Your all-in-one travel guide to Nagano: when to go, what to do, where to eat, and how to get there from Tokyo.

Nagano, Japan, is one of the country’s most scenic and cultural prefectures — where ancient temples meet the Japanese Alps, hot springs steam beneath snowy peaks, and world-class ski resorts draw visitors from all over the globe.

Best known as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano has transformed into a four-season travel destination. Whether you’re here to soak in an onsen, spot the famous snow monkeys, hike alpine trails, or indulge in Nagano’s local specialities like soba noodles and oyaki dumplings, this prefecture promises an unforgettable Japan travel experience.

This comprehensive Nagano travel guide for 2025 covers everything you need to know: weather, attractions, food, ski resorts, and how to get from Tokyo to Nagano. Let’s dive in!

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📚 Table of Contents

1. What is Nagano famous for?
2. Nagano Weather: Best Time to Visit
3. 15 Best Things to Do in Nagano (with prices & info)
4. Nagano Restaurants & Food Guide
5. Tokyo to Nagano: Easy Day Trip Guide
6. Is Nagano Worth Visiting?
7. Nagano FAQs

What is Nagano Famous For?

Nagano is a unique Japanese destination that blends breathtaking nature, rich culture, and local traditions. Here’s what makes it stand out:

1️⃣ Nagano Ski Resorts

• Hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, boosting its global reputation.
• Over 80 ski resorts, including Hakuba Valley, Nozawa Onsen, and Shiga Kogen.
• Long ski seasons, high-quality powder snow, and diverse terrain for beginners and experts.

2️⃣ Snow Monkeys (Jigokudani Monkey Park)

• Famous Nagano monkeys bathe in steaming hot springs during winter.
• Iconic wildlife experience surrounded by snow.

3️⃣ Onsen Culture

• Traditional hot spring towns: Nozawa Onsen, Shibu Onsen, Yudanaka.
• Public baths and luxury ryokan stays offer stress relief and cultural immersion.

4️⃣ Historic Temples

• Zenkoji Temple, founded in the 7th century, attracts millions of pilgrims.
• Houses Japan’s first Buddhist statue and welcomes visitors of all backgrounds.

5️⃣ Nature and Hiking

• The Japanese Alps make Nagano a hiker’s paradise.
• Popular spots: Kamikochi (riverside hikes), Mount Ontake (spiritual treks).
• Stunning autumn foliage for scenic trails and photography.

6️⃣ Local Food

• Shinshu soba noodles made from locally grown buckwheat.
• Oyaki dumplings filled with vegetables, mushrooms, or sweet pastes.
• Famous Nagano apples and high-quality local sake from mountain water.

7️⃣ Seasonal Festivals

• Zenkoji Gokaicho Festival (every 7 years).
• Cherry blossom festivals in Ueda and Matsumoto.
• Winter fire festivals like the Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Fire Festival.

8️⃣ Samurai Heritage & Castles

Historic samurai towns and post towns like Narai-juku along the Nakasendo route.

⚖️ In short: Nagano is famous for its adventure, culture, history, cuisine, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for every type of traveller.

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Nagano Weather: Best Time to Visit

Image credits: Agoda

Nagano’s climate varies by season, offering a different experience depending on when you visit:

• ❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold and snowy, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Temperatures average -5°C to 5°C.
  
• 🌸 Spring (Mar–May): Mild with blooming cherry blossoms, ideal for sightseeing. Temperatures average 5°C to 20°C.
  
• 🌻 Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm but not too humid, making it great for hiking. Temperatures average 15°C to 30°C.
  
• 🍁 Autumn (Sep–Nov): Crisp weather and vibrant foliage. Temperatures average 5°C to 20°C.

👉 Best time to visit Nagano:

• ⛷️For skiing: December to March
• 🥾 For hiking & sightseeing: April to May, September to October

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15 Best Things to Do in Nagano:

1. Visit Zenko-ji Temple

Image credits: JNTO

Founded in the 7th century, Zenko-ji Temple is the spiritual heart of Nagano and one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples. It enshrines Japan’s very first Buddhist statue and has welcomed pilgrims and travellers of all faiths for centuries.

