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

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

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
Default Image

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
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 Aqua Wing Arena.

Mamejima
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 CA $93 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $93
CA $113 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 CA $55 per night from Dec. 1 to Dec. 2
CA $55
CA $68 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 CA $77 per night from Nov. 18 to Nov. 19
CA $77
CA $84 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.
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. Popular attractions Zenko-ji Temple and Ojo-ji Temple are located nearby.
Potato Mura House Tatara is an inn where you can / 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, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Zenko-ji Temple and Anyoji Temple are located ...
Whole building rental Witchs Holiday Club - Witch Holiday CLUB / Nagano Nagano
Whole house rental vintagehouse1925Bali - Whole house rental vintagehouse1925Bali / Nagano Nagano
Whole house rental vintagehouse1925Bali - Whole house rental vintagehouse1925Bali / Nagano Nagano
Nagano
Stay at this vacation home in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi and air conditioning. Popular attractions Zenko-ji Temple and Anyoji Temple are located nearby.
Whole house rental vintagehouse1925Bali - Whole house rental vintagehouse1925Bali / 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

Cities near Nagano