Nagano

Travel Guide
Photo provided by JNTO
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

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? Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum and Zenko-ji Temple are a few top sights nearby.

Kurita
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
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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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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 Aqua Wing Arena.

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
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Shiozaki

While Shiozaki isn't home to many top sights, Nagano Prefectural Museum of History and Chausuyama Zoo are some notable places to visit nearby.

Shiozaki
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
3.5 out of 5
1346 Minami-ishido-cho, Nagano, Nagano-ken
The price is ₩92,307 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
₩92,307
₩111,692 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Located next to the main station, the hotel is really convenient. Also friendly staff and good variety of breakfast."

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2024

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Zenkojiguchi
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Zenkojiguchi
3 out of 5
1356 Suehiro-cho Minaminagano, Nagano, Nagano
The price is ₩55,353 per night from Dec 1 to Dec 2
₩55,353
₩69,028 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (983 reviews)
"A short walk from the train station to the hotel. Convenient for everything!"

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano Zenkojiguchi
Hotel JAL City Nagano
Hotel JAL City Nagano
3 out of 5
1221, Toigosho-machi, Nagano, Nagano-ken
The price is ₩84,145 per night from Nov 18 to Nov 19
₩84,145
₩92,559 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (824 reviews)
Nice place to stay
"Very nice hotel, convenient and very comfortable"

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2024

Hotel JAL City 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.
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 Nakazato Ski Resort ...
7/10 Good! (13 reviews)
"It’s got a great view, the owner is super nice. I stayed in September. However, the shower/bath water in the room was VERY cold. Honestly my only complaint about the place. Otherwise I loved it. Check in is very easy too."

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2024

Angel Resort Yuzawa
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 (surcharge). Popular attractions Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area and Hakuba ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (28 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 Mar 4, 2024

Hakuba Canadian Lodge
HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin
HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin
4.5 out of 5
3020-1116 Shinden, Hokujo, Hakuba, Nagano
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Hakuba. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area and ...
HOTEL LA VIGNE HAKUBA by Onko Chishin
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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