Ultimate Nagano Travel Guide: What to See, Eat, and Do

Most people know Nagano as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics or the home of those adorable bathing snow monkeys. But let me tell you, that's just the postcard view. Nagano Prefecture, nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, is a sprawling, diverse region of ancient temples, world-class ski resorts, serene onsens, and some of Japan's most underrated food. It's where Japanese history meets alpine adventure.

I've lost count of my trips there, and each time I find something new—a hidden shrine, a tiny soba shop, a mountain vista that stops you in your tracks. This guide isn't just a list of attractions. It's the advice I'd give a friend, packed with the practical details you need and a few opinions you won't find on the official tourism brochures.

How to Plan Your Nagano Itinerary

Nagano is big. You can't see it all in one go, so focus is key. The season drastically changes your options.

Winter (Dec-Mar) is peak season for obvious reasons. Skiing and snowboarding in Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen is world-class. The snow monkeys are at their most photogenic. It's also the busiest and most expensive time. Book everything well in advance—I'm talking months for popular ryokans.

Shoulder Seasons (Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov) are my personal favorite. Spring brings cherry blossoms to places like Matsumoto Castle, and autumn turns the Japanese Alps into a fiery canvas. Crowds thin out, prices drop, and hiking trails open up.

Summer (Jul-Aug) is pleasantly cool in the mountains, perfect for hiking, temple visits, and escaping Japan's humid lowlands.

The Non-Negotiable Sights

These are the pillars of a Nagano trip. You can't miss them.

Matsumoto Castle

This isn't just any castle. Matsumoto-jo is one of Japan's few original wooden castles (most are concrete reconstructions). Its black facade is stunning, especially reflected in the moat. The interior is a steep, ladder-filled climb offering a real sense of its samurai-era history. The castle park is lovely for a stroll.

• Address: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0873
• Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). Closed Dec 29-31.
• Admission: 700 yen for adults.
• Getting There: A 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station.

Zenko-ji Temple

This 7th-century temple is one of Japan's most important and inclusive Buddhist sites. The atmosphere is profound. The main hall is massive. The ritual here is to descend into the pitch-black basement beneath the altar to search for the "Key to Paradise"—a genuinely unique and slightly disorienting spiritual experience. The approach, Nakamise-dori, is lined with shops selling local crafts and snacks.

• Address: 491 Naganomotoyoshicho, Nagano, 380-0851
• Hours: Main Hall: 5:30 AM - 4:30 PM (Oct-Mar), 4:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Apr-Sep).
• Admission: Temple grounds free. Main Hall inner chamber: 500 yen.
• Getting There: A 25-minute walk, or a 10-minute bus ride (bus #1) from Nagano Station's Zenko-ji exit.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it involves a walk. But seeing wild Japanese macaques soaking in a natural hot spring is unforgettable. The key is managing expectations. The walk from the parking lot is about 25-30 minutes on a sometimes icy, uphill forest path. Wear proper footwear. The monkeys are wild, so keep a respectful distance. Mornings (9-11 AM) are less crowded than mid-afternoon.

• Address: 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401
• Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (approx., varies slightly by season).
• Admission: 800 yen for adults.
• Getting There: From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Dentetsu line to Yudanaka Station (45 mins). From there, take a bus to Kanbayashi Onsen (10 mins), then walk 30 mins. In winter, direct buses sometimes run from Nagano Station.

Beyond the Big Three: If you have time, consider the art museums and chestnut confections of Obuse, the upscale resort and outlet shopping of Karuizawa, or the legendary hiking around Kamikochi (open mid-Apr to mid-Nov). The Japan Alps offer endless exploration, with resources available from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) being a reliable starting point.

What Are the Must-Try Foods in Nagano?

Nagano's cuisine is a celebration of mountain and farm ingredients. It's hearty, flavorful, and distinct.

• Soba (Buckwheat Noodles): Nagano is Japan's top soba producer. The noodles here have a nuttier, more robust flavor. Eat them cold (zaru soba) with a dipping sauce, or hot in a broth. My spot: Look for small, traditional shops. 荞麦处 笹屋 (Soba Dokoro Sasaya) in Nagano City (1-3-9 Minamichitose) is a classic, with prices around 1,000-1,500 yen for a set.
• Oyaki: These steamed or grilled dumplings stuffed with vegetables, miso, or sweet bean paste are the ultimate snack. Warm, filling, and cheap (100-200 yen each). Oyaki no Kobo near Zenko-ji has a huge variety.
• Shinshu Apples: Crisp, juicy, and famous throughout Japan. Try them fresh, in cider, or even as apple curry.
• Nozawana: A leafy pickle that's a staple side dish. It's often served with rice or wrapped in onigiri.
• Shinshu Salmon/Trout: Fresh river fish, often served as sashimi or salt-grilled.
• Basashi: For the adventurous, this is horse meat sashimi, a local specialty. It's lean and slightly sweet.

Where to Stay: Ryokans, Hotels & Lodges

Your choice of accommodation defines your trip. Here’s a breakdown of the best areas and types.

Getting To and Around Nagano

From Tokyo: The Hokuriku Shinkansen is your best friend. It takes about 80-90 minutes from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station on the fastest "Kagayaki" service (reserved seats only, ~8,000 yen one way). The "Hakutaka" service is slightly slower but allows non-reserved seats. Highway buses are cheaper (4-5 hours, ~3,500 yen) but less comfortable.

Within Nagano:

• Train: The JR Shinonoi Line connects Nagano City and Matsumoto (50 mins). Local lines like the Nagano Dentetsu go to Yudanaka/Snow Monkey area.
• Bus: Essential for reaching ski resorts and alpine areas. The Alpico交通グループ (Alpico Kotsu Group) network is extensive. From Nagano Station, buses go to Hakuba (1h 15m), Shiga Kogen, and direct to the Snow Monkey Park in winter.
• Car Rental: Ideal for exploring remote areas, multiple valleys, or traveling with a family. Gives you maximum flexibility. Warning: Mountain roads can be narrow and, in winter, require snow tires/chains. Rent from reputable companies like Toyota Rent-a-Car or Nippon Rent-a-Car at major stations.