Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
Resort Glamping.com
Nationwide (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu, Kansai, Tokai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa)
July 29, 2026
Nagano Prefecture is packed with diverse attractions, from majestic mountains and historic castles to venerable old temples and charming old townscapes. For first-time visitors to Nagano, we recommend the Matsumoto area; for a resort feel, Karuizawa; for a relaxed, old-world Japan experience, Kiso Valley; and in winter, Jigokudani Monkey Park (snow monkeys) and skiing. This article provides a thorough explanation of recommended tourist spots and model courses for 2026, from Kamikochi to Zenkoji Temple and Karuizawa, as well as luxurious accommodation experiences, specifically for travelers from Taiwan and Hong Kong!
table of contents
Nagano Prefecture is a large area with many scattered attractions, so first, understand the characteristics of each area and the best season to visit to plan your trip efficiently.
| Area | Representative tourist spots | Best season | Recommended Travelers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matsumoto and Kamikochi | Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi (Kappa Bridge) | February - March | For those who love nature |
| Around Nagano City | Zenkoji Temple, Jigokudani Monkey Park | All Year | My first time in Nagano, I love culture and history. |
| Karuizawa | Old Karuizawa Ginza Street, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza | All Year | Resorts, shopping lover |
| Hakuba/Northern Nagano | Hakuba, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort | February - March | Skiing and snowboarding, for the purpose of viewing snow scenery. |
| Kiso Valley | Tsumago-juku, Magome-juku | February - March | Historic streetscape, senior generation |
Matsumoto and Kamikochi are two of Nagano Prefecture's most popular areas. They offer diverse attractions—a national treasure castle and one of Japan's premier mountain resorts—while also being easily accessible, just about an hour's drive away.
It is one of the oldest existing five-story, six-tiered castle towers in Japan. Its black lacquered exterior walls are beautiful, and it is also known as "Karasu-jo" (Crow Castle) because of its reflection in the moat. Inside the tower, you can climb the steep wooden staircase that remains as it was in the past, and from the top floor you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Matsumoto Basin and the Northern Alps towering in the distance. The surrounding "Nawate-dori" and "Nakamachi-dori" streets are perfect spots for a stroll, lined with frog sculptures and traditional storehouse-style buildings. It is an absolute must-see for anyone visiting Nagano for the first time.
Official website: https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp
The view from Kappa Bridge is as beautiful as a postcard. With the majestic Hotaka mountain range as a backdrop, you can enjoy hiking along the promenade from Taisho Pond to Myojin Pond. Private cars are restricted in Kamikochi for environmental protection, so you will need to transfer to a shuttle bus or taxi from Sawando or Hirayu parking lot. It is wise to leave large luggage in the parking lot beforehand. It is very cool even in summer, so bring a light jacket even in July and August. The course that circles along the Azusa River can be completed in about 2 to 3 hours.
Official website: https://www.kamikochi.or.jp/
The area around Nagano City is home to a variety of attractions that everyone can enjoy, from monkeys bathing in hot springs to ancient temples with a thousand-year history.
This is one of Nagano's most popular spots, where you can see the world-famous "Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing in hot springs." In the harsh winter cold, the sight of the monkeys soaking in the open-air baths with their eyes closed in apparent bliss attracts photographers and families from all over the world. It is a rare place to observe wild monkeys up close, but since it is about a 30-minute walk through snowy paths from the parking lot to the park, warm clothing and non-slip shoes are essential during the winter months.
Official website: https://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp
Zenkoji Temple, often described as a place everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, is a thousand-year-old temple that welcomes anyone regardless of their religious affiliation. In addition to the main hall, which is designated a national treasure, the "Okaidan Meguri," a pilgrimage through a pitch-black corridor directly beneath the main image of Buddha where you can touch the "lock to paradise," is an unmissable experience. It is easily accessible, about a 10-minute bus ride from Nagano Station. You can spend a leisurely time there, visiting the "Asaji" (morning service) held in the main hall in the early morning, or browsing the long-established shops lining the approach to the temple, such as the famous Shichimi Togarashi (seven-spice chili powder) shop (Yawata-ya Iso-goro).
These two areas offer a glimpse into Nagano's diverse culture: a modern summer resort and a post town that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period.
Easily accessible from Tokyo by a single Shinkansen bullet train, Karuizawa is one of Japan's leading luxury summer resorts. From café hopping and shopping along the "Old Karuizawa Ginza Street" to nature walks around "Kumoba Pond" and shopping at the "Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (outlet)" near the station, it's a resort that couples and families alike can enjoy. The average summer temperature is significantly lower than in Tokyo, and it has long been a favorite of many celebrities. Renting a bicycle and exploring the villas and beautiful churches offers the ultimate relaxation experience.
Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku, located in the Kiso Valley, are post towns on the Nakasendo, one of the five major highways of the Edo period. The cobblestone streets and wooden townhouses are beautifully preserved, and stepping inside gives you the feeling of having traveled back in time to the Edo period. It is perfect for a relaxed adult getaway or a historical stroll, and the hiking course along the old highway between the two post towns is also popular. In the early morning or at dusk, when there are fewer tourists, the sight of lanterns lit from the eaves and smoke rising from the houses provides the perfect photo opportunity for photography enthusiasts.
Because Nagano Prefecture is so large, careful route planning in advance is crucial to the success of your trip.
・1 night, 2 days (classic course)Nagano Station → Zenkoji Temple → Jigokudani Monkey Park (Snow Monkeys). Using the Shinkansen (bullet train) makes the trip much smoother.
・2 nights, 3 days (the ultimate itinerary)We recommend either combining the above plan with a visit to Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi, or focusing solely on a relaxing stay at a Karuizawa resort.
・Deep travelIt would also be appealing to dedicate a separate day to exploring the old post towns of the Kiso Valley.
Plan your route using the main stations in each area as your base, incorporating local specialties such as "Shinshu soba" noodles and "apple sweets." For a luxurious night's stay, consider combining your trip with a stay at "Yatsugatake PRIVATE WOODS NADA," a high-end glamping facility in the Yatsugatake area.
The bounty of the mountains and fruits nurtured by Nagano's rich natural environment are one of the great pleasures of traveling there.
Nagano Prefecture is a renowned region for soba noodles, representing Japan. The moment you slurp down firm, chilled soba noodles with freshly grated real wasabi is truly special. Enjoying them with local specialties like Nozawana pickles and Shinshu miso appetizers will satisfy both your stomach and your soul. There are many excellent restaurants in Matsumoto, Nagano City, Togakushi, and other areas, so be sure to do some research to plan your lunch.
Nagano Prefecture, with its large temperature difference between day and night, is also famous as a fruit kingdom. You can enjoy fruit picking in the autumn, with its exceptionally sweet apples and high-quality grapes such as Shine Muscat. For a luxurious dinner, be sure to savor steak made from Shinshu beef, which is raised on apples and boasts beautiful marbling, salt-grilled river fish from pristine streams, and fresh Azumino wasabi grown in spring water.
Located in the foothills of the Yatsugatake Mountains, spanning Nagano and Yamanashi prefectures, this is an exceptional private glamping facility. Each of the three large private cottages is equipped with its own private open-air bath and sauna.
Nestled in the forest, the facility is filled with the soothing sounds of birdsong and leaves rustling in the wind. The outdoor living area features a full-fledged campfire pit, allowing you to enjoy a truly luxurious moment at night, savoring ribeye steak from beef raised on apples grown in Shinshu while watching the flickering flames.
Located in Iijima-machi, Kamiina-gun, Nagano Prefecture, "ALPS BASE" is a glamping facility with a superb location overlooking both the Central and Southern Alps.
In addition to experiencing an authentic tent sauna, you can enjoy a variety of activities within the facility, such as playing on playground equipment, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), rainbow trout fishing, and golf.
All guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Enjoy a luxurious time surrounded by nature while savoring fragrant grilled rainbow trout or Shinshu beef BBQ.
This glamping facility is located in Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture, and is easily accessible from Nagoya.
The facility boasts a self-service coffee bar, a jacuzzi where you can enjoy the starry sky, a bathtub with shoulder and waist baths, an authentic barrel sauna, and photogenic spots, among other excellent amenities.
Furthermore, at **"BAR STARDUST"** located in the center of the facility, you can enjoy alcoholic beverages such as beer, shochu, whiskey, and wine, allowing you to fully enjoy a luxurious glamping experience of a higher caliber.
A1. For first-time visitors, we recommend the "Nagano City area (Zenkoji Temple + Jigokudani Monkey Park)," which is easily accessible by the Hokuriku Shinkansen. It's a safe bet as travel is smooth and sightseeing is easy. If you have extra time, the classic route is to extend your trip from there to Matsumoto Castle or Kamikochi.
A2. The best time to visit is from May to October. The alpine plants in summer and the vibrant autumn foliage are especially beautiful during this period. Please note that Kamikochi closes for the winter season in mid-November and remains closed until mid-April of the following year. Therefore, please be aware that sightseeing is not possible during the winter months. Also, private cars are restricted in the area, so you will need to transfer to a shuttle bus or other transportation from a designated parking lot.
A3. Roads and walking trails become extremely slippery during the snowy season. Especially when walking on mountain trails to see snow monkeys or around ski resorts, be sure to bring snow boots or footwear with anti-slip devices (simple crampons). Also, some spots, like Kamikochi, are completely closed during the winter, so be sure to check the facility's operating status and the winter bus schedule before you depart.
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
