Nagano City’s location and easy access make it the gateway to the Japanese Alps. Beyond the city limits are countless day trips to the outdoors and regional historic sites.

Here are some of the very best day trips from the city.

Daytrips from Nagano City Map

1. The Hakuba Valley

Just over an hour away from Nagano City, Hakuba Valley sits at the bottom of the Northern Japanese Alps. While best known internationally for its premiere ski resorts, Hakuba attracts powder hounds across the globe to carve some of its famous Japow. However, as the snow melts and avid skiers and snowboarders go home, the valley transforms into a whole different world that is covered by verdant green and splendid nature.

One of the most popular activities during green season is hiking. For those wanting an accessible yet moderately challenging hike with stunning scenery, look no further than Happo Pond. Ride up the gondolas and ski lifts to the top of Hakuba Happo One Ski Resort, then hike up the ridgeline for 50 to 70minutes for incredible views of the Hakuba Sanzan mountains and their reflections in water’s surface. For a more challenging and longer hike, you can follow the trail all the way up to Mt. Karamatsu, which stands at 2,600 meters.

Another popular destination is Hakuba Mountain Harbor located at Hakuba Iwatake. Standing at 1,289 meters tall over the forest below, the open terrace directly faces the Hakuba Sanzan Mountains. The area is a nature playground, offering various outdoor activities such as mountain biking at Iwatake MTB Park, horseback riding, or swinging on the Yahoo! Swing, all with stunning views of mountains. You can wind down with a coffee and something to eat at the City Bakery, a chain of the famous New York bakery, offering fresh pastries, sandwiches and croissants.

At Tsugaike Ski Resort, you can explore the 1,900-meter-high Tsugaike Natural Park accessible via ropeway. Wander through well-maintained trails through highland marshes, complete with colorful alpine flowers, autumn foliage and fantastic views of the Hakuba Sanzan mountains. The entire course is 5.5kilometers long and takes roughly 3.5 hours to walk, but for those on a time crunch, you can choose one of the shorter loops and return to the gondola station in just an hour.

At the base of the valley and just a short 15-minute walk from JR Hakuba Station is Oide Park where you can see one of the most captivating sights in all of Nagano. In late April, cherry blossoms surround the park with views of the majestic snow-capped alps in the background.

Access

Take the east exit of Nagano Station and board the Alpico Hakuba bus up to Hakuba Valley. For Happo, get off at the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal (70 min.), from there it is a 15-minute walk to the gondola station. For Hakuba Mountain Harbor, get off at Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort (90 min.), then ride the gondola up. For Tsugaike, get off at Tsugaike Kogen (105 min.).

2. Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park

A favorite day trip for those visiting Nagano, the Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park is the only place in the world where you can observe wild monkeys bathing in natural hot springs.

A troupe of 200 Japanese Marcques descend from the surrounding forests to bathe and monkey around. The most popular time to visit the monkeys is during the winter months from December to March, where snow blankets the surrounding valley. However, from May to August, you can see newborn babies come down from the mountains.

*The monkeys are wild and may not visit the park every day. Be sure to check the park’s social media accounts for up-to-date information before visiting. From there it is a scenic 30-minute walk through the forest to see the monkeys.

Access

Take a bus from the east exit of Nagano Station and board from the Snow Monkey Park bus stop (45 min.). From there, it is a 30-minute walk along the trail to the monkeys.

3. Shiga Kogen

Another internationally renowned ski destination, Shiga Kogen is famous for its vast size and high altitude ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 meters. During the warmer months, it becomes a cool-weather escape with alpine marshes, forests and hikes ranging from casual strolls around small ponds to hikes up to the highest peaks of Shiga Kogen

There are 18 different walking courses to explore and the most iconic is the Ikemeguri Trail. Spanning 9.6 kilometers and taking around 3.5 hours, the trail winds through marshlands and forests, passing by 48 small ponds before reaching Onuma Pond. Here, a wayward vermillion torii gate stands quietly in the cobalt blue water. The trail is well-maintained and is suitable for even beginners.

For easy access to panoramic views, Mt. Yokote is a popular stop. Thanks to the outdoor escalator known as the Skylator, visitors can reach the summit area with minimal effort. From the Manten View Terrace, views stretch across the highlands of Shiga Kogen toward the Northern Japanese Alps. Take a break at the nearby Crumpet Café serves freshly made British-style crumpets and drinks.

Higashitateyama Alpine Botanical Garden, accessible by gondola, is home to over 500 species of rare and fascinating alpine plants. Alongside the flora, you can also enjoy the sweeping views of the Northern Alps.

