Nagano Prefecture

Our most recommended things to do in Nagano Prefecture

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  1. Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

  A great tour for all seasons, this is a 1-day guided tour of the most famous attractions of Nagano City and Jigokudani or “Hell’s Valley”, home of the Snow Monkeys. Take a scenic route to see the cutest monkeys in the world, then experience the tranquility of Zenkoji Temple and lively Nakamise shopping street. For guests traveling from Hakuba, from December 18, 2019 through March 31, 2020, your journey can begin with a shuttle from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal at 8:20 AM; otherwise, meet your guide at Nagano Station at 9:35 AM (the guide will be there from 9:20 AM) before heading to Zenkoji. Famous for being the temple to hold the first Buddhist statue in Japan. Zenkoji Temple has a special energy and welcomes people of all faiths and religions. The temple grounds are beautiful and tranquil; there are hidden gems to explore, such as the dark tunnel running under the temple, said to be wher...

  Most amazing guide, Mai. Excellent tour. lunch was amazing. I recommend the beef. Sake tasting was excellent for beginners

  Reviewed by Justin, 1/8/2020
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  2. Narita Airport pickup: Japan Pocket WiFi Router 4G LTE

  Make your experience in Japan much more convenient with WiFi on the go. Access 4G LTE WiFi across Japan with this pocket router that connects to the Softbank Network. Get a plan that suits you, with flexibility from 3 to 30 days. Never get lost in Japan again with unlimited WiFi data, which enables you to use Map Apps, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, watch Youtube videos and even Netflix. Pick up the WiFi router at the Narita Airport Terminal 1 or 2 at the QL Liner counter and you will be able to start using the internet as soon as you have landed. The devices can be returned at most major airports in Japan, or via delivery from any hotel, Family Mart, or Lawson convenience stores.

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  3. Osaka: Japan Pocket WiFi Router Kansai Airport Pickup

  Access 4G LTE WiFi across Japan with this pocket router that connects to the Softbank Network. Never get lost in Japan again, with Unlimited WiFi data, which enables you to use Map Apps, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, watch Youtube videos and even Netflix. Pick-up the WiFi router at the Kansai International Airport, located in Osaka. Just visit the Kansai International Airport arrival lobby 1F between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM to pick up your device and start using the internet. The devices can be returned at most major airports in Japan, or via delivery from any hotel, Family Mart, or Lawson convenience stores.

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  4. Shinjuku Pickup: Japan Pocket WiFi Router 4G LTE Unlimited

  Access 4G LTE WiFi across Japan with this pocket router that connects to the Softbank Network. Never get lost in Japan again, with Unlimited WiFi data, which enables you to use Map Apps, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, watch Youtube videos and even Netflix. Pick-up the WiFi router at the Shinjuku Counter, which is located a 2 min walk away from the Higashi Shinjuku station. Same day pick-up available. The business hours at 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM, on weekdays only. When you are finished, the devices can be returned at most major airports in Japan, or via delivery from any hotel, Family Mart, or Lawson convenience stores.

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  5. 1 Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen

  The tour begins at JR Nagano Station at 9:00 AM, from where you'll quickly board the tour bus and be on your way toward the mountains of Shiga Kogen, Japan and Asia's largest and highest ski resort. Upon arrival, Shiga Kogen's proximity to the monkey park makes for the perfect opportunity to experience Nagano's fabled powder snow.  From there, stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant, Hotaru-tei. Housed in a traditional mansion, this popular local restaurant is the ideal location to enjoy a warm winter hotpot. Your guide will then lead you along the forest trail in the monkey park, where you'll be introduced to these curious creatures. As the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs, the monkeys of Jigokudani have achieved global fame and observing them going about their monkey business is a real treat. Return to JR Nagano Station between 5:00 and 5:30 PM, dependin...

  The drive up to the snow monkeys was interesting as I had never been to Nagano before, the walk to the snow monkeys was a beautiful walk, just make sure you have proper shoes for the half hour trek. Lots of monkeys out on the day. Lunch was exceptional, typical Japanese bento box style, something for everyone. The snow time play was the best! The guide we had was so great, he worked hard the whole time to make sure we were having fun, even gave my son some instruction on the equipment which made it more enjoyable for him. It was a great introduction to skiing in Japan and we will be back next year!

  Reviewed by Lynda, Australia, 1/2/2019
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  6. Nagano: 1-Day Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Tour in Spring

  This tour takes you from JR Nagano Station to the world-famous Jigokudani snow monkeys and to some of the most beloved cherry blossom viewing spots in Nagano. Seeing the blooming cherry blossoms (called hanami in Japanese) is one of the most Japanese things one can do whilst being in the land of the rising sun. Located in a chilly, mountainous region, northern Nagano’s blossoms start blooming later than those in cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. Every year, the blossoms normally come into bloom from the middle of April. Nagano is not as famous as an aforementioned city but has many lovely places where you can see the brightly colored flowers. If you wish to get off the beaten track and see the wild monkeys and cherry blossoms on the same day, this tour is perfect for you. First, you will be taken to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can observe the wild Japanese macaques at an incredibly clos...

  Knowledgeable guide, good lunch and small group. Very enjoyable tour went to see cherry blossoms in a farm setting and was very nice. Monkey park is well worth the visit, very well behaved monkeys in natural setting, not aggressive at all

  Reviewed by Christine, 4/22/2018
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  7. From Nagano: Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

  Meet your guide at JR Nagano Station and board the tour bus to begin your journey to the fabled Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Arriving at Ogisawa Station around 10:15, prepare for your ascent before boarding the Kanden Tunnel trolley bus at 11:00, the first of a variety of mountain transports you will utilize to reach the summit. Your first stop is the Kurobe Dam. Constructed between 1956 and 1963, this immense structure required the labor of up to 10 million people and is Japan's highest dam. A source of national pride and emblematic of man's attempts to conquer nature, enjoy some time to admire the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains before starting the next leg of your journey toward the summit. Next, head to the Tateyama Ropeway. Spanning 1700 meters, you will be transported upward to the final stop of Daikanbo, before taking the final trolley bus to Murodo. At 2450 meters...

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  8. Welcome to Nagano: Private Tour with a Local

  Get an exclusive welcome to Nagano on a private tour with a local guide. Transform your way of traveling to make it as much about the people you meet as the places you see.  Follow your friendly local as they share their passion for the place they live. Learn all the tricks to make the most of the city and get tips on the best things to see. Meet in the neighborhood where you are staying to get familiar with the best places to eat and buy groceries. Hear about the easiest ways to get around, and the top things to do. By the end of the tour, you'll feel more comfortable and confident navigating the city on your own, secure in the knowledge that you have all the information you need to make the most of your stay!

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  9. Nozawa: Full-Day Fire Festival & Snow Monkey Tour on Jan 15

  Your tour begins with pickup from one of two locations: Hakuba’s Happo Bus Terminal at 11:45 AM or JR Nagano Station at 1 PM. After meeting your guide, you’ll hit the road and head towards Yamanouchi, home to the only hot spring-bathing monkeys in the world, Japanese snow monkeys.  After arriving near the monkey park area at 2 PM, your guide will lead you along a snow-covered forest trail to the park itself. Found deep inside Jigokudani, or “Hell’s Valley”, your guide will explain the history and importance of the park and give you plenty of time to enjoy the unique experience of observing the snow monkeys in close proximity, followed by an early dinner at a nearby restaurant where you’ll learn all about Nagano’s renowned food culture. Next, you’ll head to Nozawa Onsen, where you’ll witness one of Japan’s three great fire festivals. After arriving at around 6 PM, you’ll have ample time...