Just 90 Minutes from Osaka! Highlights from Beautiful Ako City

Nagano: 25 Things to Do and Travel Tips for 2024

This service includes sponsored advertisements.
article thumbnail image

Nagano is the perfect place to go to experience Japan's great outdoors year-round, including winter sports. Learn about how to get there, 25 of the best spots to visit, ski resort information, and other useful information on traveling in this gorgeous prefecture accessible from Tokyo and Osaka.

Latest update :

Travel in Nagano - Destinations, Ski Resorts, and Tips

Nagano Travel Guide: Sightseeing, Ski Resorts, Local Food And More!

The prefecture of Nagano became a popular travel destination after it hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. One particularly popular tourist spot of Nagano is the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where visitors can see monkeys taking dips in the hot springs.

If you like Japanese history or architecture Matsumoto Castle and Ueda Castle are not to be missed. A popular holiday getaway we recommend is Karuizawa filled with resorts, hotels, museums, and other places that allow you to experience Japanese culture.

This article introduces the must-go destinations in Nagano, various ski and winter sports resorts, local food, and many other helpful travel tips.

Find accommodation in Nagano on Booking.com

Nagano Travel Tips for 2023

Nagano Area Guide
25 Places You Should See in Nagano
1. Matsumoto Castle
2. Zenkoji Temple
3. Hakuba Village
4. Happo-one Nature Study Course
5. Tsugaike Nature Park
6. Kagami Pond
7. Togakushi Shrine
8. Daio Wasabi Farm (Japanese Horseradish Farm)
9. Lake Shirakaba
10. Ikushima Tarushima Shrine
11. Shinano Kokubunji Temple
12. Ueda Castle
13. Bessho Onsen
14. The Stone Church (Ishi no Kyoukai)
15. Karuizawa Picturebook Museum
16. Nozawa Onsen
17. Jigokudani Monkey Park
18. Lake Suwa
19. Takato Castle Park
20. Komagatake Ropeway
21. Kamikochi
22. Okuhida Onsen Town
23. Goshikinoyu
24. Mt. Sannosawa
25. Kisoji

More to experience in Nagano
- Top 10 Nagano Ski Resorts
- Dining and Buying Souvenirs in Nagano
- Nagano Hotels, Weather and What To Wear
- Traveling Around Nagano
- How to Get to Nagano

Nagano's Main Areas

Nagano (Nagano/Iiyama) Area

The representative tourist destinations of Nagano and Iiyama are the Buddhist temples Zenkoji and Togakushi. The area surrounding Togakushi is well-known as a great location for viewing autumn foliage. For those looking to relax, Nozawa Onsen is a hot spring which gets 100% of its hot water supply from natural springs.

Ueda/Saku/Karuizawa Area

Ueda, Saku and Karuizawa are cities  located in eastern Nagano Prefecture.
They are home to various sightseeing spots including historical landmarks, hot springs, and art spots. Notable examples are Ueda Castle, which appeared in the NHK period drama "Sanadamaru," as well as the Bessho Onsen and the Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum.

Suwa/Ida (Ina/Chino/Komagane/Ida) Area

Nagano Prefecture’s southern region is home to the natural beauty of the Kirigamine plateau and Lake Shirakaba, as well as the famous Suwa Grand Shrine and the allegedly impregnable Takashima Castle. You don't want to miss out on the southern region when visiting Nagano!

Matsumoto (Matsumoto/Shiojiri/Omachi) Area

The western area of Nagano Prefecture is rich with picturesque scenery, sites like Kamikochi, Yarigatake, and Lake Suwa are all beautiful. If you want a superb view of the Japanese alps, we recommend visiting the Matsumoto area.

If you’re looking for more things to see, Matsumoto is also where you will find the symbol of Nagano, Matsumoto Castle, as well as the small galleries of Azumino, the scenic views from Hakuba, and the Takatojoshi Park.

25 Places You Should See in Nagano

1. Matsumoto Castle

Nagano Travel Guide: Sightseeing, Ski Resorts, Local Food And More!

Designated a national treasure, Matsumoto Castle is famous for its magnificent keep tower, as well as for its jet-black exterior which brought it the nickname of "Crow Castle." The sight of the castle against the northern Alps filling the background in the distance makes for an ideal photo opportunity.

