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Nagano, Japan's mountainous region has been popular with skiers for a hundred years.
Nagano has been popular with pilgrims, samurai warriors, forest bathers and temple guests for fourteen hundred years.
Discover Nagano: Ancient Japan
Location
Nagano is a mountainous prefecture located in the central Chūbu region of Japan's main island of Honshu. Nagano is a popular year-round destination, easily accessible from Tokyo via Shinkansen bullet train in just 90 minutes.
Mountain Monks
Yamabushi are mountain monks who practice a blend of Shinto, Buddhism and Taoism. They lead a ascetic and mostly solitary life, engaging in rigorous activities in nature to gain enlightenment.
"Crow" Castle
Nicknamed the "Crow Castle" for its black exterior, Mastsumoto castle offers stunning views with the Northern Alps backdrop, and boasting intact medieval defenses like hidden floors and stone-dropping slots.
Traditions
Rickshaws are believed to have been invented in Japan in the 1860s. In Matsumoto, it is still possible to travel by rickshaw - a fun way to explore the city.
Japanese Alps
Nagano comprises the stunning Japanese Alps, offering pristine wilderness with glaciers, alpine trails, historic villages, and hot springs. Nagano attracts nature lovers seeking traditional Japanese mountain life, climbers and skiers.
Winter Fun
Nagano is a premier winter sports destination, famous for world-class skiing and snowboarding. Nagano also offers such winter activities as moonlight snow-shoeing and igloo stays.
Yayoi Kusama
Known for her use of polka dots, pumpkins, and light, and for the immersive "Infinity Mirror Rooms", Yayoi Kusama's art is highly recognizable. Matsumoto city is Kusama's birthplace, and the location of her museum.
Snow Monkeys
The Japanese macaque has featured prominently in the religion, folklore, and art of Japan, and in proverbs and idiomatic expressions. In Nagano's winter months, "snow monkeys" warm up in hot springs.
Vacation Itineraries including Nagano
ALPINE JAPAN
10 days from $4399
TRADITIONAL JAPAN
10 days from $4199
Popular Nagano Experiences
to add to any itinerary
ZENKOJI TEMPLE STAY - 2 days
Spend 2 days and 1 night at Zenkoji temple, one of Japan’s most beloved Buddhist landmarks. Located in Nagano City and founded in 7th century, Zenkoji welcomes all faiths. Experience vegan meals, interaction with monks, Zen meditation sessions and other activities in its serene incense-filled halls.
Guests also take part in unique spiritual experiences, such as the serene “Oasaji” morning service
at sunrise, the Mawari Goma fire ceremony —the “flames of wisdom” are believed to burn away
worldly desires and grant wishes—and sutra copying, a meditative practice to calm the mind and
restore inner peace.
A temple stay is an unforgettable experience that offers rebirth, hope, and spiritual renewal for travelers seeking culture, history, reflection, and inspiration.
MATSUMOTO CITY BREAK - 3 days
Step into Nagano's beating heart - Matsumoto, where history, nature, and craftsmanship converge. Marvel at the timeless beauty of Matsumoto Castle, explore the city's surrounding forests and sustainable practices that have shaped the area, and immerse yourself in Japanese artistry with a private tour of the Matsumoto City Museum, featuring works by Yayoi Kusama.
Experience the mastery of traditional woodworking firsthand at the renowned m4 Atelier, where centuries of craft meet modern elegance.
Each evening, unwind in the serene ryokan Tobira Onsen Myojinkan, where thoughtfully designed architecture, exquisite cuisine, and hot springs create the perfect retreat. Delight in the subtle beauty of Japanese traditions through calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and music.
Matsumoto is more than a destination — it’s a journey into Japan’s soul, where culture and craft exist in perfect harmony.
SNOW MONKEY & RYOKAN BREAK - 5 days
Experience Nagano's diverse winter wonderland in Iiyama. From the mystical cedar-lined paths of Togakushi Shrine, named one of the natural wonders of the world, to the charming Snow Monkeys, Iiyama, is a destination that inspires awe in every season. For 5 days, revel in the best of Iiyama and its surrounds.
Relax in the healing waters of Yudanaka Shibu Onsen, where traditional hot spring inns offer private open-air baths, exquisite Japanese cuisine, and heartfelt hospitality. For a truly unique experience, savor a meal inside a glowing Kamakura snow hut (igloo), surrounded by a serene snowy landscape. And of course,
Nagano’s world-class ski resorts promise thrilling adventures for all levels.
Katsushika Hokusai, one of Japan’s most celebrated artists, is world renowned for works like The Great
Wave off Kanagawa. His biggest Masterpiece is nearby, in Obuse.
Whether you seek relaxation, culture,or adventure, Northern Nagano brings together the very best of Japan into one magical retreat.
ENLIGHTENMENT TREK WITH YAMABUSHI MONK- 7 days
Shugendo is a unique Japanese spiritual tradition with a strong emphasis on ascetic mountain practices, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment through direct engagement with nature. Mountain monks called Yamabushi walked the mountains in search of enlightenment. Their traditional trails are used in this tour.