Visitors can:

• Walk through its grand wooden gates and incense-filled halls
• Explore the pitch-dark underground passage to symbolically “touch enlightenment”
• Join seasonal events like the Gokaicho Festival in spring, when the temple comes alive with rituals and celebrations

Address: Japan, 〒380-0851 Nagano, Motoyoshicho 491番地 イ
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 4 PM (varies seasonally)
Admission: Free (donations welcome)

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2. See the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park

Image credits: Gaijin Pot Travel

At Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, you can watch wild snow monkeys (Japanese macaques) famously bathe in hot springs in winter, creating one of Japan’s most iconic images.

Visitors typically visit the park in winter (Dec–Feb) to catch this sight, but monkeys roam here all year.

Address: 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5 PM (varies seasonally)
Admission: From ~400 JPY (~S$3.48)

💡 Tip: Bring sturdy shoes! The hot spring area is a short 30-minute hike from the park’s entrance.

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3. Ski or Snowboard at Hakuba Valley

Image credits: Snow Monkey Resorts

Famous as one of the main venues for the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba Valley is a paradise for winter sports lovers. With 10 resorts connected across the Japanese Alps, it offers over 200 runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Beyond skiing, Hakuba has vibrant apres-ski options, hot spring baths, and stunning alpine scenery. Even in summer, Hakuba is worth a visit for hiking, mountain biking, and breathtaking gondola rides.

Location: Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture
Day Pass: From 6,000 JPY (~S$52.26)
Season: December – March

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4. Soak in Nozawa Onsen Village

Image credits: TripAdvisor

Nozawa Onsen is both a traditional hot spring town and a ski resort rolled into one. Visitors can stroll through narrow streets lined with ryokan, soak in 13 free public baths known as sotoyu, and enjoy one of Nagano’s most authentic onsen cultures.

In winter, the ski resort offers excellent powder snow, while in January, the famous Dosojin Fire Festival lights up the town with spectacular rituals. It’s the perfect destination if you want to combine cultural immersion with winter sports.

Address: Nozawaonsen-mura, Shimotakai District
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 11 PM (varies seasonally)
Admission: Free (donations welcome)

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5. Explore Matsumoto Castle

Image credits: Snow Money Resorts

Nicknamed the “Crow Castle” due to its black wooden exterior, Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s most beautiful and best-preserved original castles. Built in the 16th century, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s feudal history.

Visitors can climb the steep wooden staircases to the top floor for panoramic views of Matsumoto city and the surrounding Japanese Alps. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the castle moat, making it one of Nagano’s most photogenic spots.

Address: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873, Japan
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Admission: From 400 JPY (~S$3.48)

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6. Discover Togakushi Shrine

Image credits: Go NAGANO 長野県公式観光サイト

Togakushi Shrine is a sacred site hidden in the forests of the Japanese Alps, consisting of five shrines connected by scenic walking trails. The approach to the Okusha (Upper Shrine), lined with towering 400-year-old cedar trees, is particularly breathtaking.

The area is also famous for Togakushi soba noodles, said to be among the best in Nagano. Visiting the shrine combines spiritual tranquillity with natural beauty.

Address: Chūsha-3506 Togakushi, Nagano, 381-4101, Japan
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Best Time: Spring to autumn for hiking, winter for snow scenery

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9. Hike in Kamikochi

Image credits: THE JAPAN ALPS

Nestled in the Northern Japanese Alps, Kamikochi is a pristine mountain valley that attracts hikers and photographers from around the world. With crystal-clear rivers, alpine flowers, and dramatic peaks, it’s one of Japan’s most scenic natural landscapes.

Easy flat trails make it suitable for casual walkers, while challenging routes like Mount Hotaka appeal to serious climbers.

Address: 上高地 Azumi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-1516, Japan
Opening Hours: 5 AM – 7 PM (hours vary by season)
Admission: Free

❗️Buses from Matsumoto provide easy access, but private cars are restricted to preserve its natural beauty.

