Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nagano?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Nagano?

Most people spend one to three days in Nagano during their visit. The scenic city offers amazing highlights such as the snow skiing, the famous sights and museums, the hiking, and the cuisine.

Nagano is the capital and largest city in Nagano Prefecture. It's surrounded by mountains and nearby you'll find many historic towns. The region is filled with temples, shrines, and beautiful hiking trails. There's also skiing during the winter months.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Nagano? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Nagano?

Three days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Nagano at your own pace to experience the snow skiing, the famous sights and museums, the hiking, and the cuisine. Then you can use the city as a convenient base for venturing out to nearby mountain towns, hiking trails, or scenic viewpoints. There are also many exciting day trip options.

How to spend 3 days in Nagano

Don't miss Zenko-ji Temple during your trip to Nagano, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

The public transit in Nagano is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Snow skiing is the main attraction here in winter, so make sure you spend at least a day on the slopes. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Nagano, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

Nagano is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city is found in a beautiful part of Japan. It's surrounded by mountains and filled with history and historic sights.

Is 4 days enough time in Nagano?

With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Nagano has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel, spend more time hiking, or use Nagano as a base for day trips to nearby mountain towns. You'll be able to relax while enjoying the snow skiing, the famous sights and museums, and the hiking at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.

Narai-juku historic town, Nagano, Japan (©Nagano Prefecture/©JNTO)

How to spend 4 days in Nagano

Having 4 days in Nagano will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.

Known for it's hiking, Nagano sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.

Is 5 days enough time in Nagano?

Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Nagano, giving you the freedom to set your own pace while you explore the town and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the chance to ski down the slopes, explore the museums and famous sights, get out into nature, and sample the delicious cuisine on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel, take on some extra hikes, or use Nagano as a hub for some nice day trips to nearby towns.

How to spend 5 days in Nagano

With 5 days in Nagano, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Nagano.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Nagano, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.