Top 10 Historical 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.
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. Explore the Hokusai Museum, then enjoy Obuse at your own pace—strolling charming lanes, browsing small shops, and sampling a few local treats as you soak up the town’s relaxed atmosphere. Your guide can also point out a few favorite photo spots. 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.
Known For: Nagano Small Group, Nagano Sake Brewery Tour, Nagano Nature Walks, Nagano Historical Tours, Nagano Best Conversion, Nagano Bus Tours, Nagano Full-day Tours, Nagano Top Product, Nagano Private and Luxury, Nagano Sake Tasting, Nagano 4WD Tours, Nagano Day Trips, Nagano Excellent Quality, Nagano Walking Tours, Nagano New Product.

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 Cultural Tours, Nagano Excellent Quality, Nagano Historical Tours, Nagano Full-day Tours, Nagano Bus Tours.
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.
Walking along the 400-year-old lined cedar trees and walking on the frozen lake experience are special experiences that can only be found here. Let's explore the winter of Togakushi, where mountain ascetic have been practicing the mountain worship since ancient times. The experience of walking along a row of 400-year-old cedar trees and a frozen lake is a special experience that cannot be found anywhere else. Let's explore the winter of Togakushi, where the trainees have practiced rigorously since ancient times, wearing snowshoes!
Known For: Nagano Winter Sports, Nagano Small Group, Nagano Historical Tours, Nagano Snowshoeing.
Duration: Around 5 hours.

Destination: Nagano.
Walk in the footsteps of Japan’s most celebrated artist, Hokusai Katsushika, on this engaging one-day tour in the quaint, historic town of Obuse. Starting from Nagano Station, you will visit Hokusai’s original studio in Obuse, view his original work at the Obuse Hokusai-kan Museum and finally, view his last and largest remaining ‘in-situ’ artwork – the giant phoenix of Gansho-in Temple. Including plenty of time to explore Obuse for yourself, this tour is designed to introduce you to or further your understanding of Japan’s greatest artist in the very place he walked, worked and produced his final masterpiece.
Known For: Nagano Likely to Sell Out, Nagano Likely To Sell Out, Nagano Rail Tours, Nagano Art Tours, Nagano Private and Luxury, Nagano Historical Tours, Nagano Full-day Tours, Nagano Day Trips, Nagano New Product, Nagano City Tours.
Duration: Around 7 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.
Explore the rich history of Zenkoji Temple, a 1,400-year-old site nestled in Nagano City. Walk along the ancient stone paths trodden by pilgrims and Samurai, immersing yourself in the spiritual essence of Japan. Then, transform into a Samurai apprentice in a traditional setting, where a Master Samurai instructor will guide you through katana techniques and postures. Dressed in a yukata and hakama, enjoy striking poses and learn the art of the warrior in an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Samurai film. Capture unforgettable moments with photos and videos, ensuring this unique experience stays with you long after you leave.
Known For: Nagano Walking Tours, Nagano Half-day Tours, Nagano Historical Tours, Nagano New Product.
Duration: Around 3 hours.

Destination: Niigata Prefecture.
Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.
Known For: Niigata Prefecture Private and Luxury, Niigata Prefecture Bus Tours, Niigata Prefecture Nature and Wildlife Tours, Niigata Prefecture Historical Tours, Niigata Prefecture Day Trips, Niigata Prefecture New Product, Niigata Prefecture Top Product, Niigata Prefecture Full-day Tours.