Top Nagano Prefecture Outdoor Activities

Explore the magnificent temples and natural wonders of Nagano on a full-day tour and benefit from the undivided attention of a private guide. Visit the famous Zenkoji Temple and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, enjoy lunch (own expense) in Obuse Town, then choose a soak in the hot springs at Shibu Onsen.

Enjoy fun winter activities and visit the famous Japanese snow monkeys during this full-day trip to the Shiga Kogen Highlands in Nagano. Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can observe wild macaques bathing in the area hot springs. After a warm, delicious lunch, you have time for sledding, snow bikes, snow scooters, and a lift ride up the 5,800-foot (1,900-meter) slope of a famous area ski resort.

Experience the best of Japan - the thrill of deep powder, the beauty of an unique culture, and the fun of a great guided tour. Enjoy some of the most amazing snow on planet earth, stay in a truly authentic Japanese ski village where you are the minority, visit mom and pop restaurants and mix with the locals, be entertained by Geisha, Taiko Drum, Shimansen Guitar, Lion Dance and Karate performances, visit the world famous Snow Monkeys, walk through ancient castles, temples and shrines and relax in natural hot pools. Where other companies may talk up the cultural aspects of Japan we include them in our tours so you get a truly authentic Japanese ski experience. And best of all you get to share this all with a group of like minded ski and snowboard enthusiasts, all hosted by instructor/guides who are just plain passionate about what they do for you as our testimonials attest to. And don’t forget our hidden gems that we leave as a surprise for you on your journey with us at JPC Tours.

Check out Japan’s famous cherry blossom blooms and see snow monkeys on a full-day trip from Nagano. After visiting the Jigokudani Monkey Park, you’ll stop for lunch, then visit several different ‘hanami’ spots to admire the cherry blossom trees. This seasonal experience runs from April to the end of May, allowing you to take in the later blooms of the mountainous northern Nagano region.

Japan’s Nagano prefecture is widely regarded as the country’s winter capital, due to its snowy landscapes and premium ski spots. Visit one of Japan’s most famous winter spots on a 3.5-hour tour of Jigokudani Monkey Park from Shimotakai-gun. Marvel at red-faced Japanese macaques as they bathe in steaming ‘onsen’ (hot springs) and follow walking trails rife with flora and fauna.

Experience the nature and culture of beautiful Nagano on this all-day excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, head out with an informative local guide and bicycle through apple orchards along the Chikuma River, watch macaques bathe in their natural habitat at Snow Monkey Park, relax in a hot spring at Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen villages, and treat yourself to delicious chestnuts in Obuse.

Walking along the 400-year-old lined cedar trees and walking on the frozen lake experience are special experiences that can only be found here. Let's explore the winter of Togakushi, where mountain ascetics have been practicing the mountain worship since ancient times. 樹齢400年の杉の並木と凍った湖を歩く体験は、ここ以外ではできない特別な体験です。古くより修験者が厳しい修行をしてきた戸隠の冬をスノーシューを履いて探検しましょう！

Shiga Kogen surrounded by the great nature of Joshinetsu Kogen National Park The Snowshoe Asahiyama course will guide you through courses with ups and downs while enjoying the appearance of animals and plants that survive the harsh nature of winter. The second largest loquat pond on the Shiga Kogen, the summit of Asahiyama overlooking the surrounding mountains, and walking on the frozen pond of Ichinuma.

Experience the dramatic mountain landscape of Chubu Sangaku National Park and visit the immense snow walls of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This day trip departs from Nagano Station and includes a ticket for round-trip rail transport with your guide. Traveling with a maximum of 15 passengers in your small group ensures an intimate atmosphere.

Shinanoji Nature Trail is a hiking course about 10km in length, which is almost a descent from the peak teahouse. Walk about 7,5 km to the hot spots in Oze, which has many attractions. A downhill trek is relaxed while being healed by the colorful miscellaneous trees and larch forest. You can also see the two famous Karuizawa waterfalls (Shiraito Falls and Dragon Falls) along the way. This course is recommended for people who are not always confident in their physical fitness, and young and old alike, since the entire trip is almost a descent. From Oze Onsen, it is also possible to return to the peak chaya parking lot by bus or directly to Karuizawa Station.

