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- Year-Round Attractions
- Seasonal Attractions
- Ski Resort
If you are looking for the perfect blend of rich history, untouched nature, and world-class winter sports, you will find countless unforgettable things to do in Nagano. From walking through ancient temple towns to skiing on legendary powder snow, this comprehensive guide covers the absolute best things to do in Nagano to help you travel like a local.
Year-Round Attractions

Zenko-ji
#culture #local_food
What to Do:
Visit the historic main hall with 1,400 years of history, and try the “Kaidan Meguri” (walking through the pitch-black corridor under the altar). After your visit, enjoy food-hopping and local sake tasting along the temple town streets.
1-Day / 2-Spot Combos:
Togakushi / Snow Monkey / Takayama Village

Obuse Town
#culture #local_food #onsen
What to Do:
Immerse yourself in the Ukiyo-e art of Katsushika Hokusai, and taste famous chestnut sweets like Mont Blanc and chestnut soft-serve ice cream. Enjoy a stroll through the traditional townscape lined with historic sake and miso breweries.
1-Day / 2-Spot Combos:
Takayama Village / Onuma Pond / Togakushi /Snow Monkey

Togakushi
#culture #local_food #nature #views
What to Do:
Walk through the avenue of 400-year-old giant cedar trees leading to the sacred Togakushi Shrine. Tasting authentic “Togakushi Soba” for lunch is highly recommended.
1-Day / 2-Spot Combos:
Lake Nojiri / Obuse / Snow Monkey

Myoko
#nature #onsen #views
What to Do:
[Snow Season(Dec-Mar)] Enjoy deep powder snow at ski resorts famous for heavy snowfall, followed by dinner and a relaxing bath in the historic hot spring town.
[Green Season(April-Nov)] Discover rustic, hidden hot springs like Tsubame Onsen, and take a short hike to the roaring Naena Falls after admiring Mount Myoko.
1-Day / 2-Spot Combos:
Joetsu / Lake Nojiri

Joetsu
#local_food #nature #views
What to Do:
A coastal city where you can witness beautiful ocean sunsets. Enjoy ultra-fresh sushi and seafood bowls unique to a seaside town, and explore the historic Takada Castle.
1-Day / 2-Spot Combos:
Myoko / Lake Nojiri

Hakuba
#nature #views
What to Do:
[Snow Season(Dec-Mar)] Experience the ultimate powder snow (JAPOW) praised by skiers from all over the world.
[Green Season(April-Nov)] Enjoy the mountain view from the “Hakuba Iwatake” mountain harbor terrace and various outdoor activities.
1-Day / 2-Spot Combos:
Highly recommended as a full-day destination
Seasonal Attractions

Snow Monkey
#culture #nature #onsen
What to Do:
Observe wild Japanese macaques (Snow Monkeys) up close as they soak peacefully in a natural hot spring—the only place of its kind in the world.
Best Season
November to July
1-Day / 2-Spot Combos:
Obuse / Togakushi / Onuma Pond

Takayama Village
#nature #onsen #views
What to Do:
Hike to the unique “Kaminariki Falls” where you can walk behind the waterfall, enjoy wine tasting at hidden boutique wineries, and relax in hidden hot springs (like Shichimi Onsen) surrounded by nature.
Best Season
May to October
1-Day / 2-Spot Combos:
Obuse / Togakushi / Onuma Pond

Lake Nojiri
#nature #views
What to Do:
Packed with water activities like SUP and kayaking on highly transparent waters.
There is a shrine located on an island in the lake, which you can visit by boat.
Best Season
July to September
1-Day / 2-Spot Combos:
Myoko / Joetsu / Togakushi

Onuma Pond
#nature #views
What to Do:
Trek through the rich nature of Shiga Highlands to witness a mysteriously glowing, cobalt-blue volcanic lake hidden deep within the mountains.
Best Season
May to October
1-Day / 2-Spot Combos:
Snow Monkey / Takayama Village
Access Guide:
Onuma Pond Parking
① For driving, set your destination to Ōnuma Pond Parking Lot.
② Once parked, switch to “Walking” mode and enter Onuma Pond to display the hiking route.

Kamikochi
#nature #views
What to Do:
The ultimate charm is its effortless accessibility to pristine, untouched wilderness—scenery that would normally require a half-day climb. Enjoy easy trekking along flat trails with stunning views of Kappa Bridge and the Hotaka Mountains.
Best Season
May to October
1-Day / 2-Spot Combos:
Highly recommended as a full-day destination
Access Guide:
Do not plan to get off at Taishō Pond on the return journey. It very difficult to board again.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
#nature #views#onsen
What to Do:
Experience the overwhelming scale of Japan’s tallest dam, Kurobe Dam, along with its powerful water discharge. Cross the “Roof of Japan” by riding a succession of cable cars and ropeways.
Best Season
May to October
1-Day / 2-Spot Combos:
Highly recommended as a full-day destination
Access Guide:
Ski resorts tips

Iizuna Resort
#local#night-ski#uncrowded
Features
A cozy, welcoming local slope perfect for families and beginners to ski under complete peace of mind. Offers night skiing accompanied by stunning night views of the city.

Togakushi
#local#uncrowded#powder_snow
Features
The ultimate hidden hideaway resort where you can glide through premium, bone-dry powder snow with “zero lift lines,” all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Togakushi mountain range.

Myoko Suginohara
#world-class#powder_snow#nightlife#gondola
Features
Famed for its massive 8.5km long cruising run—one of the longest in Japan—and one of the region’s largest, fully-featured terrain parks. On clear days, you can ride against a spectacular panoramic view stretching all the way to Mount Fuji. Just a short drive away is nearby “Akakura Onsen,” a vibrant hot spring village where you can enjoy an exciting nightlife filled with music, bars, and ultra-fresh sushi.

Seki Onsen
#adventure#deep-powder
Features
A legendary, retro resort boasting some of the heaviest snowfall in Japan, even within the mega-snow Myoko region. On storm days, it dumps waist-deep powder overnight, drawing dedicated powder hunters from all over the world. With its 100% natural, un-groomed terrain and a historic red-tinged natural hot spring waiting at the bottom, it offers the ultimate authentic and deep Japanese ski experience.

Shiga Kogen
#world-class#powder_snow#gondola
Features
One of Japan’s largest mega-resorts. Boasts top-tier snow quality generated by its overwhelming high altitude, alongside endless cruising courses that would take days to fully explore.

Nozawa Onsen
#world-class#powder_snow#nightlife#gondola
Features
Delivers an endless 10km long run and premium powder snow. It ranks No.1 for cultural charm, allowing you to experience traditional public hot springs (“Soto-yu”) and lively izakaya-hopping right in the village after hitting the slopes.
Subject to change based on snow conditions; please check official websites for updates.