Matsumoto Castle can be visited all around the year, except for three days before New Year's, between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM. (Admission costs 610 yen.)

Address: Nagano, Matsumoto, Marunouchi 4-1
Homepage: http://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/about

2. Zenkoji Temple

This non-sectarian temple in Motoyoshi-cho was built during the 7th century, and was a pillar of faith for both the masses and the ruling samurai class.

Zenkoji Temple is famous for having been one of the bases of operations for Uesugi Kenshin during his battles against Takeda Shingen, during Japan's Warring States period (Sengoku era).

Nowadays, restaurants and souvenir shops can be found down the Zenkoji Omotesando street, as well as the passageways to the temple. After paying your respects at the temple, how about taking a leisurely stroll in this area?

For an in-depth experience at Zenkoji Temple and its surrounding areas, taking a guided tour could be fun! This one day tour includes a visit to the the temple, viewing the monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park, and some sake tastings.

Address: Nagano, Nagano City, Motoyoshi-cho 491
Homepage: http://www.zenkoji.jp/

3. Hakuba Village

Hakuba Village, located at the foot of Mt. Hakuba, is the perfect destination for people who love mountain sports like climbing and skiing. Hakuba served as a ski venue during the Nagano Winter Olympics back in 1998, and its Happo-one Ski Resort is the largest and oldest in Hakuba. Challenge yourself to some paddle boating, hot air balloon riding, or some rafting! You can also visit the Hakuba Art Museum, which has a collection of Japanese iris art prints.

Address: Nagano, Kita Azumi, Hakuba Village
Homepage: http://www.vill.hakuba.nagano.jp/

Hakuba Stay - Spend the Night Under Nagano's Starry Sky

Camping is another great activity to enjoy in the Hakuba area. For those looking to enjoy luxurious camping in the great outdoors, trying a glamping experience complete with marshmallow roasting and a concierge service, is highly recommended.

4. Happo-one Nature Study Course

The Happo-one Nature Study Course is a popular hiking trail in the Hakuba area. Hikers can enjoy the picturesque landscape of the northern Alps while checking out the rare mountain vegetation along their hike.

Address: Nagano, Hakuba Village, Kitajo Happo
Homepage: https://www.nsd-hakuba.jp/green/happo/kenkyu.html

5. Tsugaike Nature Park

Tsugaike Nature Park

Pictures courtesy of pixta

Tsugaike is a beautiful nature park with high-elevation marshlands. With over five and a half kilometers of paths to walk, visitors are able to stroll around and admire Hakuba’s mountainous scenery and the unique vegetation that grows in this high altitude.

Address: Nagano, Kita Azumi, Otarimura Chikuniotsu
Homepage: http://sizenen.otarimura.com/

6. Kagami Pond

Kagami Pond is a pond surrounded by the Togakushi mountains. The pond’s mirror-like surface reflects the ring of mountains, creating a must-see spectacle!

Visit during the spring or summer to see a fresh green reflection, but absolutely visit during autumn to see the brilliant fall colors reflecting off the water!

Address: Nagano, Nagano City, Togakushi

7. Togakushi Shrine

A shrine with over two millennia of history, Togakushi Shrine once prospered as a place for priests to pursue knowledge. A few of the highlights of Togakushi Shrine include a holy tree which is over 700 years old, a rear shrine that venerates Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto, the Japanese god of legend; and the Kuzuryu Shrine, where the god of good harvests and cavities, Kuzuryu-Okami, is deified.

Address: Nagano, Nagano, Togakushi 3506
Homepage: http://www.togakushi-jinja.jp/

8. Daio Wasabi Farm (Japanese Horseradish Farm)

Established in 1917, visitors to Daio Wasabi Farm can visit their wasabi fields and can even try pickling some fresh wasabi for themselves. Another popular activity is rafting on a inflatable boat through the Tadegawa River which flows through the farm grounds. The farm also has a menu with plenty of food items which are exclusive to the farm, such as wasabi-don, real wasabi soft serve ice cream, wasabi croquettes, and more.

Address: Nagano, Azumino Shihodaka 1692
Homepage: http://www.daiowasabi.co.jp/

9. Lake Shirakaba

Lake Shirakaba is an artificial lake on Tateshina plateau, an area filled with beautiful Shirakaba trees. The lake is in Mt. Yatsugatake Quasi-National Park, where visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities like canoeing, paragliding, and more.

