Nagano Private Day Tour Zenkoji and Togakushi

Experience the spiritual and cultural heart of Nagano on this private, fully guided day tour with a government-licensed guide and a private vehicle and driver. The highlight is magnificent Zenkoji, one of Japan's most important temples for over 1,400 years, where your guide leads you along the lively Nakamise approach and into the grand main hall. From there you can venture into the mountains to Togakushi Shrine, whose inner sanctuary is reached beneath an awe-inspiring avenue of giant cedars, with ties to ninja and ascetic traditions. The tour also reveals Nagano's samurai past in the Matsushiro castle town, home of the cunning Sanada clan and their treasure museum, and the artistic charm of nearby Obuse, where the great painter Hokusai left masterpieces at the Hokusai-kan and Ganshoin Temple. Because this is a private tour, the pace and itinerary flex around your interests, making it easy to enjoy the very best of Nagano comfortably in a single day.

1. 1

   Shinshu Zenkoji Hombo Daikanjin Temple

   1 hour

   Zenkoji is one of Japan's most important and beloved temples, founded some 1,400 years ago and home to a hidden Buddha statue revered as the country's oldest. Stroll the lively Nakamise approach and into the grand main hall with your guide, who explains the temple's history and the famous pitch-black 'okaidan' passage beneath the altar.

2. 2

   Yawataya Isogoro Honten

   30 min

   Located at Daimoncho, main area of Zenkoji temple, our store serves as a base for publicizing Yawataya Isogoro's history of 280 years. We have a line-up of products including Shichimikan (can of shichimi-tokarashi) and prepare shichimi to a customer's liking. Additionally "Spice gelato" has got good reputation.

3. 3

   Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum Higashiyama Kaii Gallery

   30 min

   To the east of Zenkoji Temple is Nagano City’s oldest Park, Jo-yama. Inside the park is a small zoo, a pool, and, in one corner, the Shinano Art Museum / Higashiyama Kaii Gallery. Here, at Nagano’s only prefectural art museum, are a collection of works related to the beautiful natural scenery of Nagano, primarily the semi-abstract landscape works of Higashiyama Kaii. The gallery features over 950 articles.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   30 min

   Located in the elevation of 1,200 meters, the pond mirrors the shifting seasons of Togakushi mountain range. The fresh green of spring and the cool breeze of summer are equally beautiful, but no match for the breathtaking scenery of fall, when the entire mountain range glows in autumnal colors. Morning is the best time to experience the pond mirroring the Togakushi Mountains. It also has promenade around the pond, which is connected to Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden.

5. 5

   Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum

   30 min

   Near Togakushi's middle shrine, this folk and ninja museum explores the legendary Togakure school of ninjutsu that flourished in these mountains. With your guide, see ninja tools and exhibits and try the tricky trick-house maze, a fun and hands-on look at ninja history.

6. 6

   Togakushi Shrine

   40 min

   Nestled in the mountains north of the city, Togakushi Shrine is a revered complex of shrines linked by forest trails. The approach to the Okusha inner shrine passes beneath a magnificent avenue of towering centuries-old cedar trees. Your guide shares the area's myths and its ties to ninja and mountain ascetic traditions.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.