Japan · NAGANO TOURS
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 nagano tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
See Nagano’s snow monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple, sake breweries, and a hearty local lunch on this well-run full-day tour from $151.88.
“This excursion surpassed our expectations and added cultural experiences to our day. We were leaving Japan the next day so it really enhanced our trip.”
See Nagano’s Zenkoji Temple, taste local sake, enjoy a hearty lunch, and walk the snowy trail to Japan’s famous bathing monkeys.
“Yet another fabulous local activity organised by this company. It was well organised and well executed. I believe this the best way to see the snow monkeys if you visit Nagano in winter. They give you tips to make your trip easier, provide you with little known facts about the places you visit and provide a wonderful meal before you head off to see the monkeys. The pre purchased tickets help you to skip the line and be on your way. The two guides Tom and Tomiya were wonderful and very helpful. One of the best days we spent in the snow anywhere in the world. 5 stars.”
See snow monkeys in Jigokudani, enjoy beef sukiyaki, and visit Nagano’s snow huts on a long but rewarding Tokyo day trip.
“It was a great trip! The guide was very nice and friendly, and he informed us about every step of the plan throughout the day. The snow monkey park is very beautiful in winter (we were in February). We got lucky with the weather: it was snowing a bit, but no wind, mild winter temperatures. The hike to monkeys was relatively easy with proper boots. The monkeys themselves were very interesting to watch. They can be both cute and funny, and also serious.”
Review of a private Tokyo to Nagano snow monkey tour with luxury transport, Zenko-ji, flexible stops, lunch choices, and practical tips.
“Excellent visit to the monkeys and the temple Driver Kashi was very punctual polite courteous Would recommend him to anyone looking for a private driving tour from Tokyo”
Tour Matsumoto Castle, learn its samurai history, then dress in armor and practice basic katana techniques with an English-speaking guide.
“Excellent tour. Knowledgeable, personable guide. Fabulous Samurai instructor - she was enthusiastic, supportive and an excellent teacher. Recommend.”
Review of the Nagano to Matsumoto and Kamikochi day tour, with castle entry, alpine walks, transport tips, price value, and practical advice.
“Devin and his two trainees did an excellent job! They made us feel welcomed and comfortable and gave us an experience that will never be forgotten! The castle tour was filled with in-depth historical knowledge and the subsequent Read more”
Spend a winter day sledding at Shiga Kogen, eating a hot local lunch, and watching Japanese macaques in Jigokudani’s onsen.
“If you like animals and the outdoors you will love this day trip. We were fortunate to have perfect weather”
Watch Japan’s giant flying squirrel in the wild near Karuizawa, with a short ecology talk, binoculars, and a patient forest lookout.
“We met at the Karuizawa Wild Life Sanctuary where our tour guide (I cannot place his name at the moment but was absolutely lovely) walked us through the ecology of the Musasabi (Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel) before taking the grouRead more”
Visit Matsumoto Castle, Frog Street, and Kamikochi on a 12-hour English-guided tour from Nagano, with transport and castle entry included.
“Shin was our guide for our day trip to Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi, and our family thoroughly enjoyed this experience! Shin was attentive and helped us learn about the history of the places we visited. Of course the highlight of our trip was the Alpine Valley. The walk to the Kappa bridge is breathtaking and it’s a MUST experience if you are visiting Nagano!”
See Tateyama’s spring snow walls, Kurobe Dam, and Japan’s alpine scenery on a guided 10-hour trip from Nagano with rail tickets included.
“very very good tour with well planned itinerary n professional tour guide! the guide gave us great tops on where to head to for best spots”
See Nagano’s snow monkeys, Zenko-ji, Obuse, sake, and Hokusai with a private guide on an efficient 8-hour day tour.
“Our tour guide was Hori and he was absolutely fantastic! His knowledge of the area and history behind everything was great. Our experience was so much fun. The hike was icy when we went in March so I definitely recommend having gooRead more”
Tour Matsumoto Castle with an English-speaking guide, then dress as a samurai and learn safe sword techniques in central Matsumoto.
“De rondleiding in Matsumoto Castle was zeer leerrijk en dus zeker de moeite waard. De samurai experience was een telleurstelling. Ik had verwacht een haktest te mogen doen met een scherp zwaard. Ik heb vijf seconden een metalen oefenzwaard vastgehad en voor de rest een houten zwaard. Jan Bossaerts”
Explore Nagano’s izakayas with local guides, five dishes, two drinks, soba, backstreet bars, and photos in a relaxed three-hour food tour.
“Amazing food and amazing knowledgeable guide. The others who were supposed to be on the tour canceled. I basically ended up with a private tour”
Explore Matsumoto Castle, Nawate Street, and Nakamachi with an English-speaking guide on a practical three-hour walking tour.
“We had such a great time on the Matsumoto Castle Town Tour with Tim! You can really tell he’s lived in Japan for a long time, he knows so much about the history, but also gave us really helpful tips for navigating Japanese culture that we wouldn’t have found in any guidebook. He made the tour fun, easy to follow, and full of interesting stories that brought the place to life. Tim was super friendly, answered all our questions, and made everyone feel welcome. Honestly one of the best guides we’ve had, we highly recommend!”
Explore Nagano’s Zenkoji temple town through oyaki, sake, matcha, local shops, back streets, and 1400 years of culture on a small-group walk.
“Love the food and talking to Masa. The experience was very personable, informative, interesting at a relaxed pace and fun.”
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