I finally crossed Japan off my bucket list in the summer this year with a week in Tokyo, 3 days in Hakone, 3 days in Kyoto, and 3 days in Osaka. And I was blessed enough to be able to visit again just 3 months later. This time, I was planning to visit some parts of Tokyo I had missed on my first trip, go on a one-week cruise to southwestern Japan and South Korea, and spend a couple of days in Yokohama – but, my first stop was 3 days in the mountainous Nagano, Japan. Why Nagano you may ask? My main reason for visiting Nagano is to see the beautiful Japanese Alps since I love natural landscapes, especially those with a water view. And to make the journey more worth it, of course, I’ll be visiting a few locations in Nagano while I’m there. So follow along with my itinerary for 3 days in Nagano, Japan to help plan your own trip if you want to explore Japan outside of the more popular cities.
Also, as you start planning your itinerary for 3 days in Nagano, Japan, here are 46 Comprehensive Things To Know Before Visiting Japan so that you can have a smooth trip and the best time!
Quick Background Of Nagano, Japan
Nagano is the fourth largest prefecture and it is a central location in Japan so it became a hub for trading and traveling. This prefecture is a largely forested region that is landlocked, but you can find 29 of Japan’s “100 Famous Mountains” here. With that, you can also have the chance to see plenty of wildlife in the mountainous areas and snow-capped mountain views.
Besides opportunities for the most scenic and stunning landscapes you can find in Nagano, many significant historical sites remain from centuries back including a National Treasure you won’t want to miss. It is also a former Olympic city where they hosted the 1998 Winter Olympic Games and there are plenty of winter activities available if that’s your vibe.
You can also immerse yourself in the captivating history of this area, indulge in delicious Japanese cuisine, and relax in multiple onsens (hot springs) to unwind after a long day of exploring.
When To Visit Nagano, Japan
Nagano is a year-round destination so it depends on your interests and the type of activities you’d like to be able to do when visiting this prefecture.
Most people like to visit Japan during cherry blossom season in the Spring from March to May when the weather is comfortable which makes it easy for you to do more outdoor activities than in the summer when the heat can be a little hard to handle.
Summery in Nagano is quite warm, but it is still several degrees cooler as it is higher in elevation which provides an escape from the summer heat in other parts of Japan.
A popular time to visit Nagano because of its stunning fall foliage is in autumn. And although I visited in October, it wasn’t quite fall yet and you should expect to see the leaves changing colors in November’s time. You can always check Japan’s fall foliage forecast to plan your trip accordingly so you can catch the colors at its peak.
As you can tell by Nagano being a host city for the Winter Olympics once upon a time, they are famous for winter sports and have many ski resorts. I was told by our guide during a tour we had in Nagano (detailed below on the second day), that their coldest temperature reaches about -5°C, which actually isn’t bad compared to the -40°C we can get in Toronto winters sometimes!
How To Get To Nagano, Japan
If you’re coming from Tokyo like I did, Nagano is about a 1.5-hour Shinkansen ride and cost just under $80 CAD each way when I visited – and this was just after the increase in Japan Railways prices. We didn’t have to book our tickets ahead of time and just purchased it the morning we were heading to Nagano.
Other ways to get to Nagano include their regular trains which are more cost-effective, but take more time; by bus; by car if you choose to rent one; or by flying into Matsumoto Airport via a domestic flight.
Where To Stay In Nagano, Japan
As a reminder, it’s essential to book your accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons to ensure that you can find a room and at a price that you are willing to pay.
2 main areas would be convenient for you to find your hotel at:
1 – Nagano City Center
The city center is a convenient location as you can easily walk to the many shops, restaurants, and historical sites in the Nagano area.
2 – Nagano Station Area
If you plan to explore areas outside of the Nagano City Center as I did, it’s a good idea to stay closer to Nagano Station since you can have easy access to the Shinkansen, local trains and buses. There are multiple hotels directly across from Nagano Station so you have plenty of choices to choose from. I decided to stay at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi and the room I chose was a Superior Twin Room which had a good amount of space for a Japanese hotel. It was also close to many restaurants and shopping was right around the corner at Don Quijote or across the street at the station.
Another option if you want to experience onsens are the hot spring towns in the Yudanaka and Shibu areas. It’s about 45 minutes from Nagano and you can choose from ski resorts to hotels, chalets, and even lodges for a more winterized and tranquil experience.
I highly recommend browsing for your style and price of accommodations on Hotels.com, Agoda.com or Booking.com. Here are also the Best Ways To Save Money On Hotels For Your Next Vacation.
