Nagano Private Tours
Book a Private Nagano Tour with a Local Tour Guide
Nagano Art, Culture, & Historical Tours
Zenkoji Temple and History Tour – Half Day Trip from Nagano Station
I propose a tour from Nagano Station to the Zenkoji Temple. There are traditional Japanese shops and historical spots on the way to Zenkoji from the station. You can try some light snacks such as dango sweets, enjoy some shopping, and if you want, I can take you to a Japanese public bathhouse. I'll propose a flexible plan based on your request. When we arrive at Zenkoji temple, I’ll talk about the history of them and introduce you to various historical points to help you expand your imagination.
Obuse: Chestnuts and Hokusai Experience
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?
Matsushiro: Unique Samurai Town Experience
Matsushiro is a quiet castle town 10km away from the center of Nagano. The town used to be the domain of the Sanada clan (feudal lords). In Matsushiro, you see the castle remains, the residence of the Sanada clan, middle-class samurai houses, a school for samurai children. You will enjoy walking around the cosy town, breathing fresh air.
Zenkoji Temple Experience
Zenkoji Temple is very famous for Japanese and its beautiful main hall is one of Japan's national treasures. The temple has a long history of pilgrimage and some say that they want to visit it at least once in their lifetime. Your guide shows you some historical spots in the precincts and also tells you some interesting stories of them.
Nagano Day Trip Tours
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.
Customized Tour in Karuizawa
Our professional guide will take you to the places that you wish to visit in Karuizawa and nearby areas. We are local guides and do our best to talk about our areas with our warm hearts! Shiraito Waterfall, Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Churches, Soba making experience, Karuizawa Old Town Areas, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, Karuizawa's History Road, Mt. Asama Magma Stone Park are just some of the popular places. I hope you will have a lot of fun
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.
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).
Nagano Nature & Outdoor Tours
Horse trekking in a beautiful forest near Karuizawa
This tour includes horse trekking and lunch in Karuizawa area, where you can relax in beautiful nature away from the city. Horse trekking is for very first beginners to experienced riders. Just let me know what your level is! I will be taking many photos for you during the tour and send them to you later. Later for lunch, you can try Nagano Soba noodle or Tempura in my recommended restaurant(favorite place among local people!), or you can just tell me what you would like to eat.
Snow Monkey Park & Local Train Experience
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&Togakushi Snowshoeing! Nagano Winter Special!
Visiting world famous "Snow Monkey" park and snowshoeing in beautiful Togakushi Shrine's forest! The Mokey park is outstanding and you will love it to see the wild monkeys relaxing in Onsen. Moreover, this tour offers the other special experience "Snowshoeing in Togakushi". Explore the snowy beech forests. Woodland creatures also roam the area, so keep your eyes peeled for animal tracks! Approach the legendary Togakushi Shrine nearby, strolling along its idyllic tree-lined trail.
Togakushi Snowshoe Hiking Tour
The mountains of the north Nagano are covered with deep snow during the winter. The pond freezes, all the shrubs are buried under the snow, and the trees wear beautiful white robes. The sound of footsteps and breathing of ourselves as we step on the snow in silence, and the footprints of rabbits and foxes that remain on the snow surface. In winter, when bushes are covered with snow, you can freely walk around the forest, and you can also get to the forest of giant trees,
Nagano Off the Beaten Path Tours
Togakushi: Sacred Forest & Shrines Experience
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.
Iiyama: Nostalgic Satoyama Experience
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.
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!
Nagano Highlights Tours
Matsumoto Castle Experience
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.
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.
Nagano Unique Experience Tours
Nagano Kids & Family Friendly Tours
Nagano Food & Drink Tours
Nagano Tour Reviews
“Matsumoto Castle & Town Tour”
We were very fortunate to have Emi as our guide. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. We wanted to spend a day in Matsumoto with a focus on Matsumoto Castle. She prepared a itinerary for the day that was gave us plenty of time at the castle and Matsumoto town. Emi was extremely knowledgeable and shared information that only a local would know. She help translate information that was only in Japanese as well as help read inscriptions that were on many actual items. We never felt rushed during the time we spent with her. She was very helpful in communicating with shopkeepers which gave us more insight as to the background of their crafts or foods. One of the highlights was taking us up to the observation deck in the City Hall so we could view the castle grounds from above (we would have never done that on our own). The day we spend with Emi was one of the best days we had during our trip. Even before the tour day, Emi communicated with us giving us updates and answering our questions so we were prepared for our trip to the Nagano area. We highly recommend Emi and would definitely hire her again when we return to the Nagano area.
Emi F.
(9 reviews)I am truly grateful for your heartfelt review. It was a pleasure to explore the castle together and take our time to appreciate its history. I was so glad you were interested in Matsumoto's crafts and folk art, and I really enjoyed rediscovering the cultural charm of the area as we strolled through the historic streets and visited local shops. I look forward to welcoming you back to Japan one day. Until then, take care! 
“Nozawa Onsen Quaint Peaceful and Abundant Charms ”
Emi F. Is endearing, knowledgeable and professional. She meticulously created an itinerary for our visit. Every activity was well planned and performed with accuracy. We were lucky to have Emi as our guide.
Emi F.
(9 reviews)Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed Nozawa Onsen Village. It’s one of my favorite places, and I’ve always dreamed of sharing it with guests from abroad—thank you for making that dream come true. The peaceful countryside views we enjoyed together were truly unforgettable. Wishing you and your wonderful son and daughter a very happy New Year ahead.
“Bird Watching Tour in Shiga Kogen”
Masatoshi put a birding tour together for us. We hiked early morning through beautiful forests which still had fall colors. We hiked along the river enjoying the rushing streams and rapids along the way. Our timing here and on the Northern Island of Hokkaido was unfortunately between migrating periods so we saw some birds but not the number of species we had hoped for. Masatoshi put together an excellent tour. We’d love to return and have him as our guide again! He is the perfect guide. He is informative and calm knowing when to be quiet and very caring We would not hesitate recommending him for your tour guide in the Nagano area! He made our stay here memorable!
Masatoshi Y.
(1 reviews)Dear Dick and Roach, thank you from the bottom of my heart for finding me on Go with Guide. I am very happy to have supported your trip in Nagano. What a kind person you are to give me such good feedback even though we didn't see as many birds as I had expected. I'm looking forward to seeing you again. I hope you and Roach stay healthy and happy forever. Thank you so much. P.S. I am writing this while listening to Simon & Garfunkel's “The sound of silence” which you taught me.
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