Top Nagano Prefecture Art & Culture

See two of the top attractions near Nagano on this full-day excursion. Explore the tranquil grounds of Zenko-ji, a lovely religious site known for its historic Buddhist statue. Enjoy a sake tasting and lunch before heading down a beautiful forest trail to the home of the snow monkeys, a group of local macaques known for their willingness to live in the snow and bathe in the local hot spring.

Explore the magnificent temples and natural wonders of Nagano on a full-day tour and benefit from the undivided attention of a private guide. Visit the famous Zenkoji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, enjoy lunch (own expense) in Obuse Town, then choose a soak in the hot springs at Shibu Onsen.

Discover Nagano’s many highlights on this private 2-day tour. Save time planning transport, as a driver and private vehicle is included. You’ll have a guide to show you around on the first day, and then free time to explore on the second day. Overnight stay in a Japanese Ryokan, entrance fees to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Zenko-ji Temple, and a private onsen experience is included, making it the ultimate hassle-free tour.

Combining a visit to Nagano’s world-famous Snow Monkey Park and evening exploration of the Zenko-ji Illumination Festival, this enjoyable 1-day tour captures the magic of Nagano of in winter. Including a special illumination dinner at Monzen Terrace Enya, this is one tour rich in the festive spirit of winter! First stop is the Jigokudani Monkey Park - home to Nagano's famous hot spring-loving monkeys! Your guide will lead you to and from the park and introduce you to everything that makes the monkeys so unique, while also allowing you plenty of time to enjoy by yourself. Once done, you head back to Nagano City where a warming early dinner awaits at Monzen Terrace Enya - one of the city's most popular restaurants. Warmed and filled, you then head into Zenko-ji - one of the oldest and most important temples in Japan - where your guide will explain the history and legends of the temple as it is bathed in the light of its Winter Illumination Festival.

Have ever seen real Wasabi? Discover the Japan’s largest Wasabi Farm! Like a little spice? The Wasabi farm is a popular tourist friendly destination and is comprised of many large fields with a meticulously maintained network of small streams that constantly provides each wasabi plant with pure clean water. Wasabi is an essential element in Japanese cooking, but a lot of people, even many Japanese, are not aware of where it comes from. Take a stroll through the Wasabi fields and discover all the secrets of the Wasabi! We recommend you try some of the many different Wasabi-flavored products during your visit, such as Wasabi ice cream, Wasabi beer, Wasabi sausages or even a Wasabi burger! Our tour is the easiest way to visit the Wasabi farm! Tour available in English and French/

This is a ZOOM TOUR. No one can do this tour like me. It is the next best thing to being here. Please disregard the stupid licensing thing as no one is required to be licensed. I am authorized to do tours and I have 22 years of experience as a professional, interpretive, guide, and pretty much no one, can provide these tours like I can. I am also a native English Speaker. I also tell bad jokes..... My tours are interactive, you get to relax at home while I do all the walking and you get to explore this area I am in of Japan in the comfort of your own home. Since a lot of people either will not be able to come to Japan or will not be able to afford to bring the fam here for a while because of this crazy virus thing going on, this is the next step. Make a sushi party at home and you guys relax and let me do the leg work. You will love it!

Explore Matsumoto at your own pace and to your own interests on this full-day private guided tour from Nagano. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's best-preserved castles, then explore surrounding streets, including quirky "Frog Street," known for its abundance of frog products. Afterward, visit tranquil Hotaka Town, home to Japan’s largest wasabi farm where you can try wasabi ice-cream and visit nearby Hotaka Shrine.

In the middle of the cold winter, there is one festival that will surely keep you warm at night! The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival, called 'Dosojin Matsuri' in Japanese, is one the three great fire festivals in Japan, taking place each winter in the picturesque village of one of Nagano's most popular ski resorts. This lively tour takes you to the Fire Festival in combination with a visit to the world-famous hot spring-bathing snow monkeys of Jigokudani - a day and night that will leave you with burning memories of the tradition, culture, and snow monkeys of Nagano!

Situated between the popular destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto, the mountainous of region of Nagano is the literal heart of Japan and a road less travelled by many international visitors. This tour combines some of the region’s most iconic destinations - including the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, the 1400-year old Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, and the historic old town of Takayama - with the unforgettable experience of being driven through Japan’s Northern Alps, a place of high mountain peaks and rarefied beauty. With English-speaking guide, lunch, and full-service accommodation on Day 1 followed by hotel pick-up and transport to Matsumoto and Takayama, including hotel drop-off, on Day 2, this tour captures the history and beauty of central Japan with the convenience and comfort of one easy package.

