Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Togakushi delivers a spiritual journey through ancient cedar forests where five sacred shrines have stood for 2,000 years. Hike misty mountain trails to discover vermillion torii gates and temple bells echoing through the trees. The Ninja Museum adds a dash of warrior history while traditional soba shops serve hand-cut noodles made from local buckwheat. Mountain lodges and ryokan inns offer tatami rooms and communal baths after a day of exploration. A hire car works best for navigating the area since buses from Nagano Station run limited schedules. Most shops and restaurants close early, creating peaceful evenings perfect for stargazing in the clear mountain air.
Matsushiro
Matsushiro lets history buffs step back in time to Japan's feudal era without the usual tourist crowds. Samurai residences with dark wooden facades and clay-roofed structures line quiet streets, while Matsushiro Castle ruins provide perfect cherry blossom viewing. Museums housed in Edo-period buildings showcase ancient armour, scrolls, and local artefacts that tell Nagano's storied past. Traditional restaurants serve regional specialities like mountain-fresh soba noodles, though most close early evening. Getting around requires a car or taxi from Nagano Station, but narrow streets make exploring the historical sites on foot a pleasure. Ryokans and minshuku guesthouses offer authentic overnight experiences with tatami rooms and peaceful garden views.
Lake Nojiri's pristine waters reflect snow-capped Northern Japanese Alps in Kurita, a haven for hot spring lovers. Traditional ryokans with steaming outdoor onsen baths dot the shoreline, inviting you to soak your cares away. Hiking trails wind through alpine forests, leading to breathtaking mountain vistas that change with each season. Traditional kaiseki restaurants in ryokans serve seasonal mountain vegetables and fresh lake fish. Most accommodation include meals, featuring local soba noodles and mountain herbs. With limited public transit, a hire car is your best bet for exploring this peaceful countryside retreat.
Minaminagano
Minaminagano is the laid-back, less touristy side of Nagano that lets you peek into real Japanese suburban life. Centred around the convenient Minami-Nagano Station, it's perfect for travellers who want to connect to major attractions without the tourist markup. Several small temples like Saiko-ji and Junen-ji offer peaceful spots to wander between train rides. The area shines with affordable family restaurants serving simple Japanese comfort food that won't break your wallet. Basic business hotels and budget ryokan provide clean, functional rooms for travellers who care more about exploring than fancy lobbies. With regular trains to central Nagano and beyond, you've got the perfect launch pad for adventures throughout the region.
Minamichitose
Minamichitose gives you a slice of real Japanese suburban life without the touristy chaos. This quiet Nagano area invites you to slow down and appreciate the everyday rhythm of local families going about their business. Small family-run eateries serve up authentic Japanese comfort food while nearby temples offer peaceful spots for reflection. Getting around might require some patience as bus service is limited, so consider renting a bicycle like the locals do. Budget-friendly guesthouses and family minshuku provide clean, comfortable stays with opportunities to connect with welcoming hosts who appreciate basic Japanese greetings.
Catch an event at M-Wave Olympic Memorial Arena during your trip to Nagano. While in this culturally rich area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Skiers and snowboarders might want to test out the slopes at Togakushi Ski Area, a skiing spot located 9.2 mi (14.8 km) from central Nagano. If you master the slopes, Iizuna Kogen Ski Area is also located nearby.
Nagano is well known for its skiing and hot springs, featuring attractions such as Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum and Zenko-ji Temple. Sights include M-Wave Olympic Memorial Arena and Nagano City Museum and visitors speak highly of the city's temples.
The air of Nagano Winter Olympics 98 still lingers. Abit down beat in places though. The Snow monkeys are a must. Fantastic experience + snow mountain walk to get there. Zenkoji Temple and surrounding area is stunning. Ancient and romantic. Beautiful
Richard
10.0/10
Excellent
You can walk to a castle and an underground WWII bunker. There is also a ramen restaurant run by local body builder. Check it out. It is worth it!!!
