Japan · WALKING TOURS IN NAGANO
Start at the top. These 8 walking tours in Nagano are the ones we would put a day against, each with its price, its running time and the detail that decides it.
Spend three hours walking from Matsumoto Station to the city’s castle by an old samurai approach, then explore Nawate Street and Nakamachi. Your English-speaking guide, often Tom, Shin, Naomi, Tim, or Kei, explains the castle, local customs, shrines, shops, and street layout. Castle admission is included, but expect steep, narrow stairs inside the tower.
“Lived the guide - brilliant couldn’t do enough. Tim was his name”
Meet your guide, often Masa, Kasumi, or Tak, outside Starbucks at Nagano Station for a three-hour walk through Zenkoji’s temple town. You’ll eat wood-fired oyaki, sample sake and miso soup, visit local shops, and enjoy matcha with Japanese sweets. Small groups, local access, and complimentary photos make this a useful first look at Nagano.
“Our family had a great tour with Masa while on a stopover in Nagano. The food was delicious, and it was interesting to get a more personal perspective on the sights we visited. We would definitely recommend this one to anyone!”
Spend about three hours with an English-speaking, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Matsumoto. The usual route covers Matsumoto Castle, Nawate Shopping District, and Nakamachi Street, but guides such as Tom, Naomi, Shin, Kevin, and Sayuko can shape the walk around your interests. Castle admission is included, while transport, food, and souvenirs are extra.
“This was the perfect way to get a sense of the layout and history of Matsumoto simply by walking around and orienting yourself to a historical map of Matsumoto. And then to do an informed castle visit, as well. Kevin was a great guide -- recommended!”
Travel from Matsumoto to Tsumago, then walk 8 km of the old Nakasendo highway to Magome with an English-speaking guide. Enter a traditional inn and horse stable, pass waterfalls and quiet hamlets, and finish with time to browse Magome. Transport is included, but lunch is not.
“Kevin was a great guide traveling along the old Nakasendo trail. He knows the history and is an avid hiker in Japan. You will experience some of what commuters faced back in the day traveling between Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). Bring fit legs (some stairs) and you will have a great time.”
Join an English-speaking guide such as Shawn, Kim, Joyce, or Sijung for an 8-km walk through the Kiso Valley, from Tsumago’s wooden post town to Magome’s sloped main street. You’ll ride from Matsumoto or Nagano, visit waterfalls and traditional houses, and have time for food and shopping in Magome. The hike has moderate climbs and descents.
“This tour is brilliant . We had a great time walking with the guide Shawn. He was so full of info on the trail and more than willing to take photos of us on the trail, just a genuine nice guy. The weather was brilliant which just added to the amazing scenery that is full of history . If you like a nice handy hike this is a must. Would recommend 100%”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Starbucks in MIDORI Nagano for a two-hour walk through the Zenkoji district. Taste more than five local sakes, three amazake drinks, plum wine, miso soup, pickles, and soy sauce beans. Guides such as Masa and Marcel add local food tips, cultural context, and casual photos.
“Masa was a great guide, showed us more than we expected around Nagano including his favourite eating spots and local delicacies.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Nagano Station for a three-hour walk through Zenkoji’s temple town. You’ll taste fire-warmed oyaki, soba tea, sake with small bites, and matcha with sweets. Guides including Masa and Takuma share local history, food customs, and useful Nagano tips while taking you through back streets and neighborhood businesses.
“An excellent tour to learn more about Nagano. Has lots of variety and Masa provided the history of each destination. Good food and sake tasting spots for a little break on the tour.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Nagano Station at 08:15 for a full day on the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Ride several mountain transports to Murodo at 2450 meters, walk alpine trails beneath Mount Tate, and see Kurobe Dam. Guides including Kieron, Orlando, Luki, and Jans have led recent departures. Bring lunch and warm layers.
“Nosso dia foi perfeito as paisagens lindas e maravilhosas principalmente com a nossa guia Luki que fez nosso dia ser ainda mais especial. Fala super bem inglês e muito simpática, educada e carismática recomendo a empresa e o motorista também muito pontual o carro limpo e organizado e confortável.”
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