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

Default Image

Togakushi

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

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Kurita. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Saisho-in Temple and Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum are a few top places to visit.

Kurita
Default Image

Miwa

Though Miwa may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum and Zenko-ji Temple.

Miwa
Default Image

Tokuma

While Tokuma may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Aqua Wing Arena and Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum.

Tokuma
Default Image

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
Default Image

Aokijimamachi-Aokijima

Aokijimamachi-Aokijima might not have many top sights, but Saisho-in Temple and Nagano City Museum are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

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 HK$319 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
HK$319
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
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! (804 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 2 Mar 2024

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 HK$632 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
HK$632
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
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 24 Mar 2024

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 HK$391 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
HK$391
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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 28 Feb 2024

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.
Potato Mura House Tatara is an inn where you can / Nagano Nagano
Potato Mura House Tatara is an inn where you can / Nagano Nagano
Nagano
Stay at this vacation home in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Ojo-ji Temple and Zenko-ji Temple are located ...
Potato Mura House Tatara is an inn where you can / Nagano Nagano
Hoshina Satomachi limited to one group per day - Hoshina Satomachi / Nagano Nagano
Hoshina Satomachi limited to one group per day - Hoshina Satomachi / Nagano Nagano
Nagano
Stay at this vacation home in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Kitano Museum of Art and Joun-ji Temple are located ...
Hoshina Satomachi limited to one group per day - Hoshina Satomachi / Nagano Nagano
Whole building rental Witchs Holiday Club - Witch Holiday CLUB / Nagano Nagano
Whole building rental Witchs Holiday Club - Witch Holiday CLUB / Nagano Nagano
Nagano
Stay at this vacation home in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, a kitchen, and 1 bedroom. Popular attractions Anyoji Temple and Nagano City Museum are located nearby. ...
Whole building rental Witchs Holiday Club - Witch Holiday CLUB / Nagano Nagano
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do