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A Week of Adventure and Culture in Nagano, Japan

Viewed by 906 travelers

Day 1: Explore Nagano City

Nagano City, Japan

9:00AM

Arrive in Nagano City

Upon arrival, take a moment to absorb the fresh mountain air and the beauty of the city surrounded by towering peaks.
On foot or using local transport to your hotel.
JPY0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Zenko-ji Temple

This historic temple is one of Japan's most important pilgrimage sites, and you'll enjoy wandering through its beautiful gardens.
15-minute walk from the hotel.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Soba Noodles Yamabiko

Enjoy a delicious bowl of handmade soba noodles at this popular spot, a must-try in Nagano.
5-minute walk from the temple.
JPY1,200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Nagano Prefectural Art Museum

Immerse yourself in local art and culture through the various exhibitions that showcase the works of celebrated Japanese artists.
15-minute walk from lunch.
JPY600, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Jojoen Park

Take a leisurely walk through this tranquil garden and savor the beautiful scenery as the sun begins to set.
10-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Unicorn

Indulge in a memorable kaiseki experience, featuring seasonal ingredients cooked to perfection.
15-minute walk from Jojoen Park.
JPY5,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nagano City

Day 2: Historic Temples and Nature

Nagano City, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de Paris

Start your day with a warm croissant and specialty coffee from this charming café.
10-minute walk.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Togakushi Shrine

Explore this sacred site surrounded by forest, with breathtaking views of the mountains as you hike up to the various shrine buildings.
30-minute bus ride from Nagano City.
JPY0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kurobuta

Enjoy a hearty dish of Nagano's famous Kurobuta (black pork) served with rice and vegetables.
Bus back to Nagano City.
JPY1,800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Nagano Olympic Museum

Learn about the 1998 Winter Olympics and the fascinating history of sports in Nagano.
10-minute walk from lunch.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Enjoy a Nature Walk at Zenko-ji Big Buddha

Take in the serene atmosphere while walking around this scenic area.
15-minute walk.
JPY0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Nagano Craft Beer Garden

Sample various local craft beers paired with grilled meats and veggies for a relaxed evening.
20-minute walk.
JPY3,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nagano City

Day 3: Visit Snow Monkey Park

Jigokudani, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with grilled fish, rice, and pickled vegetables.
At hotel.
JPY1,200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park

Catch a direct train to Yudanaka Station and then a bus to the park entrance.
Train (1 hour) + Bus (15 minutes).
JPY1,300, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Snow Monkey Park

Watch the famous snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs, a truly unforgettable experience.
30-minute hike from the bus stop.
JPY800, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hida Takayama

Stop at a nearby eatery for a taste of Hida Beef in a traditional yakiniku style.
Hiking back then taking bus.
JPY2,200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Return to Nagano

Take the bus and train back to Nagano City, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Bus + Train.
JPY1,300, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax in an Onsen

Wind down at a traditional onsen, relieving the aches of the day and rejuvenating your spirit.
Arrange for transport to a local onsen.
JPY1,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Tofu and Soba Restaurant

Sample exquisite tofu dishes and nagano soba as a delightfully healthy end to your day.
15-minute walk back.
JPY2,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Jigokudani

Day 4: Discover Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Have the hotel's continental breakfast to fuel your day.
At hotel.
JPY1,200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Matsumoto

Hop on a train to Matsumoto to discover historic architecture and culture.
Train (1 hour).
JPY1,000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Matsumoto Castle

Explore one of Japan's most beautiful castles and learn its storied past.
10-minute walk from train station.
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at MatsumotoKyo Goryoshita

Taste fresh fish dishes from the Azumino area accompanying local sake.
5-minute walk.
JPY2,500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Nakamachi Street

Wander down this historic street lined with traditional wooden buildings and shops.
15-minute walk.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Visit, Matsumoto Performing Arts Center

Experience local cultural performances at this architectural gem.
15-minute walk.
JPY1,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ikkyu

Enjoy a warm ambiance with traditional Japanese favorites like tempura and sushi.
5-minute walk.
JPY3,500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Matsumoto

Day 5: Day Trip to Takayama

Takayama, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a healthy breakfast packed with local produce.
At hotel.
JPY1,200, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Takayama

Head to Takayama via a scenic train ride.
Train (2 hours).
JPY2,500, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Takayama's Sanmachi Suji

Stroll through the historical district known for its well-preserved Edo-period houses.
Walking tour.
JPY0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Heianraku

Relish locally sourced Hida beef in a traditional rib grill setting.
5-minute walk.
JPY3,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Hida Folk Village

Discover the traditions and lifestyles of the Hida region in this picturesque open-air museum.
20-minute bus ride.
JPY1,000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall

Marvel at the intricate festival floats used in the famous Takayama Festival.
30-minute walk.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Takayama's Jazz Bar Street

Unwind with live music while enjoying izakaya-style dishes paired with great local beer.
15-minute walk.
JPY3,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Takayama

Day 6: Nature in Kamikochi

Kamikochi, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast that prepares you for a day of adventure.
At hotel.
JPY1,200, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Kamikochi

Take a direct bus to the Kamikochi entrance where the majestic scenery awaits.
Bus (1.5 hours).
JPY2,000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Hike along Azusa River

Breathe in the fresh mountain air while enjoying stunning views while hiking along Azusa River.
Start from the bus stop.
JPY0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kamikochi Restaurant

Savor local specialties including wild vegetable tempura and rice bowls in a scenic setting.
Nearby hiking spot.
JPY2,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Continue hiking to Kappa Bridge

Proceed along the trails leading to the iconic Kappa Bridge, enjoying diverse flora and fauna.
15-minute hike.
JPY0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Nature Photography at Kappa Bridge

Capture breathtaking pictures of the surrounding mountains and river from this picturesque spot.
At Kappa Bridge.
JPY0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Return to bus station

Head back to the bus station after a fulfilling day in nature.
Hike back to the bus stop.
JPY0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kamikochi's Kaza Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious dinner of local mountain cuisine after a long day outdoors.
At the restaurant.
JPY3,500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kamikochi

Day 7: Return and Reflect

Nagano City, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast savoring the flavors of Nagano.
At hotel.
JPY1,200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Last-minute shopping

Visit local shops to buy souvenirs and unique crafts before departure.
Walking around Nagano City.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Check-out from hotel

Prepare to check out, reflect on your week in Nagano.
At the hotel.
JPY0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Nagano's Sushi Bar

Taste freshly prepared sushi, a fitting farewell to your culinary journey.
10-minute walk.
JPY3,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Departure from Nagano

Head to your next destination, carrying the memories of an unforgettable week with you.
Local transportation to the station.
JPY0, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Nagano City
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