The 7 Walking Tours in Nagano That Earn Their Price

1.Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 58 reviews · 3 hours · from $63Our pick

Follow a historic route from Matsumoto Station to Japan’s famous black castle, where guides such as Tom, Shin, Naomi, and Kei explain its samurai past. Then browse Nawate’s frog-themed shops and Nakamachi’s craft stores, cafes, and restaurants on a small-group, three-hour walk.

“What an amazing tour! I was fortunate to be the only person in the tour, and the tour guide (whose name I have forgotten!) was really approachable and friendly. She introduced a lot of information about Matsumoto Castle, the history and its people, as well as some facts about the city and its shrines. Also fortunate to experience Matsumoto in snow (apparently it is very rare) so got to take some amazing pictures! Highly recommended if you are ever visiting Matsumoto.”

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2.Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · from $91Top rated

Spend about three hours with a local guide such as Masa or Kasumi exploring Zenkoji’s temple town, neighborhood shrines, and back streets. You’ll try two oyaki, sake, miso soup, matcha, and Japanese sweets, with photographs sent afterward.

“Love the food and talking to Masa. The experience was very personable, informative, interesting at a relaxed pace and fun.”

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3.Matsumoto Discovery – Half Day Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · from $64

Meet an English-speaking, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter at Matsumoto Station for a three-hour private or small-group walk. Choose Matsumoto Castle, museums, shopping streets, or nearby Daio Wasabi Farm, with guides such as Tom, Naomi, Shin, Kevin, and Sylvain tailoring the route to your interests.

“Everything- our tour guide was so professional and knowledgeable. We learnt so much about Matsumoto in a couple of hours. I even managed to climb the steep castle stairs at 76!”

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4.From Matsumoto/Nagano: Nakasendo Trail Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 33 reviews · 1 day · from $189

Join an English-speaking guide such as Shawn, Sijung, Kim, or Joyce for an 8-km walk from Tsumago to Magome. Expect Edo-era paving, waterfalls, old post towns, moderate hills, and long bus rides from Matsumoto or Nagano.

“It was a great and beautiful hike. The tour guides were very informative. They took many breaks along the way, which was nice after each incline.”

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5.Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 2 hours · from $63

Meet your English-speaking guide at Starbucks in MIDORI Nagano for a two-hour walk to Zenkoji Temple, a 300-year-old brewery, and a preserved sake factory. Taste five or more sakes, three amazake drinks, miso soup, pickles, and local snacks with guides such as Masa and Marcel.

“Masa was an excellent guide! He is very knowledgeable and provided valuable insights into Japanese culture. The tour included the Zenkoji Temple and an extensive Sake tasting. He's even a talented photographer and provides great recommendations for hidden eateries in the area. I would highly recommend his tour when traveling through Nagano!”

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6.Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 3 hours · from $88

Meet your English-speaking guide at Nagano Station for a three-hour small-group walk through Zenkoji’s temple town. You’ll taste fire-warmed oyaki, soba tea, sake, miso, and matcha, while guides such as Masa and Takuma explain local food, religion, and back-street life.

“Masa was a very knowledgeable and friendly guide who obviously loved Nagano and knew it well. He gave us a lovely personalised walking tour (there was only my husband and I on the tour) around the Zenkoji temple and provided lots of information about Japanese culture and religion and Nagano in particular. The food tasting was great too, especially the delicious Oyaki, cooked over hot fire, and the Matcha icecream went down a treat on a hot day. Highly recommended.”

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7.Tateyama-Kurobe Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · 1 day · from $232

Travel from Nagano to Murodo at 2,450 meters by bus, tunnel trolley bus, ropeway, and electric car. An English-speaking guide such as Kieron, Orlando, Luki, or Jans helps you manage each transfer, explains mountain worship, and leads an easy alpine walk.

“The highlight of my trip to Japan! What a beautiful location, and experience. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and it made the experience very enjoyable being able to talk in english to each other. Kieron is very friendly, patient and polite- the best tour guide! Thanks again”

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