Nagano isn’t just about snow-capped mountains and serene temples. Its thriving drinking scene offers something for every palate, from traditional sake tastings in historic breweries to lively izakaya crawls in city streets. One of our favorites is the full-day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano tour, which combines cultural highlights with authentic sake experiences (see details here). It’s a perfect way to taste Nagano’s famous beverage while exploring iconic sites and observing the playful snow monkeys bathing in hot springs. Whether you’re a dedicated sake lover or just curious about Japanese alcohol culture, Nagano’s diverse tours won’t disappoint.
If you’re short on time but want a taste of Nagano’s top attractions, the Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip is a solid choice (more info here). For those seeking a more personalized experience, the Private Nagano 1-Day Tour offers a tailored visit to Zenkoji, Snow Monkeys, and Obuse with a private guide (details here). And if you’re interested in nightlife, the Izakaya Food Tour introduces you to Nagano’s lively bar scene (check it out here). Each tour offers a unique perspective on Nagano’s culinary and drinking traditions, making it easy to find a good fit.
1. 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano
At number 1, this full-day tour offers a fantastic mix of Nagano’s cultural icons and its famous sake breweries. Starting with Zenko-ji, one of Japan’s oldest temples, you’ll explore its grounds and unravel centuries of legend. Then, a guided sake tasting at a nearby brewery introduces you to Nagano’s top-quality sake. The highlight is the Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll see wild macaques relaxing in steaming hot springs—a truly surreal sight. The tour is highly rated (5.0/5 from over 800 reviews), mainly praised for its seamless logistics and authentic experiences. It includes a hearty lunch showcasing regional flavors, making it a well-rounded day out.
Guests love how the tour combines major sights with ample opportunity for tasting, with one reviewer noting how it “checked off a lot of boxes” for first-time visitors. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate a mix of culture, nature, and Japanese beverages. Priced at about $160.78, it’s a great value considering inclusions and expert guiding. Bottom line: a comprehensive, hassle-free way to soak in Nagano’s best.
2. Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip
This day trip balances a full itinerary with flexibility. Starting from three options—Hakuba Tokyu Hotel, Nagano Station, or Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal—it offers an easy way to see the essentials. The tour visits Zenko-ji for a guided 1.5-hour tour, then takes you to a secret spot for a food tasting, followed by a delicious lunch. Afterward, the main event is the Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll spend 2.5 hours observing the playful macaques. The tour culminates with a sake tasting and exploration of Nagano’s streets.
Rated 4.9/5 from over 600 reviews, travelers consistently highlight the knowledgeable guide and well-paced schedule. One reviewer mentions that it “did not feel rushed,” which is rare for a full-day tour. The value at $147 per person makes it an attractive option for those wanting a compact but thorough experience. It’s perfect if you prefer starting from central Nagano with convenient pickup points. Bottom line: a well-organized, enjoyable way to see Nagano’s major highlights with plenty of sake tasting.
3. Private Nagano 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji, Obuse, Sake, Onsen
For travelers seeking personalized attention, the Private Nagano 1-Day Tour is unbeatable (more info here). This tailored experience includes visits to Zenko-ji, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, and Obuse, with the option to soak in hot springs at Shibu Onsen. Your private guide ensures a flexible schedule, so you can linger longer at favorites or skip less-interesting spots. The tour’s highlight is the customized approach, perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace.
Rated 5.0/5 from 70 reviews, travelers praise the guide’s knowledge and flexibility. One reviewer loved how “Hori knew a lot about the region and the snow monkeys,” making their day both fun and informative. The tour includes hotel pickup and round-trip transport, adding convenience. Priced at $232.35, it offers excellent value for a fully customized experience. It’s ideal for first-time visitors or travelers with specific interests in art, hot springs, or wildlife. Bottom line: a flexible, private way to enjoy Nagano’s highlights with dedicated guidance.
4. Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano
For those eager to explore Nagano’s nightlife and local cuisine, the Izakaya Food Tour is perfect (details here). You’ll visit five different izakaya and backstreet bars, sampling enough dishes to make a full meal. The tour includes two drinks and the chance to try regional specialties like sake, local beers, and snacks. Led by a knowledgeable guide, it’s a lively, intimate experience that gets you into the authentic local bar scene.
Rated 5.0/5 from 55 reviews, travelers rave about the food quality and fun atmosphere. One reviewer said, “Great food and background stories,” highlighting how the guide enhances the experience. Priced at just over $119 for three hours, it’s a fantastic value for anyone interested in Japan’s drinking culture. It’s best suited for night owls and foodies wanting an insider’s look at Nagano’s bar scene without the hassle of navigating alone. Bottom line: a fun, relaxed introduction to Nagano’s evening drink scene and local eats.
5. Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour
This walking tour focuses solely on sake—a must for enthusiasts. Starting at Nagano Station, your guide leads you around the Zenko-ji area, stopping at local sake breweries and shops. You’ll sample over five varieties of sake, including Nagano’s famous plum wine, paired with snacks like soybeans and Japanese pickles. The tour gives you insight into the craftsmanship and regional differences in sake production.
Rated 5.0/5 from 30 reviews, travelers appreciate the expert guide and the chance to taste “more than five local sakes.” The tour lasts around two hours and costs about $70, offering excellent value for sake novices and aficionados alike. It’s ideal if you want a focused experience on Japan’s iconic rice wine with cultural context. Bottom line: a straightforward, enjoyable way to deepen your appreciation for Nagano’s sake.
6. 1-Day Winter Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake
This winter-specific tour combines snow, nature, and culture, starting from Nozawa Onsen. You’ll visit the Snow Monkey Park, watch monkeys in steaming hot springs, then warm up with a hearty winter lunch. The afternoon includes Zenko-ji Temple exploration and a sake tasting session. The forest walk to see the monkeys is especially magical in the snow, and the tour’s 5-star reviews highlight its smooth logistics and engaging guide.
Rated 5.0/5 from 21 reviews, it’s perfect for travelers staying in Nozawa Onsen who want a full-day experience with outdoor activities. Priced at $164, it offers a great winter adventure with hot springs, wildlife, and cultural highlights. Suitable for active travelers comfortable with walking and snow. Bottom line: a winter-themed tour that combines Nagano’s famous snow monkeys with cultural sights and sake.
7. Snow Monkey, Hokusai & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano
This premium small-group tour blends nature, art, and culinary experiences, ideal for those wanting a well-rounded day. The day starts at Nagano Station, then visits the Snow Monkey Park, where wild macaques bathe amid snow-covered pines. Next, explore Obuse’s Hokusai Museum—showcasing masterpieces by the famous ukiyo-e artist—and enjoy a sake tasting at a historic brewery. The tour is limited to 6-8 guests, ensuring a personal touch.
Rated 5.0/5 from 4 reviews, travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guide and smooth pacing. One reviewer called it “a perfect combination of outdoor wildlife, art, and drinks.” At $176.71, it offers excellent value for a personalized, culture-rich experience. Best suited for art lovers and connoisseurs who want a curated day blending nature and Japanese craft. Bottom line: a memorable tour for those seeking a premium Nagano experience.
8. Explore Matsumoto: Castle, Sake & Taste of Local Life
This short tour offers a taste of Matsumoto’s historic castle and local sake scene. You’ll visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful, then walk through local food stalls sampling street eats like Taiyaki and Takoyaki. The tour includes a sake tasting at a local brewery, providing insight into Japanese rice wine production. If you’re interested in a compact, cultural introduction to Nagano, this tour hits the mark.
Rated 4.8/5 from 6 reviews, travelers mention how the street food and snacks add flavor to the experience. Priced at $108, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy local life and sake tasting. Ideal for visitors with limited time or those curious about regional cuisine and history. Bottom line: a quick, enjoyable taste of Matsumoto’s heritage and drink culture.
9. Heritage Town, Cuisine, Sake & Art: Explore Hokusai in Obuse
For art lovers, this art-focused walking tour in Obuse offers a deep dive into Hokusai’s legacy. Visiting both the Hokusai Museum and the Kozan Takai Memorial Museum, you’ll see original ukiyo-e prints and learn about the artist’s influence. The tour includes sake tastings and traditional local food, giving you a well-rounded cultural experience.
Rated 5.0/5 from 2 reviews, travelers praise the guide’s storytelling and the hidden details of Obuse. Costing about $176.71, it’s suited for those interested in art, history, and regional flavors. Perfect for a relaxed day exploring Nagano’s artistic heart. Bottom line: a cultural journey blending art, sake, and local tradition.
10. Nagano Private Tour: Ninja Temple, Soba Making & Sake Tasting
This private, full-day experience takes you to Togakushi Shrine, famous for ninja legends, and includes a soba-making class. Afterwards, enjoy sake at a historic brewery. The private guide offers flexibility—so you can spend more time at the ninja temple or the sake brewery—and enhances your learning about regional culture.