Three sites - Togakushi, Iizuna, and Kosuge - form the spiritual backbone of northern Nagano, each offering unique insights into the rich tapestry of Shugendo. Trek to these sites with northern Nagano's only remaining mountain monk, and you’ll experience a unique spiritual encounter that some say is life-changing.
Explore old growth cedar forests, taste local cuisine and relax in hot springs. See the rural beauty of
the Japanese countryside and ascend Mt.Iizuna for spectacular views. Stay in traditional ryokans and enjoy local dishes like soba noodles and miso-based specialties.
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SNOW COUNTRY CABIN BREAK - 4 days
Spend 4-days exploring Iiyama from your base in a cozy cabin. Activities include day time or moonlight snowshoe trekking in Mt. Nabekura which offers a peaceful and quiet journey through deep, untouched snowfields and panoramic winter mountain views.
In Iiyama town, try Japanese paper making and make a souvenir you will treasure.
Temple visitors can immerse themselves in Zen culture through activities such as zazen meditation and Shabutsu, the mindful tracing of Buddhist images.
Visit the snow monkeys and see them enjoying the warmth of their favorite hot springs at Snow Monkey Park. Later, enjoy a visit to (human) hot springs and relax in the healing waters yourself.
CYCLE, HOT SPRINGS & RYOKAN INN - 2 days
Cycle through Japan’s countryside from Iiyama to Nozawa Onsen, passing flower-filled fields, historic shrines, and the peaceful shores of Lake Hokuryu. After a scenic climb, enjoy sweeping river views before arriving at the hot spring village. Luggage delivery service allows you to cycle comfortably. Relax and savor the local onsen hospitality.
In Nozawa, deepen your connection with Japanese tradition at a temple in Iiyama. Experience Shabutsu (tracing Buddhist images), Zazen meditation, and savor a beautifully prepared Shojin ryori vegan meal
— a traditional form of plant-based Buddhist cuisine.
Surrounded by nature and temple stillness, this is a rare opportunity to slow down and reconnect with
both culture and self.
SACRED FALLS & FALL FOLIAGE - 3 days
This 3-day autumn adventure takes visitors canyoning and hiking amongst brilliant autumn foliage at the Yonako Waterfall Cluster - comprised of White Dragon Falls and Black Dragon Falls which captivate visitors with contrasting cascades flowing through forested mountain terrain. Named for mythic dragons, they offer a serene setting for nature walks, photography, and quiet reflection amid moss, mist, and rushing water. The falls are are considered a scared mountain faith destination by Fudoji Temple, located at the base of the Falls.
When not enjoying outdoor activities, visitors stay in the historic town of Suzaka, once an important silk trading stop on the ancient Ozasa Road. Sazaka is now known for its preserved kura storehouses, apple orchards, and access to mountain scenery. Sazaka offers a slower pace of life, seasonal fruit, historic streets, and proximity to hiking, skiing, and hot springs. This is a step back in time, a nostalgic journey to a by-gone era.
TOGAKUSHI WAY BY E-BIKE- 3 days
Traveling by private van and e-bike, this itinerary allows for extensive exploration of the Togakushi Trail and National Park, with light physical effort. Easy walks and trail riding by e-bike in the National Park allow access to old-growth forests and picturesque lakes.
Togakushi Trail winds through the towering cedar forests of Nagano, linking ancient shrines along a sacred pilgrimage route. Stone paths, mountain air, and spiritual history create a peaceful experience blending nature, legend, and centuries-old Shinto tradition.
Starting at Zenkoji Temple and ending at Togakushi Shrine, the itinerary also includes stops to see local artisans engaging in bamboo weaving and soba noodle making.
2 nights accommodation in western-style accommodation is included.
EDO ERA NOSTALGIA - 2 days
For 2 days, you'll not only live like a Nagano local - you'll step back in time to the Edo Period (1603-1868)!
This experience immerses travelers in the rich historical heritage of Komoro-juku, a former post town on the Nakasendō Way, once serving travelers between Edo and Kyoto. This section of the Nakasendo Way is also known as the Gold Road - the road along which gold was transported from Sado Island to Tokyo.
Today, Komoro-juku features historic streets, Kaikoen Castle Park, literary heritage linked to Shimazaki Tōson, and views of Mount Asama’s volcanic landscape.
Spend the night in a historic private villa, enjoying authentic local cuisine, a visit to Komoro Castle and a pilgrimage walk to Nunobiki Cannon Temple, also important during the Edo period.
TOGAKUSHI WAY WALK- 2 days
This 2-day pilgrimage walk from Zenkoji Temple to Togakushi Shrine, known as the Togakushi Trail has long been used by Yamabushi (mountain monks). The walk follows a sacred forest path connecting ancient shrines beneath towering cedar trees. Smooth stone trails, cool mountain air, and filtered light create a meditative rhythm.
The route blends natural beauty, myth, and quiet spiritual reflection. Seasonal changes reveal snow, blossoms, moss, and autumn colors along the journey each year. Pilgrims reflect as they walk, breathing mountain air and rediscovering inner peace.
Arriving at their temple-stay, pilgrims enjoy soaking in the natural hot springs which ease the body and spirit, then dine on a multi-course vegan temple meal and, finally, sleep deeply in the quiet of the forest.