Nagano

Travel Guide
Nagano
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

奥社へと続く杉並木。 #Nature

Togakushi

5/5(1 area review)

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

Kurita

5/5(1 area review)

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Kurita. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Saisho-in Temple and Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum are a few top sights nearby.

Kurita
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Miwa

While there might not be top attractions in Miwa, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum and Zenko-ji Temple.

Miwa
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Tokuma

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Tokuma and surrounding area, you can visit Aqua Wing Arena and Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum.

Tokuma
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Mamejima

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Mamejima and surrounding area, you can visit M-Wave Olympic Memorial Arena and Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum.

Mamejima
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Aokijimamachi-Aokijima

When in Aokijimamachi-Aokijima, you can plan a visit to Saisho-in Temple and Nagano City Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Aokijimamachi-Aokijima
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Zenkojiguchi
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Zenkojiguchi
3 out of 5
1356 Suehiro-cho Minaminagano, Nagano, Nagano
The price is NT$1,354 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
NT$1,354
per night
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (803 reviews)
Great location
"Great place to stay within 2 minutes of the train station. Extremely clean and comfortable rooms with an easy check-in. Thoroughly the breakfast and coffe which was included in the room price. Will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 2024/3/2

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Zenkojiguchi
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
3.5 out of 5
1346 Minami-ishido-cho, Nagano, Nagano-ken
The price is NT$2,588 per night from Apr 24 to Apr 25
NT$2,588
per night
Apr 24 - Apr 25
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Great position close to the train station and commercial area."

Reviewed on 2024/3/24

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Toyoko Inn Nagano Station Zenkoji
Toyoko Inn Nagano Station Zenkoji
3 out of 5
1315-8, Minami-ishidou-cho, Nagano, Nagano
Fully refundable
The price is NT$1,597 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$1,597
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (379 reviews)
"Room was spacious and breakfast buffet realy helped a busy morning."

Reviewed on 2024/2/28

Toyoko Inn Nagano Station Zenkoji
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.
IKEDA life kan
IKEDA life kan
3 out of 5
7078-13 Hokujo, Hakuba, Nagano
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Hakuba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6 reviews)
"線路沿いということもあり真横を電車が通るので 音を気にされる方もいらっしゃるかもしれないですが、 我々は気にすることもなくよく眠れました。 室内(101号室)には洗濯機などもあり、 事前にわかっていればもう少し荷物が減らせたなぁ、と思うくらい電化製品あり ⚫︎洗濯機 ⚫︎トースター ⚫︎電子レンジ ⚫︎冷蔵庫/冷凍庫 ⚫︎食器など 近くにスーパーもあるので食材を買い込んで 引きこもるのには最適かもしれません。"

Reviewed on 2023/7/24

IKEDA life kan
Hakuba Canadian Lodge
Hakuba Canadian Lodge
3 out of 5
4715-4 Wadano Hokujo, Kitaazumi, Hakuba, Nagano
Stay at this 3-star ski cottage in Hakuba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area and Hakuba Mini Train ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (21 reviews)
"It's our second time to stay here as they got everything we need, washing machine, kitchen, spacing and nearby the slopes. Love everything here. It would be even greater if they have a curtain in the bedroom as I'm not a morning person and it's so bright in the morning."

Reviewed on 2024/3/4

Hakuba Canadian Lodge
Angel Resort Yuzawa
Angel Resort Yuzawa
2.5 out of 5
173-1-610 Tsuchidaru, Minamiuonuma-gun, Yuzawa, Niigata
Stay at this apartment in Yuzawa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Popular attractions Iwappara Ski Resort and Yuzawa Central Park are ...
7.2/10 Good! (5 reviews)
"The hotel and staff are fine. My issue was with our particular room. It had a nice modern kitchen, with walls that were red brick, two different odd wall paper, and a beach mural. The ceiling was green with pink trim. The two twin beds were mismatched in style and height. The couches and bedding ..."

Reviewed on 2023/12/29

Angel Resort Yuzawa
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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