Homepage: Nagano, Chino, Kitayama, Lake Shirakaba 3419−3

10. Ikushima Tarushima Shrine

The Ikushima Tarushima Shrine venerates two gods: Ikushima-no-Okami, the god of birth, and Tarushima-no-Okami, the god of satisfaction. The shrine’s main sanctuary, built atop a small island floating in a lake, is notable for its superb architecture, even within Japan.

Address: Nagano, Ueda, Shimono, Naka-ikenishi 701
Homepage: https://www.ikushimatarushima.com/

11. Shinano Kokubunji Temple

Shinano Kokubunji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple in the Kokubun area of Ueda City. Its must-see attractions include the main temple building (Yakushi-do), the pagoda, the bell tower, the Kanon-do Hall and Daikokuten-do Hall. The three-story pagoda has been designated as an important cultural property by the national government.

Address: Nagano, Ueda City, Kokubun 1049
Homepage: http://www.avis.ne.jp/~kokubunj/

12. Ueda Castle

Ueda Castle has become the focus of renewed attention thanks to the NHK historical drama "Sanadamaru." Nobushige Sanada, the show’s protagonist, played a large role in the history of Ueda Castle, which was built in 1583 by his father Masayuki. In 1600, the Sanada Clan went to war with the Tokugawa Clan and were defeated at the Battle of Sekigahara. Their castle was also badly damaged as a result, unable to hold onto its former glory.

In 1626, the new lord of Ueda Castle, Hidehisa Sengoku, launched a project to rebuild the castle. The modern Ueda Castle that currently exists is a segment of the reconstructed castle, which served as a battleground for conflicts with the architect of the Edo period - Ieyasu Tokugawa - and also suffered damage wreaked by earthquakes and floods. Ueda castle is an integral part of Japanese history and is a must-see for visitors interested in the country's history.

Address: Nagano, Ueda, Ninomaru 6263-I
Homepage: http://www.ueda-cb.gr.jp/uedajo/index.html

13. Bessho Onsen

Bessho Onsen's 100% natural hot spring resorts are said to be the oldest in the Shinshu area, the traditional name of Nagano Prefecture. There are also museums and temples in the vicinity, making it a great destination for a two-day getaway. While most of the hot springs here feature indoor installations for inn guests, there are also three outdoor baths which you can use even if you are not staying at an inn, all of which just cost 150 yen for admission. There are also two other hot springs which have free admission.

Address: Nagano, Ueda, Bessho Onsen 1853-3
Homepage: http://www.bessho-spa.jp/

14.The Stone Church (Ishi no Kyoukai)

 Nagano: 25 Things to Do and Travel Tips for 2023

Pictures courtesy of pixta
The Stone Church was designed by American architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, taking inspiration from the nature of Karuizawa.
It is a fusion of stone, light, water, greenery and wood, which attracts so many people. Some come here for their weddings.
The entire church is made of large arcs of stone and glass. Depending on the time of day, the sun illuminates the building, creating a different look.

Address: Nagano, Karuizawa-cho, Hoshino
Access: 5 minutes by taxi from Naka Karuizawa station, 15 minutes by taxi from Karuizawa station

15. Karuizawa Picturebook Museum

 Nagano: 25 Things to Do and Travel Tips for 2023

Pictures courtesy of pixta
Karuizawa Picturebook Museum exhibits original picture book illustrations and documents by modern or contemporary authors.
"The Peter Rabbit™ Secret Room" is a permanent exhibition that gives visitors a peek behind the scenes of Peter Rabbit™.
The museum also has a Picture Book Library with over 1,800 picture books, mainly from Western countries, for adults and children to enjoy.

Address: Nagano, Kitasaku-gun, Karuzawa-cho, Nagakura 182
Access: 10 minutes by taxi from Karuizawa station

16. Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen in Nozawa Onsen Town has 13 different open-air baths available to the public, which locals make use of daily. While admission is free, there are donation boxes at each one of the baths, so drop in some coins according to how satisfied you were. Make sure to learn about proper bathing etiquette when using the hot springs.