Over the course of two days of an easy walk (self-guided tour) along the Nakasendo road and one overnight stay at a Minshuku (family run lodging), immerse yourself in Japan's folkloric landscapes between the villages of Nakatsugawa and Tsumago. During Japan's feudal period (1603-1868), the Nakasendo road was one of the five routes that linked the economic hub, Tokyo, to the imperial capital, Kyoto. Unlike the Tokaido road, which was replaced by today's Shinkansen train, the Nakasendo was saved from rampant modernization and still upholds an old-fashioned charm. Created by general Tokugawa in order to assert his political domination, the route spans a distance of 534 kilometers and includes 69 rest stops. Its name literally means "mountain road" and is a means of communication in case of a large flood on the Tokaido: the coastal road. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

You will go around famous sightseeing spots in Hokushin (Northern Nagano) area. First, you will see the Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park worldly known for its snow monkeys. Then you will go to Obuse Town, which is reputed for its town renewal project vitalizing the historical heritages such as Hokusai Katsushika.

Tour highlights: A long time ago, it was said that it was the most difficult place on Nakasendo. In this tour, we will aim for a scenic spot from the former Karuizawa Ginza through the boardwalk of the Suigaki Pass. The trail through the wooded villa has a promenade, and it takes about 1 hour to arrive at the viewing station. From the view point, the scenic views of Mt. Asama and Mt. As it is a simple hiking course, you can participate regardless of age and sex. As it will be disbanded freely at the view point, you can stop at Kumano Imperial Shrine and take a break at a teahouse and the like. On the way back, you can either return on the way you came, or take the bus back to the old Karuizawa. Travel time: Former Karuizawa Ginza ⇒ (碓 峠 promenade) 見 Mikarudai (local dissolution) * For each return trip, either return on the way or go to old Karuizawa by bus.

A pottering tour around the farm area and the gourmet spot in the farm area and the starting point of Karuizawa. While cycling, you will be able to have a confectionery experience of making harvest and jam at the berry garden, and for lunch you can enjoy the vegetables that you picked yourself at the farm as a salad lunch on the spot. If it is fine, a large panorama of Mount Asama spreads along the course. Karuizawa's unique tandem (bicycle) is recommended for families.

Kiso Valley, best known for the Magome and Tsumago traditional villages, is another beautiful spot in the Japanese Alps. With one of the most famous hiking paths in all Japan, we set foot there on our quest for traditional Japan. Magome and Tsumago are two beautifully preserved traditional villages. This value-packed Nakasendo trail day hike between Magome and Tsumago with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore both of the ancient post towns! It is about 8 kilometres (5 miles) long and has only gentle elevation changes which takes around 2 hours to easy walk at a leisurely pace. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Nationally and State Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

On this guided tour, you are visiting the primitive forest in Myoko-Togakushi renzan National Park. The guide is a national licensed English translator guide as well as a licensed trekking guide. You will learn a lot about the history, nature, and the local culture of north Nagano. After the snow melt in late April, lots kind of flowers ( so called spring ephemeral) start to bloom on the ground of the forest. In July to August, it's the best place for avoiding the summer heat, and in fall, the leaves change its color to the gorgeous autumn colors. The forest in here are mostly the mix of beech, oak, and many other broadleaf trees. Some of those trees are more than 400 years old.. In the forest, you may also find a charcoal kiln or a small shinto shrine from olden times. Even in this deep mountainous area, people used to live and use the forest for their lives since ancient times. Let's explore the north Nagano's hidden gem together.

