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Before you go
Your trip to Nagano.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Nagano – Nagano Destination Nagano and Jigokudani Capital
How to get there
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Estação de Nagano 2 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
The Hokuriku shinkansen reaches Nagano from Tokyo in about 1h20 to 1h40 and from Kanazawa in about 1h10 on the fastest train. From Matsumoto, the train takes about 50 minutes to 1h10. Express buses link Nagano with Tokyo and Shiga Kogen.
How many days
One day for Zenko-ji and the center; two with Togakushi. As a base for Jigokudani and Shiga Kogen, count additional days for those outings.
When to go
Year round. Winter is cold and snowy and suits Jigokudani’s macaques and skiing. Spring arrives in April; summer is cool in the mountains; October brings foliage in Togakushi.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. Zenko-ji is about a 30-minute walk or 10 minutes by bus from the station, and buses go to Togakushi and Shiga Kogen. The Nagano Dentetsu railway takes you to Yudanaka.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Nagano
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Morning
Zenko-ji
Walk up Chuo-dori avenue to Zenko-ji, pass through the Niomon and Sanmon gates, and descend into the dark corridor beneath the altar to search for the key to paradise.
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Afternoon
Togakushi
Take the bus to Togakushi, have soba for lunch in the village around the middle shrine, and walk the cedar-lined avenue to the back shrine, Okusha.
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Evening
Return to Nagano
Return to Nagano and dine in the station area, with sake and regional dishes.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to eat in Nagano?
Buckwheat soba, especially in Togakushi; oyaki, steamed buns filled with vegetables; apples and apple sweets; Shinshu miso; and sake from local breweries.
Can you sleep at Zenko-ji?
The temple lodgings around Zenko-ji, called shukubo, accept guests, offering vegetarian meals and participation in the morning ceremony. Book in advance.
Is Nagano a good base for Jigokudani?
Yes, for those who prefer a city hotel and want to do a day trip. To arrive early at the macaques, staying in Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen is more practical.
How do I get from Nagano to Togakushi?
By bus from Nagano Station, about 1 hour to the middle shrine. The road climbs the mountain and has snow in winter.
Beyond the guide
