Nagano Private Two Day Tour
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2d
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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About this experience
Enjoy a 2-day, 1 night trip in Nagano where you will spend one full day with an English-speaking guide taking you around the city—enjoying attractions such as snow monkeys, the famous Zenkoji Temple and later relaxing at a traditional onsen (hot springs) and enjoying a traditional Japanese multi-course (kaiseki) dinner at a traditional Japanese ryokan (hotel). On the second day after checking out of the hotel, spend the free day snowboarding/ skiing or spend more time exploring the city on your own (without tour guide), or book one of the add-on second-day tours with us.
Available options
Public Trans + 4* Hotel
4* Hotel<br/>2 days day in Nagano: 1st day: Tour with English speaking tour guide
2nd day: Enjoy free day in Nagano without Tour Guide<br/>Public Transportation: Tour on the first day with Public Transportation + Stay overnight at a 4* Hotel (Ryokan)
Private Vehicle with 3* Hotel
3* Hotel<br/>2 days in Nagano: 1st day: Tour with English speaking tour guide
2nd day: Enjoy free day in Nagano without Tour Guide<br/>Private Vehicle: Tour on the first day with Private Vehicle + Stay overnight at a 3* Hotel (Ryokan)
Public Transport with 3* Hotel
3* Hotel<br/>2 days in Nagano: 1st day: Tour with English speaking tour guide
2nd day: Enjoy free day in Nagano without Tour Guide<br/>Public Transportation: Tour on the first day with Public Transportation + Stay overnight at a 3* Hotel (Ryokan)
Pvt.Vehicle + 4* Hotel
4* Hotel<br/>2 days in Nagano: 1st day: Tour with English speaking tour guide
2nd day: Enjoy free day in Nagano without Tour Guide<br/>Private Vehicle: Tour on the first day with Private Vehicle + Stay overnight at a 4* Hotel (Ryokan)
What's included
Overnight accommodation at traditional Japanese hotel (ryokan) rated at 3 Stars (or 4 - 5 Star hotel option is available at checkout)
Onsen (hot springs) experience at hotel. Please note that the onsen is within the hotel and may not be connected to your room (there may be times when there is no onsen within your hotel, but you will have access to the onsen in the area of the ryokan). For private onsen experience, it is available at additional cost at the ryokan (usually around 1500 to 2500 JPY for 1 hour)
Transportation within Nagano City on the first day (public transport or chartered vehicle options)
Private tour with local tour guide (tour guide on the first day only, the second day is free day without tour guide)
What's not included
Lunch, snacks and drinks
Optional activities
Add-on experiences on the second day (available at booking)
Private onsen experience (additional cost for private experience at ryokan)
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
11 reviews
5★
11
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.7
17 reviews
5★
15
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Must provide birth date at the time of booking
A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
A moderate amount of walking is involved. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Operates in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately.
Wheelchair accessible (except at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park)
Non-smoking: All the rooms are non-smoking in ryokan (otherwise requested), there are designated areas outside for those who would like to smoke.
For this tour, if we provide train tickets from Tokyo and return (add-on cost when booking): we will send train tickets to the guests’ hotel in Tokyo (the hotel which guests are staying at before their Nagano trip). Please provide: 1) Hotel Name in Tokyo, 2) Name of guest who booked the hotel, 3) Confirmation Number, and 4) Dates of Stay at the hotel in Tokyo.
Snow Monkeys in warmer seasons: The snow starts to melt by March and the snow monkeys may not bathe as often as they did in the winter to keep warm. Guests may see snow monkeys taking a swim as the park staff gives them lunch, but unlike winter months, there are days when the monkeys just do not feel like entering the bath. When it is warm and the sun is out, the monkeys tend to be more active and move around the area, grooming themselves. While winter is not the only time to see snow monkeys, please note that they are wild animals and it is difficult to predict their behavior. You can still visit the Snow Monkey Park, but seeing the monkeys and watching them bathe is not always guaranteed.
Children and youth must be accompanied by adult (in the same room as adults, up to 4 children in one room):
For food, children from age 1 to 5 years old will not have meal at ryokan. Food must be arranged separately by adults, or the meal served to adults can be shared with children.
For accommodations, children from age 1 to 5 years old will sleep in the same bed or futon with parents. Separate futon can be provided at additional cost at the ryokan.
Private tour with English-speaking tour guide is for the first day of the tour only (either public transportation or private chartered vehicle based on your booking) . On the second day, the customer is free to explore Nagano on their own (the tour guide will not be present).
