5 Must-Do Activities in Nagano Prefecture You Can’t Miss

When you think of Nagano, snow-covered slopes and towering mountains might come to mind. But beyond the snow-capped peaks lies a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be explored. From mastering the art of soba making like a local to visiting the charming snow monkeys of Jigokudani, Nagano Prefecture offers unique adventures that will make you fall in love with the region. Here are the top five must-do activities that will make your trip to this Japanese gem even more unforgettable.

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Visit the Zenko-ji Temple

Zenko-ji Temple is one of Japan’s most important and oldest Buddhist temples, founded in the 7th century. Located in Nagano City, it has been a center of Buddhist faith in Japan for centuries.

At the heart of the temple’s deep spiritual significance is Japan’s first-ever Buddhist statue, known as the Ikkō Sanzon Amida Nyorai. This sacred statue is believed to have been brought to Japan in the 6th century, making it one of the country’s oldest religious artifacts.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Zenko-ji Temple is that the original sacred statue is never shown to the public—it is permanently hidden from view inside the temple’s inner sanctum. Instead, every six years, the temple holds a special event called Gokaicho, where a replica of the hidden Buddha is revealed for worshippers to see. The next Gokaicho will take place in 2027. This grand event lasts for about two months, attracting millions of visitors from across Japan and the world.

During the Gokaicho, a sacred pillar known as the Eko-bashira is erected in front of the temple. This pillar is believed to be spiritually connected to the replica of the hidden Buddha, and by touching it, visitors can receive blessings and good fortune.

Even if you’re visiting outside of the Gokaicho period, Zenko-ji is still an incredible place to explore. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

1. Okaidan Meguri (Underground Passage Walk)

One of the most unique experiences at Zenko-ji is the Okaidan Meguri, a pitch-dark underground passage beneath the temple. As you walk through complete darkness, you must search for the “Key to Paradise”, a sacred lock attached to the wall. Touching this key is said to grant enlightenment and blessings.

2. Morning Ritual & Blessings by Buddhist Monks

Every morning before sunrise, monks perform a special blessing ceremony, offering prayers to visitors. You can receive a personal blessing (O-Asaji), where the head monk places prayer beads on your head for protection and good fortune.

3. Nakamise Street – Shopping and Local Treats

Leading up to the temple, Nakamise Street is lined with charming shops selling local souvenirs, handmade crafts, and traditional sweets. Don’t miss trying oyaki, a popular Nagano specialty (steamed buns filled with vegetables, sweet red bean paste, or miso eggplant).

4. Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves

While spring in April brings beautiful cherry blossoms around the temple, autumn (from October to November) transforms the surroundings into a breathtaking landscape of fiery-red foliage.

Hiking in the Japanese Alps

If you are craving a hiking adventure that blends awe-inspiring landscapes with tranquil nature, the Japanese Alps should be at the top of your list. Whether you are trekking through the dramatic peaks of Kamikochi or wandering the historic post towns of the Kiso Valley, hiking in this region offers a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion.

Kamikochi: Japan’s Most Scenic Alpine Wonderland

Nestled in the Northern Japanese Alps, Kamikochi is a stunning highland valley known for its crystal-clear rivers, lush forests, and towering mountain peaks. Often referred to as the “Yosemite of Japan”, this area is one of the country’s most picturesque hiking destinations.

Here’s what you can do in Kamikochi:

Taisho Pond: A stunning mirror-like pond reflecting the peaks of the Hotaka Mountain Range.
Kappa Bridge: The most famous landmark in Kamikochi, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Myojin Pond: A peaceful, sacred pond near Hotaka Shrine, perfect for a tranquil escape.
Hiking Trails: Choose from easy walks along the Azusa River to more challenging treks toward Mount Yari or Mount Hotaka.

Kiso Valley

For those who enjoy hikes steeped in tradition, the Kiso Valley offers a journey through timeworn villages, ancient forests, and charming post towns. Once part of the historic Nakasendo Trail, this scenic route connected Kyoto to Edo (now Tokyo) during the Edo period, offering a glimpse into Japan’s past with every step.

Here’s what you can do in Kiso Valley:

Tsumago & Magome: Two of Japan’s best-preserved Edo-era post towns, offering a glimpse into samurai-era travel.
Nakasendo Trail: A scenic 8-km hike between Magome and Tsumago, taking you through serene forests and historic villages.
Narai-juku: Another beautifully preserved post town with traditional wooden buildings and local shops.
Waterfalls & Hot Springs: The valley is home to hidden waterfalls and onsen resorts where you can relax after a day of hiking.

Snow Monkey Viewing in In Jigokudani Monkey Park

Tucked away in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of Japan’s most unique wildlife attractions. Famous for its troop of wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) who love to soak in natural hot springs, this park offers a rare chance to observe these fascinating creatures up close in their natural habitat.

The park was established in 1964 as a sanctuary for Japanese macaques, who were increasingly venturing into villages in search of food due to deforestation. The local people, rather than driving them away, decided to create a space where the monkeys could thrive peacefully.

