Nagano 2-Day Itinerary: Top Attractions & Hidden Gems
Did you know you can watch wild snow monkeys soaking in a hotring just a few hours from Tokyo, even in the middle of summer? You’re watching The City Guru, where we explore Japan beyond the big cities on a backpacker’s budget. Today, we’re heading to Nagono for 2 days packed with snow monkeys, zen temples, and Japanese mountain charm. If you’re coming from Tokyo, the best way to reach Nagono is by the Hokuiku Shinkansen. The ride takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes and costs around 8,740 yen one way, or it’s fully covered if you’re using the Japan Rail Pass. Once you arrive at Nagono station, head to platform 1 to catch the purple Zenoji line bus, which leaves every 10 minutes and takes you to the Temple District in about 10 minutes for 250 yen. Taxis are also available and take roughly the same time, but cost around 1,200 yen. [Music] For the best mix of tradition and value, consider staying in a Shukubo, which is temple lodging originally designed for monks and pilgrims. Now, they’re open to anyone looking for an authentic Japanese stay. I stayed at Shinshu Zenkoji Yakuin, located just a few minutes from the temple. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and they even have their own onsen. If that’s fully booked, a great alternative is Jizoken Matsuya Rioen. Most shuko also serve traditional Japanese breakfast and dinner, which adds to the experience and saves you from eating out for every [Music] meal. Once you’re settled, head out to explore Nagono’s most iconic site, Zenkoji Temple. This temple dates back to the 7th century and has been a major pilgrimage destination in Japan for over a thousand years. The main road leading there is Chuodo Dori, which becomes Zenoji Oasisando. As you approach the temple grounds, just inside the gate are six Roku Jizo statues, which represent the six realms of existence in Buddhism. They wear bibs and are replicas of originals that were melted down during Wu. Across from the statues is Daikonjin Abbey, the residence of the temple’s chief priest. If you’re visiting in spring or summer, the pond is covered with lotus flowers and often has turtles swimming around. A short walk further takes you to the Sanmon Gate built in 1750. It’s a designated important cultural property of Japan. The highlight of Zenkoji is its main hall, which costs 500 yen to enter. Don’t miss the Benzuru statue near the hall entrance. Whether it’s spiritual or psychological, it’s one of those uniquely Japanese experiences you don’t forget. If you’re an early riser, don’t miss the morning prayer ceremony at Zencoji. It takes place around sunrise and features chanting monks walking through the temple grounds. Some visitors line up outside the hall on their knees, waiting for the head priest to pass by and bless them with his prayer beads. It’s simple but powerful. [Music] Start your second day early and catch the Nagaden Express Bus from Nagono Station to the Snow Monkey Park. The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs 1,800 yen one way. Once you arrive at the drop off point, there’s a forest trail that takes about 25 to 30 minutes to walk. The path is wellmaintained and clearly marked, but wear decent walking shoes and dress for the weather. During warmer months, bring insect repellent, and in colder months, waterproof boots are a must. You’ll also notice a sulfur smell along the way from the natural hot springs nearby. The park opens daily at 8:30 a.m. and the entrance fee is 800 yen for adults. These monkeys aren’t in cages. They’re wild and roam freely between the mountains and the hotring. The park was created in the 1960s as a way to keep the monkeys from raiding nearby apple farms. Now, they return voluntarily and are used to humans, but that doesn’t mean they’re tame. Don’t make eye contact. Don’t smile at them. and definitely don’t try to feed them. Rangers are on patrol to make sure everyone keeps a safe distance. Arriving early is key. Most of the monkeys are active in the morning before heading back into the forest. I stayed for about an hour and a half and watched them bathe, groom, and play. The baby monkeys are especially entertaining. These monkeys actually learn how to bathe in hot springs by watching humans at nearby Kbayashi [Music] onen. Once you’ve had your fill of monkeys, grab a bite at Enza Cafe near the park’s entrance. They serve local specialties, and I tried a Shinshu apple ice cream that completely changed how I think about apples. Nagano apples are famous across Japan, and the Shinshu variety is especially sweet and flavorful. If you’re into snacks, pick up a box of Shinshu apple KitKats. They’re only available in this region. Back in downtown Nagono, spend the afternoon exploring Nakami Dori, the old shopping street that leads up to Zenko Gi. It’s lined with souvenir shops, small temples, and food stalls. Try the soba noodles, a local specialty made from buckwheat grown in the surrounding mountains. Some places even offer noodle making demos in the windows. You can also try shiimi toarashi, a sevenspice blend made with red pepper, sesame, and ginger. Look for Senbeay rice crackers or chips flavored with it. For dinner or evening plans, head to the Gondo covered arcade. It’s a quiet shopping area during the day, but it lights up at night with bars, restaurants, and karaoke spots. It’s a good place to grab a final meal or unwind after 2 days of walking, sightseeing, and monkey watching. If you’re not in a rush to get back to Tokyo or your next stop, Nagono has a few more low-key spots that are worth checking out. Just behind Zenko Gi Temple is a hidden gem called the East Garden. It’s quiet, peaceful, and usually overlooked by tourists. There’s a small pond, stone pathways, and benches under shady trees. It’s a great place to relax if you’re looking for somewhere calm after a full day of sightseeing. Another nice local spot is Joyama Park, especially if you’re