Top 20 Best Things to Do in Nagano Prefecture
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Nagano Prefecture

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Nozawa Onsen Snow Resorttop_1
    󰺂5.4
    929.82
    Nozawaonsen38.5 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoNozawa Ski Resort: Japan's Largest Ski Paradise | Dec 2025-May 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Enjoy high-quality snow at a Japanese ski resort
    A variety of ski slopes for the whole family
    4.7/5
    旅する主婦旅する主婦

    There are hot springs in many places, and you can enter them for free. They are very hot, but they feel good. The quality of the snow at the ski resorts depends on the day, but it is good, and you can enjoy long courses.

  • Kamikōchitop_2
    󰺂5.4
    Matsumoto66 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Nagano Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󱓊Rare high-altitude large plain
    󱓊Majestic mountains & stunning views
    󱨠Saved by 249 users󱨠66% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    BossMan187BossMan187

    Most beautiful valleys and rivers in Japan. I travelled many countries but this was amazing in all aspects. Superb experience. You can do it in one day but better to sleep over 1 night if hotels nearby available. I went with a bus from Nagoya a 3hrs journey 1 way.

  • Matsumoto Castletop_3
    󰺂5.4
    Matsumoto49.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Nagano Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󰋄Charming cherry blossoms & foliage
    󰋄Matsumoto panoramic view & castle
    󱨠Saved by 194 users󱨠104 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    _TI***e3_TI***e3

    Very beautiful castle, especially with cherry blossom trees in full bloom

  • Narai-juku
    4
    󰺂4.8
    Shiojiri82.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Nagano Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󱓊Edo architecture & seasonal beauty
    󰋄Edo buildings & historic town
    󱨠Saved by 113 users
    4.8/5
    Romi✈︎Romi✈︎

    A place where you can travel back in time to old Japan. You can feel the charm and elegance, and wherever you look is picturesque. There are not only foreign tourists, but also many Japanese tourists! It was a wonderful place where you could feel the good old culture of Japan. In Narai-juku, you can eat your way around, and I was able to try delicious dango shops, rice cracker shops, and Nagano's specialty oyaki ☺️

  • Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort
    5
    󰺂4.8
    480.24
    Otari30.1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    5.0/5
    YKBJYKBJ

    Tsugaike was so much better for us newbies compared to happo-one. so many more choices for beginner runs and so many more choices for food. Even have 4-20 pies!!!

  • Ryuoo Ski Park
    6
    󰺂4.7
    Yamanouchi28.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 8 of Ski Resorts in Nagano Prefecture
    4.7/5
    乐吃购乐吃购

    "Ryuo Ski Park" is famous for its beautiful scenery while skiing. The highest point of the ski slope in the park reaches 1,930 meters above sea level. There are 18 ski slopes of varying difficulty, winding to 850 meters above sea level. Travelers can ski while enjoying the spectacular scenery that changes with the altitude. In addition to the beautiful scenery, there are also a variety of amusement facilities here, so adults and children can have fun. Another eye-catching point is the "SORA terrace cafe" with a superb view at an altitude of 1,770 meters. You can enjoy the ever-changing sea of ​​clouds, which is like a dream and beautiful, bringing you a perfect winter entertainment feast.

  • Tsumago-juku
    7
    󰺂4.7
    Nagiso>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Cherry blossoms & autumn foliage
    󱓊Well-preserved Edo-era town
    4.2/5
    行摄一路行摄一路

    Tsumago-juku is located in Kiso County, Nagano Prefecture, central Japan. It is one of the 69 post stations on the Nakasendo Road, and is ranked 42nd from Edo (Tokyo). The Nakasendo Road is a road connecting Edo and Kyoto, and the so-called "post stations" are the post stations along the way. Tsumago-juku was once a transportation hub and was bustling, but it gradually declined due to the construction of railways in the Meiji period. In the Showa period, Japan launched a movement to protect ancient buildings, and Tsumago-juku was fortunately preserved. Today, walking in the post station, you will feel like you have returned to the Edo period.

  • Jigokudani Yaen-Koen
    8
    󰺂4.3
    Yamanouchi26.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Small museum showcases monkey ecology
    󱓊Monkeys & hot springs in spring
    󱨠Saved by 319 users󱨠28% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    牦牛团子牦牛团子

    It's a very fun place and worth a visit. I went there with my family during Christmas in the winter of 2024. The snow scenery was beautiful, and I saw the legendary cute monkeys soaking in hot springs in the snow-capped mountains!

  • Lake Suwa
    9
    󰺂4.1
    Okaya67.5 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoYour Name Filming Location
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Nagano Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󰋄360° view of Lake Suwa
    󱓊"Your Name" filming location attraction
    󱨠43% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    小兵妞妞小兵妞妞

    It's not bad. You can go around. There are other attractions nearby, all around the lake. Nice place. There are some ski resorts around. If you are tired, you can stay in the hot spring hotel here at night. It's very comfortable.

  • Shiraito Waterfall
    10
    󰺂4.1
    Karuizawa45.5 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Nagano Prefecture
    Highlights:
    󱓊Experience diverse seasonal landscapes
    󰀆Waterfall rainbow view platform
    󱨠Saved by 111 users󱨠35% positive reviews
    4.6/5
    翱翔的大鲨鱼翱翔的大鲨鱼

    This is a popular spot. The slender and majestic waterfall is right in front of you, and the water seems to splash on you. No matter how hot it is in summer, you will feel a little cold standing in front of the waterfall. The nearby Shiraito Falls Exchange Village has a restaurant, an observation deck, a fishing pond for Yamame fish, etc. The facilities are complete, and the Yamame fish you catch can be exchanged for grilled fish for 100 yen each. The beautiful scenery of Itoshima overlooking from the nearby area is also not to be missed.

Best things to do in Nagano Prefecture (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Nagano Prefecture? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Nagano Prefecture offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Nagano Prefecture

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Nagano Prefecture experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort

• Nozawaonsen | 38.5 km from downtown

• : Enjoy high-quality snow at a Japanese ski resort,A variety of ski slopes for the whole family

Kamikōchi

• Matsumoto | 66 km from downtown

• : Rare high-altitude large plain,Majestic mountains & stunning views

Matsumoto Castle

• Matsumoto | 49.7 km from downtown

• : Charming cherry blossoms & foliage,Matsumoto panoramic view & castle

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Nagano Prefecture

If you want to explore attractions just outside Nagano Prefecture, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Nagano Prefecture, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Nagano Prefecture special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Nagano Prefecture

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Nagano Prefecture

Ready to explore the best of Nagano Prefecture? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Nagano Prefecture?
These are all Best Things to Do in Nagano Prefecture:Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort, Kamikōchi, Matsumoto Castle, Narai-juku, Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Nagano Prefecture?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Nagano Prefecture include:Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort:4.7, Kamikōchi:4.8, Matsumoto Castle:4.8, Narai-juku:4.8, Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort:5.0
At what locations in Nagano Prefecture can Best Things to Do in Nagano Prefecture be found?
The Best Things to Do in Nagano Prefecture are mainly located in:Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort:Nozawaonsen, Kamikōchi:Matsumoto, Matsumoto Castle:Matsumoto, Narai-juku:Shiojiri, Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort:Otari
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