Address: Nagano, Shimotakai, Nozawa Onsen Town
Homepage: http://nozawakanko.jp/


17. Jigokudani Monkey Park

冬には温泉に入る姿も⁉長野県「地獄谷野猿公苑」へニホンザルに会いに行こう!

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a park that protects wild Japanese monkeys and keeps them under observation. Come visit during the wintertime for the main attraction, where you can see the monkeys of the park taking dips in the hot springs! 

Address: Nagano, Shimotakaido, Yamanouchi-machi, Hirao 6845
Homepage: http://jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/

18. Lake Suwa

Lake Suwa

Pictures courtesy of pixta
Lake Suwa borders the territories of Okaya City, Suwa City, and Shimosuwa Town. Whooper swans and tundra swans are a few of the native birds that inhabit this lush habitat, which is also home to various species of fish and shellfish. You can also take a pleasure cruise around the lake.

Learn more about the various activities you can enjoy during different seasons around Lake Suwa:

19. Takato Castle Park

Takato Castle Park consists of the Takato Castle and the area surrounding the castle. The castle grounds are home to 1500 higan cherry trees, a unique breed of sakura. Crowds of people come to see these trees blossoming during the annual sakura cherry blossom festival.

Address: Nagano, Ina, Takato, Higashi-Takato
Homepage: http://inashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/contents/archives/26702

20. Komagatake Ropeway

The Komagatake Ropeway connects Miyada Village in Kami-ina District with Komagane City. The ride on the ropeway takes about seven minutes and 30 seconds, and is a straight shot for more than two kilometers over the mountain trails. From the windows of the car, you can get a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji, the southern Alps, Mt. Mitake, Mt. Norikura, and the northern Alps.

Address: Nagano, Komagane, Ako 759-489
Homepage: https://www.chuo-alps.com/

21. Kamikochi

Designated as a national cultural property back in 1952, Japanese people are well-acquainted with Kamikochi's deep mountain resort, which is said to have been on the ocean floor around 300 million years ago. Eons of mountain activity and river erosion have formed the mysterious natural beauty of the area, which is also known as the “Descent of Gods,” a homonym for the name Kamikochi in Japanese kanji.

Address: Nagano, Matsumoto, Azumi Kamikochi
Homepage: http://www.kamikochi.or.jp/


For more information about Kamikochi, check out our Kamikochi article.

22. Okuhida Onsen Town

Okuhida Onsen Town has nearly 20 hot spring facilities, including the Shin-Hotaka Onsen with river-sourced springs, and Hirayu-no-Mori with 16 open-air baths on a 50,000 square-meter plot of land. The Shin-Hotaka Ropeway and the Hida Grotto, two tourist spots, are located close by.

Address: Gifu, Takayama, Okuhida Onsen-go
Homepage: http://www.okuhida.or.jp/

23. Goshikinoyu

Depending on the climate and time of year, the hot spring waters at Goshiki Onsen can be either clear, white, blue, green, or grey, which is how the onsen got its name Goshiki (five-color). The feeling of soaking in an open-air bath as you gaze up at the beauty of the Shinshu mountains is nothing short of spectacular.

Address: Nagano, Kamitakai, Takayama, Okuyamada, Goshiki Onsen
Homepage: https://goshikinoyu.nagano.jp/

24. Mt. Sannosawa

On Mt. Sannosawa you'll find that many unique plants and other vegetation, such as Edelweiss flowers, thrive in the high-altitude environment of this mountain. From the summit, you can get a view of several mountains in the area including Mt. Kisogoma, Mt. Utsugi, Mt. Norikura, and Mt. Ontake.

Address: Nagano, Kiso, Agematsu-machi, Okuwamura

25. Kisoji

During the Edo period of Japan, Nagano’s Kisoji road was a key route connecting old Edo (now Tokyo) with the city of Kyoto. The inns and tea houses lining the road lifted the spirits of tired travelers. Even in modern times, some of the buildings retain their classic appearance, creating a doorway back in time.

Address: Nagano, Kiso, Kiso-cho
Homepage: http://www.kisoji.com/

Top 10 Ski Resorts in Nagano

If you’re visiting in Nagano in the winter, you’re going to want to hit the slopes! We’ll introduce the best area snowy spots for skiers and snowboarders.

1. Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

This ski resort features 100% natural snow, and the Hikage main slope is fully equipped with amenities, including a ski school, ski center, nursery, kids’ park, and more. During the season, there is a free shuttle which goes from the village to the ski resort. After you are finished with your ski runs, a long soak in one of Nozawa Onsen’s hot springs is the perfect way to relax and wind down.

Address: Nagano, Shimotakai, Nozawa Onsen Town, Toyosato 7653

Homepage: https://en.nozawaski.com/
Ski Season: Late Nov. to early May

2. Kurohime Plateau Snow Park

Featuring all natural snow, this park’s 11 courses feature a plethora of variations, making them excellent for skiing. During the offseason, the ski slopes transform into a flower park, with cosmos, dahlias, and more flowers in full bloom.

Address: Nagano, Kamiminochi, Shinano-machi, Nojiri 3807
Ski Season: December 21 to March
Homepage: http://www.kurohime-kogen.co.jp/

3. Togakushi Ski Resort

The appeal of this ski resort is the grand sight of the Togakushi mountains in the background as you race down the slopes. The ski resort is also fully equipped with a nursery, nap areas, changing rooms, break spaces, and a kids’ park, making it great for a family ski getaway!

Address: Nagano, Nagano City, Togakushi3682
Homepage: http://www.togakusi.com/

4. Shiga Kogen Plateau

One of Nagano’s most popular ski resorts, Shiga Kogen is actually comprised of 19 different ski areas of varying sizes and is said to be one of the largest in Japan. The natural powder snow has received great reviews for its quality for skiing!

Address: Nagano, Shimotakai, Yama-no-Uchi, Shiga Kogen
Ski Season: Late Nov. to end of May
Homepage: https://shigakogen-ski.or.jp/english/

5. Tsugaike Ski Resort

While Tsugaike is relatively compact in comparison to other resorts, you can enjoy some rarer activities next to the regular ski slopes: snow biking, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, and snowboarding. This resort has 10 courses in total that you’ll be able to enjoy in the all-natural snow.

Address: Nagano, Kita-Azumi, Otari Village, Chikuniotsu
Ski Season: starts December
Homepage: https://www.tsugaike.gr.jp/snow

6. Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort

The vast Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort impressively has over 45 courses tailored to various skill levels, so that ski beginners and experts alike can fully enjoy the slopes together. There are also ski lessons taught by international instructors, with the  lessons conducted in English and German.

Address: Nagano, Kita-Azumi, Hakuba Village, Kamishiro 22184−10
Ski Season: December to March
Homepage: http://www.hakubagoryu.com/

7. Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort

Well-regarded for its long ski runs and the great quality of its snow, Hakuba Happo-one Ski Resort is one of the biggest ski resorts in Japan. Race down the slopes as you behold the beautiful mountain surroundings.

Address: Nagano, Kita-Azumi, Hakuba Village, Oazahokujo 5713
Ski Season: December to May
Homepage: http://www.happo-one.jp/

8. Fujimi Panorama Resort

Fujimi Panorama Resort is a popular resort with long courses and even offers ski and snowboard lessons. During the springtime, visitors can enjoy trekking and mountain biking in the area.

Address: Nagano, Suwa, Fujimi-machi, Fujimi 6666−703
Ski Season: December to April
Homepage: http://www.fujimipanorama.com/snow/

9. Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort’s slopes, laden with powdery natural snow, are the main attraction for the groups of tourists who come to visit. You can get an amazing view of the five mountains in Nagano’s Hokushin region, including Mt. Ushirotateyama and Mt. Myoko.

Address: Nagano, Kita-Azumi, Otari Town, Chikuniotsu 12860−1
Ski Season: December to April
Homepage: http://www.hgp.co.jp/cortina/ski/

10. Lake Shirakaba Royal Hill

Operated by the Lake Shirakaba Royal Hill Hotel, this ski resort uses man-made snow to keep the weather from influencing snow conditions. Guests can ski down the slopes from starting from early December to the end of March. The hotel is directly in front of the slopes, making it very convenient to get skiing quickly.

Address: Nagano, Chino City, Kitayama 419
Ski Season: mid-December to April
Homepage: http://www.royalhill.co.jp/

Dining in Nagano

Nagano cuisine is famous for its soba (buckwheat) noodles; Shinshu soba and Togakushi soba both exist as superb examples of the natural flavor profile of soba. If you have the chance, by all means, visit Nagano’s soba towns and try out the authentic noodles for yourself. There are also cafes that serve galette cookies made using soba flour.

