Top Things to Do in Nagano, Japan
Places to Visit in Nagano
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Nagano.
- Food & Drinkfromper adult₹12,576
- Food & Drinkfromper adult (price varies by group size)₹8,860
- Full-day Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₹11,432
- fromper group (up to 5)₹62,878
- Rail Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₹9,25,922
- fromper adult₹12,576
- Historical Toursfromper adult₹17,434
- Historical Toursfromper adult₹18,292
- fromper group (up to 7)₹45,729
- Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₹17,720
Other Top Attractions around Nagano
*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
- EdinAustEdinburgh, UK372 contributionsIf 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ShhhhHong Kong, China33 contributionsStunning 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 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Zfy EdSingapore, Singapore8,646 contributionsThe 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 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ong AliciaSingapore, Singapore26 contributionsKagami 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 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Benjamin M27 contributionsThe 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 toriiWritten 21 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Peter RCalgary2,134 contributionsThis 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 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - YakultcatLondon8 contributionsIf 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 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Benjamin M27 contributionsMaybe 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 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Maria ‘Bing’ ReidNew York City, NY1,071 contributionsIt 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 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - LindaHigashi4 contributionsGood 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 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Felicia L288 contributionsHappened 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 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nagano
- The top attractions to visit in Nagano are:
- Zenko-ji Temple
- Togakushi Shrine Okusha
- Lake Kagami
- Joshin'etsukogen National Park
- Togakushi Shrine Chusha
- The best outdoor activities in Nagano according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Lake Kagami
- Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden
- Togakushi Ski Area
- Chausuyama Dinosaur Park
- Nagano Chausuyama Zoo
- The best day trips from Nagano according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Snow Monkey Park & Zenkoji Temple Nagano Pvt. Full Day Tour.
- (Spring Only) 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano Tour
- 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour
- Nagano Full Day Tour Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Zenkoji Temple
- The most popular things to do in Nagano with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Snow Monkey Resorts
- Midori Nagano
- Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum
- Togakushi Ski Area
- Chibikko Ninja Village