Places to visit in Nagano

Top Things to Do in Nagano, Japan

Places to Visit in Nagano


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Nagano.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Nagano

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • EdinAust
    Edinburgh, UK372 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you’re anyway near Nagano you really must go and visit the temple. As well as being architecturally stunning, huge and impressive, it’s also a very soothing and spiritual place. All of the staff and guides were extremely courteous and willing to help by answering questions and offering information on the temple and the service that was taking place while we were there.
    Written 27 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Shhhh
    Hong Kong, China33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning views in winter. One can feel the fresh air and good energy especially when walked along the 400+ yrs old giant cedar trees. Trail up to the shrine is steep and icy during winter. We had no hiking pole and wore just sports shoes so we fought no more to the slippery icy snow and simply sat on the ice and slided down hill when walking waa not possible. So bring adequate hiking gears with u.
    Written 13 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zfy Ed
    Singapore, Singapore8,646 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The museum is just located opposite of the centuries old Zenko-ji Temple (from it's garden ground, it's 1-min walk by crossing the traffic light). Do checkout my review of the temple too.

    This is a rather small sized museum as compared to it's counterpart be it in Japan or overseas but the architectural of the building is trendy and modern. Instead of wall, they use glasses and that's smart, to improve the natural lighting in the gallery and the museum area.

    Having mentioned earlier, because of it's small size, the exhibits and displays were comparatively limited but if you happen to the fan of the exhibit themed, well, this is the place that you should come by!

    During our visit then, there was the exhibition by the wood sculptor, Toya Shigeo. Well, for non-artistic persons, we found the exhibits were amazing and creative!
    Written 5 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ong Alicia
    Singapore, Singapore26 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kagami Ike meaning mirror pond is man made but is beautiful and peaceful. Really quiet with tranquility. There’s a nice cafe you should drop in at least for a drink, nice view from there. Good place to clam your mind.
    Written 18 April 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Benjamin M
    27 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The old wooden torii gate here is impressive, and like other spots in Togakushi there are some very nice imposing cryptomeria (Japanese cedar) trees, including a three-trunked holy tree behind the torii
    Written 21 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter R
    Calgary2,134 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This hike begins easy but may be a challenge (a little steeper) to some as you approach the Shrine. A beautiful, scenic hike that leads up to Shrine. The hike through the tall cedars is amazing, peaceful and serene.
    There are bathroom facilities nearby.
    Written 24 April 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Yakultcat
    London8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are in Matsushiro it is worth taking at look at this site, which is part of a group of underground military shelters built during WWII, and is free to enter.

    Unlike the better known aspects of Japanese history and culture (samurai, cherry blossoms, geisha, etc), this site charts the history of the Korean and Japanese workers who built these tunnels under horrific conditions, with potentially up to 5 to 6 people dying a day at the worst point. Unfortunately for English speakers, the information signs in the tunnels are only in Japanese. But walking under the tunnels you get a real sense of the oppressive atmosphere in which the workers lived and died, and it really feels quite creepy once you are quite far in - especially keeping in mind that up to 1000 people may have died here.

    There is a small temporary museum behind the site - for 200 yen you get a four page history of the site in English and a brief tour of the small museum. The volunteers who run it speak some English, so you can ask questions and get some further information. It might be worth visiting here before you go into the tunnels to get a better understanding of what you are seeing.

    It's very easy to find - it's on the same road as the Zouzan shrine (another famous site in Matsushiro) - just keeping walking past it for another five minutes and you should come to it at the end of the road (there are no toilets at the site, but there are free ones outside the Zouzan shrine, so use these if you need to).

    Given how the Japanese government is keen to remove references to forced labor and comfort women in its history (which is commented upon in the pamphlet the museum hands out), it's rare to find sites like this, and it really is worth a look to those interested in history, human rights, and to better understand the spirit of the town of Matsushiro.
    Written 1 April 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Benjamin M
    27 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Maybe not worth a trip on its own unless you're really into ninjas, but if you're visiting Togakushi Shrine this is definitely worth a side trip.
    Written 21 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maria ‘Bing’ Reid
    New York City, NY1,071 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It has a moat and a bridge to go over. The space inside the protected area is big. We were not able to see inside.

    I was told this is where they filmed a TV show.
    Written 22 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LindaHigashi
    4 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good place if you want to avoid the crowds.
    It's great to get away from the major resorts for a day and enjoy the less crowded ski fields. Lifts are a little bit slower, but well worth it. I'll be going again.
    Written 15 February 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Felicia L
    288 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Happened to see on the news that there were sakuras blooming in the castle and decided to pop by. The best part, not many crowds!
    Written 24 July 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nagano