Shiga Kogen Manten View Terrace

Shiga Kogen Crumpet Cafe

Shiga Kogen Skylator

In winter, Shiga Kogen offers some of the longest-lasting snow conditions in Japan. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing allows you explore the frozen landscapes at your own pace. The area is also famous for its snow monsters, created when ice coats trees in extreme weather conditions.

Access

Take a bus from the east exit of Nagano Station and board the Shiga Kogen Hotel bus to Takaamagara (100 min.).

4.Karuizawa

Located on the border of Nagano and Gunma prefectures, Karuizawa is an international resort town and an easy day trip from Nagano City, just 30 minutes away by bullet train. Here you can enjoy natural splendor, fine dining and shopping to your heart's content.

Just south of Karuizawa Station, the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Mall is one of Japan's largest outlet shopping malls. This outlet mall features over 200 stores ranging from luxury brands to outdoor and sports goods and more. The mall is surrounded by open natural scenery with lush lawns, all to the backdrop of looming Mt. Asama.

The former main street of Karuizawa is located just north of the station. Here you can enjoy the nostalgic Showa-period vibes that adorn the street. Through its brick-paved roads, quaint shops and charming cafes – there’s always a little something to do here.

Karuizawa is not only about shopping, it also has some impressive nature. Spanning 70-meters wide, Shiraito Falls cascades with water that flows like silk from the forested cliffs. The surrounding scenery changes dramatically with the seasons, from lush summer greens to vivid autumn colors. Come winter, the waterfall is lit up creating a cozy atmosphere.

Access

Take a bullet train from Nagano Station to Karuizawa (30 min.). From Karuizawa Station:

• Karuizawa Prince Shopping Mall is a 3-minute walk.
• Shiraito Falls is 25 min. by bus on the Kusakaru line to Shiraito Waterfall bus stop
• Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza Street is 4 min. by bus on the Kusakaru line to Kyu-Karuizawa bus stop

5. Kamikochi

Take a direct bus from Nagano (or series of trains and buses for an early start to Kamikochi, home to some of Japan's most beautiful natural scenery). Breathe in the crisp mountain air, as you pass by emerald green forests surrounded by 3,000-meter-tall peaks.

Boarding a bus to the visitors' center will lead you to its most iconic sight, Kappa Bridge – where the crystal-clear aquamarine water flows beneath. From here you can take the forest trails leading to Myojin Pond, a quaint and serene pond with a lone torii gate awaiting you at the end of the dock.

For a longer walk, consider getting off earlier and venture from serene Taisho Pond. From here, you can take in the views of Mt. Okuhotaka and Mt. Yake, then trekking through marshlands passing pass alpine flora that dots the way and maybe spot some of the local wildlife. The walk from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge around 75 minutes.

Taisho Pond

Trekking through Kamikochi

Entrance to Myojin Pond

Access

By train (Recommended for early starts): From Nagano Station ride to Matsumoto Station, from there catch a train to Shin-Shimashima Station, afterwards ride the bus to Kamikochi.

By bus: From Hotel Metropolitan/Nagano Station board a bus to Kamikochi (180min.).

*Please note that during winter, no buses run to the park and all facilities are closed.

6. Narai-juku

Narai-juku Townscape

Historic roads of Narai-juku's Townscape

Kiso-no-Ohashi Bridge

Narai-juku is one of the 69 post-towns that once lined the historic Nakasendo Trail, connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto. Located in the center of the trail and surrounded by mountains, Narai stretches 1km, making it the longest post town in Japan.

Today, the town’s beautifully preserved streets are lined with traditional wooden buildings, cafes, craft shops and more. Strolling through the townscape will make you feel like a traveler from a time that has long passed.

Access

Take the train from Nagano Station to Narai Station via Matsumoto or Shinonoi Station (120 to 180 min.).

7. Matsumoto City

The second largest city in Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto sits at the foot of the Central Japanese Alps and is an hour train ride away from Nagano City. Home to one of the few surviving castles in Japan, Matsumoto Castle has stood since the 16th century.

Nearby visitors can explore Nawate and Nakamachi Streets, lined with shops and cafes. Or visit several museums such as the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, which showcases works from the Matsumoto-born avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusuma. The city's food scene makes it an excellent destination for sightseeing and dining.

Access

From Nagano Station, take the Shinonoi Line train (80 min.). or the Limited Express Shinano (approx. 50min.). to Matsumoto Station.

8. Obuse Town

The ceiling painting of a phoenix by Katsushika Hokusai at Ganshoin Temple

Obuse Townscape

Inside Hokusai-kan Museum

Catch a train along the Chikuma River east from Nagano City to Obuse Town, a quaint town famous for its chestnut themed cafes and chestnut wood-paved streets. It was once home to the world-renowned ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, known for his work The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Here you can explore the Hokusai-kan Museum that showcases many of his works, or even visit the nearby Gansho-in and marvel at his large ceiling painting of a phoenix. This walkable town has a distinct traditional atmosphere.

