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 {108 fun activities in Nagano fun activities in Nagano} are also worth checking out.

Nagano Prefecture must see attractions

1. Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort crisscrosses the face of rugged Kenashiyama, providing breathtakingly scenic settings for winter sports in the Nagano Prefecture. The village is renowned for its soothing hot springs. It also was important in the birth of alpine-style skiing in Japan. Discover a variety of terrain for skiing and snowboarding, including gentle beginner slopes and an exciting area for children, as well as challenging trails and a terrain park.
Learn more
Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort which includes snow skiing, snow and snow boarding

2. Shiga Kogen Ski Area

Enjoy plenty of snow-based adventures as you swoop down the pistes of the Shiga Kogen Ski Area. With 18 interlinked resorts, it is the largest ski area in Japan. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging expert runs, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this winter wonderland.
Learn more
Shiga Kogen Ski Area featuring a small town or village, snow and landscape views

3. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort

Click on your boots and slice through the snow at Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort, a powder playground at the foot of Mount Asama. With 16 named trails, ranging from gentle slopes suitable for beginners to challenging terrain for seasoned veterans, there's something for all skiing and snowboarding levels.
Learn more
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort featuring snow boarding and snow as well as a small group of people

4. Jigokudani Monkey Park

Enjoy the unique chance to watch wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) in their natural habitat at Jigokudani Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen). Located in Jigokudani (Hell’s Valley), the park was established in 1964 as a place to study and observe the behavior of this curious and sociable primate. Typically residing in the dense mountain forests, the monkeys are lured to the park by a controlled feeding program.
Learn more
Jigokudani Monkey Park showing a small town or village, a river or creek and snow

5. Matsumoto Castle

Whether you visit during cherry blossom season or when snow tops the Japanese Alps in the distance, Matsumoto Castle is a sight to remember. Designated among the National Treasures of Japan, the castle is a magical display of steep stairs, low ceilings and weapons displays. Take your time wandering around and framing postcard-worthy photos of the iconic landmark.
Learn more
Matsumoto Castle which includes a city and landscape views

Black Friday Sale

Limited-time deals: Save up to 50% on select hotels.
Book now

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

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort which includes snow skiing, snow and snow boarding

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort

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

Hakuba Happo-One Ski Area

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

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
Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort

Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort

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

Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort featuring snow boarding and snow as well as a small group of people

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort

Dive into heart-pumping adventures on the snowy slopes of this popular resort, then relax in its bars, restaurants and hot springs.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort
Jigokudani Monkey Park showing a small town or village, a river or creek and snow

Jigokudani Monkey Park

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

Jigokudani Monkey Park
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

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
Matsumoto Castle which includes a city and landscape views

Matsumoto Castle

Among Japan’s most beautiful original castles, this attraction presents a different scene with each season. Come year round, as it’s always photogenic.

Matsumoto Castle
An onsen town, hidden at Nagano area. Beautiful weather during the winter season. #yudanaka #winter #onsen #mountain #spatown #japan #nagano

Yudanaka Hot Spring

You can take time to visit Yudanaka Hot Spring during your travels to Yudanaka Shibu Onsen. Discover the hot springs in this culturally rich area, or seek out the ski slopes.

Yudanaka Hot Spring

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Nagano Prefecture

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
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 Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort 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
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 Chibikko Ninja Village or Togakushi Ski Area.

Togakushi
JR Nagano sta. East exit , JR 長野駅 東口
Photo by z tanuki (CC BY)

Kurita

5/5(1 area review)

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Kurita. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Mizuno Museum and Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum are a few top sights nearby.

Kurita
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

 

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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia