Walking tours in Nagano pack real cultural value without wasting your time or money.
The Sake Tasting Walking Tour stands out for its perfect blend of local drinks and neighborhood exploration.
Food lovers hit the jackpot with the Oyaki & Matcha Experience, where you’ll learn to make these traditional dumplings hands-on.
For nature and spirituality, the Forest Shrines of Togakushi tour takes you through ancient cedar paths, while the Tateyama-Kurobe route offers jaw-dropping alpine scenery.
The intimate 7 Lucky Gods & Zenko-ji Temple tour (max 8 people) gives you the best bang for your buck with its spiritual insights and local access.
Let’s look at our favorite Nagano walking tours.
Key Points
- Nagano offers a variety of walking tours that showcase the city’s rich food, sake, and cultural heritage, with options for both small-group and private experiences.
- Food and cultural walking tours around Zenkoji Temple, including tastings of local delicacies like Oyaki dumplings and matcha tea, provide an authentic Japanese experience.
- Sake-focused walking tours in Nagano and Matsumoto allow visitors to enjoy the local sake culture, with guided tastings and insights from knowledgeable guides.
- Scenic walking tours to destinations like the Forest Shrines of Togakushi and the Tateyama-Kurobe alpine region offer stunning natural landscapes and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
- Unique walking tours, such as the Wasabi Farm Discovery and the Tattoo-Friendly Onsen experiences, provide distinctive and memorable experiences in Nagano.
Food & Cultural Walking Tour Around Zenkoji Temple in Nagano
This Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji Temple in Nagano offers an immersive exploration of the city’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.
Rated 100% by travelers, the tour provides a delightful mix of authentic Japanese experiences, including sampling local Oyaki dumplings, sipping matcha tea, and tasting sake.
Knowledgeable guides share historical insights, and guests enjoy personalized attention in small groups.
The tour’s highlight is the high-quality photography, capturing memorable moments throughout the experience.
With a convenient meeting point and a moderate fitness level required, this walking tour is an excellent way to discover Nagano’s hidden gems and deepen your appreciation for the city’s vibrant culture.
Read our full review: Food & Cultural Walking Tour Around Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Review
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Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour
Nagano’s rich sake heritage takes center stage on the Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour. Rated 5.0/5 and praised for its immersive experience, the tour offers an in-depth exploration of the region’s renowned sake culture.
Guests can expect guided tastings, miso soup, and traditional nibbles as they discover Nagano’s flavors. With a maximum group size of 15, the tour provides a personalized touch, allowing for customization based on preferences.
While some guests wished for more visits to sake breweries, the overall experience is renowned for its knowledgeable guides and cultural insights. Ideal for travelers 20 and over, the tour is a must for anyone seeking to explore Nagano’s sake heritage.
Read our full review: Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour Review
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7 Lucky Gods & Zenko-ji Temple, Nagano: Private Walking Tour
Travelers on the Lucky Gods & Zenko-ji Temple, Nagano: Private Walking Tour enjoy the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Nagano.
The 4-5 hour walk covers 8-10 kilometers at a leisurely pace, making it suitable for visitors of reasonable fitness. Guests enjoy a guided sake tasting at Yoshinoya and receive restaurant recommendations for lunch, which they pay for directly.
The tour runs year-round, with weather varying by season. While not wheelchair accessible, it’s close to public transportation.
Reviewers praise the personalized experience and local insights, highlighting cultural activities like mochi-making as tour highlights.
Read our full review: 7 Lucky Gods & Zenko-ji Temple, Nagano: Private Walking Tour Review
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Forest Shrines of Togakushi, Nagano: Private Walking Tour
Discover the serene forest shrines of Togakushi on this private walking tour in Nagano. Over 8-9 hours, you’ll journey from Nagano Station to the renowned Togakushi Shrine complex, nestled within the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park.
Along the way, you’ll traverse 13-16 km of scenic trails, including some steep areas, so a moderate fitness level is required. While lunch isn’t included, you’ll have the flexibility to choose from nearby restaurants.
Be prepared for Togakushi’s diverse wildlife, including the possibility of timid black bears. This customizable tour also offers the option to visit the Togakushi Ninja Museum.
Enjoy Nagano’s natural and cultural wonders on this comprehensive walking adventure.
Read our full review: Forest Shrines of Togakushi, Nagano: Private Walking Tour Review
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Hokusai Museum, Ganshoin & Sake Walking Tour in Obuse Nagano
Though nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Obuse offers a unique blend of art, culture, and local delights that make it a must-visit destination.