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8. Visit Nagano Prefectural Art Museum

Image credits: 長野県立美術館

Overlooking Zenko-ji Temple, the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum features contemporary and traditional works inspired by Nagano’s nature and culture. Its sleek architecture with huge glass walls mimics a window into Nagano’s stunning natural environment, framing the Japanese Alps, blending art with landscape. 

Enjoy both traditional and contemporary collections and the outdoor sculpture garden leading into Joyama Park.

Address: 1 Chome-4-4 Hakoshimizu, Nagano, 380-0801, Japan
Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Admission: From 500 JPY (~S$4.35)

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9. Try Snowshoeing in Shiga Kogen

Image credits: JNTO

Shiga Kogen, one of Japan’s largest ski areas, is not just for skiers and snowboarders. If you prefer a quieter winter activity, snowshoeing offers an intimate way to explore snowy forests and frozen lakes. Guided tours provide equipment and take you through pristine trails where you might spot animal tracks!

Location: 7148 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Ticket prices: 6,500 JPY (~S$56.62) for half-day. 8,000 JPY for full-day (~S$69.68)
Best Season: December – early May

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10. Watch Lake Suwa Fireworks

Image credits: The Japan News

Every summer, Lake Suwa in Suwa City hosts one of Japan’s largest fireworks displays, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. More than 40,000 fireworks light up the night sky, with reflections shimmering on the lake’s surface.

Expect food stalls (yatai) selling yakitori, takoyaki, and kakigori. It’s a lively summer matsuri atmosphere.

Address: Lake Suwa, Suwa City. Nagano, Japan
Date: Mid-August (check annual schedule)
Firework launch time: 7 PM – 8:45 PM
Admission: Free (paid seating available)

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11. Tour Daio Wasabi Farm

Image credits: Matsumoto Experience

Daio Wasabi Farm is one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms, with picturesque fields irrigated by clear mountain streams. Visitors can stroll along boardwalks, see traditional watermills, and sample unique treats like wasabi ice cream, wasabi soba, and wasabi croquettes.

The farm also serves as a filming location for Japanese movies, adding to its charm. It’s an easy half-day trip from Matsumoto.

Address: 3640 Hotaka, Azumino, Nagano 399-8303, Japan
Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Admission: Free

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12. Experience the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Image credits: www.go-nagano.net

Nicknamed the “Roof of Japan”, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route spans across the Northern Alps, connecting Nagano and Toyama Prefectures via a combination of trains, buses, ropeways, and cable cars. 

Get to see:

• The Snow Corridor (Yuki-no-Otani) with 20-meter-high snow walls in spring.
• Kurobe Dam, Japan’s tallest dam, where water is released dramatically in summer.
• Gorgeous panoramic alpine views with vibrant foliage colours in autumn across the mountains.

Season: Mid-April – November
Tickets: From 9,000 JPY (~S$78.36) depending on route
Tip: Visit in April–June for snow walls, October for autumn leaves

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13. Go Cycling in Ueda

Image credits: PAPERSKY

Ueda City, located in the eastern region of Nagano, combines history and outdoor adventure. Renting a bike to cycle is an ideal way to explore the area, where you can get to see Ueda Castle Ruins, local vineyards, and samurai heritage sites. The area is also known for Shinshu wine.

Location: Ueda City

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14. Relax at Joyama Park in Nagano City

Image credits: Visiter Matsumoto

A local favourite spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing), Joyama Park offers scenic views of over 400 trees, Nagano City and Zenko-ji Temple. In spring, food stalls and festival events add to the lively atmosphere.

Keep in mind to check the forecasts before visiting!  In summer, the park is a cool, shaded escape. In autumn, the park boasts maples and ginkgo trees that glow with seasonal colours.

Address: 1221-5 Daimoncho, Nagano City
Admission: Free

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15. Join a Food Tour in Nagano City

Image credits: byFood

For foodies, Nagano City food tours are the best way to sample regional specialities such as soba noodles, oyaki dumplings, and locally brewed sake. Guided tours often include hidden izakaya and historic streets.

