12 attractions with a verified description
Central Nagano · 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.
Price checked September 2026
Photo: 日:Jnn / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.1 jp)
Zenko-ji · Free
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.
Price checked September 2026
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Togakushi · Free
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.
Price checked September 2026
Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)
Obuse · Free
A small town 30 minutes from Nagano, where Hokusai lived in his last years: chestnut streets, a sake brewery and the center of candied chestnuts. Free to walk around, and it is a perfect half-day trip.
Price checked September 2026
Photo: Naganojmmmm / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Obuse · Museum
A museum in Obuse with late works by Hokusai, including two festival floats whose ceilings he painted at the age of 80 and over. ¥1,200, and more for a special exhibition. Small and excellent, and this is not the Great Wave but a different Hokusai.
Price checked September 2026
Photo: Kakidai / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Yudanaka · Onsen
An onsen town at the end of the Nagaden line, the base for the snow monkeys. A free foot bath next to the station, and public baths for ¥300 to ¥500. The ryokan here are much cheaper than in Hakone. Entry to the town is free, and ¥400 is an estimate of the price of one public bath.
Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)
Yamanouchi · Nature
About 160 free macaques that come down to an onsen pool built for them. ¥800, and from August 2026 you can get a ticket for a set date online. The trail from the parking lot is 1.6 km through the forest, snowy and slippery in winter. They go into the water mainly when it is cold.
Price checked September 2026
Photo: Abasaa / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Togakushi · Free
The 'Mirror Pond' in Togakushi, which reflects the mountain ridge on days without wind. Free. A 40-minute walk from the middle shrine, and in the autumn foliage and in spring it is one of the most beautiful photos in Nagano.
Price checked September 2026
Photo: koichi_hayakawa / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Zenko-ji · Museum
A museum that reopened in 2021 next to Zenko-ji, with a rooftop open to the public that looks out on the mountains, and the Higashiyama Kaii wing. About ¥700. The terrace and the cafe are free, and it is a good stop after the temple.
Price checked September 2026
Photo: 663highland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)
Togakushi · Free
An avenue of 500 meters with cedars 400 years old and 40 meters tall, on the way to the upper shrine of Togakushi. Free. One of the most impressive paths in Japan, and in snow it is completely quiet.
Price checked September 2026
Skiing · Nozawa Onsen, Nagano
An adult 1-day ticket costs ¥7,800 in the regular season, 19 December 2026 to 28 March 2027, and outside those dates the price is different.
Onsen · Nozawa Onsen, Nagano
You end the skiing in hot water.
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