Top 10 Cultural Tours in Nagano

Destination: Gifu Prefecture.
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way toexplore both of the ancient post towns! You can travel between Magome and Tsumago by infrequent direct bus. Nakasendo was one of the two highways during the Edo period connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, running through the Kiso Valley. Travelers at that time walked along the highway, stopping at "post towns" for rest. Some of those post towns have been well preserved and show tourists today exactly what Japan was like hundreds of years ago. Stunning forests, beautiful villages and traditions, we would love to recommend it to everyone interested in Japanese nature and history. This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis may be used. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.
Known For: Gifu Prefecture Private Sightseeing Tours, Gifu Prefecture Private and Luxury, Gifu Prefecture Half-day Tours, Gifu Prefecture Bus Tours, Gifu Prefecture Cultural Tours, Gifu Prefecture Top Product, Gifu Prefecture Historical Tours, Gifu Prefecture Excellent Quality, Gifu Prefecture Walking Tours, Gifu Prefecture Day Trips.
Duration: Around 6 hours.

Destination: Nagano.
Sitting just outside Nagano City, the forests of Togakushi are home to some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, sacred places that are linked to the myths of the creation of Japan itself, and the mountain refuge of the Togakure Ninja. This engaging tour gives insight into the daily lives of the ninja, taking you along short sections of the pilgrimage trails of the ‘Togakushi Kodo,’ and deep into culture, myth, and legend. This tour includes a hands-on soba making experience, visits to two of the most important Shinto shrines, the Togakushi Ninja Museum, and ends with a stroll through the grand avenue of giant cedar trees.
Known For: Nagano Private and Luxury, Nagano Full-day Tours, Nagano Cultural Tours, Nagano Bus Tours, Nagano Historical Tours, Nagano Excellent Quality.
Duration: Around 8 hours and a half.

Destination: Nagano.
Discover the spiritual side of Nagano on a guided tour of Zenkoji Temple. Enjoy a tasting of sake at a local brewery, savor the flavors of 'oyaki' dumplings, and take part in a tea experience.
Known For: Nagano Walking Tours, Nagano Half-day Tours, Nagano New Product, Nagano Cultural Tours, Nagano Small Group, Nagano Historical Tours.
Duration: Around 4 hours.

Destination: Nagano.
On this full day private tour, visit the city of Matsumoto with your tour guide. Enjoy the historical Matsumoto Castle, the unique streets of Nawate and Nakamachi and see Daio Wasasbi Farm, the largest wasabi farm in Japan in the tranquil Hotaka Town.
Known For: Nagano Walking Tours, Nagano Private and Luxury, Nagano Historical Tours, Nagano Likely To Sell Out, Nagano Cultural Tours, Nagano Likely to Sell Out, Nagano Day Trips, Nagano City Tours, Nagano Full-day Tours, Nagano Rail Tours, Nagano Private Sightseeing Tours, Nagano Public Transportation Tours.
Duration: Around 8 hours.

Destination: Nagano.
In recent years Central Japan has become increasingly popular as a stop along the Tokyo to Kyoto “Golden Route”. The reason for this, simply stated, is that Central Japan offers every experience the traveler could desire from Japan, while also being located close to some of Japan’s largest cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. From majestic mountain peaks to delicious local sake, and of course the famous Snow Monkeys, our multiple day group tour of this amazing region of Japan will bring you to every location you dreamed of, and many you may not have heard of yet. Starting in Nagano and ending in Kanazawa, this tour is perfect for those wishing to move through central Japan and removes the necessity of dealing with train and bus transfers. While accommodation is not included, transport between all destinations and an English speaking guide are provided on every day of the tour, so you do not have to worry about the small things and can instead focus on enjoying your vacation time.
Known For: Nagano Historical Tours, Nagano Likely To Sell Out, Nagano Multi-day Tours, Nagano Bus Tours, Nagano Walking Tours, Nagano New Product, Nagano Likely to Sell Out, Nagano Cultural Tours.
Duration: Around 4 days.