How To Get Around Nagano, Japan
For the most part, you can get around Nagano’s city center by walking, but if you need to go further you will want to take their local trains or buses. However, their buses didn’t seem to accept the Suica card and we had to pay cash when I went to Zenkoji Temple on the last day.
There is also a Nagano Electric Railway All Nagano Pass or Nagano Snow Monkey 2-Day Pass that can help you save some money if you’re going to be traveling around a lot and need their transportation system.
Types Of Food To Try In Nagano, Japan
Nagano’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its natural surroundings and takes advantage of the mountain and agricultural produce in this fertile landscape and their climate. Here are some foods that are popular in the Nagano region that you’ll want to try when visiting:
1 – Soba
The origins of soba weren’t well-documented and is believed to have come from China and were brought to Japan through cultural exchange and trade with both China and Korea. However, over the years Japan developed their own variations and soba-making techniques and it has become an integral part of Japanese cuisine.
Nagano is well-known for soba due to their rich soil that produces excellent-quality buckwheat with it’s earthy color and flavor. The cold and pristine mountain water in Nagano adds to the unique flavor and texture of the soba as well. It can also be served both hot and cold so it’s great all year round.
2 – Oyaki
Oyaki was definitely a popular food item in Nagano! It is a type of dumpling made from fermented buckwheat dough that’s pan-fried and stuffed with different ingredients that can be savory or sweet such as vegetables, mushrooms, cheese, or even red bean paste. You can find oyaki in restaurants and many different street stalls. My favorite flavor was the cheese one!
3 – Shinsu Apples
You will notice a lot of apple-flavored food in Nagano as it is one of Japan’s leading apple-producing regions. Shinshu apples in particular are known to be crispy and sweet and you can find many desserts ranging from mochi to pie and ice cream, or even apple juice, cider, and jelly. A unique apple-based food you can find in Nagano is apple katsu, where the apple slices are battered and then deep-fried.
4 – Chestnut
Another food you’ll see often in Nagano is chestnuts. They’re known for chestnut production and you can find many desserts and other sweet treats with chestnut as the filling or the centerpiece.
5 – Basashi
Nagano is also popular for basashi – which is horse meat! This dish is where the horse meat is thinly sliced and can be served raw like sashimi or slightly seared. I had tried the horse jerky on my previous trip to Tokyo but I don’t recommend it as it tastes very gamey and hard to chew. However, my tour guide told me basashi tasted delicious but unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity to try and have my previous experience redeemed.
6 – Sansai
Known as mountain vegetables or edible wild plants, sansai adds an earthy flavor and is used in a range of dishes. Because of Nagano’s mountainous terrain, the locals take advantage of the different plants they can forage in the different seasons. If you want “farm-to-table”, this is it!
7 – Shinano Beef
Nagano is also well-regarded for their beef: Shinano (also known as Shinshu beef). Its unique marbling, tenderness, and flavor is a must-try and are a local specialty that you can find in this region of Japan. This type of beef comes from the Japanese Black cattle breed which is one of the four major Wagyu breeds in Japan. The pristine environment in this mountainous region and clean water contributes to the beef’s quality.
8 – Wasabi
Nagano is one of Japan’s leading producers of wasabi, so what better place than to get your hands on some local wasabi? This spicy-tasting plant is closely related to horseradish and mustard. You can find it used as a dressing, sauce, or marinade and added to many dishes including sushi and sashimi, salads, noodles, and more. It’s an integral part of the Japanese culinary culture and is essential to many traditional dishes.
9 – Sake
Not exactly a food, but a drink you’ll need to try when visiting Nagano as they’re known for their high-quality rice wine. The pure water sources and rice cultivation are the reasons why Nagano can produce such good sake. There are many sake breweries in Nagano and you can even go on sake tours. I took home quite a few small bottles from the various places I visited in Nagano, a couple of which were recommended by my guide, and I can see why one was a Gold Award Winner!
The Best Things To Do In Nagano, Japan
First Day In Nagano, Japan
Coming straight from Tokyo bright and early in the morning, my first stop after checking into my hotel, getting some food, and some window shopping at Midori in Nagano Station while waiting for my train was to head to a Japan Heritage Site that is truly frozen in time: Narai-juku.
Time Spent – 4 to 5 hours
Interesting Facts – If Kyoto isn’t part of your itinerary for this trip to Japan, Narai-juku is the perfect alternative as it is nicknamed “Little Kyoto”, for good reason! It is known for its Edo-style architecture and buildings where you can see the past of Japan in modern days. Their old street and houses have been preserved over the centuries with the help of the locals’ insistence and effort to develop and maintain their community, and in 1978, these houses were listed as cultural property under the category of “Traditional Building Groups of Cultural Properties of Japan”. It was even nicknamed “Narai of a Thousand Houses” for its numerous traditional structures. Narai-juku has also won awards including the Top 100 Most Beautiful Sites In Japan and Handmade Hometown Awards.
