
Nagano Private Tours
Book a Private Nagano Tour with a Local Tour Guide
Nagano Nature & Outdoor Tours
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Naena Waterfall 1/2 day Tour
If you will be free in the afternoon while you stay in Nagano city, how about visiting Naena Waterfall in Niigata pref. next to Nagano pref. Nature is calling you !!
Naena Waterfall 1/2 day Tour
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Snow Monkey Park & Local Train
Jigokutani Yaen Koen, so-called the Snow Monkey Park, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nagano. If you are lucky, you will see some monkeys bathing in the hot spring. In winter, the natural trail is often frozen and slippery. From spring to autumn, trekking to the park is easier than in winter. How about enjoying a local train ride and encountering wild monkeys in natural settings?
Snow Monkey Park & Local Train
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Hell Vally "Can You Believe Monkeys Bathing" Tour
Japanese monkey is called as Snow Monkey because only these monkeys inhabit in heavy snow and sub-zero weather. At Jigokudani (Hell Vally) Wild Monkey Park, monkeys are very famous as soaking in a hot spring. You can watch these unique monkeys at a close range without cage or fence.
Hell Vally "Can You Believe Monkeys Bathing" Tour
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Kamikochi Nature Tour
We'll enjoy an easy hike in Kamikochi. It is 75mins walk along the creek from Taisyoike pond to Kappabashi, admiring diversity of nature and serenity being away from big cities. No private vehicles are allowed to enter Kamikochi. For your comfort We take a taxi from and to Kamikochi. Taxi fare(Around 40000yen) is not included to the tour fee, and payable to the driver.
Kamikochi Nature Tour
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Nagano Art, Culture, & Historical Tours
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Obuse: Chestnuts and Hokusai's Works
A world-famous ukiyoe painter Hokusai (1760-1849) stayed in Obuse and made his works in his later years. In Obuse Hokusai Museum, you'll encounter not only his ukiyoe woodblock printings but also his original handwritings you cannot see elsewhere. Akso, Obuse is well-known for its chestnuts. There are many chestnut trees and a variety of foods with chestnuts. Why don't you try one of them?
Obuse: Chestnuts and Hokusai's Works
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Matsumoto Castle / Narai-Juku / Daio Wasabi Farm Tour
Matsumoto Castle is one of the oldest castles in Japan. Fortification of the site dates back to simple wooden structures built during the Warring States period. Narai-Juku is well-preserved post town that remains of Edo-era streets. Daio Wasabi Farm is one of Japan's largest wasabi farms and a popular tourist destination.
Matsumoto Castle / Narai-Juku / Daio Wasabi Farm Tour
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Half a day Nagano Food & Culture Tour
Japanese food is an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and Nagano is famous for local food culture. This 3hr tour takes you to old part of Nagano. You'll enjoy local food and Sake, learning about the secrets of longevity and food culture here that only locals can tell you. We'll walk on backstreets of 1400yrs old temple ground, discovering authentic local food stores and shrines which you wouldn't noticed otherwise. Watching a fire ceremony, hearing chants and drums is such a experience.
Half a day Nagano Food & Culture Tour
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Zenkoji-temple (and Kimono Experience [option])
Zenkoji-temple is one of the most famous landmark in Nagano region. Founded approx. 1,400 years ago, this temple has been loved by common people since its' independence from a certain religion. So, you can pray without hesitation. You can take a small adventure of walking through dark underground corridor beneath the main image of Amida Triad sharering one halo located at the main hall of the temple. If you would like to wear Japanese traditional Kimonos, you can rent them from a shop nearby.
Zenkoji-temple (and Kimono Experience [option])
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Nagano Highlights Tours
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Highlights Nagano - Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple and Sake-
Would you like to see country side of Japan which is rich in nature, traditions and local food? Would you like to travel at ease? Then please join my tour! May and June is a time when mothers give birth to babies. It is a magical experience to see new-born babies close by. I will tell you all about the interesting history, traditions in food, art and culture that only a local like me can tell you. Many people who joined my tour said the day with me was the highlights of their time in Japan!
