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A Week of Adventure and Culture in Nagano, Japan

Viewed by 126 travelers

Day 1: Exploring Nagano City

Nagano City, Japan

9:00AM

Arrive in Nagano

Start your adventure in the historic city of Nagano, rich in culture and natural beauty.
On foot or using local transport to your hotel.
JPY0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Zenko-ji Temple

Explore Zenko-ji, one of Japan's most important Buddhist temples known for its stunning architecture and welcoming atmosphere.
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 Joyama Park

Take a relaxing walk through Joyama Park, enjoying beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.
20-minute walk from museum.
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.
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 City

Day 2: Visit Snow Monkey Park

Jigokudani, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with grilled fish, rice, and pickled vegetables to start your day.
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 in their natural habitat.
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 meal.
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 3: Discover Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Have the hotel's continental breakfast to fuel your day exploring Matsumoto.
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, renowned for its stunning layout and historical significance.
10-minute walk from train station.
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at MatsumotoKyo Goryoshita

Taste fresh fish dishes from the Azumino area, paired with local sake in this charming eatery.
5-minute walk.
JPY2,500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Nakamachi Street

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

4:30PM

Visit Matsumoto Performing Arts Center

Experience local cultural performances at this architectural gem, showcasing the rich arts scene.
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 4: Day Trip to Takayama

Takayama, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

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

8:00AM

Travel to Takayama

Head to Takayama via a scenic train ride that showcases the stunning countryside.
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 and shops.
Walking tour.
JPY0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Heianraku

Relish locally sourced Hida beef in a traditional rib grill setting for a memorable meal.
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, showcasing stunning craftsmanship.
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 5: Nature in Kamikochi

Kamikochi, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

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

8:00AM

Travel to Kamikochi

Take a direct bus to the Kamikochi entrance where the majestic scenery and stunning peaks await.
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 along the picturesque trail by 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 stunning natural 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 on the way.
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 thrilling day outdoors.
At the restaurant.
JPY3,500, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kamikochi

Day 6: Relaxing in Shiga Kogen

Shiga Kogen, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Savor a traditional Japanese breakfast that's rich in flavors and nutrition.
At hotel.
JPY1,200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Shiga Kogen

Take a bus to Shiga Kogen, known for its beautiful landscapes and hiking trails.
Bus (1 hour).
JPY1,500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hiking in Shiga Kogen

Enjoy a leisurely hike through the stunning scenery, featuring alpine flora and magnificent mountain views.
Start from the bus stop.
JPY0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shiga Kogen Restaurant

Feast on hearty rice bowls and mountain fare at this rustic mountain restaurant.
At the hiking area.
JPY2,500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relaxing at an Onsen

Unwind at one of Shiga Kogen’s tranquil onsens, soaking in the natural hot springs surrounded by nature.
Again take the bus.
JPY1,000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Nagano City

After a day filled with relaxation and natural beauty, head back to Nagano City.
Bus (1 hour).
JPY1,500, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Enjoy a casual dinner at a local izakaya, sampling various small dishes and local drinks.
10-minute walk.
JPY3,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Shiga Kogen

Day 7: Return and Reflect

Nagano City, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

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

9:30AM

Last-minute shopping

Visit local shops to buy souvenirs, crafts, and treats to remember your trip.
Walking around Nagano City.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Check-out from hotel

Prepare to check out and reflect on your memorable 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 before you leave.
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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