Over the course of two days of an easy walk (self-guided tour) along the Nakasendo road and one overnight stay at a Minshuku (family run lodging), immerse yourself in Japan's folkloric landscapes between the villages of Nakatsugawa and Tsumago. During Japan's feudal period (1603-1868), the Nakasendo road was one of the five routes that linked the economic hub, Tokyo, to the imperial capital, Kyoto. Unlike the Tokaido road, which was replaced by today's Shinkansen train, the Nakasendo was saved from rampant modernization and still upholds an old-fashioned charm. Created by general Tokugawa in order to assert his political domination, the route spans a distance of 534 kilometers and includes 69 rest stops. Its name literally means "mountain road" and is a means of communication in case of a large flood on the Tokaido: the coastal road. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

You can do Sake Tasting in friendly owner’s brewery, have wonderful local Matsumoto food for lunch and drink great local craft beer. We will walk through famous street in old town as well as hidden places to explore more about Matsumoto city. Of course in this tour you will enjoy Matsumoto castle which is ranked in top 3 beautiful castle in Japan and is a registered National Treasure. - Matsumoto castle entrance fees are included - Sake Tasting - Lunch - Local Craft Beer(1 drink) - Walking through one of the busiest streets in Matsumoto city and you can enjoy Japanese stalls - Learn and practice authentic Japanese eating style and discover other parts of - Matsumoto outside of your guidebook. - Connect with local business owners to learn the history and local culture. - Photography Tour / We will be on hand to take some happy snaps(by DSLR camera) which will be shared with you after the tour!

Pair up with a Nagano local for a private walking tour that’s a new concept in travel. Unlike traditional, pre-packaged tours, it’s like exploring the city alongside a local friend, complete with tips, advice, and insider recommendations. From a pre-tour chat with your Lokafyer guide to the walking tour itself, the experience is completely tailored to your preferences.

This value-packed trip with a nationally/state licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Matsumoto! Matsumoto is an attractive, cosmopolitan city featuring a superb castle, pretty streets, galleries, and cafes. Matsumoto is a great stepping stone on your way to the Northern Alps, or you can simply enjoy the city's fresh air and dramatic scenery of the nearby mountain peaks. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: Nationally and State Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

This value-packed trip with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Karuizawa! Karuizawa is a quaint mountain resort that’s rich in nature and a prime leisure destination. From stunning natural landscapes to fun filled man made attractions, there’s always something to see and do in the place John Lennon loved to escape to. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the best things to do when you visit, so you can pick what suits you, without the stress. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hours tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Nagano 5-Day Pass is a ticket that allows you to fully enjoy the trains in the surrounding area including Nagano, Shinano, Ueda, Matsumoto. Nagano Prefecture is located in the central part of Honshu, Japan, and is called the roof of Japan. Take a trip to Nagano, one of Japan's most precious spas and treasures of history and culture. You can also observe wild monkeys enjoying hot springs in Jikkudaniya Enkoen during the winter season. ----------------------- Coverage Area: ----------------------- [[Shinano Electric Railway (しなの鉄道)]] -- Karizawa Station (軽井沢駅) - Shino noi Station (篠ノ井駅) -- Nagano Station (長野駅) to Myogogo Kogen Station (妙高高原駅) [[Nagano Electric Railway (長野電鉄)]] -- Nagano Station (長野駅) - Yudanagawa Station (湯田中駅) -- Ueda Electric Railway (上田電鉄) [[Ueda Station (上田駅) - Bessho Onsen Station (別所温泉駅)]] -- Matsumoto Station (松本駅) - Shinshigashima Station (新島々駅)

Tour highlights: A town walk tour that touches the history and culture of Karuizawa, focusing on the historical area of the former Karuizawa. Karuizawa local guides guide you through the deep history and culture of Karuizawa while walking along the narrow path of the back street that is not listed in the guidebook. The whole process, walking on a flat road, can be attended by people of all ages. Travel time: Former Karuizawa Rotary Departure-St. Paul's Church (visit to the church of the historical building of Antoni Raymond's Karuizawa)-Through the way of a water wheel to the back of the former Karuizawa-Show Memorial Chapel / Show House Memorial Hall Visit the oldest church in Karuizawa built by the missionary AC show said and visit the memorial hall of the first Karuizawa villa)-Walk on the back street of the former Karuizawa, the show street-the path of the comet- Visit the villa that you spent)-Vory's Lane-Walk on tennis court street-Karuizawa meeting hall / Union Church / Karuizawa association tennis court (Architect who worked on many buildings in Karuizawa, Vorries's meeting hall, Union church, Emperor Emperor Visit the Karuizawa Association tennis court, famous for the romance tennis courts of the Empress.-Hatta Villa (No. 1 Japanese villa, former Naval Colonel Colony Tour of the villa of Hatta HiroshiJiro / appearance only) to Old Karuizawa Ginza rotary dissolution

Great way to experience a beautiful countryside of Japan and visit popular sightseeing spots around Iiyama city. The rural landscape with lush mountain scenery is dotted with traditional old houses. You will feel like you have gone back in time and see a simple life of local people in Japan countryside. - Friendly and informative local guide. - Exploring beautiful, yet completely different scenery with Japan's distinct four seasons. - Stopping at cherry blossom spots during the blossoming season. - Total cycling distance is 15km/9.3miles - Mostly flat route, easy for riders of basic fitness. - Visiting Buddhist Alter Street and historical temples. - Discover unique traditions and life styles in a harsh winter.