Destination: Nagano.
Combining a visit to Nagano’s world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and evening exploration of the Zenko-ji Tomyo Lantern Festival, this enjoyable 1-day tour marks the midpoint of winter and illuminates Nagano’s ancient heart! Including an early dinner at Monzen Terrace Enya, this tour brings warmth and light into the midst of winter. This tour begins at Nagano Station, from where you will be transported to the Jigokudani Monkey Park before returning to Nagano City for a warming winter dinner at Monzen Terrace Enya, before being guided around the Zenko-ji Temple precinct in the beauty and tranquility of its annual Tomyo Lantern Festival. All led by a locally-based, English-speaking guide, this tour is a great way to experience the best of Nagano in winter.
Known For: Nagano Day Trips, Nagano Seasonal, Nagano Bus Tours, Nagano Cultural Tours, Nagano Carnival, Nagano Lantern Festival, Nagano Full-day Tours.

Destination: Nagano.
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.
Known For: Nagano Cultural Tours, Nagano Bus Tours, Nagano Nature and Wildlife Tours, Nagano Likely to Sell Out, Nagano Likely To Sell Out, Nagano Small Group, Nagano Walking Tours, Nagano Nature Walks, Nagano Half-day Tours.

Destination: Nagano.
Discover a side of Japan most visitors miss with this 3-day countryside immersion in Nagano. Cycle quiet backroads, meet locals in farming hamlets, and relax in hot spring villages - all just a short train ride from Tokyo. Unlike a simple day trip, this experience offers a deeper look at life in rural Japan’s Snow Country. Days are filled with gentle cycling, cultural encounters, and changing scenery through rice fields, rivers, and mountain valleys. Evenings are at traditional inns with seasonal meals and a warm welcome from local hosts. Designed for travelers who want to slow down and experience daily life in rural Japan, this trip blends activity and relaxation into an unforgettable journey. Highlights: - Cycle through rural hamlets, rice fields, and riverside paths - Stay in traditional farm inns with seasonal country meals - Experience onsen culture at historic a hot-spring town - Connect with local residents and countryside traditions - Only 2 hours form Tokyo by Shinkansen
Known For: Nagano E-Bike Tours, Nagano Multi-day Tours, Nagano Walking Tours, Nagano Bike Tours, Nagano Nature Walks, Nagano Cultural Tours, Nagano Private Sightseeing Tours, Nagano Mountain Bike Tours, Nagano New Product.
Duration: Around 3 days.

Destination: Nagano.
Situated between the popular destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto, the mountainous region of Nagano is the literal heart of Japan and a road less travelled by many international visitors. This tour combines some of the region’s most iconic destinations - including the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, the 1400-year old Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, Narai-juku, and the historic old town of Takayama - with the unforgettable experience of being driven through Japan’s Northern Alps, a place of high mountain peaks and rarefied beauty. With an English-speaking guide on both days, and transport between locations included, this tour captures the history and beauty of central Japan with the convenience and comfort of one easy package.
Known For: Nagano Likely to Sell Out, Nagano Likely To Sell Out, Nagano Architecture Tours, Nagano Private and Luxury, Nagano Multi-day Tours, Nagano Bus Tours, Nagano Cultural Tours, Nagano Overnight Tours, Nagano Historical Tours.
Duration: Around 2 days.

Destination: Nagano.
Start the day off by visiting the Snow Monkey Park. As winter comes to an end and temperatures slowly rise, this is the last chance to see the Snow Monkeys bathe in the hot springs this year! Following the Snow Monkey Park, we offer you an exclusive look into the historic Onsen Village of Shibu. It is not uncommon to see locals and visitors walking the streets in traditional clothing such as kimono and geta (wooden sandals). Finally, end the night at Takada Castle. Takada Castle is one of the top 3 places in Japan to view cherry blossoms at night, featuring 4,000 sakura trees with spectacular illumination. Visitors can immerse themselves in the pale pink full bloom across the entire grounds. The lighting creates a mirror-like reflection of the trees on the placid moat waters. Additionally, the site hosts many food stalls offering treats like curry bread, yakisoba, and dango.
Known For: Nagano Bus Tours, Nagano Full-day Tours, Nagano Cherry Blossom, Nagano Walking Tours, Nagano New Product, Nagano Cultural Tours, Nagano Day Trips, Nagano Seasonal.