visiting in spring. This park is filled with cherry blossom trees and turns into a beautiful hanami picnic area in late March or early April. Even outside of Sakura season, it’s a nice place for a walk. And it’s close to the temple district, so you can easily fit it into your route. If you’re into sports history or just curious, the 1998 Winter Olympic venues are still around. You can visit the Mwave Arena, which was used for speed skating, or the White Ring, which hosted figure skating and ice hockey. Some facilities still offer skating or have exhibitions with memorabilia from the games. To dig a little deeper into local history, head over to the Nagono City Museum. It’s a small but informative space with exhibits about the region’s development, old trade routes, and the influence of Zen Buddhism in Nagono’s history. The museum isn’t flashy, but if you like connecting the dots between the culture and the place, it’s worth the [Music] stop. Nagono is known for its regional food and handmade goods, so you’ll want to pick up a few things before you leave. Anything made from Shinshu apples is a safe bet. Whether it’s juice, jam, chocolate, or the popular apple flavored KitKats, the apples here are sweet and crisp, and they really do taste different from what you’ll find elsewhere in Japan. Soba noodles are another solid choice. You can buy them dried and packaged to cook at home. If you’ve got room in your bag, look for a small bottle of Shashimi Toarashi, the seven spice blend that’s unique to this region. It’s often sold fresh and mixed in front of you, especially at stores near Zenkoji. For something more traditional, check out Misuame. These are jelly-ike fruit sweets that have been made in Nagono since the Maji era. They come in beautiful wooden boxes and make a unique gift. Some shops also sell tuko tagata, which are wooden tags once used by travelers as identification during the ado period. They’re now turned into lucky charms and souvenirs. [Music] If you’re staying in the region longer, Nagono Prefecture is packed with natural beauty and off the-beaten path destinations. One of the best places to visit is Matsumoto, just under an hour and a half from Nagono by train. The highlight there is Matsumoto Castle, known as the Black Crow because of its dark wooden exterior. You can go inside and climb up its steep stairs to get panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. For outdoor lovers, Kamakochi is one of the most stunning hiking destinations in all of Japan. Located in the northern Alps, it’s filled with crystal clearar rivers, wooden boardwalks, and views of snowcapped peaks. The area is only open from midappril to mid- November due to snow. But if your trip falls within that window, it’s worth the effort to get there. Closer to Nagono City is Togakushi, an area that mixes nature, mythology, and ninjas. You can visit the Toakushi Shrine, which is actually a series of five shrines spread through the forest. Not far from there is the Toakushi Ninja Museum, which is fun if you’re traveling with kids or if you just want to try your luck in a ninja trick house. If you’re visiting in winter, Nagono also happens to be one of Japan’s top ski destinations. The region is dotted with resorts like Hakuba, Nozzawa, Anen, Shika Kogan, and Cortina. All offering powder snow and some of the best slopes in the country. Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, some of the resorts offer hot springs with mountain views, which is a perfect way to relax. For something more chill, Karuizawa is another solid day trip from Nagono. It’s a stylish mountain town known for its cafes, shopping outlets, and cool summer weather. If you’re building a Japan itinerary that goes beyond the usual Tokyo Kyoto route, Nagono deserves a spot. What makes it special isn’t just the snow monkeys or ancient temples. It’s the feeling of being somewhere that blends nature, tradition, and real daily life in Japan. You’re not fighting your way through crowds, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy your time here. The food is affordable and unique. The public transport is straightforward, and there’s something relaxing about walking through quiet streets where the mountains are always in the background. A lot of people think about Nagono as just a winter destination, but the truth is it works in every season. In spring, you’ve got cherry blossoms in city parks. In summer, the forests around Togakushi and Kamakochi are lush and green. Autumn brings in bright red and gold leaves in the hills. And of course, winter is the classic season with snow-covered temples and hot springs. The snow monkeys are here all year round, so you don’t need to time your trip to see them. What I like most about Nagono is that it lets you slow down. After spending time in Tokyo or Osaka, Nagono gives you a chance to walk more slowly, eat better, and connect with the quiet side of Japan. Whether you’re soaking in an onsen, listening to monks chant at sunrise, or watching monkeys relax in a hot spring, this place sticks with you. We appreciate your support more than you could ever know. Please make sure to like and subscribe to get notified when we post our latest travel tips
Embark on a captivating 2-day journey through Nagano, Japan, exploring its rich culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights. This comprehensive itinerary covers must-see attractions like Zenkoji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, as well as hidden gems off the beaten path. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, discover how to make the most of 48 hours in Nagano.
Day 1 Highlights:
Visit the historic Zenkoji Temple
Explore the charming streets of Obuse
Relax in a traditional onsen
Unifire.ai – Repurpose content at scale
Day 2 Highlights:
Witness snow monkeys at Jigokudani Park
Enjoy local cuisine in Nagano City
Experience scenic views from Togakushi Shrine
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