Nagano is a surprising treasure trove of experiences that go beyond just its famous Snow Monkeys. This mountainous region offers a mix of cultural, natural, and winter adventure tours that make it a perfect destination for every type of traveler. Whether you’re eager to see the iconic macaques bathing in hot springs or want to explore ancient temples and taste authentic sake, Nagano’s tours deliver. We especially love the 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano because it combines history, culture, and wildlife in one accessible day. Plus, the chance to taste local sake at a brewery adds a delicious local flavor to the experience. For a more personalized journey, the Private Nagano 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji, Obuse, Sake, Onsen offers tailored insights with a private guide.
This guide highlights 15 top tours, ranging from scenic day trips and winter activities to food walks and private explorations. Each provides a unique way to experience Nagano’s highlights—perfect for planning your trip.
1. 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano
At number 1, this full-day tour combines Nagano’s most celebrated attractions with authentic local experiences. You’ll start at Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most revered temples, where your guide will reveal legends from its nearly 1400-year history. Afterward, enjoy a sake tasting at a nearby brewery, learning about Japan’s favorite beverage. The highlight, however, is the Snow Monkey Park, where you can watch wild macaques bathing in natural hot springs — a truly iconic image of Nagano.
Guests love how seamless the logistics are, with a hearty lunch included to fuel your day. With a perfect 5.0 rating from over 800 reviews, this tour offers excellent value at $160.78 per person. It’s ideal for first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded taste of Nagano’s culture and wildlife. The small group size and in-depth guide make it a memorable, relaxed experience.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, well-organized day that combines culture, wildlife, and sake — perfect for those with limited time who want to see the best of Nagano.
2. Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip
Ranked just behind the top, this day trip offers similar highlights with a flexible itinerary. Starting from Hakuba, Nagano Station, or Happo, you’ll visit Zenko-ji Temple for a guided tour and a secret food tasting stop before traveling to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. The tour includes a hearty Nagano-style lunch and a detailed sake tasting, where you’ll learn about this iconic Japanese drink.
Guests praise the knowledge of guides like Taka and Kei, emphasizing the relaxed pacing that allows plenty of time for photos and exploration. Costing $147, it’s a slightly more affordable option with a range of meeting points for convenience. The tour’s mix of cultural landmarks and wildlife makes it perfect for travelers who want variety in a single day.
Bottom Line: This flexible, friendly tour combines culture and wildlife in a well-balanced itinerary, ideal for travelers looking for good value and a rich experience.
3. 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour
For those who love winter activities, this tour focuses on Shiga Kogen’s massive ski resort and the snow monkeys. Starting with sledding, snow bikes, and snow scooters at Japan’s largest ski resort, you get a full morning of fun before heading to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. The park offers about an hour for close-up viewing of the monkeys in their natural hot spring habitat.
With a 5.0 rating from 79 reviews and a price of $200.18, it’s a great choice for families or winter sports enthusiasts. Guides like Endo make sure you get enough time for snow activities and the unique experience of seeing monkeys bathing in winter. The included lunch at the resort adds to the value.
Bottom Line: Perfect for winter lovers who want a day full of snow play and wildlife, with plenty of time to enjoy both.
4. Private Nagano 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji, Obuse, Sake, Onsen
This private tour allows a personalized exploration of Nagano’s highlights with undivided attention from your guide. You’ll experience Jigokudani Monkey Park, the historic Obuse Town, famous for its art and sake, and enjoy a relaxing soak in Shibu Onsen. The flexibility means you can customize your day, spending more time at your preferred spots.
Rated 5.0 from 70 reviews, the tour offers hotel pickup and round-trip transport, making logistics easy. The private format is ideal for families or small groups who want an intimate experience. The tour’s ability to combine wildlife, culture, and onsen visits makes it highly versatile.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private experience suited for travelers who want a tailored day with in-depth insights and comfort.
5. (Spring Only) 1-Day Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route Tour
In spring, this tour takes you into Chubu Sangaku National Park to see Japan’s spectacular Snow Walls at Tateyama. Starting from Nagano, you’ll travel via multiple mountain transports, passing through dramatic scenery and visiting the Kurobe Dam, a marvel of engineering. The small group size (max 15) ensures an intimate experience in this seasonal wonderland.
Rated a perfect 5.0 from 64 reviews, travelers praise the scenery, guide insights, and the opportunity to experience “the Roof of Japan.” The $276.18 price includes all transport, making it a good value for a day in the mountains.
Bottom Line: Best suited for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts eager to see Japan’s famous snow walls and dam in spring.
6. 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle
This tour combines history and stunning scenery. You’ll visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, with guided insights into its architecture and legends. Afterward, explore Kamikochi, a natural mountain paradise, walking along the Azusa River and visiting Taisho Pond.
Priced at $218.94 and rated 5.0, the tour offers guided walks and included admission to the castle. The small group ensures you won’t feel rushed, and the combination of cultural sights and outdoor beauty makes it suitable for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a blend of historical exploration and mountain scenery in one day.
7. Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano
For foodies, this evening tour immerses you in Nagano’s local bar scene. Visiting several izakaya and backstreet bars, you’ll sample five dishes and two drinks, discovering authentic flavors you might miss alone. Your guide will take you behind the scenes to hidden spots and make sure you don’t get lost.
Rated 5.0 from 55 reviews, the tour provides a fun, relaxed way to explore Nagano’s nightlife. For $119.18, it offers a genuine taste of local culinary culture, making it a hit for those who love food and socializing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for an evening of casual dining and local atmosphere, especially if you want a relaxed way to experience Nagano’s food scene.
8. Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji Temple in Nagano
This small-group tour explores the Zenkoji area, combining food tasting with history. You’ll try oyaki (stuffed dumplings), sweets, matcha, and sake, while your guide shares stories about Nagano’s 1400-year-old culture. Visiting local shops and hidden corners, you’ll see parts of Nagano that are usually off the tourist radar.
Rated 5.0 from 53 reviews, it’s an engaging way to learn while sampling. At just $99, it offers a good balance of education and tasting, ideal for travelers interested in local traditions and food.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, intimate walk that blends history with tasty bites, suited for culturally curious travelers.
9. Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour (Depart: Iiyama & Nozwa)
This afternoon tour emphasizes hot springs and wildlife. You’ll visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, then explore the historic Shibu Onsen town, known for its traditional onsen baths. The tour is shorter, about 4.5 hours, making it a good option if you’re pressed for time but still want a taste of Nagano’s culture and animals.
Rated 5.0 from 39 reviews, travelers appreciate the informative guide and the chance to relax in hot springs after seeing the monkeys. A good value at $85.35, especially if you’re staying nearby.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a quick, enriching experience with hot springs and wildlife.
10. (Spring Only) 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano Tour
In spring, this tour combines wildlife with cherry blossom viewing. After visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park, you’ll enjoy a nice lunch before exploring cherry blossom spots in the region. It’s a wonderful way to see two iconic symbols of Japan in one day.
Rated 5.0 from 31 reviews, travelers love the timing, especially when blooms are at their peak. The tour includes all transport and a local guide for $164.05.
Bottom Line: Great for nature lovers and blossom enthusiasts seeking a full day of seasonal beauty.
11. Full-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley
A longer, 12-hour adventure, this tour covers Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi. The castle, a well-preserved example of Japanese feudal architecture, is the first stop, followed by a scenic drive into the Northern Alps. Walking along the Azusa River and around Taisho Pond, you’ll experience mountain scenery that’s hard to beat.
Rated 4.9 from 41 reviews, it’s perfect for travelers wanting a mix of history and outdoor scenery. The guided walks and included transportation make the day comfortable and hassle-free.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those interested in combining cultural sights with mountain scenery on a full, well-paced day.
12. Nagano/Tokyo: Snow Monkey and Zenkoji Temple Private Tour
This private tour from Tokyo offers a luxurious, personalized experience. You’ll visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, Obuse, and Zenko-ji Temple, with door-to-door transfer in a premium vehicle. It’s flexible, allowing you to customize stops, including a private onsen.
Rated 4.8 from 54 reviews, it’s suited for travelers who want a private, hassle-free day without the group atmosphere. The $505 price is justified by the comfort and exclusivity, perfect for families or special occasions.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for those wanting a tailored, luxury experience starting from Tokyo.
13. Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour
This short, 2-hour tour offers a delicious dive into Nagano’s sake scene. Visiting a historic sake brewery with over 300 years of history, you’ll sample more than 5 local sakes, including plum wine, along with snacks like soybeans and pickles. Your guide will walk you through the brewing process and regional specialties.
Rated 5.0 from 30 reviews, it’s a perfect fit for food and drink lovers. The taste and storytelling make this tour an affordable $70.29, offering genuine insight into Japan’s craft sake scene.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick but immersive sake experience with cultural context.
14. Nagano: 1-Day Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Tour in Spring
This spring tour combines snow monkeys with cherry blossom viewing. Starting at Jigokudani, you get to see the monkeys in their hot springs before enjoying a local lunch. The afternoon includes visits to blossom spots to enjoy Japan’s iconic flower festival.
Rated 4.8 from 51 reviews, travelers appreciate the combination of wildlife and scenery. It’s a good choice for travelers wanting a seasonal snapshot for about $147 per person.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature and flower lovers looking to see Nagano’s spring beauty.
15. Nagano Private Two Day Tour
This comprehensive two-day private tour takes you through Jigokudani, Zenko-ji, Obuse, and even includes an overnight in a traditional ryokan with access to a private onsen. Day 1 focuses on wildlife and cultural sites; Day 2 offers flexibility to explore more or visit Hakuba ski resorts.
Rated 5.0 from 28 reviews, it’s ideal for travelers wanting an immersive, personalized experience with maximum comfort and convenience.
Bottom Line: The ultimate hassle-free way to experience Nagano in-depth, perfect for those seeking a deep dive into local culture and scenery.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Nagano
Choosing among Nagano’s many tour options depends on your interests, budget, and available time. If you’re short on time but want a classic experience, the 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji & Sake offers great value. For a personalized, private experience, the Private Nagano 1-Day Tour is perfect. If winter activities excite you, Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen guarantees a day full of snow play and wildlife.
Spring travelers should not miss the Snow Walls of Tateyama or combined cherry blossom and snow monkey tours like Spring Only Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms. For food lovers, the Izakaya Food Tour offers a lively evening sampling Nagano’s local flavors.
Booking early is advised, especially for popular seasons like spring and winter. Consider your fitness level—some tours involve walking along forest trails or city streets—while others are more relaxed. Think about whether you want a guided tour with detailed insights or independent exploration with a suggested itinerary.
Final Thoughts
Nagano’s variety of tours makes it a fantastic destination for history buffs, wildlife lovers, winter sports fans, and foodies alike. For a quick hit, the 1-Day Snow Monkeys & Sake tour remains a top option. If you want a more personalized experience, a private tour like the Nagano Private 1-Day will ensure your interests are front and center. And for those visiting in spring, the Snow Walls of Tateyama or blossom tours offer unforgettable seasonal scenery.
No matter your choice, booking early will help secure spots on these popular excursions. Nagano’s diverse offerings promise a memorable adventure that captures the essence of this beautiful region.