Let's enjoy snow trekking through Tsuboniwa to a beautiful lava plateau. You can enjoy the silver world as far as the eye can see, including diamond dust where the moisture in the air has been frozen by the cold, and the scene where the Shirabiso and Osirabiso forests are transformed by snow and ice. Have an inspiring time playing in the snow and having a snowball fight! Beginners can enjoy snowshoeing with ease. Enjoy the great nature as far as the eye can see, such as icy trees, snowfields, and white birch forests. Walking and lying down on the fluffy fresh snow can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Find rabbit and antelope tracks, as well as the bed of a Japanese deer.

After filling your water bottle with refreshing natural water, begin your venture to reach Mt. Kirigamine through Venus Line on an e-bike. The E-bike will make it a much more relaxing ride. Your guide will explain the must-see sights and what makes the area special. Enjoy the unique view of many famous Japanese mountains at the observatories.

Missed cherry blossoms in Tokyo? If you arrived in Tokyo too late for the cherry blossoms, don't give up yet. Cherry blossoms tend to bloom here in northern Nagano about two weeks later than those around central Tokyo. It only takes about 100 mins to be here from Tokyo station by Hokuriku Shinkansen. Cycling tour is a great way to experience a beautiful countryside of Japan and visit popular sightseeing spots around Iiyama city. The rural landscape with lush mountain scenery is dotted with traditional old houses. Let's go find a simple life of local people in Japan countryside with us! - Friendly and informative local guide. - Stopping at cherry blossom spots during the blossoming season. - Exploring beautiful, yet completely different scenery with Japan's distinct four seasons. - Total cycling distance is 15km/9.3miles - Mostly flat route, easy for riders of basic fitness. - Discover unique traditions and life styles in a harsh winter.

It is a trekking tour with an exclusive guide to the summit of the small Asama mountain of the Asama mountain foot. Koasayama is a parasitic volcano on the eastern foot of Mt. Asama at an altitude of 1,655 m. A guide will guide you through the formation and vegetation of Mt. Asama and aim at the summit. As it is about two and a half hours by round trip, if you are new to mountain climbing, you can feel free to participate regardless of age or sex. From the top of the mountain covered by the volcano, the spectacular Mt. Asama and the wonderful prospects await.

Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort offers a fairly even mix of all levels of slopes and interests to suit everyone with 36 Ski Runs, the longest around 10km with 21 Lifts and Gondolas operating. After Breakfast, the lifts open around 8.45am hit the slopes. After a big day skiing it's time to experience the Onsens (hot springs) for which Nozawa is famous for dating back way back in the 8th Century. That evening try one of the many fantastic places to eat during your stay. The meals are sensational and cheap, the restaurants are a lot smaller and chances are it’s run by just two or three people! Exclusive to our guests staying at a distance from the slopes is the use of the Ski Locker – located just below the main Nagasaka Gondola. Free overnight Ski and Snowboard storage (boots to be stored in your lodge dry room) Can click in over the road and ski down to Karasawa connection lift or just walk up to the Gondola. The team is on site mornings and evenings if any assistance is needed.

【OUTLINE】 Explore Nagano’s Togura Kamiyamada Onsen area by bicycle and learn about life in the Japanese countryside with explanation by a local guide. You will see examples of traditional Japanese houses in an old residential area, have a talk with farmers in apple orchards and rice paddy fields, touch the Japanese spirits in a shrine with a sumo ring and a temple with a thatched roof, and view the scenery of the river and surrounding mountains from the Chikuma River Cycling Road. And lastly, have soft ice cream while taking a footbath.

Kamikochi is a popular resort in the Northern Japan Alps, offering some of Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery. With one of the most famous hiking paths in all Japan, we set foot there on our quest for traditional Japan. Kamikochi hiking course along the Azusa River is well maintained and almost flat. This value-packed trail day hike with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Japan Alps! It is about 3.5 kilometres (2 miles) long and has only gentle elevation changes which takes around 2-4 hours to easy walk at a leisurely pace. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hours tour that's best for you! Note*1: Nationally and State Licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Japan Snowsports is a group of highly qualified and experienced instructors who are passionate about snow sports and Japan. Next to improving your skills to the best of your ability they will show you the best Japan has to offer.