Highlights Nagano - Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple and Sake-
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Karuizawa History Town Walk
Why not explore Karuizawa, a famous upper-market mountain resort welcoming about 8 million visitors a year? You will walk around the Old Town area with a local guide. The destinations include historic lanes and paths, one of the area's famous churches, areas with holiday villas, Karuizawa Ginza Street and more! You will experience a cafe break, which is a must when you come to a resort area.
Karuizawa History Town Walk
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Matsumoto Castle and its Surroundings
Matsumoto Castle was built about 400 years ago. It has one of the oldest castle towers in Japan, designated as a national treasure. The black and white contrast of the castle with a backdrop of the Japan's northern Alps is really photogenic!! When you stroll the castle town, you come across rows of old houses and also fresh spring waters in every corner.
Matsumoto Castle and its Surroundings
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Highlights for Obuse and Suzaka from Nagano City
You can visit some lovely places near Nagano Station, such as Obuse and Suzaka. Obuse is a small but pleasant town where Hokusai, the ukiyoe woodblock print artist known for "The Great Wave," lived in his later years. Entering the Museum and eating delicious chestnut sweets will bring back good memories. Suzaka is famous for its warehouses, which give a good atmosphere and are now used as stores and museums. Garyu Park also provides a beautiful sight in each of the four seasons.
Highlights for Obuse and Suzaka from Nagano City
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Nagano Unique Experience Tours
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TOGAKUSHI/ Ninja Experience, 400years Cedar Ave.& Shrines
"Togakushi" means hiding the door. In Japanese mythology, the Sun Goddess Amaterasu hid herself inside the rock-cave door, resulting in the total darkness of the world. In order to recover sunlight, another goddess danced very attractively in front of the door and other gods pulled Amaterasu out from the door strongly. Then, the door was flown far away to Togakushi. Ninja was also hide-related specialist. Let's experience Ninja activities and voltex of sacred, spiritual shrines and cedar avenue.
TOGAKUSHI/ Ninja Experience, 400years Cedar Ave.& Shrines
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Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience, Nakamachi Street
A symbol of Samurai is Japanese castles where the lord, top of Samurai resided. Matsumoto castle is one of only 5 castles designated a "National Treasure" of Japan. Not only watching top Samurai's residence but also experiencing Samrai's ancient art of combat by wearing Samurai clothes and grasping a katana, Japanese sword. After having lunch (Soba:buckweat noodles or Sanzoku-yaki Bandit Chicken=Japanese KFC is recommended), let's stroll Nakamachi Street to take a look at classic warehouses.
Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience, Nakamachi Street
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Nozawa Onsen: Cosy Village Waik
Nozawa Onsen is a village back in the mountains. You will see how local people live there, and enjoy local speciality foods, and clean air and lush greenery. Please enjoy everything in Nozawa!
Nozawa Onsen: Cosy Village Waik
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Zazen : Seated Meditation
How about experiencing Zazen, seated mediation, at the historic temple? You will learn about Buddhist monks' training, and create a peaceful mind through this experience.
Zazen : Seated Meditation
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Nagano Day Trip Tours
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Snow Monkey Park and Zenkoji Temple in Nagano
The park provides us a rare opportunity for us to watch the Macaque up close and observe their fascinating behavior. During winter the monkeys enjoy bathing in the hot spring. The history of Zenkoji temple started in 642 and it does not belong to any religious sect. Legend says that Zenkoji's golden triad was the first Buddhist image to arrive in Japan. After taking a walk in Nakamise street, you can enjoy Sake tasting if you like.
Snow Monkey Park and Zenkoji Temple in Nagano
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Matsumoto Castle and Daio Wasabi Farm in Nagano
Matsumoto castle which was built in 1593-94. The 5 roofed, six story tower castle is the oldest in existence in Japan. It is designated as a national treasure of Japan. Daio Wasabi Farm is situated amongst the picturesque valleys of central Japan’s famous Alps region. It is known as the largest farm of Wasabi (horseradish) in Japan and noted for its picturesque beauty and long history. The tour starts at Matsumoto station and we will visit these places by train or taxi.
Matsumoto Castle and Daio Wasabi Farm in Nagano
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Visiting Togakushi Shrine and Zenkoji Temple in Nagano
Meet at Nagano station. Travel by bus for an hour to the entrance of Togakushi Okusha Shrine and walk about 40 minutes to the Okusha.Along the way to Okusha shrine, we will walk through a beautiful path surrounded by 400-year-old cedar trees. After visiting Okusha Shrine we will visit the Togakushi Ninja Museum where we can see ninja tools on display. At Chusha Shrine we will have lunch at a soba noodle restaurant. From Togakushi, we will move to Zenkoji temple by bus (or taxi).
Visiting Togakushi Shrine and Zenkoji Temple in Nagano
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Nagano Off the Beaten Path Tours
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Togakushi: Sacred Forests & Shrines
Togakushi is a sacred place where mountain worship once flourished. You'll see some shinto shrines in the deep forests guarded by sacred mountains. Unbeaten natural beauty will also make you feel refreshed.
Togakushi: Sacred Forests & Shrines
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Iiyama: Nostalgic "Satoyama"
How about exploring Japan's countryside "satoyama", where people live in harmony with nature? A trip to Iiyama would be an unforgettable experience for you. The lake Hokuryu is a heart-shaped serene lake in a deep forest. You'll enjoy taxi driving along the Chikuma river, where you'll find many photogenic landscapes. Visiting a doll museum or some temples in Iiyama will also soothe your mind.
Iiyama: Nostalgic "Satoyama"
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Togakushi Pilgrimage Trail Walking Tour
Togakushi area is considered as one of the most important places for the Esoteric Buddhism. Togakushi Kodo is a path which has been used by mountainous ascetics since ancient times. On this tour, we are going to walk the pilgrimage trail and visit the five Togakushi shrines. Let's explore the mysterious culture and abundant nature of Togakushi area!
Togakushi Pilgrimage Trail Walking Tour
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Nagano Tour Reviews
Francois D.
“Nice busy sight seeing day.”
Ken was a mellow and flexible guide. We rented a car and it was great to have Ken with us to show us around and share his knowledge with us. We enjoyed our day very much, although if you are based in Nagano, that's a lot of driving in a day and does not leave a ton of time at each stop. Would be best to do if you are staying in or near Matsumoto.
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Ken-ichi M.
Mrs. and Mr. Francois D. I thank you very much for choosing me as the guide for your wonderful and memorable tours in Nagano pref. I hope you could have spent a satisfactory journey. If you were happy, I am also happy !! As we talked at that time, If you have a chance to come to Japan again as a Japan lover and spend the time again with me for skiing !!
Jeff D.
“Review of Kouhei-san”
This is not a review of the tour itself as I had to cancel due to a dumb mistake on my part that has to take up my day instead. However, I will say that planning the tour I wanted to go on and communication with Kouhei-San was excellent and smooth. He was very responsive with verifying the date I was requesting and answering a lot of questions I had about what to do on the morning of the tour. While it was very unfortunate I didn’t end up going on the tour in the end, I still left with a very positive impression of Kouhei-San and wanted to leave this review.
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Kouhei N.
Dear Jeff-san, Thank you for writing such a nice review even though not being able to do the tour. It was unfortunate that I couldn't see you today. I hope our paths crosses one day in the future!
Dov V.
“Amazing tour”
The tour was wonderfall The guide make sure to check if the Monkees will come or not and updated me what best time to come to the park, and also always had ways to compensate for the waiting time and make sure for my needs Had good time on the trip
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Keiichi S.
Thank you for your kind review. The chances of seeing snow monkeys in the park decrease in autumn, so sightings really depend on luck. Still, in the end, the wait was worth it. I hope you can relax and recharge in Japan, and return home feeling refreshed and energized. Best Regards, Kei
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