Nagano , Japan

Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano

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(59 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join our tour for a night out to feel like you are residents. Unlike Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, it will be very difficult to find where the locals go to eat and drink in Nagano. Your local expert guides will take you to the nice Izakaya and backstreet bars, such as Jazz bar, Whiskey bar in Nagano city, where you can chill out and drink to continue the evening.

・More than 5 dishes + Noodles(such as Soba)
・2 Drinks included in tour price
・Local expert, personable English-speaking guides
・Hidden bar and introductions.

Please let us know if you have any food restrictions beforehand.

Available options

Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano

What's included

Local expert, personable English-speaking guides

Hidden bar and introductions.

Yakitori, Noodles, and Gyoza as you visit 2 or 3 food stops and enjoy more than 5 dishes in total.

2 alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink

Detailed itinerary

Meet you in front of Starbucks at Nagano station.

After meeting your guide, we will visit the 1st Izakaya(Japanese pub) to have some dishes and a drink

Then, we will visit the 2nd Izakaya to have another dishes and a drink

We will go to the 3rd food stop to have noodles(such as Soba or Ramen) to make you full !!

After having all foods and drinks, your guide will take you to the bar where you can chill out and drink to continue the evening.

What's not included

Extra drinks and food (available to purchase)

Meal for infant

Transportation fee to meeting point

There are no mandatory in-destination costs.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

14 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

45 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

If you have fever/persistent cough/runny nose, you may be refused at check-in. Self-cancel up to 24h. If refused, full refund via platform (no cash on site).

In case of late arrival, the tour cannot be extended.

o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.

Please note that we are unable to accommodate gluten-free dietary requirements on this tour.

If you are vegetarian or vegan, please let us know at the time of booking.

This tour generally requires 2 or more guests to operate. For solo travelers, feel free to contact us before booking to confirm availability.

This tour is not suitable for strict vegetarians or vegans, as many izakaya dishes include meat, seafood, or broth-based sauces. If you're pescatarian or can be flexible, we may be able to adjust some items — but we recommend reaching out before booking so we can advise honestly.

Meeting point

The guide will meet you infront of Starbucks at Nagano station.

About Nagano

Nagano, the capital of Nagano Prefecture, is a city rich in history and natural beauty. Known for its role in the 1998 Winter Olympics, Nagano offers a blend of traditional Japanese culture, stunning mountain landscapes, and world-class ski resorts. The city is a gateway to some of Japan's most famous hot springs and ancient temples.

Top Attractions

Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji is one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples, dating back to the 7th century. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a symbol of Nagano's spiritual heritage.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani

The Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani are a famous attraction, known for their unique behavior of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.

Nature Half day to full day ¥800 (adults) or ¥400 (children)

Nagano Olympic Museum

This museum commemorates the 1998 Winter Olympics held in Nagano. It features exhibits on the history of the Olympics, the events held in Nagano, and the athletes who participated.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥500 (adults) or ¥200 (children)

Togakushi Shrine

Togakushi Shrine is a complex of three shrines dedicated to the Shinto goddess of archery. It is a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.

Religious Half day Free (donations appreciated)

Shiga Kogen

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, known for its extensive ski runs, modern facilities, and beautiful mountain scenery.

Adventure Full day or overnight ¥4,000 - ¥6,000 (lift tickets)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Soba Noodles

Soba noodles are made from buckwheat flour and are a staple of Nagano's cuisine. They can be served hot or cold, with various toppings and dipping sauces.

Dish Vegetarian (if no meat or fish toppings are added)

Oyaki

Oyaki are dumplings filled with various ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or cheese. They are a popular snack in Nagano and are often served with meals.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Sake

Nagano is known for its high-quality sake, made from locally grown rice. The region has numerous sake breweries, offering a variety of flavors and styles.

Drink Contains alcohol

Onsen Ryori

Onsen Ryori is a type of cuisine served in hot spring resorts. It typically consists of dishes made with local ingredients, such as vegetables, fish, and tofu, cooked in the hot spring water.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Skiing Snowboarding Hiking Mountain biking Hot air ballooning Hot spring bathing Temple visiting Shopping

Best Time to Visit

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the peak season for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The city hosts numerous winter festivals and events. Expect heavy snowfall and cold temperatures.

-2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F) 28°F to 41°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Nagano is a generally safe destination for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is uncommon. However, travelers should still take precautions to protect their belongings and be aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Use reputable taxis and tour services.

Getting there

By air

Nagano Airport • 10 km (6 miles) from the city center
Chubu Centrair International Airport • 200 km (124 miles) from the city center

By train

Nagano Station

By bus

Nagano Station Bus Terminal, Zenko-ji Temple Bus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The city bus system is the primary mode of public transport in Nagano, covering most areas of the city and connecting to major attractions. Buses are frequent and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Nagano Togakushi Shiga Kogen

Day trips

Shiga Kogen

50 km (31 miles) from Nagano • Full day or overnight

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest and most popular ski resorts, offering a wide range of winter and summer activities. It is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Togakushi

20 km (12 miles) from Nagano • Half day

Togakushi is a rural area known for its ancient shrines, soba noodles, and hiking trails. It is a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

60 km (37 miles) from Nagano • Half day to full day

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a popular destination for observing wild Japanese macaques, known as snow monkeys, in their natural habitat. The park is especially famous for the monkeys' unique behavior of bathing in hot springs during the winter months.

Festivals

Nagano Winter Festival • February Nagano Summer Festival • August Togakushi Fire Festival • February 3rd

Pro tips

Visit Zenko-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the temple's serene atmosphere.
Try Togakushi's famous soba noodles at a local restaurant, such as Soba Koenji or Soba Nagano.
Take a day trip to Shiga Kogen for skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, depending on the season.
Experience the Nagano Winter Festival in February for a unique and memorable cultural event.
Visit the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani in winter to see the monkeys bathing in the hot springs.