Szymon
10.0/10
Excellent
We enjoyed Nagano but were disappointed in Gondo shopping mall. We did a day trip to Togakushi and the forests and temples were beautiful. The Ninja museum was fantastic. We also enjoyed a day trip to Matsumoto and the castle. Highly recommend Nagano
Anonymous traveler
10.0/10
Excellent
We didn't know what to expect at Nagano but ended up loving the trip, it was a very scenic and peaceful location, conveniently located at the centre of our trips to other locations and ski resorts. Loved it!
Douglas
8.0/10
Good
Conveniently a base for day trips. I did enjoy Matsumoto and the castle. Astonishing!
IAIA
10.0/10
Excellent
Loved Nagano city. Plenty to explore including the castle and gardens.
Ian
8.0/10
Good
Nagano tourist service was excellent in providing advice for our visit to the snow monkeys.
Lionel
10.0/10
Excellent
Visiting the Snow Monkey Park was an experience we will remember forever. The take-out sashimi and sushi from the grocery store next to the hotel could compete with a five-star restaurant. The local fruit, honey, and liquor were great, too.
Anonymous traveler
8.0/10
Good
Nagano was pleasant with good links, but very little else to draw one back.
"You can walk straight to this hotel from the JR Nagano station via the connecting skywalk. Note that this Sotetsu inn is sharing a complex building with other businesses such as Don Quijote. Room is quiet and comfortable. "
"This hotel offers the best value for money of all the places I stayed during my trip to Japan. I had originally planned to stay for only three nights but ended up canceling my bookings in Niigata and extending my stay by two more nights because it was so comfortable.
Nagano’s water quality is exceptional — the shower water is incredibly soft, and I could immediately notice the difference compared to Tokyo. The hotel’s breakfast quickly became the highlight of my day. I really needed more vegetables and fruits during my trip, but since Nagano’s restaurants tend to serve mostly carbohydrate-heavy dishes, this breakfast was a lifesaver.
The staff here are also outstanding — they go out of their way to accommodate travelers. Guests can even rent bicycles from the hotel to explore the city. Its location is within walking distance of the train station, and for those heading to Hakuba or Togakushi, there are always shuttle buses available from the station."
"Lovely clean, friendly hotel that is near the station so easy to get to. The breakfast is wonderful and complimentary noodles are served each evening. The spa facilities are great with lovely products which are all complimentary. There is ice cream to enjoy for free after the onsen and free juice and coffee in reception! A great stay! "
"Un excellent hôtel. Bonne localisation proche de la gare. Bon rapport qualité/prix. Hôtel propre, chambres confortables. Prenez une chambre rénovée, vous ne serez pas déçus!"
"This hotel is so conveniently located right by the train station! Super clean and cozy! The staff were so friendly and respectful! They also have free bike rentals which was amazing! "
Can I book a refundable accommodation option in Nagano?
If you want the flexibility to change your plans to Nagano, most hotels offer refundable* rates that you can book. You can find this accommodation by searching our site and using the "fully refundable" filter to narrow the results down.
Where can I stay in Nagano if I want a holiday rental instead of a hotel?
If you want to find a good alternative to a hotel, review our selection of 26 holiday homes.
What will the weather in Nagano be like during my visit?
The warmest months in Nagano are usually August and July, with an average temperature of 21°C. January and February are the chilliest months, when the average temperature is 0°C. The rainiest months are July and December.
Why should I book my Nagano hotel with Hotels.com?
There are plenty of reasons to book your Nagano travel with us: our free cancellations on selected hotels* gives you the flexibility you're looking for, our Price Guarantee ensures that you always get the lowest price, and you can earn rewards on every booking.
Find out more about Nagano
Find out more about Nagano
Spend time relaxing in the hot springs, as well as appreciating the temples in Nagano.
If you're visiting during colder months, enjoy activities such as skiing during your stay. Learn about the local heritage of Nagano at landmarks like Matsushiro Castle and Togakushi Shrine. Check out other sights like Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum and Zenko-ji Temple.
