How to Spend 2 Days in Nagano
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With two days in Nagano, you can enjoy the cultural highlights of the city, see the beautiful mountains of Nagano Prefecture that surrounded it, and watch the region’s famous “snow monkeys” bathing in hot-spring pools. Here are some tips for how to spend two days in Nagano.
Day 1: Tour Nagano City
Morning: Start your day at one of Nagano’s most important sites, the 8th-century Zenkoji Temple, around which Nagano City grew. See the Buddhist statues inside the Main Hall (rebuilt in the 1700s), then head to the nearby Zenkoji History Museum to learn more about the history of the temple and Nagano itself.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, learn about the local Togakure school of ninja, founded in the 12th century. If you’re traveling with children, check out the Kids’ Ninja Village theme park; otherwise dip into local ninja history at the Togakure Ninpo Museum.
Night: Enjoy a relaxed dinner this evening at a local izakaya, a Japanese pub-restaurant. Local food specialties to try include buckwheat soba noodles, oyaki dumplings, pickled mustard leaves, and—if you’re game—horse sashimi.
Day 2: See the Snow Monkeys
Morning: Set out this morning for Yamanouchi, less than an hour’s drive northeast of Nagano city and famous for the Japanese macaques that bathe in the hot waters of Jigokudani Monkey Park. Although it’s possible to see the monkeys year-round, winter is the best time to see these wild animals, which learned to enjoy the hot springs by mimicking humans.
Afternoon: If it’s winter and you’d like to warm up after seeing the snow monkeys, head to the hot springs at the nearby towns of Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen. If you’re visiting at another time of year, devote the afternoon to hiking in nearby Shiga-kogen, within the UNESCO World Heritage Site Joshinetsu-kogen National Park.
Night: Spend your final evening in Nagano enjoying the lively nightlife along the shopping arcade Gondo-dori. Join nattily dressed locals perusing the bars, clubs, and cafés, all open late, and raise a glass to your Nagano visit.
6 Tours and Activities | All Nagano Tours
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Full-Day Tour of Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple and Sake in Nagano
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.
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From
$163.72
From
$163.72
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Nagano Private Two Day Tour
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.
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From
$348.93
Price varies by group size
From
$348.93
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Nagano Like a Local: Customized Private 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.
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From
$35.90
Price varies by group size
From
$35.90
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
(Spring only) 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano
Check out Japan’s famous cherry blossom blooms and see snow monkeys on a full-day trip from Nagano. After visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park, you’ll stop for lunch, then visit several different ‘hanami’ spots to admire the cherry blossom trees. This seasonal experience runs from April to the end of May, allowing you to take in the later blooms of the mountainous northern Nagano region.
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From
$163.72
From
$163.72
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Flying Squirrel Watching Tour
We will watch the wild Japanese giant flying squirrel, which is endemic to Japan and one of the biggest flying squirrels in the world. Since our professional nature guides know their life style and gliding patterns, the chances of watching their gliding is 97.8% (actual result of this tour in 2019).
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From
$32.95
From
$32.95
Nagano Full-Day Cycling Tour with Snow Monkey, Obuse Town, Apple Orchards
Experience the nature and culture of beautiful Nagano on this all-day excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, head out with an informative local guide and bicycle through apple orchards along the Chikuma River, watch macaques bathe in their natural habitat at Snow Monkey Park, relax in a hot spring at Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen villages, and treat yourself to delicious chestnuts in Obuse.
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From
$189.00
Price varies by group size
From
$189.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers