Walking Tours in Nagano Prefecture
Browse the available activities in this category and open each page for full details.
From JPY 13,700Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience
Your chance to become a Samurai while visiting Matsumoto Castle! What better place to have your samurai experience than in a city with an authentic castle from the feudal era? First take a tour of Matsumoto Castle designated a “National Treasure” of Japan due to its well-preserved original structure! During the tour, you will learn about the Matsumoto Samurai lords, the history of Matsumoto City and even some of the castle's defensive strategies. Then experience a live hands-on Samurai Sword Fighting activity! A Master Samurai will teach you some of these ancient fighting techniques. You can choose your own colors for your outfit which consists of a yukata (light kimono), hakama (wide-leg pants), and obi (belt). You can even select your swords! The stage and the atmosphere of the place is bound to take you on a realistic journey back in time. The perfect setting for a complete immersion into this slice of Japanese history!
From JPY 29,4001-Day Tour from Matsumoto: Walk the Nakasendo Trail
Prepare to experience Old Japan on foot with this exciting hike through traditional post towns, ancient forests, and dramatic mountain passes. Starting in Tsumago-juku post town, your guide will explain a bit about what kinds of people traveled the roads in Old Japan, where they were going, and how they lived. You will get a chance to enter some buildings including an old Inn and a horse-stable that perfectly illustrate what your guide has mentioned. Leaving Tsumago-juku post town, you will start out on an 8km trek to the next post town, passing by roaring waterfalls and quiet hamlets along the way. Keep an eye open for wildlife and wildflowers while you are led by your guide along what was once one of the main avenues of travel in Japan. Arriving at Magome-juku post town, you will be treated to far off views of fields and mountains as you descend to the bottom of this very vertical village. After having a little time for shopping, you will board the tour vehicle and head back.
From JPY 30,5201 Day Tour From Nagano to Matsumoto Castle and Narai-Juku
Guests on this exciting 1 day tour of Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku will have the chance to get hands-on with Japan's fascinating history by personally entering the renowned Matsumoto Castle and strolling the streets of the quaint Narai-juku. There will also be opportunities to walk the downtown area of Matsumoto city and window shop or taste some of its delicious local specialties. With all transport included in the tour, you will not have to worry about anything more than which souvenirs to buy for your family and friends. This tour also includes a seasonal activity at Narai-juku, to allow you to get even closer to the fascinating culture of this region of Japan which often feels as though it has been pulled out of a different era.
From JPY 24,800Snow Monkeys, Obuse & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano
Enjoy a premium small-group tour—typically 6–8 guests—blending nature, culture, and great local food in one smooth day. Start at Nagano Station and head to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Walk a quiet forest trail to see wild macaques relaxing in natural hot springs—one of Nagano’s most iconic sights. Next, visit Obuse for a local lunch and a historic brewery sake tasting. Then enjoy some free time in this charming town, long associated with the artist Hokusai, whose later years in Obuse helped shape its cultural identity—stroll the scenic streets, browse local shops, and sample a few local treats at your own pace. On 8:45 AM departures, there is also time for an optional visit to Zenkoji Temple—one of Nagano’s most important historic landmarks (not available on 9:35 AM departures). With beautiful scenery, authentic flavors, and a touch of art and history, this tour captures the best of Nagano—comfortably, efficiently, and in a genuinely personal small-group setting.
From JPY 10,950Kamikochi Mountain Day Trip from Tokyo
This tour offers a rare chance to visit Kamikochi, a stunning alpine valley in Nagano Prefecture, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Natural Monument of Japan. With private cars restricted and public access limited, Kamikochi can be difficult to reach on your own—making this guided trip by train and chartered bus a truly convenient way to explore its untouched beauty. Spend up to 5 hours surrounded by crystal-clear rivers, towering peaks, and the iconic Kappa Bridge, all in one peaceful and unforgettable day.
From JPY 22,000Togakushi: A Serene Walk Through Sacred Forests & Soba Traditions
Discover the sacred forests and ancient shrines of Togakushi on this guided walking tour from Nagano. Follow hidden mountain paths lined with towering cedars, visit important Shinto sites like Chusha and Okusha, and hear the legends of Japanese mythology from your local English-speaking guide. Along the way, take in stunning alpine scenery and enjoy a traditional lunch of handmade Togakushi soba noodles, a regional specialty. Depending on the season and conditions, the route may also include quiet forest trails, scenic ponds, or optional cultural stops.
From JPY 23,500Nakasendo Magome to Tsumago Day Hike with Licensed Guide
Kiso Valley, best known for the Magome and Tsumago traditional villages, is another beautiful spot in the Japanese Alps. With one of the most famous hiking paths in all Japan, we set foot there on our quest for traditional Japan. Magome and Tsumago are two beautifully preserved traditional villages. This value-packed Nakasendo trail day hike between Magome and Tsumago with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore both of the ancient post towns! It is about 8 kilometres (5 miles) long and has only gentle elevation changes which takes around 2 hours to easy walk at a leisurely pace. This private tour is a hiking day tour. Please wear hiking boots and gear for this tour. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.
From JPY 16,900Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano
Join our tour for a night out to feel like you are residents. Unlike Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, it will be very difficult to find where the locals go to eat and drink in Nagano. Your local expert guides will take you to the nice Izakaya and backstreet bars, such as Jazz bar, Whiskey bar in Nagano city, where you can chill out and drink to continue the evening. ・More than 5 dishes + Noodles(such as Soba) ・2 Drinks included in tour price ・Local expert, personable English-speaking guides ・Hidden bar and introductions. Please let us know if you have any food restrictions beforehand.
From JPY 4,400Wild Japanese Flying Squirrel Watching Tour in Nagano
During this tour, guests will have the opportunity to observe the Japanese giant flying squirrel, an endemic species of Japan and one of the largest flying squirrel species in the world, as it opens its cloak-like body and glides into the forest at sunset. The chance of sighting this amazing creature is more than 90% as a result of our in-depth knowledge of the squirrel’s ecology and flight route. The Japanese giant flying squirrel’s dynamic flight will be sure to make you gasp in wonder. *Guided in Japanese and basic English (English ability varies by guide). ■ Important Notes ・Age: Ages 4+ ONLY. Under 4 strictly prohibited. ・Rain: Held in light rain. Cancelled 1.5h prior if severe. ・Trail: 5-20 min unpaved walk. No strollers/wheelchairs. ・Observe: Wait quietly in dark ~20 mins. Carry bags (may disband on-site). ・Bring: Flashlight, water, bug spray, long clothes. ・Park: Hoshino P1 (by Sonmin Shokudo, 5-min walk). ・Cancel: 100% fee for no-shows or late arrivals.
From JPY 13,500Nagano Zenkoji Temple Tour and Tea Ceremony Experience
Discover Two Ancient Japanese Traditions in One Memorable Half-day Experience! Your journey begins with an immersive exploration of Zenkoji Temple, among Japan's most ancient and venerated Buddhist sanctuaries, concluding with an authentic tea ceremony at a traditional local teahouse. Explore Zenkoji Temple's Sacred History and Ancient Legends: Zenkoji Temple stands as one of Japan's most hallowed Buddhist destinations. Throughout feudal times, devoted pilgrims journeyed vast distances to reach this sacred ground, frequently traveling the historic Nakasendo route. From Sacred Grounds to Tea Ceremony Heritage: At the teahouse, a skilled sadōka (tea ceremony master) welcomes you and shares the traditions and ceremonial steps you'll experience. Enter the serene teahouse space and settle into position as your tea ceremony experience unfolds.
From JPY 17,325Nagano: Local Food and Bar Hopping with Area Choice
This tour is designed for travelers who want an easy local night out in Nagano without having to choose restaurants on their own. You can choose your starting area, either near Nagano Station or around Gondo and Zenkoji. After meeting your guide, you will share your food and drink preferences, and your guide will take you to two local spots such as izakaya-style restaurants, casual bars, or small eateries. The tour includes a food and drink allowance of JPY 1,500 per person at each venue, for a total of JPY 3,000. If your order goes over this amount, please pay the difference directly at the venue. With help from your guide, you can enjoy Nagano’s local nightlife, try regional flavors, and experience the city in a relaxed and friendly way.