• Starting Price: From 6,000 JPY (~S$55)
• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Best For: Travellers wanting a deeper culinary and cultural experience

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A Quick Guide to Nagano’s Must-Try Foods

Nagano is a food lover’s paradise, known for simple yet rich mountain cuisine. Must-try dishes:

Shinshu Soba

Image credits: PORTA

Nagano Prefecture is Japan’s soba region. The land’s cool climate and pure water make for high-quality buckwheat noodles, making it Nagano’s must-try speciality.

Try it at: Monzen Terrace Enya (Nagano City)

Oyaki Dumplings

Image credits: Food in Japan

Oyaki are traditional, grilled or steamed buns filled with vegetables, mushrooms, pumpkin, or red bean paste. They’re wallet-friendly, filling, and beloved as Nagano’s staple comfort food.

Try it at: Ogawanosho Daimon Branch Store

Shinshu Apples 

Image credits: Matsui Farm

Nagano is one of Japan’s top apple-producing regions. Sweet, crisp Shinshu apples are available fresh, in cider, or baked into pastries. Local mountain vegetables like nozawana (pickled greens) are also a staple.

Try it at: local markets or apple pastries from local bakeries

Sake Breweries

Image credits: Snow Monkey Resorts

Nagano’s access to pure mountain water makes it an ideal area for sake brewing. The prefecture has over 80 sake breweries, plus a growing craft beer scene.

Try it at: Masuichi Ichimura Brewery, Libushi Brewery

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Tokyo to Nagano: Easy Day Trip

Nagano is easily accessible from Tokyo:

• By Shinkansen (bullet train): 1.5 hrs from Tokyo Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen. Cost: ~8,500 JPY / ~S$78 one-way.
  
• By car: 3.5 hrs via Chuo or Joshinetsu Expressway.
  
• By bus: 4–5 hrs, cheaper but slower (~4,000 JPY / ~S$37).
  

👉 A day trip from Tokyo to Nagano is possible, but staying overnight lets you explore more.

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Is Nagano Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Nagano combines culture, adventure, food, and nature in one destination. You can ski in the morning, soak in an onsen in the afternoon, and enjoy soba noodles by night.

Whether you’re planning a Tokyo day trip or a week-long holiday, Nagano in 2025 offers some of Japan’s best travel experiences.

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Nagano FAQs

Q: What is Nagano famous for?
Nagano is famous for its world-class ski resorts, the snow monkeys of Jigokudani, historic Zenko-ji Temple, hot spring towns, and local foods like soba noodles and apples.

Q: Can I do a day trip from Tokyo to Nagano?
Yes! The Hokuriku Shinkansen takes just 1.5 hours from Tokyo to Nagano, making it a very doable day trip. Highway buses and self-drive options are also available.

Q: When is the best time to visit Nagano?
Winter (Dec–Feb) is perfect for skiing and snow monkeys. Spring (Mar–May) brings cherry blossoms, summer (Jun–Aug) is ideal for hiking, and autumn (Sep–Nov) is famous for colourful foliage.

Q: Are the snow monkeys in Nagano active year-round?
Yes, you can see them all year, but the most iconic experience is during winter when they soak in the hot springs surrounded by snow.

Q: What local foods should I try in Nagano?
Don’t miss soba noodles, oyaki dumplings, Shinshu apples, wasabi dishes, and Shinshu beef hotpot.

Q: How many days should I spend in Nagano?
At least 2–3 days are recommended to enjoy skiing, onsens, temples, and food. But even a single-day trip from Tokyo is worthwhile.

Nagano: Where the powder’s fresh, the onsens are hot & the soba never ends.

Nagano blends adventure, culture, and relaxation in one unforgettable trip. Ski the Japanese Alps, soak in hot springs, explore ancient temples, and feast on local specialties like soba and apples. Whether it’s a Tokyo day trip or a longer getaway, Nagano in 2025 offers stunning scenery and authentic Japanese charm.

Pack your winter gear or hiking boots — Nagano shines in every season. And don’t forget your YouTrip card for the best JPY exchange rates with zero fees

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Happy travels!

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