Rated 5.0/5 from 2 reviews, travelers love the personalized approach and local insights. The tour costs $981.73, reflecting the customization and exclusive access. Best suited for history fans, foodies, or travelers who want a bespoke experience. Bottom line: a premium, flexible tour for those craving an immersive Naganese day.
11. Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour
This short, focused tour offers a visit to a local sake brewery, where you’ll sample some of Matsumoto’s best rice wines. It’s a good choice for those who want a quick, cultural sip of Japan’s iconic drink.
Rated 5/5 from 1 review, reviewers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and learning about sake production. At $67, it’s an affordable way to taste local sake and learn about its history. Ideal for sake enthusiasts or travelers with limited time. Bottom line: a concise, friendly tour perfect for a quick drinking experience.
$67 per person
12. Nagano: Togakushi Shrine, Sake & Zenkoji Private Tour
This private tour offers a personalized visit to Togakushi Shrine, famous for its cedar-lined approach and ninja legends, plus Zenko-ji Temple. It includes sake tastings in a traditional brewery and is ideal for travelers who want an individually tailored day.
Rated 5/5 from 1 review, customers love the flexibility and expert guidance. The cost is $190, offering a luxurious, intimate experience suitable for art, culture, and sake fans. Bottom line: a private, immersive way to cover Nagano’s spiritual and culinary highlights.
$190 per person
13. Sake Brewery Private Tour in Nagano
This tour takes you inside Ichinoya Sake Brewery, established in 1865, where you see traditional brewing methods still used today. The experience includes learning about sake production and tasting high-quality sake made with artisanal techniques.
Rated 5/5 from 1 review, it’s praised for its authenticity and detailed process explanations. At $128.31, it’s a good value for anyone interested in Japan’s sake culture. Perfect for enthusiasts wanting a behind-the-scenes look at traditional brewing. Bottom line: an authentic and educational sake experience.
$128.31 per person
14. Hands-on History: Make Your Own Miso at a 240-Year-Old Brewery
For a break from drinking, this interactive tour allows you to make your own fermented miso at a brewery dating back over 240 years. After a taste of local ramen made with Nagano miso, you’ll learn traditional techniques and take home a 1kg batch to ferment.
Rated 5/5, travelers love the hands-on approach and the chance to learn a food craft. Priced at $165.33, it’s great for foodies and those interested in culinary traditions. If you want to step into the kitchen and learn a local secret, this is a memorable choice.
$165.33 per person
15. Yudanaka Onsen Experience with Craft Beer near Monkey Park
Finally, this relaxing experience offers a hot spring soak in a private open-air bath at Yudanaka Brewery Complex. After unwinding in natural hot spring water, enjoy Yudanaka’s original craft beer in a private room.
Rated 0/5 (no reviews yet), but it promises a refreshing mix of relaxation and local brewing. For just $31.15, it’s a great add-on to a day of sightseeing, especially if you want to unwind after visiting the Snow Monkey Park. Ideal for travelers looking to combine hot springs and craft beer in a peaceful setting.
$31.15 per person
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Nagano
When selecting a tour, think about your interests and pace. If you want a deep dive into sake craftsmanship, the Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour or Sake Brewery Private Tour are excellent options. For a cultural and natural experience, the full-day Snow Monkeys & Zenko-ji tours offer a balanced mix. If your priority is nightlife and food, the Izakaya Food Tour provides a lively evening in local bars. Budget, time, and your personal curiosity should guide your choice—many tours are flexible and can be tailored if you book ahead.
Be sure to book early, especially for private tours or those with limited availability, to secure your preferred date and guide. Consider combining a sake tour with a hot springs visit or art exploration if you’re into cultural experiences. For winter visits, check if the tour includes snow or cold-weather gear—many guides are prepared for seasonal conditions.
Final thoughts
Nagano offers an impressive range of drinking tours that combine culinary delights, cultural insights, and fun wildlife encounters. From observing snow monkeys while sipping sake to exploring historic breweries with a private guide, there’s an option for every type of traveler. For example, if you love art and history, the Snow Monkey, Hokusai & Sake tour is a memorable blend. If you’re more about enjoying local nightlife, the Izakaya Food Tour will hit the spot.
Don’t forget to plan ahead—these tours are popular, especially during peak seasons. Whether you prefer a guided group experience or a private custom tour, Nagano’s vibrant drinking scene is waiting to be explored. Book early, bring your curiosity, and enjoy all the authentic flavors Nagano has to offer.