Horse meat is another dish with a long and fond history in Nagano. Basashi (raw horse meat) is particularly well-regarded for its tenderness and its lack of a strong odor.

Red Wine

Pictures courtesy of pixta
Nagano also boasts the presence of its leading Japanese wineries, such as St. Cousair, Azumino, Izutsu, Obuse, and Shinano. When visiting the wineries, you can take tours of grape vineyards and the wine factories, and also sample some of the wine of Nagano.

Nagano Souvenirs

Nagano Prefecture’s notable exports are apples and wasabi. Whole apple pies from Chikuma Seika, and wasabi chocolates and wasabi rice crackers from the Daio Wasabi Factory, are perfect and delicious souvenirs for you to pick up during your travels.

We recommend trying oyaki from Irohado, a dumpling made by wrapping soba dough around a filling such as Nozawa vegetables, wild vegetables, or anko, then grilling the dumpling. There are also exclusive seasonal varieties. Enjoy the simple taste of Japan with an oyaki.

If you want to find some more personal souvenirs, Nagano also has many hand crafted goods. Beautifully grained Nagiso wooden crafts made with lathes, elegant Kiso lacquerware, 400-year old Uchiyama paper, and the bamboo pieces made in Togakushi and Ina are all famous items that make excellent souvenirs.

Nagano Hotels, Weather, and What To Wear

Nagano Hotels

Pictures courtesy of pixta
While Nagano's onsen areas like Togakushi have traditional onsen inns, getaway destination areas like Hakuba are rife with Western-style vacation villas. You can expect to pay around 10,000 yen per night to stay.

There are also several business hotels around Nagano Station where rooms start from 6,000 yen. Choose the accommodations that are right for you, depending on your budget and where you want to go.

Also, there are plenty of places to stay in the areas around various tourist destinations, but make advance reservations to avoid any unnecessary hassle.

Weather And Clothing

With its relatively high elevation and low humidity, Nagano's weather has cool summers and cold winters. Summer nights can get a bit chilly. It’s a good idea to bring a shawl or a thin outer garment.

You will absolutely need a down coat, gloves, and a hat during the cold winter months, and if you plan on going to the mountains for skiing, it would be prudent to get spiked snow boots. It is also said that snow glare can cause UV damage to the eyes, so bringing sunglasses is recommended.

If you’re visiting Nagano in winter, prepare for lots of snow and cold temperatures, and enjoy your travels!

Traveling Around Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Travel Guide: Sightseeing, Ski Resorts, Local Food And More!

We’ll explain the transportation options for getting around Nagano Prefecture.

By Train

JR and the Nagano Electric Railway Company (Nagaden) operate routes throughout most of Nagano. However, in secluded mountain areas, particularly hot spring resorts, train access is infrequent, so renting a car is highly recommended if you want to travel leisurely your own pace.

By Bus

You can take buses from Nagano Station to visit sightseeing destinations like Zenkoji, Togakushi, the ancient Kawanagajima battlefield, and Matsushiro.

・The City Central Loop Bus, Gururin-go

This bus runs a loop of the area between Nagano Station’s Zenkoji exit to Zenkoji Temple itself and is very useful for sightseeing within Nagano City.

・The Tourism Train, Rokumon

If you’re traveling in Nagano, by all means, take a ride on Shinano Railway’s Rokumon. This enjoyable train runs the route from Karuizawa to Nagano, where Ueda and Zenkoji are located. You can appreciate the scenery while you dine on a delicious meal prepared by one of Karuizawa’s famous restaurants.

If you want to get a ticket plan with a meal included, you should make a reservation one week in advance (earliest 2 months in advance). The Japanese course and western cuisine course costs 15,800 yen each, or the light lunch plan is available from 9,800 yen. You can reserve tickets online or you can buy a ticket for the reserved seating areas at any ticket counter. If you only want a standard passenger ticket, there is a ticket counter aboard the train which you can use.

The train’s warm interior space is constructed using Nagano-harvested lumber. Enjoy a relaxing ride on the Rokumon while traveling around Nagano!

