นา กา โน่ Day Guides
Nagano is a beautiful 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.
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
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.)
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.
Taxis are available outside the station, easy to use for short trips.
Nagano is compact. Zenkoji Temple and nearby shopping areas are within 20–25 minutes’ walk from the station.
How to Get There: 10-minute bus or 20-minute walk from Nagano Station
What to See: Large gate, incense burners, wooden halls, quiet garden paths
Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours
What to Do:
Walk along Nakamise Street (souvenir and snack shops)
Stop at cafés or sweet shops
Try oyaki dumplings and apple-based treats
How to Get There:
Take the Nagano Dentetsu Line to Yudanaka Station (40 min–1 hour)
Then take a bus or taxi to Kanbayashi Onsen
Walk 30 minutes to the monkey park
Time Needed: 3–4 hours (round trip from Nagano)
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
Nagano is famous for soba noodles, apples, and oyaki dumplings. There are restaurants near the station, at Zenkoji, and inside the train buildings.
Nagasakiya – Local soba, tempura sets, near Zenkoji
Oginoya – Train bento and classic meals (inside Nagano Station)
Hachi Cafe – Modern Japanese-Western lunch sets and sweets
Organic Cafe Kokoro – Plant-based meals, teas, and desserts
Café Tsuki no To – Cozy, creative vegetarian-friendly menu
Tsuchi Café – Health-focused meals with local vegetables
Midori Nagano (inside station) – Souvenirs, food, fashion
Nakamise-dori (near Zenkoji) – Local crafts, snacks, pickles, handmade gifts
Noan – For traditional sweets and tea
Maruyama Coffee – Great for coffee lovers
Cafe de Crie – Simple drinks and good for quick stops
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)
