• Zenko-ji Temple - [Zenko-ji Area] Established in 642, Zenko-ji is among Japan’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples. It’s a short 20-minute walk from Nagano Station along the historic ‘Omotesando’ or ‘Pilgrim’s Way’. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by one of Japan’s most inviting temples. The main temple, a registered National Treasure, houses Japan’s oldest known Buddhist statue and serves as the spiritual center of the region. A daily morning ceremony welcomes visitors of all faiths, and the temple hosts several major festivals annually.

＊An admission fee is required for Hondo-Naijin, San-mon, and Kyozo.

• Zenko-ji Temple Nakamisedori - [Zenko-ji Area] Zenko-ji Nakamise-dori Street, paved with approximately 7,777 stones, extends 450 meters from the Nio-mon Gate to the temple’s main hall. This bustling shopping street offers local specialties like Oyaki, Shinshu Soba noodles, sweet crepes made from Soba and wheat flour, and Miso-flavored ice cream.
• Nishimon Yoshinoya - [Zenko-ji Area] Nishi-no-Mon is a sake brewery in Nagano, featuring a gift shop, museum, and restaurant. Visitors can tour the brewery and museum, viewing old photographs and both ancient and modern brewing equipment. The tour concludes with sake tasting, allowing guests to purchase bottles as souvenirs.
• Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum Higashiyama Kaii Gallery - [Zenko-ji Area] Located near Zenkoji Temple, the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum showcases modern and contemporary art inspired by nature and Nagano’s landscape. Its open, light-filled design complements the surrounding scenery, offering a serene cultural experience through exhibitions, installations, and outdoor art spaces.
• Joyama Park - [Zenko-ji Area] Situated on a small hill near Zenkoji Temple, Joyama Park offers stunning seasonal views, from spring cherry blossoms to autumn foliage. The park features walking trails, open lawns, and a tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular spot for relaxation and enjoying nature.
• Matsushiro Castle - [Matsushiro Area] The Matsushiro Castle Ruins preserve the legacy of the Sanada clan, former rulers of the Matsushiro Domain. Surrounded by moats, stone walls, and reconstructed gates, the site offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal history, with peaceful grounds and beautiful mountain views.
• Zozan Shrine - [Matsushiro Area] Matsushiro Zozan Shrine honors Sakuma Shozan, a visionary scholar from the late Edo period who advocated for the fusion of Western science and Japanese spirit. The serene shrine grounds reflect his forward-thinking legacy, offering insights into his contributions to Japan’s modernization.
• Sanada Treasure Museum - [Matsushiro Area] The Sanada Treasure Museum displays artifacts and historical materials from the Sanada clan, including samurai armor, weapons, documents, and artworks. These exhibits allow visitors to explore the clan’s influential role in Japanese history and their legacy of loyalty, bravery, and culture.
• Sanada House - [Matsushiro Area] The Sanada Residence, built in the late Edo period, was home to the Sanada clan’s later generations. Its traditional wooden architecture, tatami rooms, and elegant gardens showcase the refined lifestyle of a samurai family, offering a rare glimpse into authentic samurai-era culture and design.
• Matsushiro Zozan Chikago - [Matsushiro Area] The Zozan Underground Bunker, constructed during World War II, was designed as a secret military command center. This extensive network of tunnels carved into the mountain remains largely intact, serving as a powerful reminder of Japan’s wartime history and resilience.
• Former Yokota Residence - [Matsushiro Area] The Yokota Residence is a beautifully preserved samurai house that belonged to a high-ranking retainer of the Sanada clan. Its elegant wooden structure, tatami rooms, and gardens reflect the dignity of the Edo-period warrior class, providing an intimate look into traditional samurai life.
• Matsushiro Literary and Military School - [Matsushiro Area] The Matsushiro Bunbu School was an educational institution for samurai, founded to teach both literary and martial arts. Visitors can see the original buildings, including classrooms and a dojo, illustrating the strict yet balanced training philosophy that shaped the samurai spirit in the Edo period.
• Jozan Yamadera Historic Residence - [Matsushiro Area] The Yamadera Jozan Residence was home to the scholar and strategist Jozan Yamadera, known for his service to the Sanada clan. The well-preserved house and garden reflect his intellectual and cultural refinement, offering visitors a quiet place to appreciate the aesthetics of Edo-period life.
• Hokusai-kan - [Obuse Area] The Hokusai-kan Museum in Obuse celebrates the life and art of Katsushika Hokusai, Japan’s iconic ukiyo-e master. It displays his dynamic paintings and sketches from his later years in Obuse, allowing visitors to appreciate rare works that reveal Hokusai’s deep connection with the town and his enduring creative spirit.
• Matsubaya Honten - [Obuse Area] Matsubaya Honten is a historic sake brewery in Obuse, established in the Edo period and relocated here in 1889. Housed in a 200-year-old building with a red-brick chimney, it produces a range of crafted sakes using traditional steaming and a wagama boiler, inviting visitors to taste regional flavors and brewery heritage.
• Joko-ji Temple - [Obuse Area] Jokoji Temple, located in Obuse, is known for its peaceful atmosphere and historical charm. The temple grounds feature centuries-old trees and traditional architecture, offering visitors a tranquil space for reflection and a glimpse into Obuse’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