By Rental Car or Bicycle

By renting a car or bicycle, you can leisurely enjoy Nagano’s beautiful vistas. Be careful in the winter, as snow can be hazardous. Make sure you don’t forget to affix chains to your tires.

Bargain All-You-Can-Ride Passes

You can save a lot of fare money when traveling in Nagano by using the following passes.

Zenkoji & Togakushi 1-Day Ticket

This pass which costs just 2,900 yen for adults and 1,450 yen for children, allows holders unlimited rides on the bus routes operating from Nagano Station to Togakushi and Zenkoji Temple.  

You can buy it at the ALPICO Kotsu Nagano Station Information Center.
https://www.alpico.co.jp/en/zenkoji-togakushi-1day-ticket/

2 Day Free Passport

For those looking to travel at a more leisure pace, a 2 Day Free Passport or 3 Day (2 Day Free Passport plus ONE) tickets are available. These tickets allow you unlimited rides between
Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Norikura, and Shirahone Onsen. The 2 day passport costs7,500 yen for adults and 3,750 yen for children and the 3 day passport costs 9,000 yen for adults and 4,500 yen for children.

https://www.alpico.co.jp/en/2day-free-passport/

4-Day Alps WIDE Free Passport

For those that really want to travel across the Nagano regions, the 4-Day Alps WIDE Free Passport is recommended. This pass allows you unlimited rides to destinations including Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka, Takayama, Hida-Furukawa, Norikura, Hirayu Onsen, and Shirahone Onsen. The pass including a return ticket for the Shinhotaka Ropeway costs 13,000 yen for adults and 6,500 yen for children, between April 14 - November 15. The tickets are slightly cheaper between November 16 - April 13 costing  11,000 yen for adults and 5,500 yen for children. You can also just get a normal 4 day pass costing 11,000 yen for adults and 5,500 yen for children between April 14 - November 15 and 9,000 yen for adults and 4,500 yen for children between November 16 - April 13.

https://www.alpico.co.jp/en/alps-wide-free-passport/
*All children tickets are for children ages under 12 years of age. Children above the age of 12 will need an adult ticket.

How to Get to Nagano

The Hokuriku Shinkansen Is the Fastest Option

Nagano Travel Guide: Sightseeing, Ski Resorts, Local Food And More!

The quickest way to get to Nagano Station from Tokyo Station is the Hokuriku Shinkansen. If you have the JR Pass, traveling between Nagano and Tokyo, as well as many other destinations on the bullet train, will cost much less money.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen line runs from Kanazawa Station in Ishikawa Prefecture to Tokyo Station, passing through Nagano Prefecture, making it easy to access Nagano Prefecture.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen line has three kinds of trains: Kagayaki, Hakutaka, and Asama, all of which stop in Nagano Prefecture.

Kagayaki is the fastest of them, making the journey to Nagano Station in just one hour and 20 minutes from Tokyo. A reserved seat ticket costs around 8,340 yen.

Highway Buses Are a Budget-Friendly Alternative

bus

Highway buses run from Shinjuku Station’s south exit to Nagano Station. Fares can range from 1,000 yen to 5,000 yen and generally, you can expect to pay around 3,000 yen. The trip is 3 hours and 45 minutes to 5 hours, so you can get to Nagano by lunchtime if you take a morning bus.

Highway Bus Ticket Reservations: WILLER TRAVEL>

Accommodation Reservations: Booking.com>

Get a Rental Car If You Want to Venture Off the Beaten Path

rental car tokyo to nagano

Renting a car is a great idea. The drive to Tokyo to Nagano is not far, and won’t consume much gasoline.

Assuming that you leave from Shinjuku Station and take the highway, you can get to Nagano Station in 3 hours and 20 minutes at the most. You can expect to spend an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 yen on highways; add in the cost of gas and the rental car fee, which can cost 5,000 to 8,000 yen per day. Click here to search and book a rental car.

Your itinerary will affect how you decide to spend your travel money. Enjoy a better trip by choosing the best transportation method for you.

Pictures courtesy of pixta

 

Written by

The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

The information presented in this article is based on the time it was written. Note that there may be changes in the merchandise, services, and prices that have occurred after this article was published. Please contact the facility or facilities in this article directly before visiting. Some of our articles contain affiliate links. We kindly ask our readers to exercise careful judgement when making a purchase or booking a service online.