Things to Do in Nagano Prefecture

Top Nagano Prefecture Attractions

Things to Do in Nagano Prefecture


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Nagano Prefecture.

Top Attractions in Nagano Prefecture

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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From quick jaunts to full-day outings.






*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • MissPerkyAK
    Palmer,AK127 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We stopped here on a whim, and I am so glad we did! We arrived about an hour before closing. All of the samurai and other photo op characters seemed to be done for the day, but the castle was really the star. When we went, they were having their evening illuminations , which was a fun contrast compared to the castle during the day. My son was just tall enough to handle going up and down the very large and narrow steps inside the castle, something to keep in mind if you're traveling with young or short statured children, they have a hard time on the steps.
    Written March 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MissPerkyAK
    Palmer,AK127 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We got up early and arrived 45 minutes after the park opened. If you come in winter you have to park in the lower parking lots. It was extremely packed with humans and monkeys. The park staff throw out feed for the monekys so it's essentially a petting zoo minus the petting. Don't touch the monkeys no matter how close they get to you. The path is icy, ice cleats are recommended if you don't have good boots or are not used to walking on melty snow. You can take a stroller, but the paths are narrow, and you end up hogging the whole path, making it difficult for everyone else to walk by and not fall down the cliff. Overall, I'm glad we went. If we go again, we plan to arrive before opening to try to avoid the crowds.
    Written March 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • EdinAust
    Edinburgh, UK372 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you’re anyway near Nagano you really must go and visit the temple. As well as being architecturally stunning, huge and impressive, it’s also a very soothing and spiritual place. All of the staff and guides were extremely courteous and willing to help by answering questions and offering information on the temple and the service that was taking place while we were there.
    Written January 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • A Dale
    Susono, Japan18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Part of the Nakasendo route from Edo/Tokyo to Kyoto in 1603-1867.

    We parked our car in one of the designated lots for 500 yen. The village was located across the street. Very well preserved village with tall dark wood buildings. Some souvenir shops, eateries & boutiques scattered in historic buildings.
    Written May 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Roving812339
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Karuizawa is a very pretty mountain resort town worth a visit. Easy access to the Shiraito Falls and Harunire Terrace by bus from Ginza street. A few Catholic Churches are well a visit. The Prince Shopping Plaza by the train station is just an added feature and offers a beautiful, vast garden/lawn with playground. The shops along Karuizawa Ginza are cute and with enough variety. One or better yet, two nights is ample time to enjoy the sights and restaurants.
    Written June 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Shhhh
    Hong Kong, China33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning views in winter. One can feel the fresh air and good energy especially when walked along the 400+ yrs old giant cedar trees. Trail up to the shrine is steep and icy during winter. We had no hiking pole and wore just sports shoes so we fought no more to the slippery icy snow and simply sat on the ice and slided down hill when walking waa not possible. So bring adequate hiking gears with u.
    Written January 13, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jjcapturemoment
    Chiang Mai, Thailand66 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you want to starting at Taisho Pond you must be get down at Taisho Pond bus station. Then you can walk to Kamikochi station on one way not turnaround walk back to Kamikochi station. Starting in the early morning with stunning landscape view is worth one!
    Written December 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • hfot2 🌸🍁🌸
    Vermont7,449 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    If it looks like a movie set, it might be because it was a movie set, or not. We’ve read both.

    We’ve walked and visited several post towns on the Nakasendo Highway. Narai is the best preserved and seems to cater especially to tourists.

    Photogenic buildings abound. We arrived by an early train from Kami-Suwa and spent about an hour here. Leave the station, walk to the end of the road without stopping for photos and then you can pace yourself for the walk back to the station. Be sure to nip into residences that are open to the public (fee charged) and visit the few temples along the road or on side alleys. Look for the original water fountains and the notice board. If you want to go further afield keep aware of the train schedule before heading out. There’s a new bridge over the Narai River that is worth a look.

    Many souvenir/craft shops were open early. Do note that the main road is open to cars and many stopped to make deliveries to the shops. Take care while walking in the road.

    One souvenir shop had an ice cream cone sign on the street and sold very welcome and tasty cones at a reasonable price. We didn’t notice many places open for a meal should you be looking for something substantial to eat.
    Written March 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MBHK8010
    Hong Kong, China63 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a decent medium level hike through the forest. Nice track and reasonable elevation but with enough switches and path to not really fee the effects. We started near the old Mikasa Hotel with the entrance at the Shiraito Highway Kose Toll Booth (path on the right side if you are looking at the toll booth). Dragon Falls was decent and given it was March we had the place to ourselves. Actually met only one hiker in 10K. Further trek on to Shiraito Falls which was well marked and good track except for about one k that had snow/ice and was a bit difficult to navigate. Did not continue on from the Falls to the tea house, another 2 k or so as the path looked icy as well. The falls are smaller than you see in pictures but very unique in terms of how expansive they are in terms width not height. Bus stop at the falls although buses only come less than once every hour so we called a taxi back to Karuizawa.
    Written March 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • buksida
    Bang Saphan, Thailand245 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The bridge and bus station area is extremely crowded and not really enjoyable jostling with selfie seeking tourists.

    To get a real taste of the area and it's epic scenery hike a couple of kilometres away from the central area.
    Written November 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Orator11
    Singapore, Singapore5,314 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    There are a couple of wasabi farms in the area but this one seems more popular, perhaps as it is the closest to the train station.

    There are several walks there, as well as a wasabi statue. In the autumn season, there is one especially majestic tree all decked out in yellow. Do also check out the mills by the river with its clear crystal waters.

    There are a couple of eateries, including a steak house and a rice pot eatery where you can mix the local wasabi, which you freshly ground, in. They serve wasabi ice cream and wasabi croquettes too.

    Do visit the shop where you can buy locally made products and wasabi related items. The young wasabi smells nice but is not as pungent or spicy like commercial ones where mustard is added.

    Getting there is relatively easy - you can get discounted taxi coupons for @1300 yen both ways from the tourism office, and then ask the wasabi farm staff to call a cab for your return to the train station.
    Written May 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • waseda 381331
    Kyoto, Japan2,595 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    here's no time to lose there's no time to stop there's no time to waste we are trying to Central Alps Kisokomagatake Altitude 2,600 m Senjojiki Cirque SO・RA・TO・KI for 2 days and 1 night. kisoji is all in the mountains
    Written October 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.