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano concludes your trip with an evening of delicious food and drinks at various izakayas (Japanese pubs). Enjoy sampling local dishes and mingling with locals as you bid farewell to Nagano. For dinner, savor traditional Japanese cuisine at Gohanya Isshin before heading back to your accommodation.