Nagano Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

[Zenko-ji Area] Founded in 642, Zenko-ji is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. Less than 20-minutes walk from Nagano Station, follow the city’s historic thoroughfare – the ‘Omotesando’ or ‘Pilgrim’s Way’ all the way to the temple. Arriving at Zenko-ji, visitors discover one of the most welcoming temples in Japan. Housing the oldest known Buddhist statue in Japan, the main temple is a registered National Treasure and the spiritual heart of the region. A morning ceremony takes place every day of the year, with visitors of all faiths and backgrounds welcome, with the temple also hosting several major festivals each year. ＊Admission fee will be required for Hondo-Naijin, San-mon and Kyozo

[Zenko-ji Area]Zenko-ji Nakamise-dori Street is a stone-paved street spreading out from Nio-mon Gate of the Zenko-ji Temple. It is said that around 7,777 stones were used to pave the 450 meters approach leading to the temple's main hall. The street is a bustling shopping area and the shops along the street sell local specialties such as Oyaki, Shinshu Soba noodle, sweet crapes made from Soba and wheat flour, and Miso-flavored ice cream.

[Zenko-ji Area]Nishi-no-Mon is the name for a sake brewery which is located in Nagano and also has a gift shop, museum and restaurant attached. You can tour the brewery and museum where you can see a range of old photographs that tell the story of the brewery and you can also check out some ancient as well as modern brewing equipment on site. At the end of the tour you can also sample some of the sake which is a kind of Japanese rice wine and buy a few bottles as souvenirs of your trip.

Nagano Prefectural Art Museum, located near Zenkoji Temple, showcases modern and contemporary art inspired by nature and Nagano’s landscape. Its open, light-filled design harmonizes with the surrounding scenery, offering visitors a serene cultural experience through exhibitions, installations, and outdoor art spaces connecting art with nature.

Joyama Park, located on a small hill near Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, offers beautiful seasonal scenery, from cherry blossoms in spring to colorful foliage in autumn. The park features walking trails, open lawns, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors to relax and enjoy nature.

The Matsushiro Castle Ruins preserve the legacy of the Sanada clan, once rulers of the Matsushiro Domain. Surrounded by moats, stone walls, and reconstructed gates, the site offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal history. Visitors can stroll through the peaceful grounds and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Matsushiro Zozan Shrine honors Sakuma Shozan, a visionary scholar from the late Edo period who promoted the fusion of Western science and Japanese spirit. The serene shrine grounds reflect his forward-thinking legacy, and visitors can learn about his life and contributions to Japan’s modernization.

The Sanada Treasure Museum displays artifacts and historical materials from the Sanada clan, including samurai armor, weapons, documents, and artworks. Through these valuable exhibits, visitors can explore the clan’s influential role in Japanese history and the legacy of loyalty, bravery, and culture they left behind.

The Sanada Residence, built in the late Edo period, served as the home of the Sanada clan’s later generations. The traditional wooden architecture, tatami rooms, and elegant gardens showcase the refined lifestyle of a samurai family. It offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic samurai-era culture and design.

The Zozan Underground Bunker, constructed during World War II, was designed as a secret military command center. This vast network of tunnels carved into the mountain remains largely intact, offering a powerful reminder of Japan’s wartime history and the nation’s resilience during challenging times.

hat belonged to a high-ranking retainer of the Sanada clan. Its elegant wooden structure, tatami rooms, and gardens reflect the dignity of the Edo-period warrior class and provide an intimate look into traditional samurai life.

The Matsushiro Bunbu School was an educational institution for samurai, founded to teach both literary and martial arts. Visitors can see the original buildings, including classrooms and a dojo, which illustrate the strict yet balanced training philosophy that shaped the samurai spirit in the Edo period.

The Yamadera Jozan Residence was the home of the scholar and strategist Jozan Yamadera, known for his service to the Sanada clan. The well-preserved house and garden reflect his intellectual and cultural refinement, offering visitors a quiet place to appreciate the aesthetics of Edo-period life.

The Hokusai-kan Museum in Obuse celebrates the life and art of Katsushika Hokusai, Japan’s iconic ukiyo-e master. It displays his dynamic paintings and sketches created during his later years in Obuse. Visitors can appreciate rare works that reveal Hokusai’s deep connection with the town and his enduring creative spirit.

Matsubaya Honten is a historic sake brewery in Obuse, established in the Edo period and relocated here in 1889. Housed in a 200-year-old building with a red-brick chimney, it produces a range of crafted sakes using traditional steaming and a wagama boiler—inviting visitors to taste regional flavors and brewery heritage.

Jokoji Temple, located in Obuse, is known for its peaceful atmosphere and historical charm. The temple grounds feature centuries-old trees and traditional architecture. It offers visitors a tranquil space for reflection and a glimpse into Obuse’s spiritual and cultural heritage surrounded by nature.

phoenix by Hokusai, completed when he was in his 80s. The temple combines artistic brilliance with spiritual serenity, allowing visitors to admire Hokusai’s genius while experiencing the peaceful beauty of its natural surroundings.

The Obuse Museum showcases the town’s artistic and cultural heritage through rotating exhibitions of local and contemporary art. Connected to the Takai Kozan Memorial Museum, it highlights Obuse’s creative spirit. The museum’s modern design and surrounding gardens make it a serene and inspiring cultural destination.

lined with chestnut trees and traditional buildings. It reflects the town’s warm, nostalgic charm, with cafes, shops, and museums along the way. The path invites visitors to stroll leisurely and enjoy Obuse’s blend of art and nature.

His preserved residence and studio exhibit his artworks, calligraphy, and personal items. The museum offers insight into the cultural exchange between Takai and Hokusai, reflecting Obuse’s rich artistic history.