Nagano

Bus · Nagano

Snow Monkey Park bus stop Kanbayashi: the monkey bus to Kanbayashi Onsen

From the East Exit of Nagano Station, the Nagaden express bus to Shiga Kogen leaves at 09:00 and reaches the 'Snow Monkey Park' stop at 09:5

¥2,000 · ≈ $13MapsFull itinerary

Nature and wildlife · Nagano

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: the macaques in the onsen

About 160 wild macaques that come down from the mountain to a pool built for them.

¥800 · ≈ $5MapsFull itinerary

Onsen town · Nagano

Shibu Onsen: 9 public baths and the street of ryokan

A 1,300-year-old onsen town with a stone street, wooden ryokan and 9 public baths (soto-yu) that open with a key you get at your ryokan.

¥800 · ≈ $5MapsFull itinerary

Central Nagano · Temple

Zenko-ji Temple

A temple from the 7th century around which the city was built, with a Buddha that no one has seen. The grounds are free, ¥800 for the inner area since April 2026, which includes a completely dark tunnel where you search by hand for the 'key to paradise'. Morning prayer at sunrise.

¥800 · ≈ $5MapsSource

✓ Price checked September 2026

Zenko-ji · Free

Nakamise Street, Zenko-ji

The approach street to Zenko-ji, paved with stone, with shops from 300 years ago: oyaki (baked dumplings filled with mountain vegetables, ¥180), seven sweets and bracelets. Free.

FreeMapsSource

✓ Price checked September 2026

Togakushi · Free

Togakushi Shrine

Five shrines scattered in a mountain forest at 1,200 meters, linked to the myth of the sun cave and to the Togakure ninja. Free. A one-hour bus from Nagano, and the walk between the shrines is half a day.

FreeMapsSource

✓ Price checked September 2026