Take in some of the highlights of Nagano with this engaging tour starting with a morning visit to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and its world-famous hot spring-bathing monkeys, followed by a warming winter lunch and afternoon exploration of Zenko-ji - one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. Led by a locally-based English-speaking guide and including a sake tasting experience to bring the tour to an indulgent conclusion this tour is a great way to enjoy the best of Nagano in winter!

Become the star of your own samurai story! There's no better place to have your Samurai Experience than in a city with a real castle from the feudal era! First take a tour of Matsumoto Castle, one of only five castles designated a “National Treasure” of Japan! The castle walls contain the oldest original five-tiered, six-story castle tower that still exists in Japan today. During your visit, discover Matsumoto city’s ancient Samurai history! Then experience a live hands-on Samurai Sword Fighting activity! Choose the colors of your own outfit that consist of a Yukata (light kimono), Hakama (wide-leg pants), and Obi (belt). Then select your swords! The staff will dress you like a real Samurai Warrior. After covering the moves, you can have your stage combat recorded. With the decoration and atmosphere you'll think you set foot onto a movie set! Activity available in English and French.

This action-packed private day tour to Matsumoto combines a visit to the historic Matsumoto Castle, the foodie experience of going to one of Japan’s biggest wasabi farms, and Hotaka Shrine too. Going on a guided tour saves time navigating and uncovers hidden gems you might not discover alone such as the quirky “Frog Street” which is known for its abundance of frog products.

Come to Nagano and join this experience to taste one of the best Sake in Japan. The sake maker w’ll explore has over 300 years history and you will taste the differences between sakes of the highest quality, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and many other seasonable sakes. 2020 Cherry blossom Forecast in Nagano. Now forecast says full bloom in Nagano city is 14/April/2020. If you wanna see beautiful cherry blossom with this experience, please book between 8th and 14th of April. - Taste the best Nagano’s sakes with nibbles like soy source beans and some Japanese pickles. Also you can have Nagano’s miso soup - Admission free to visit old sake factory - Explore Nagano’s laid back area around Zenkoji temple to visit some local shops - Learn and practice authentic Japanese eating style and discover other parts of - Connect with local business owners to learn the history and local culture.

Missed cherry blossoms in Tokyo? If you arrived in Tokyo too late for the cherry blossoms, don't give up yet. Cherry blossoms tend to bloom here in northern Nagano about two weeks later than those around central Tokyo. It only takes about 100 mins to be here from Tokyo station by Hokuriku Shinkansen. Cycling tour is a great way to experience a beautiful countryside of Japan and visit popular sightseeing spots around Iiyama city. The rural landscape with lush mountain scenery is dotted with traditional old houses. Let's go find a simple life of local people in Japan countryside with us! - Friendly and informative local guide. - Stopping at cherry blossom spots during the blossoming season. - Exploring beautiful, yet completely different scenery with Japan's distinct four seasons. - Total cycling distance is 15km/9.3miles - Mostly flat route, easy for riders of basic fitness. - Discover unique traditions and life styles in a harsh winter.

This value-packed trip with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way toexplore both of the ancient post towns! You can travel between Magome and Tsumago by infrequent direct bus. Nakasendo was one of the two highways during the Edo period connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, running through the Kiso Valley. Travelers at that time walked along the highway, stopping at "post towns" for rest. Some of those post towns have been well preserved and show tourists today exactly what Japan was like hundreds of years ago. Stunning forests, beautiful villages and traditions, we would love to recommend it to everyone interested in Japanese nature and history. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Nationally and State Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Kiso Valley, best known for the Magome and Tsumago traditional villages, is another beautiful spot in the Japanese Alps. With one of the most famous hiking paths in all Japan, we set foot there on our quest for traditional Japan. Magome and Tsumago are two beautifully preserved traditional villages. This value-packed Nakasendo trail day hike between Magome and Tsumago with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore both of the ancient post towns! It is about 8 kilometres (5 miles) long and has only gentle elevation changes which takes around 2 hours to easy walk at a leisurely pace. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Nationally and State Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.