Narai-juku is located in the Kiso Valley and is the longest post town in Japan. It also marked the midway point (the 34th of 69 stations of the Nakaendo highway) between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto for travelers so it was the perfect resting place which allowed the town to flourish. Today, you can still feel the nostalgic atmosphere as you walk along the main street called Narai Kaido which is about one kilometer in length. You will find souvenir shops, restaurants and cafés, museums, and many traditional craft shops such as woodworking and lacquerware (known as urushi).
You can also find Kiso Bridge, one of the most iconic features of Narai-juku. This wooden bridge spans the Narai River and is over 300 years old.
For more information on Narai-juku and additional attractions to see, visit this site.
Second Day In Nagano, Japan
On the second day of my stay, I booked an all-day tour – 9 hours to be exact which started at 8 AM – to see Matsumoto Castle and more specifically, Kamikochi – a breathtaking highland valley in the Hida Mountains – which is my biggest reason for visiting Nagano, Japan. This area is part of the Northern Japanese Alps in Chubu Sangaku National Park and this day will be a full day of learning about the history of Matsumoto and enjoying the stunning nature and gorgeous views of Kamikochi.
Originally, I was planning to take a bus from Nagano Station to visit Kamikochi, but because of the multiple modes of transportation and the difficulties of getting to and from the location, I started searching for a guided tour. It took me a bit of time as there weren’t many options for what I was looking for and the ones I found available on Viator didn’t have any reviews and were quite pricey. But I was luckily able to find Snow Monkey Resorts – and I am so glad I did!
I had an amazing experience with our tour guides at Snow Monkey Resorts and they were not only very nice, but they were very knowledgeable and down-to-earth as well. They also spoke English since they are both expatriates from California who have been living in Japan for many years. I highly recommend using this tour company to explore Nagano as they also have many other offerings.
The highlights of this full-day tour include:
1 – “Kaeru Michi” or “Frog Street”
You will be strolling through Frog Street, a charming street named after its frog population (although I didn’t see real frogs). This street has many frog-themed decorations, souvenirs, and even sculptures. During this walk, you’ll also learn about the history of Matsumoto with opportunities to try the local snacks and visit some of the 50 shops along this street. You will also come across a couple of natural springs with the purest water that you can drink from as well.
2 – Matsumoto Castle
One of Japan’s last remaining castles is Matsumoto Castle – it is also a National Treasure of Japan, built in 1614 for defense but luckily it was never attacked. This castle is one of the only two 6-story castles left today due to the residents who saved it from destruction. You are also able to climb up all 6 stories of this castle and it is no small feat since they designed the seven sets of stairs to rise at a 55 to 61 degree incline which makes it very steep. The stairs between the 4th and 5th floor are the steepest at 40 centimeters apart. This was designed to slow down their enemies in the case of attack but for those who frequented this castle, I’m sure it was a mission for them too since anthropological studies estimate that during that period, the Japanese were between 4 feet 11 inches and 5 feet 3 inches in height for the men, and even shorter with the women. Inside, you will also find details of the stunning woodwork, amazing views of Matsumoto City, and relics from back in the day of their samurai suits, firepower, and more.
3 – Kamikochi, Chubu Sangaku National Park
The highlight of this tour was definitely my visit to Kamikochi. After seeing many photos of this gorgeous landscape, I knew I had to visit Nagano when I came back to Japan. It is considered the jewel of Chubu Sangaku National Park and designated as one of Japan’s National Cultural Assets and is on the list of Special Natural Monuments and Special Places of Scenic Beauty. Sometimes, it’s also referred to as the Japanese Yosemite Valley. Here, you can take in views of the Hotaka and Yakedake mountain peaks, clear blue rivers, lush forests, and many snow monkeys. To find the iconic location for views of the Azusa River and mountainous background, it will be closer to the end of the hike on Kappabashi Suspension Bridge. It was a bit wet when I visited since it just rained the day before and it was raining on and off throughout the day, so having waterproof and versatile travel shoes or even hiking shoes may be a good idea. You can also find a couple of souvenir stores towards the end and this is also where I found some Nagano sake and other unique foods.
It is also important to mention that there is restricted access to Kamikochi as they want to preserve its natural beauty and reduce the environmental impact of vehicles. Private vehicles are not allowed and you can only take a bus or taxi. So even if you drive up to Kamikochi, there will be a parking lot to park your car and you’ll need to take a bus for the rest of the way up.
