Your Experience

Discover Nagano’s Historic and Natural Wonders

Begin your day in Nagano with a warm welcome from your English-speaking guide at Nagano Station. Set out for an immersive local adventure, discovering the city’s spiritual, cultural and culinary treasures. Your journey is carefully curated to provide the best of Nagano’s history, traditions and landscapes in one seamless guided experience.

Ancient Tranquility at Zenko-ji Temple

Your first stop is Zenko-ji Temple, an iconic site dating to the 7th century. Wander through the temple grounds to see traditional Japanese architecture and serene garden spaces. Admire the ornate Sanmon Gate and explore the quiet corridors where the legend of the concealed Buddha statue lingers. Pause at the Nade-botoke statue, where tradition says a gentle touch brings blessings. With your guide, uncover stories that give life to this sacred site, learning why Zenko-ji has remained spiritually significant for centuries and continues to draw visitors with its rituals and history.

Local Taste at Yoshinoya Sake Brewery

Just steps from the temple, your next destination is Yoshinoya Brewery, where skilled artisans produce sake with methods passed down through generations. Dive into the sake-making process, from rice selection to fermentation, and sample distinct sake varieties, including the refined Junmai Daiginjo. Your palate will experience the depth of flavor and local craftsmanship that makes Nagano’s sake unique.

Lunch Showcasing Nagano’s Seasonal Cuisine

Savor a freshly prepared lunch featuring local delicacies. Dishes might include Nagano’s famous oyaki dumplings, crisp soba noodles or mountain vegetables — an authentic taste of regional flavors that complement your journey.

Meet the Snow Monkeys in Their Natural Habitat

After lunch, travel with your group to the foothills near the Snow Monkey Park. Embark on a leisurely forest walk, surrounded by lush landscapes and mountain views. At the park, observe Japanese macaques relaxing in steaming onsens, captivating visitors with their playful behavior and social bonds. Watch as these monkeys soak and interact right in front of you in a completely natural setting, a highlight for any animal lover.

Comfort and Convenience

Throughout the day, your guide provides commentary, stories and support, making sure all logistics — from shuttle service in winter to the return journey — are handled smoothly. All transfers and entries are included for a hassle-free adventure around Nagano’s top sites.

Sample Itinerary

• Morning pickup from Hakuba (winter only). Transfer to Nagano City

• 9:35am: Gather at Nagano Station for tour departure

• 10:00am: Explore Zenko-ji Temple precinct with guided commentary and free time

• 11:30am: Sake tasting experience at Yoshinoya Brewery

• 12:00pm: Lunch at a local restaurant

• 1:00pm: Depart Nagano for Snow Monkey Park

• 2:00pm: Walk forest trails to reach the park entrance

• 2:40pm: Observe macaques bathing at the hot springs

• 3:40pm: Leave park and walk back to vehicle

• 5:35pm: Tour ends at Nagano Station with optional Hakuba return (winter only)

Book your Discover Nagano: Zenko-ji, Sake Brewery & Snow Monkey Park Guided Tour tickets now!