Nagano Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day Traveling to Nagano
Nagano City, the capital city of Nagano prefecture, is a stunning city in central Japan, surrounded by mountains, hot springs, and temples. It’s easy to reach by train and makes a great day trip from places like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Nagoya. Whether you're visiting for nature, history, or just a slower pace, Nagano offers a great mix of experiences.
This guide will help you enjoy your day in Nagano with a simple plan that includes travel, sightseeing, food, and fun options.
How to Get to Nagano from Major Cities
From Tokyo
Route: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station
Time: About 1.5 hours
Train Name: Kagayaki (fastest), Hakutaka, or Asama
Covered by JR Pass? ✅ Yes
Tip: Kagayaki trains are fastest but require seat reservations. Hakutaka and Asama allow non-reserved seating.
From Kyoto or Osaka
Route: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya
Then take the Shinano Limited Express to Nagano
Time: About 3.5 to 4 hours total
Covered by JR Pass? ✅ Yes
From Nagoya
Route: Take the Shinano Limited Express directly to Nagano
Time: About 3 hours
Covered by JR Pass? ✅ Yes
Arriving at Nagano Station – What to Know
Nagano Station is clean, modern, and easy to use. When you arrive:
Tourist Information Center: Available near the East Exit
Coin Lockers & Luggage Storage: On the ground floor near the exits
Bus Terminal: Just outside the station (used for Zenkoji, Snow Monkeys, etc.)
Getting Around in Nagano
Buses
Most city buses leave from the station and go to Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi, and nearby hot springs.
IC cards (like Suica or Pasmo) can be used on most local buses (having cash on hand would be advisable).
Taxis
Taxis are available outside the station, easy to use for short trips.
Walking
Nagano is compact. Zenkoji Temple and nearby shopping areas are within 25-30 minutes’ walk from the station.
Main Places You Can Visit in One Day
Zenkoji Temple
How to Get There: 10-minute bus or 30-minute walk from Nagano Station
What to See: Large gate, incense burners, wooden halls, quiet garden paths
Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours
Downtown Nagano (Near Zenkoji)
What to Do:
Walk along Zenkoji Nakamise Street (souvenir and snack shops)
Stop at cafés or sweet shops
Try oyaki dumplings and apple-based treats
Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen-Koen)
How to Get There:
Take the Nagano Dentetsu Line to Yudanaka Station (40 min–1 hour)
Then take the Kobayashi line bus or a taxi to the Snow Monkey Park stop
Walk 30 minutes through the stunning forest to the monkey park
Time Needed: 3–4 hours (round trip from Nagano)
Togakushi Area
How to Get There: 1-hour bus ride from Nagano Station
What to See: Shrines in the forest, ninja museum, mountain trails
Best For: Nature lovers, quiet walking, forest views
Time Needed: Half-day if doing light hiking
Food & Dining in Nagano
Nagano is famous for soba noodles, apples, and oyaki dumplings. You can find restaurants serving all these and more in and near the station as well as around Zenkoji.
General Options:
Shinsyu Buckwheat Noodles Restaurant OTONA – Restaurant serving the regions speciality soba noodls.
Oginoya – Train bento and classic meals (sold inside Nagano Station)
Yamabuke – Traditional Japanese restaurant selling locally sourced dishes
Vegan / Vegetarian Options:
Kotasora Works (Vegetarian/Vegan options) – Local cafe with vegetarian and vegan options
SobaYa – Restaurant selling soba and tempura with vegetarian options.
Temple Cafe – Cafe attached to the temple serving vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (open 7:30 AM to 3 PM).
Where to Rest or Shop Before Returning
Shopping Areas:
Midori Nagano (inside station) – Souvenirs, food, fashion
Nakamise-dori (near Zenkoji) – Local crafts, snacks, pickles, handmade gifts
Relaxing Cafés:
Chikufudo Nagano Ekimae – Cafe close to the station serving traditional Japanese sweets
Yatsudoki Cafe – Open and airy cafe close to the station
Hirano Coffee - Retro coffee shop close to Zenkoji Temple
(We try to keep our guides as up to date as possible, so if you notice any changes in our reccommendations, please let us know)
Taking the Train Back
From Tokyo: Most Shinkansen trains run until 8:00–9:00 PM
From Kyoto/Nagoya: Plan to leave by 5:00–6:00 PM to get back at a good hour
Tip: Reserve your return seat at the station when you arrive (especially on weekends)