Access

Catch the Nagano Dentetsu Line to Obuse Station (approx. 35 min.).

9. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Straddling the border between Nagano and Toyama prefectures, connecting the two across the Mt. Takeyama with cable cars, ropeways and buses.

During the winter, the route is closed as the area is blanketed in heavy snowfall, but from mid-April into June, you can visit its main highlight - the ever-snow walls of Murodo reaching up to 20 meters in height.

Another highlight of the route is the Kurobe Dam, Japan's tallest dam at 186 meters high. From late June to mid-October, it releases 10 tons of water per second into the valley below.

Access

From Nagano Station, take the Ogizawa line bus from the Nagano Station east exit to Ogizawa (105 min.). The Alpine Route begins here and takes you all the way across to Dentetsu Toyama Station.

10. Ueda and Bessho Onsen

Located in Eastern Nagano just a 30-minute ride by bullet train from Nagano City, Ueda is a small city known for Ueda Castle Ruins, the Yanagimachi street of the Hokkoku Kaido Road, and the neighboring hot spring town of Bessho Onsen.

Originally constructed by the Sanada Clan during the Warring States period, Ueda Castle famously repelled two attacks by Tokugawa forces. Its keep has since been destroyed, but the castle ruins come alive with cherry blossoms every April during its senbonzakura (one thousand cherry trees) festival. A short 15-minute walk from the castle ruins is historic Yanagimachi street, part of the old Hokkoku Kaido road and dotted with restaurants, a bakery, sake brewery and miso shop.

Bessho Onsen

Just a short train ride from Ueda Station is Bessho Onsen.

With a history spanning back some 1,400 years, Bessho Onsen is considered one of the oldest hot spring areas in Nagano. The town's narrow lanes are lined with small shops, cozy restaurants and traditional ryokan inns. It is also home to several impressive temples, such as Kitamuki Kannon, facing Zenkoji Temple to the north; and Anrakuji Temple, on whose grounds lies a national treasure, three-tiered octagonal pagoda.

Bessho Onsen Townscape

The three-tiered octagonal pagoda of Anrakuji Temple

Jizo Statues at Anrakuji Temple

Kitamuki Kannon Temple

Access

Catch the JR Shinanoi Line to Ueda Station (45 min.). For Bessho Onsen, then take the Bessho Line to Bessho Onsen (27 min.).

11. Iiyama and Nozawa Onsen

Cycling through the idyllic Iiyama City

Downtown Iiyama

Iiyama Station

The snowy town of Iiyama City is located on the northern point of Nagano Prefecture receives heavy dumps of snow annually. A gateway to popular ski resorts such as Nozawa Onsen and Madarao Kogen, the city itself is sometimes overlooked but full of hidden charms and various outdoor activities.

Bicycles can be rented at Shin'etsu Shinzenkyo inside Iiyama Station, with routes ranging from casual town rides to longer courses towards Nozawa Onsen and Sakae Village (learn more here).

Front of Shin'etsu Shizenkyo Activity Center

Bikes available for day-rentals

Spanning over 110 kilometers along the Sekida Mountains from Mt. Madarao in Iiyama into Niigata Prefecture, the Shin'etsu Trail crosses 16 historic mountain passes. Although the full trail takes several days, it is broken into many day-hikeable sections. The trail runs past beech tree forests, highland marshes, farmhouses and fields of rice paddies.

Nozawa Onsen

The Ogawa hot spring pools of Nozawa Onsen (not for bathing!)

One of Nozawa Onsen's soto-yu baths (Kawaharayu)

The Oyu soto-yu public bath on Nozawa's main street

Nearby Iiyama, the small hot spring village of Nozawa Onsen is known for its charming, winding streets and its namesake ski resort—one of the most popular in Nagano alongside Hakuba and Shiga Kogen. The village is famous for its natural hot spring mineral water that feed into the many ryokan inns and baths.

Day-trippers can enjoy thirteen public bath houses run by local villagers (small donations appreciated).

In early July to late August, the bare slopes of Nozawa Onsen's Ski Resort become gondola-accessible downhill mountain biking park.

Further down is the heart-shaped Lake Hokuryu, resting along borders of Iiyama City and Nozawa Onsen. A popular summer destination, here you can fish, kayak or SUP around the lake.

Access

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano Station to Iiyama Station (10 min.). For Nozawa Onsen, take the Nozawa line bus to Nozawa Onsen (40 min.).