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秋
Currently in season
AutumnOct–Nov
Now in Nagano · chestnuts, grapes and colour
Obuse chestnuts and Shine Muscat grapes into mid October, Togakushi's leaves peak mid October, and the SORA terrace ropeway runs to 8 November.
春 夏 秋 冬
Where to stay
Nagano guide

Things to do in Nagano長野

Nagano is the first Hokuriku Shinkansen stop from Tokyo and the way in to Japan's snow monkeys. Zenkō-ji, one of Japan's great temples, is in town, and Shibu Onsen's nine baths are 45 minutes up a private railway. Each card gives the area, price and time needed.

Showing 14 of 14

SightYamanouchi · Top pickRyūō Sora TerraceRopeway to a terrace at 1,770 m with October colour and a sea of cloud; ¥2,500–¥2,900 returnRead the guide → From ¥2,500 SightNagano · Top pickTogakushiCedar avenue to Okusha shrine, ninja museum (¥700) and soba; 59 min by reserved bus, ¥2,500Read the guide → 5–6 h SightNagano · Top pickZenkō-jiFree grounds, ¥800 inner sanctuary and dark Okaidan, dawn service; 25–30 min walk from the stationRead the guide → Free · 1–2 h SightNagano · Top pickZenkō-ji Gokaichō 2027Gokaichō 4 April–19 June 2027: ¥800 inner sanctuary ticket, the ekō pillar and shukubō temple staysRead the guide → ¥800 TownIiyama · Top pickIiyama snow hutsSnow hut village, 22 Jan–28 Feb 2027: miso hot pot inside a kamakura (¥6,800 dinner in 2026)Read the guide → ¥6,800 TownObuse · Top pickObuseHokusai Museum (¥1,200), Gansho-in's phoenix ceiling, chestnut sweets and sake; 25 min from NaganoRead the guide → ¥1,200 · Half day ActivityYamanouchi · Top pickSnow monkeys & Shibu OnsenJigokudani snow monkeys (¥1,000 from 1 Dec) and Shibu Onsen's nine baths, by Nagaden from NaganoRead the guide → ¥1,000 · 1 day SightMatsumotoKamikōchiCar-free Alps valley, open 17 Apr–15 Nov 2026; about 1h 30m from Matsumoto by Alpico train and busRead the guide → Free · 1 day TownKaruizawaKaruizawaResort town 1h 6m from Tokyo: Old Karuizawa Ginza, Shiraito Falls, Hoshino, cycling and autumn colourRead the guide → 1 day TownMatsumotoMatsumotoOriginal 1594 castle keep (¥1,200 timed e-ticket), Kusama's museum and Nakamachi; gateway to KamikōchiRead the guide → ¥1,200 · 1 day TownShiojiriNarai-juku1 km Nakasendō post town with Kiso lacquer and a Torii Pass walk; 40 min from Matsumoto by trainRead the guide → Free · 2–3 h TownNozawa OnsenNozawa OnsenSki village with 13 free public hot-spring baths, 25 min by bus from Iiyama on the ShinkansenRead the guide → Free baths · 1–2 days TownUedaUeda & Bessho OnsenUeda Castle town, then 30 min on the Bessho Line to three ¥300 public baths and a National Treasure pagodaRead the guide → ¥300 · Half day ActivityYamanouchiShiga Kōgen18 linked ski areas on one lift pass from ¥8,500 a day, 5 Dec–5 May; 1h 10m by bus from NaganoRead the guide → From ¥8,500 · 1–3 days
Plan the rest

Eat, stay and get there

Food, hotels and access for Nagano.

Tobira Onsen MyōjinkanOur standout stay in Nagano: a 1931 onsen inn at 1,050 m above Matsumoto with One…Read the guide → 7 min
Where to stay

Where to stay in Nagano

Three bases for the sights above.

Zenkō-ji exit

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

ホテルメトロポリタン長野 · at the station · 9.0 on Agoda

JR East's station hotel, directly above the Nagaden platforms: the easiest base for Yudanaka and Obuse day trips.

station hotel
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Hot-spring bath

Dormy Inn Nagano

天然温泉 善光の湯 ドーミーインながの · 2 min from the station · 8.9

A natural hot-spring bath with an outdoor tub and sauna, and the chain's free late-night ramen.

business hotel
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Towards the temple

Hotel JAL City Nagano

ホテルJALシティ長野 · 10 min walk towards Zenkō-ji · 8.4

Halfway between the station and Zenkō-ji, handy for an early walk up to the morning service.

city hotel
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