What to do in Nagano

Activities, attractions and tours

A waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush green forest.
A bridge over a river with snow-covered banks, a town with buildings, and mountains in the background.
A snow-covered tree with a mountainous landscape in the background.
A traditional Japanese storefront with a yellow awning and various signs in Japanese.
A mountain lake surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped peaks.

Nagano Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Nagano has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Nagano, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Nagano with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Nagano

Nagano is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Nagano, and make it a breeze to explore Nagano and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Nagano to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Nagano, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Nagano.

Nagano attractions

Nagano has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Nagano to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Nagano.

Looking for things to do in Nagano can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Nagano or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Nagano attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Snow Monkeys, Hokusai & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano

Snow Monkeys, Obuse & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano

£115
per adult
Snow Monkeys, Obuse & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano
Strolling through the towering cedar avenue of Togakushi.

Togakushi: A Serene Walk Through Sacred Forests & Soba Traditions

£112
per adult
Togakushi: A Serene Walk Through Sacred Forests & Soba Traditions
Wasabi Farm Walking Tour & Lunch

Wasabi Farm Walking Tour & Lunch

£50
per adult
Wasabi Farm Walking Tour & Lunch
Togakushi: Sacred Forest Walk & Soba Traditions

Togakushi: Sacred Forest Walk & Soba Traditions

£111
per adult
Togakushi: Sacred Forest Walk & Soba Traditions
Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour

Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour

£46
per adult
Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour
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Recommended things to do in Nagano

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What to do in Nagano

Stay near popular Nagano attractions

A traditional Japanese street with people walking, shops, and a large gate in the background.

Zenko-ji Temple

9.2/5 (566 reviews)
This 1,400-year-old temple houses one of Japan's oldest Buddhist statues and welcomes all visitors. Touch the "key to paradise" in the pitch-black corridor beneath the main hall for spiritual enlightenment.
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Where to stay in Nagano

Find the best Nagano areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A snow-covered shrine with red walls and a wooden gate, surrounded by tall trees.

Togakushi

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Togakushi. You might want to make time for a stop at Chibikko Ninja Village or Togakushi Ski Area.

A traditional Japanese building with a wooden bridge over a pond, surrounded by mountains and greenery.
Photo by Baku13
Open Photo by Baku13

Matsushiro

While visiting Matsushiro, you might make a stop by sights like Matsushiro Underground Imperial Headquarters and Matsushiro Castle.

A panoramic view of a city surrounded by lush green mountains under a clear blue sky.

Kurita

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Kurita. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum and Gondo Shopping Street are a few top places to visit.

A traditional Japanese building with a tiled roof, surrounded by trees and gravel paths.

Minaminagano

While visiting Minaminagano, you might make a stop by sights like Gondo Shopping Street and Kitano Cultural Center.

A traditional Japanese castle with multiple tiers, surrounded by a moat and reflecting in the water.

Minamichitose

When in Minamichitose, you can plan a visit to Gondo Shopping Street and Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Nagano

A snowy mountain slope with ski tracks, a wooden building, and a clear blue sky.

Hakuba

A mountainous landscape with a river in the foreground and a building in the background.

Chikuma

A calm lake with a forested mountain range in the background.
Photo by Qurren (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Iizuna

A bridge over a field of yellow flowers.

Obuse

Frequently asked questions

Is Nagano worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Nagano is explore Togakushi Ski Area. Tick this top attraction off your agenda, then discover more of the area's camping and nature.
How do I spend a day in Nagano?
Start your day with a visit to Chibikko Ninja Village and Chausuyama Zoo. Then, explore other areas of Nagano for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nagano?
The top tourist attraction in Nagano is Togakushi Ski Area, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Nagano?
You can easily visit top attractions like Matsushiro Castle, Nagano City Museum and Kitano Museum of Art with a three-day getaway in Nagano. On average, most travellers book two days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stay a little longer and head to Matsumoto.
Is Nagano a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Nagano is a good destination to visit on foot. Have fun wandering between Nagano Olympic Museum and Mizuno Museum. Then take a stroll around Kurita, located 2 kms (1 mile) from the centre, and Minaminagano, which is roughly 0.97 kms (0.60 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Nagano with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all of your group, check out these awesome ideas for what to do in Nagano with kids.
What to do in Nagano for adults?
St. Cousair Winery and Aqua Wing Arena are just two of the things to do in Nagano. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Nagano?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Nagano is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can visit without opening your wallet. Matsushiro Castle is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.