Nagano 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle

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8 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Japanese and 1 more

Discover the spiritual and cultural heart of Japan's mountainous interior on this private, fully guided 8-hour tour of Nagano with a government-licensed guide and a private vehicle with driver. Begin at Zenko-ji, one of Japan's oldest and most revered Buddhist temples, then travel to the cedar-lined approach of the sacred Togakushi Shrine at the foot of the mountains. Step back into the age of the samurai at Matsushiro Castle and the Sanada Treasure Museum, before exploring the charming chestnut town of Obuse, beloved by the ukiyo-e master Hokusai. Your guide tailors the day to your interests, sharing the history, legends and culture that make this region special. With comfortable private transport you can relax between sights and see far more than you could on your own. Whether you love temples and shrines, samurai heritage, art, or the beautiful Japanese countryside, this flexible tour is an unforgettable introduction to the very best of Nagano.

What's Included

Private vehicle
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list'
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

If your hotel or desired pick-up point is not on the list, please contact us. Please be at your pick-up point 10 minutes before the tour starts. This tour includes an English-speaking, Government-licensed guide and a private vehicle with a driver. We can pick you up at your hotel or a convenient meeting point in the Nagano area.

OR
Meeting point
Nagano Station

The guide will be waiting with a name board.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Zenko-ji Temple

    Zenko-ji is Nagano's most revered Buddhist temple, founded in the 7th century and home to the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan. Stroll the atmospheric approach lined with shops and pilgrim lodgings, admire the majestic main hall (a designated National Treasure), and try the famous pitch-dark underground passage beneath the altar in search of the "key to paradise."

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Togakushi Shrine

    Set at the foot of sacred Mt. Togakushi, this ancient Shinto shrine complex is reached through a breathtaking avenue of towering cedar trees, some over 400 years old. The atmospheric path to the Okusha (inner shrine) is one of Nagano's most memorable walks, steeped in centuries of mountain worship and ninja legend.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Matsushiro Castle

    Once the stronghold of the powerful Sanada clan, Matsushiro Castle has been beautifully restored with its gates, stone walls and moats. Set within a tranquil former castle town, it offers a vivid window into the world of the samurai and the Edo-period domain that thrived here.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Located beside Matsushiro Castle, this museum preserves the heirlooms of the Sanada family who governed the domain. Admire armor, swords, historic documents and artworks that bring to life the story of one of Japan's most celebrated samurai clans.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Hokusai-kan

    In the heart of Obuse, this museum celebrates the legendary ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, who spent his final creative years in the town. Admire vibrant paintings and two magnificent festival float ceiling panels he designed for Obuse.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Ganshoin Temple

    This peaceful Obuse temple is famous for Hokusai's spectacular ceiling painting of a phoenix glaring in eight directions, one of the artist's largest works. The serene garden and rural setting, also linked to the haiku poet Issa, make it a memorable stop.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Obuse-machi

    A picturesque little town famous for its chestnuts, traditional sake breweries and links to the artist Hokusai. Stroll the tidy, atmospheric streets, browse craft shops and sample local chestnut confectionery at your leisure.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum

    Discover the history and folklore of the Togakushi region, including the legendary Togakure-ryu ninja tradition. The complex features a ninja house full of hidden doors, secret passages and tricks, plus exhibits on the area's mountain life and culture.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Japan Guide Agency
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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
City Tours
Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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