Third Day In Nagano, Japan
With the third day in Nagano, below are the options of what you can mix and match into your last day in Nagano. Or if you really want to do it all, you can even add an extra day. But if you’re tight on time, it’s possible to still visit these locations but just for a shorter amount of time. And just a reminder, I like to maximize my days so I would be out from morning until the evening to accomplish all the destinations I want to see.
1 – Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters
Time Spent – 1 hour
Interesting Facts – This facility was built to serve as a command post and shelter and so that the Emperor of Japan could be transferred here from Tokyo in the event of an invasion. However, Emperor Hirohito refused to relocate as he believed it would allow the army to rule in his name. Today, you can tour the ruins of the World War-era military facilities including underground tunnels under Mount Zo.
2 – Susobanakyo Onsen Uroikan (Hot Spring Hotel)
Time Spent – 2 to 2.5 hours
Interesting Facts – If you love onsens, you can spend a few hours day trip bathing at this hotel’s natural hot spring with a view of the Susobana Ravine below the Oku-Susobana Gorge which is one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan. There are also indoor and outdoor baths or private baths which you can book. If you want something simple, there’s a foot bath that is free which is located on the south side of the building along the river.
It is in a convenient location whereas you would need to go at minimum 45 minutes out of the way to visit the closest onsen town in Yudanaka.
3 – Zenkoji Temple / Nakamise Street
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Interesting Facts – Zenkoji Temple is one of the most important temples in Japan and it was founded in the 7th century. The significance here is that Zenkoji was the center of a town that developed around this temple and it holds the first Buddhist statue ever brought into Japan when Buddhism was introduced. However, a copy of this statue is shown to the public every six years for a couple of weeks while the real statue is hidden away for safekeeping.
You do have to pay a small entrance fee depending on what activities you want to do, but for me it was worth the $6 CAD since I got to experience an underground passage that’s in the basement’s inner chamber. You basically walk through a tunnel of complete darkness to search for the “key to paradise”. There will be signs to let you know to hold your right hand out and at what height it should be so that you can walk through the passageway and feel the key handle that’s attached to the wall near the end. It is believed that you have reached enlightenment at the end, although I didn’t feel any different – just a bit anxious from walking in the dark and not knowing if a scene from a scary movie was going to happen.
I also visited the Zenkoji Museum as it was part of my entrance ticket and walked through the temple grounds which actually offered quite a lot to see including historical facts so it’s an educational experience as well.
After visiting Zenkoji, you can explore Nakamise Street just outside the temple which is full of little shops, restaurants, street food, local snacks, and more. I loved walking through every store here and trying all the different local delicacies and doing a little souvenir (food) shopping, and spent at least 1 hour here. You can also eat on the street here, but once passed, resume regular Japanese etiquette!
4 – Togakushi Jinja
Time Spent – At least 2 hours
Interesting Facts – This shrine is a complex of three different shrines. The innermost shrine, Okusha Shrine, is at the base of Mount Togakushi and can take 1 to 2 hours. The middle shrine, Chusha Shrine, is where you can find the beautiful tall cedar trees you see in many photos and you can also spend 1 to 2 hours here. The outer shrine, Hokosha Shrine, is about 4 kilometers into the Togakushi Jinja and is the smallest shrine which takes about 30 minutes or so to explore. There are also nature trails with scenic views which can also take more time. So if you’re okay with just seeing the first two shrines, then you can do everything on the third day in Nagano’s itinerary. If you really want to go hiking and just stroll through leisurely through all of the stops, you can easily spend half a day here.
The story behind the shrines is that in Japanese mythology, the Sun Goddess hid herself in a cave which brought darkness to the world after her brother misbehaved. To get sunlight back, two other deities tried to lure her out – one through dance performances to peak her curiosity and the other to throw away the stone door to the cave to prevent her from hiding again. The cave door was thrown so far that it went to Togakushi (which translates to hiding door). So the upper shrine is dedicated to the second deity and the middle shrine is for the one who danced.
5 – Togakushi Folk Museum / Ninja House
Time Spent – 1 to 1.5 hours
Interesting Facts – At the Togakushi Folk Museum, you can learn about the history and folklore of this area discovering the museum displays of traditional clothing, tools, and many artifacts. The Ninja House is an interactive museum that allows you to experience ninja culture with their many activities and ability for you to explore secret passages and traps in the house.
Overall, if you’re looking to explore outside of the more popular cities in Japan that is absolutely beautiful in nature, a little more low-key and relaxing, and a lot of history, Nagano is the perfect choice as it’s also not too far from Tokyo.
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