Things to do in Nagano Prefecture

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Nozawa Onsen Tourism Association
Photo provided by Nozawa Onsen Tourism Association
Nawate-dōri featuring road cycling
Matsumoto Castle featuring a pond, heritage architecture and a sunset
Photo provided by Nozawa Onsen Tourism Association
Photo provided by Nozawa Onsen Tourism Association
Matsumoto featuring a sunset, heritage architecture and a pond

Nagano Attractions

They say the best things come in small packages, and this alluring city is no exception to the rule. From popular tourist attractions to thrilling excursions, there are loads of things to do in Nagano.

If you're ready to hit the streets of Nagano, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let a local expert show you some of the most popular sights. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {93 fun activities in Nagano fun activities in Nagano} are also worth checking out.

Most popular activities in Nagano Prefecture

Tours & day trips

See all 86 activities
Snow monkeys from Tokyo: Full-Day Private trip with Local Guide

Snow monkeys from Tokyo: Full-Day Private trip with Local Guide

Activity duration is 12 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $3,052 per traveler*
Snow monkeys from Tokyo: Full-Day Private trip with Local GuideOpens in new tab

History & culture

See all 52 activities
1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 16 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $155 per adult
1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in NaganoOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 15 activities
1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 16 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $155 per adult
1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in NaganoOpens in new tab

What to do in Nagano Prefecture

Free Things to Do in Nagano

Touring on a shoestring budget in Nagano? Spend time, not your paycheck, on terrific experiences.

Nagano Olympic Museum - Find out if there are any special displays, exhibits or guided tours on at this popular museum.

Nio-mon Gate - Visit this historic landmark and learn a little about the area's cultural heritage.

Daizahoshi Pond - Take some time out beside the water to rest and restore your energy.

Garyu Park - Whether you know your cacti from carnations, you'll find beauty in this magnificent display.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Nagano Prefecture? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Nagano Prefecture

Nice variety of trails and the scenery is beautiful. Doesn't hurt that it's an ex Olympic park.

Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area

4.5/5(28 reviews)

Hit the slopes at Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area, a top ski area in Hokujo. Discover the mountain views while you're in the area.

Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area
Shiga Kogen Ski Area featuring a small town or village, snow and landscape views

Shiga Kogen Ski Area

5/5(12 reviews)

Speed through snowy vistas, master sharp curves and embrace the sheer thrill of skiing through the mountains at this popular resort.

Shiga Kogen Ski Area
Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort which includes snow skiing, snow and snow boarding

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort

4.5/5(13 reviews)

Explore the stunning tree-lined ridges and open slopes of this ski resort. Soak tired muscles in healing hot springs in the nearby traditional village.

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort
Hakuba Valley Ski Area

Hakuba Valley Ski Area

4.5/5(35 reviews)

Hit the slopes at Hakuba Valley Ski Area, a top ski area in Nagano. Discover the mountain views while you're in the area.

Hakuba Valley Ski Area
Tateishi Park is a good place to see the sunset over the Lake Suwa in Nagano of Japan.

Lake Suwa

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Lake Suwa, a popular spot to commune with nature in Matsumoto. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums.

Lake Suwa
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

4.5/5(8 reviews)

During your trip to Karuizawa, you can enjoy retail therapy at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza. Discover the area's hot springs and seek out the ski slopes.

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
Jigokudani Monkey Park showing a small town or village, a river or creek and snow

Jigokudani Monkey Park

4.5/5(42 reviews)

Stroll along a forested trail to see troops of snow monkeys bathing in hot springs and playing in the snow.

Jigokudani Monkey Park
Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort

Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort

4/5(17 reviews)

Hit the slopes in Hakuba with a visit to Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort. Discover the mountain views while you're in the area.

Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort
Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple

4.5/5(26 reviews)

See a collection of sacred Buddha statues and learn about Buddhist traditions while taking part in activities at this 1,400-year-old temple.

Zenko-ji Temple

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Nagano Prefecture

奥社へと続く杉並木。 #Nature

Togakushi

5/5(1 area review)

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

Togakushi
諏訪湖に浮かぶ小さな島
Photo by そらみみ (CC BY-SA)

Kamisuwa Onsen

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Kamisuwa Onsen. You might want to make time for a stop at Suwashi Kohan Park or Lake Suwa.

Kamisuwa Onsen
Skiing in January. We had lessons at the Evergreen ski school. #Japan #snow #skiing

Echo Land

5/5(3 area reviews)

Echo Land might not have many top sights, but Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area and Happo-one Adam Gondola are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Echo Land
Karuizawa New Art Museum showing night scenes and signage

Kyukaruizawa

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Kyukaruizawa. You might want to make time for a stop at Karuizawa New Art Museum or Kumoba Pond.

Kyukaruizawa
Yamanouchi featuring snow

Shiga Highlands

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Shiga Highlands is noteworthy for its skiing, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shiga Kogen Ski Area and Hasuike Ski Area.

Shiga Highlands
Nagiso-machi Museum

Tsumago-juku

You'll enjoy the museums and waterfalls in Tsumago-juku. You might want to make time for a stop at Tsumago Honjin or Nagiso-machi Museum.

Tsumago-juku

 

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.

 

 

Popular day trips from Nagano Prefecture

Hamamatsu

Hamamatsu

Photo by ehide

Takasaki

Photo by Aldo Bordoni

Nakano

Photo by retnicin

Suzaka

Chubu showing wildflowers

Shizuoka

Hakuba

Hakuba

Yamanashi

Yamanashi

Takayama Yatai Kaikan

Takayama

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Nagano on a sunny day?
What to do in Nagano on a rainy day?
Make the most of the wet weather by throwing yourself into an indoor activity, like a Japanese traditional performing arts show "Dekonaru-za" or a Shirakawago and Takayama Day Tour [From Nagoya].
What is Nagano famous for?
Nagano Olympic Stadium lives up to its reputation as an icon that you can't miss.
What should I not miss in Nagano?
Give yourself enough time here to discover fabulous sights such as Matsumoto Castle and Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum.
Are there cheap things to do in Nagano?
What can you do in Nagano for free?
You'll hardly have time to fetch your wallet out of your pocket with so many incredible free things to do:

  • Lake Suwa
  • Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
  • M-Wave Olympic Memorial Arena
  • Lake Shirakaba