The Hokusai Museum, Ganshoin & Sake Walking Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of this charming town. Travelers can enjoy the legacy of renowned ukiyo-e artist Hokusai, discover the serene Ganshoin Temple, and indulge in a sake tasting at a local brewery.
Lunch at a highly-rated restaurant and professional photography enhance the experience. With a maximum of 8 travelers, this tour offers a personalized and intimate glimpse into Obuse’s rich heritage.
At $116.69 per person, it’s a well-rounded and reasonably priced option for those seeking to uncover the hidden gems of Nagano.
Read our full review: Hokusai Museum, Ganshoin & Sake Walking Tour in Obuse Nagano Review
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Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Walking Tour in Togura Nagano
For those seeking to experience the rich cultural tapestry of Nagano, the Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Walking Tour in Togura offers an immersive adventure.
Conducted by o8ExperienceMatsumoto, the tour includes over 5 sake tastings, Japanese pickles made by the owner, and green tea after the tastings.
Travelers will also be introduced to the area’s favorite eateries and cafes, with photographs taken throughout the experience.
Meeting at Starbucks Coffee – MIDORI Matsumoto and returning to the same location, the tour provides transportation and bullet train tickets.
While infants can be accommodated, the tour may not be suitable for pregnant travelers or those requiring gluten-free options.
Read our full review: Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Walking Tour in Togura Nagano Review
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Making Oyaki & Matcha Experience Walking Tour in Nagano
The Making Oyaki & Matcha Experience Walking Tour in Nagano provides travelers an opportunity to enjoy the local culinary traditions.
Lasting just over 4 hours, the experience includes making traditional Oyaki dumplings and exploring the historic Zenkoji Temple. Priced at $95.06 per person, the tour accommodates up to 15 travelers and includes a guided lunch, photography, and transportation to the meeting point.
While the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers with a moderate fitness level.
With an outstanding 5-star rating based on one review, this walking tour offers an authentic and engaging way to discover Nagano’s cultural heritage.
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Wasabi Farm Discovery Walking Tour
Discover the secrets of Japan’s renowned Daio Wasabi Farm on the captivating Wasabi Farm Discovery Walking Tour.
This intimate experience, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, offers an in-depth exploration of one of the country’s largest wasabi farms.
With an expert guide, you’ll learn the intricate details of wasabi cultivation and production, and even indulge in a refreshing wasabi ice cream tasting.
The tour provides valuable insights into Japanese culture and local tips, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting Nagano.
Accessible via public transportation, this walking tour delivers an informative and memorable experience for $39.34, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
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Tateyama-Kurobe Tour: Walking on the Roof of Japan
Explore the stunning alpine landscape of Nagano on the captivating Tateyama-Kurobe Guided Walking Tour. This full-day excursion takes you up to Japan’s highest station at 2,450 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Kurobe Dam and the opportunity to experience diverse mountain transport.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Kurobe Dam and have ample time to explore the alpine flora and autumn colors at Murodo. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Nagano Station and an English-speaking guide to ensure a seamless experience.
At just $233.27 per person, this tour provides exceptional value for a remarkable adventure in the heart of the Japanese Alps.
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Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour in Nagano
One excellent way to learn about the rich cultural heritage and culinary delights of Nagano is through the Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour.
This 3-hour small-group experience allows you to explore Matsumoto Castle, a 16th-century national treasure, and enjoy sake tasting at a historic brewery.
You’ll also sample local street foods and visit the well-preserved merchant houses on Nakamachi Shopping Street.
The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and includes all entrance fees, tastings, and high-quality photographs.
With a maximum of 8 participants, you’ll enjoy a personalized and intimate exploration of Nagano’s highlights.
At just €95.28 per person, this tour offers an excellent value for an unforgettable cultural and culinary adventure.
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Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour in Nagano
This 2-hour Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the local sake culture in Nagano. Priced at $64.80 per person, the tour takes guests on foot through Nakamachi Shopping Street and Nawate Street, culminating in a sake tasting session at a hidden gem brewery.
Highlights include insights into brewing techniques, sampling Japanese pickles and green tea, and access to fresh well water. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and is limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
With free cancellation and an overall 5/5 customer rating, this walking tour is a must for anyone seeking an authentic sake-focused adventure in Nagano.
Read our full review: Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour in Nagano Review
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Break Down
Nagano offers a variety of walking tours that allow visitors to explore the region’s rich culture, cuisine, and natural attractions. From sake tastings and temple visits to hiking in the mountains, these tours provide an immersive experience for travelers. Whether you’re interested in history, food, or outdoor adventures, Nagano has a walking tour that’s perfect for you.