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A Week of Adventure and Culture in Nagano, Japan

Viewed by 91 travelers

Day 1: Discover Nagano

Nagano, Japan

9:00AM

Arrive in Nagano

Begin your adventure in the heart of Nagano, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the city surrounded by mountains.
On foot or using local transport to your hotel.
JPY0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Zenko-ji Temple

Explore Zenko-ji, one of the most important temples in Japan, renowned for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
15-minute walk from your hotel.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Enza Café

Enjoy a light lunch featuring local specialties like Nagano soba and seasonal vegetables at this cozy café.
5-minute walk from the temple.
JPY1,500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Nagano City Museum

Dive into the rich history and culture of the region through engaging exhibits and artifacts at this fascinating museum.
15-minute walk.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll in the Joyama Park

Take a relaxing walk through Joyama Park, offering beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.
20-minute walk.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Jibi Chiri Soba

Indulge in handmade soba noodles at this popular local restaurant known for its authentic flavors.
10-minute walk back.
JPY2,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening walking tour of Nagano

Experience the serene ambiance of Nagano by taking a leisurely evening walk in the city, discovering local shops and sites.
Walking distance from restaurant.
JPY0, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nagano

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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