The name “Jigokudani” translates to “Hell Valley”, referring to the steaming volcanic vents and rugged cliffs surrounding the area. Despite its ominous name, the park is a tranquil retreat for both visitors and its famous residents.

Over the years, Jigokudani Monkey Park has become a global sensation, especially after photographs of the snow monkeys soaking in the onsen (hot springs) went viral.

Here’s what you can do at Jigokudani Yaen Kōen (Jigokudani Monkey Park):

1. Watch and Observe the Monkeys Bathe in the Hot Springs

The main attraction of Jigokudani Monkey Park is the opportunity to watch wild Japanese macaques relax in the hot springs. These monkeys have learned to enjoy the warm waters, especially in the cold winter months, making for a unique and fascinating sight. Visitors can get incredibly close to the monkeys as they bathe, forage, and play, though touching or feeding them is prohibited. The monkeys are accustomed to human presence, so you can observe them from a safe distance as they interact with one another in their natural environment.

2. Hike Through the Scenic Forest Trails

Reaching the park requires a 1.6 km hike through a picturesque forest trail. The walk takes about 25–30 minutes and offers beautiful scenery, especially in winter when the path is covered in snow.

3. Visit Nearby Attractions

Just a stone’s throw from Jigokudani Monkey Park, you will find two charming onsen towns: Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen. Renowned for their traditional hot springs, these towns offer the perfect escape, allowing visitors to relax and soak in the healing, mineral-rich waters.

For winter sports lovers, the Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is just a short drive away from the Jigokudani Monkey Park. As one of Japan’s largest and most popular ski areas, it consists of 18 interconnected ski resorts, all accessible via an extensive lift system. It’s the ultimate destination for anyone seeking top-tier skiing and snowboarding in the stunning Japanese Alps.

Relax in an Onsen

After a long day of skiing, hiking, or exploring Nagano’s stunning landscapes, nothing beats the bliss of sinking into a steaming natural onsen. With its abundance of geothermal springs and rich hot spring culture, Nagano Prefecture is one of the best places in Japan to indulge in this rejuvenating tradition. Whether you’re looking for a rustic outdoor soak surrounded by snow or a luxurious spa retreat with breathtaking mountain views, Nagano’s onsen scene has something for everyone. Here are some top onsen spots to visit in Nagano.

1. Shibu Onsen – Historic Hot Spring Towns

Nestled just moments away from the renowned Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen is a historic hot spring town that transports visitors to a bygone era. With over 1,300 years of history, this charming onsen destination is famous for its nine public bathhouses, each said to offer unique healing properties.

One of the town’s most beloved traditions is onsen-hopping, where visitors soak in multiple bathhouses while collecting stamps from each—a ritual believed to bring good fortune and longevity. As you wander through the narrow, cobbled streets lined with wooden ryokan and traditional storefronts, you’ll feel immersed in an authentic piece of Japan’s rich onsen culture.

Source: Nozawa Onsen

2. Nozawa Onsen – The Ultimate Ski & Soak Experience

Nestled in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, Nozawa Onsen is a charming village renowned for its rich history, rejuvenating hot springs, and world-class skiing. With its traditional ryokan inns, cobblestone streets, and steaming public bathhouses, this picturesque destination offers visitors an authentic glimpse into old Japan while serving as one of the country’s premier winter sports hubs.

Nozawa Onsen boasts 13 free public bathhouses, known as soto-yu, each with its own unique mineral composition and healing properties. These bathhouses, maintained by the local community, are open to visitors and offer an authentic, rustic onsen experience. The most famous among them is Oyu, a beautifully crafted wooden bathhouse that has been a symbol of Nozawa for centuries.

Soba-Making Experience

Nagano Prefecture is the heart of Japan’s buckwheat noodle scene, and the best way to experience it is by rolling up your sleeves and getting a little flour on your hands!

This region’s cool climate, pristine mountain water, and fertile highlands create the perfect conditions for cultivating buckwheat, the key ingredient in soba noodles. With a history of buckwheat cultivation spanning over 400 years, Nagano is one of Japan’s most renowned soba-producing areas.

Nagano’s soba, often called “Shinshu Soba”, is named after the historic Shinshu region (now Nagano Prefecture). Unlike wheat-based noodles, soba has a distinctive nutty flavor, firm texture, and is packed with health benefits—rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants.

During a soba-making workshop, you’ll learn traditional techniques passed down for generations, from kneading the dough to slicing it into thin, even strands. The process is both fun and rewarding, giving you a deeper appreciation for the art of Japanese noodle-making.

Where to Experience Soba-Making in Nagano:

Togakushi Soba Museum “Tonkururin”
Matsumoto City

With its mix of outdoor adventures and cultural treasures, Nagano Prefecture truly has something for everyone. So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready to explore Nagano! And don’t forget to check out our other travel guides here for more amazing destinations in Japan.