Age Requirement: Guests of all ages can attend this tour, but a booking must be made for each person. Adult pricing applies to guests age 12 to 99. Child pricing applies to guests age 6 - 11. Young child pricing applies to guests age 1 - 5. In this private group tour, there must be at least one person that is 18 years or older.
Moderate Cancellation Policy:
100% refund for cancellations made up to 4 days before the start time of the experience. Cancellations made after that time period will receive no refund
How far in advance should I book?Preparing a customized tour requires some time, especially if reservations for restaurants or other venues are required. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible. Ideally, it should be 3 months before your travel date, or 1 month before the travel date at the very least. For Custom Tour bookings that are requested with less than 7 days before the travel date, we may not be able to arrange your custom tour in time so your booking request may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.
Why am I charged a service fee if I make a cancellation after you started planning the trip?
Organizing and planning a trip requires a lot of time and if we have made reservations on your behalf, it may be very challenging to cancel some booking requests. Once we receive your booking and your answers from the Custom Tour form, we will begin putting together your Itinerary Sheet and will start arranging your tour guide, buying tickets, making reservations at venues for your tour, etc.
If you cancel the tour any time after we have sent you the custom Itinerary Sheet, the service fee of 15% of your total tour cost will be nonrefundable.
If your cancellation falls within the fees applied to the Standard Cancellation Policy, the service fee of 15% will no longer take effect. You will only be responsible for the cancellation fee specified in the Standard Cancellation Policy. Please carefully review the terms and conditions specified on the checkout page.
Once you’ve booked the Private 2-day Nagano Tour: Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Jigokudani Monkey Park tour, you’ll receive a form with a variety of itinerary options to suit your vehicle option and essential information to complete your booking. You will able to choose your interested Add-on itinerary for your 2nd day in the form. If you need help to arrange the Bullet Train ticket from Tokyo as well, you can address it in the form.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE TOUR FORM: After your booking, you will receive a link to the Nagano Form (within 48 hours) that asks for pertinent information required for this booking. Please ensure that this Nagano Form is completed accurately at least 7 days before your tour date.
For those who would like to explore neighboring areas such as Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Hakuba, or other neighboring areas with a tour guide and private vehicle, the option is available as an add-on when you receive our form after you make the booking. Please note that this add-on is not included in the tour price you paid. We will send an e-invoice to your email if you choose the add-on.
Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Visit Japan Awaits to learn more about our tours or inquire about a custom experience today.
Meeting point
The direction to the meeting point will be provided after booking.
Important notes
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• A moderate amount of walking is involved. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Operates in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately.
• Wheelchair accessible (except Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park)
• Non-smoking: All the rooms are non-smoking in ryokan (otherwise requested), there are designated areas outside for those who would like to smoke.
• For this tour, if we provide train tickets from Tokyo and return (add-on cost when booking): we will send train tickets to the guests’ hotel in Tokyo (the hotel which guests are staying at before their Nagano trip). Please provide: 1) Hotel Name in Tokyo, 2) Name of guest who booked the hotel, 3) Confirmation Number, and 4) Dates of Stay at the hotel in Tokyo.
• If a larger vehicle is needed: the tour guide will be driving a standard mid-size car. If this car is not large enough and a larger vehicle/van is required (group with 4 or less people), please make a request at the time of booking. The rental car/van is pending availability and will be an additional cost of 10,000 JPY in cash payable on the day of the tour. For groups of 5 or more people, a rental car/van large enough to fit your group will be included (at no additional cost).
• Snow Monkeys in warmer seasons: The snow starts to melt by March and the snow monkeys may not bathe as often as they did in the winter to keep warm. Guests may see snow monkeys taking a swim as the park staff gives them lunch, but unlike winter months, there are days when the monkeys just do not feel like entering the bath. When it is warm and the sun is out, the monkeys tend to be more active and move around the area, grooming themselves. While winter is not the only time to see snow monkeys, please note that they are wild animals and it is difficult to predict their behavior. You can still visit the Snow Monkey Park, but seeing the monkeys and watching them bathe is not always guaranteed.
• Children and youth must be accompanied by adult:
• For food, children from age 1 to 5 years old will not have meal at ryokan. Food must be arranged separately by adults, or the meal served to adults can be shared with children.
• For accommodations, children from age 1 to 5 years old will sleep in the same bed or futon with parents. Separate futon can be provided at additional cost at the ryokan.
• Private tour guide with private vehicle is for the first day of the tour only. On the second day, the customer is free to explore Nagano on their own (the tour guide will not be present). To return to Nagano Station, the ryokan can take guests to Yudanaka Station and they can transfer to 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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
