Zenko-ji Temple
Nagano City Center 2 hrs
Visit one of Japan's most important and oldest Buddhist temples.
Where to stay
Hotels in Nagano
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At a glance
Climate
Temperate
Languages
Japanese and English
Local currency
JPY
(JPY)
Local time
(GMT+9)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Nagano City Center
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
Not customary
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
75 · Good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Soba noodles
Oyaki dumplings
Shinshu Beef
Nozawana pickles
When to visit Nagano
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January, February, October, December
Busiest: Dec-Mar, Oct-Nov
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Jan85
Cold, snowy, skiing
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Feb85
Cold, snowy, skiing
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Mar70
Cool, snow melting
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Apr75
Mild, cherry blossoms
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May80
Warm, pleasant
-
Jun65
Warm, rainy season
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Jul70
Hot, humid
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Aug70
Hot, humid
-
Sept75
Mild, typhoon risk
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Oct85
Cool, autumn leaves
-
Nov80
Cool, crisp
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Dec85
Cold, snowy, skiing
Things to do in Nagano
8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 8 of 8 places ·
Best in the morning
2 places
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Yamanouchi 3 hrs
Observe wild snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs.
Best in the afternoon
3 places
Togakushi Shrine & Ninja Village
Togakushi 4 hrs
Explore mystical shrines and a fun ninja trick house.
Obuse Town Exploration
Obuse 3 hrs
Discover charming chestnut-filled streets and Hokusai's art.
Matsushiro Castle Town
Matsushiro 3 hrs
Step back in time exploring samurai residences and castle ruins.
Best in the evening
1 place
Onsen Experience
Various 2 hrs
Relax in a traditional Japanese hot spring bath.
Any time of day
2 places
Skiing/Snowboarding in Hakuba
Hakuba Valley 8 hrs
Experience world-class powder snow at Olympic ski resorts.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Omachi 8 hrs
Traverse the 'Roof of Japan' with stunning mountain views.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Nagano
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
Wasabi Farm Discovery Walking Tour
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Make Oyaki Dumplings & Walk Around Zenkoji Temple in Nagano
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Snow Monkey & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Group Tour (All year round)
Free cancellationFind deals
Multi day tour
4 Days Central Japan Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
One Way Shuttle Van Transfer, Tokyo⇔Nagano
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Hokusai Museum, Ganshoin & Sake Walking Tour in Obuse Nagano
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Snow Monkey Park & Miso Production Day Tour from Tokyo or Nagano
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Snow Monkeys Park Tour and Ebisu-ko Fireworks Fest in Nagano
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Nagano
Straight-line distance from the centre of Nagano.
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