• Ganshoin Temple - [Obuse Area] Ganshoin Temple is renowned for its magnificent ceiling painting of a phoenix by Hokusai, completed when he was in his 80s. The temple combines artistic brilliance with spiritual serenity, allowing visitors to admire Hokusai’s genius while experiencing the peaceful beauty of its natural surroundings.
• Obuse Museum Nakajima Chinami Hall - [Obuse Area] The Obuse Museum showcases the town’s artistic and cultural heritage through rotating exhibitions of local and contemporary art. Connected to the Takai Kozan Memorial Museum, it highlights Obuse’s creative spirit. The museum’s modern design and surrounding gardens make it a serene and inspiring cultural destination.
• Kurino Komichi - [Obuse Area] Kurino Komichi, or “Chestnut Lane,” is a picturesque street in Obuse lined with chestnut trees and traditional buildings. It reflects the town’s warm, nostalgic charm, with cafes, shops, and museums along the way. The path invites visitors to stroll leisurely and enjoy Obuse’s blend of art and nature.
• Kozan Takai Memorial Museum - [Obuse Area] The Kozan Takai Memorial Museum honors Takai Kozan, a scholar, painter, and close friend of Hokusai. His preserved residence and studio exhibit his artworks, calligraphy, and personal items. The museum offers insight into the cultural exchange between Takai and Hokusai, reflecting Obuse’s rich artistic history.
• Togakushi Shrine Okusha - [Togakushi Area] The slope is steep along the way. You may need hiking gear such as snowshoes and crampons if you visit Togakure shrine in winter Japan’s native religion of Shintoism has its roots in nature worship and a belief that notable natural features are imbued with divinity. This belief is on grand display in Togakushi, where the five shrines making up the Shinto complex are spread through the forest with trails leading from one to the next. Of the five, the ‘Okusha’ (Upper Shrine) is the best known due to the avenue of giant cedars leading to it. Many of the huge trees are between 400 to 800 years old and considered inhabited by ‘kami’ or ‘the divine’, meaning that they have as much importance as the shrine itself.
• Togakushi Shrine Chusha - [Togakushi Area] The slope is steep along the way. You may need hiking gear such as snowshoes and crampons if you visit Togakushi shrine in winter Approaching the Okusha from Nagano, you will pass the largest of the five shrines – the ‘Chuusha’ (Middle Shrine). Accessible via walking trails or directly via car or local bus, the shrine is dedicated to wisdom and famous for several enormous cedars that are estimated to be around 800 years old. Surrounding the middle shrine, several ‘soba’ restaurants and bamboo craft shops are within easy walking distance.
• Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum - [Togakushi Area] For more than 800 years, Togakushi has had a strong association with Japan’s fabled ninjas. Established in the 12th century, the Togakure school of ninja was founded in the mountains of Togakushi and though practicing ninja may be few and far between these days – believe it or not there are still some – the mountains and forests of Togakushi now play host to a ninja museum and kids village. Located directly across from the cedar avenue leading to the Okusha, the Togakure Ninpo Museum showcases the local Togakure school of ninja including exhibits of tools and weapons used. Visitors can try their hand at essential ninja skills such as throwing ‘shuriken’ (ninja stars) while the highlight of the museum lies in wait at the Ninja House. Rigged with secret doors, passages, and traps to confuse those who enter, the aim is simple – get yourself back out of the house! The house is a true maze, equally fun for adults as it is for children.
• Kagami-ike Pond - [Togakushi Area] Its name is perfectly fitting. Kagami means “mirror” and Ike means “pond”, and that is precisely what you get here. A pond that looks like a mirror. There are basically two ways to get to this hidden spot 2.5 km from Chusha shrine. Which way you go will depend on how you want to get there. Those with a car can drive directly by heading up the Togakushi Birdline and turning left at the sign for Kagami-ike, located just before the steps leading up to Hokosha shrine. This road will wind uphill and come to an end at Kagami-ike, on the side best suited for viewing its wonderful reflection of the mountains.

• Customizable Walking Tour of 3-4 sites
• Meet up with guide on foot in Nagano
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Private Vehicle
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

Nagano is a region rich in Shinto and Buddhist heritage, boasting one of Japan’s most renowned temples and shrines. While many Japanese cities blend nature with human innovation, this unique atmosphere is particularly palpable in Nagano.

During this tour, a knowledgeable, licensed local guide will accompany you through historic districts and ancient pilgrimage routes. Share your interests, and a personalized six-hour tour will be crafted to suit your preferences.

Note 1: There are four distinct areas to explore: Zenko-ji, Matsushiro, Obuse, and Togakushi. You can visit 3-4 sites within the same area from this list. Selecting sites from different areas may reduce the number of locations you can visit due to travel time.

Note 2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification, issued by the Japanese government, requires a comprehensive understanding of Japanese culture and history.

• This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.

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