Getting to Nagano

By train
  • 4 h
  • ¥12,000
Covered by: Japan Rail Pass

Take one of the frequent Nozomi or Hikari trains on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Nagoya and transfer to an hourly JR Shinano limited express train to Nagano. The one way trip takes around four hours, costs about 12,000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using Hikari trains (Nozomi trains require a supplement fee).

By bus
  • 8 h
  • ¥5,000 - 7,000

Multiple bus companies operate daytime and overnight highway buses between Kyoto Station and Nagano Station. The one way trip takes about eight hours and costs around 6,000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online.

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Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

The city's transport hub is Nagano Station, which is served by all trains in the region, including the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen, other JR trains, Shinano Railway and the Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden) which runs from its underground station next to JR Nagano Station to Yamanouchi. Nagano Station is also at the center of a bus network that provides connections to Zenkoji Temple and the former olympic facilities.

The Togakushi area with its shrines and ninja related attractions is located about an hour by bus in the forested mountains northwest of the city center. The area's attractions are spread across several kilometers, and good walkers can use hiking trails to walk in between them.

Rental cars are a good option to cover more of the city in less time. Most companies have outlets around Nagano Station.

Hotels around Nagano

    • Takamine Onsen
      A mountain top onsen lodge at an altitude of 2000m facing Mt.Asama. Enjoy breathtaking views soaking in the outdoor bath. Bus runs from Tokyo & JR Sakudaira Sta.
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    • Shioriya
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring 2-star accommodation, Shioriya is located in Nagano, 7.6 km from Nagano Station and 10 km from Zenkoji Temple. This guest house provides free private parking, a shared kitchen and free WiFi. The accommodation features luggage storage space and a shared lounge for guests. The units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a bath, slippers and a desk. At the guest house, every unit includes a wardrobe and a private bathroom. Guests at the guest house will be able to enjoy activities in and around Nagano, like skiing. Suzaka City Zoo is 17 km from Shioriya, while Jigokudani Monkey Park is 40 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 72 km from the property.
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    • 1166 Backpackers
      Budget-friendly
      1166 Backpackers is located in Nagano, within less than 1 km of Zenkoji Temple and 2.5 km of Nagano Station. With a shared lounge, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. Selected rooms have a kitchen with a fridge, an oven and a microwave. At the hostel each room includes bed linen and towels. Suzaka City Zoo is 14 km from 1166 Backpackers, while Jigokudani Monkey Park is 32 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 74 km from the property.
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    • Oshi Ryokan
      Budget-friendly
      Oshi Ryokan is located in Nagano, 20 km from Zenkoji Temple, 22 km from Nagano Station, as well as 32 km from Suzaka City Zoo. This ryokan provides free private parking, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The ryokan features family rooms. Units are complete with a shared bathroom, while certain units at the ryokan also offer a seating area. For visitors looking to embark on day trips to nearby landmarks, the ryokan features a selection of packed lunches. The area is popular for skiing, and ski equipment hire is available at this 2-star ryokan. Oshi Ryokan has a garden for your convenience, along with ski storage space. Jigokudani Monkey Park is 45 km from the accommodation, while Tsugaike Kogen Ski Area is 46 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 93 km from the property.
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    • Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan
      Mid-range
      Just 250 metres from Zenko-ji Temple, Matsuya Ryokan offers simple Japanese rooms with tatami-mat floors, a green-tea maker and an attached Western bathroom. The hotel features public baths. Guests at Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan stay in rooms with shoji paper screens and traditional futon bedding. All rooms are air-conditioned and include a TV and slippers. Zenko-ji-shita Subway Station is 600 metres away, and Shinano Art Museum is 650 metres from the ryokan. JR Nagano Train Station is 3 km away. A Japanese breakfast and a Japanese course dinner are served at the dining room or the guest room.
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    • Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
      Luxury
      Hotel Metropolitan Nagano features elegantly decorated rooms and a wide range of dining options, including a Japanese restaurant, a Chinese restaurant and a cafe. The hotel is conveniently located right next to the JR Nagano Train Station. All rooms feature carpeted floors, a seating area, and comes with a flat-screen TV, a desk and a wardrobe. There is a bath tub, a hairdryer and free toiletries in the en suite bathroom. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Nagano Metropolitan Hotel provides luggage storage and dry cleaning services. A massage salon on the ground floor can provide guests with a vigorous massage. Zenko-ji temple, one of Japanfs National Treasures, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Shinano Art Museum and the Joyama Park are located within a 5-minute walk from the temple. The Iris cafe serves hearty breakfast buffet in the morning, while Shinano Japanese restaurant offers sushi and teppanyaki cuisines prepared right in front of the guests.
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    • Dormy Inn Nagano
      Mid-range
      Situated conveniently a minute's stroll away from JR Nagano Station, Dormy Inn Nagano features a 24-hour front desk and a public hot spring facility with an open-air bath and sauna. Free WiFi access is available throughout the entire property. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with a desk, refrigerator, an air-humidifier and an electric kettle. Rooms come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and personal lockers. Guests will find luggage storage service offered at the front desk. Trouser presses and ironing facilities can be provided free of charge upon request. Coin-operated laundry machines and drink vending machines are also available. A Japanese-style and Western breakfast buffet consisting of local specialities is on offer at the on-site restaurant. Matsumoto Airport is a 90-minute bus ride away from JR Nagano Station. Zenkoji Temple is 1.9 km from Dormy Inn Nagano, while Togakushi Shrine is 14 km from the property.
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    • Dot Hostel Nagano
      Budget-friendly
      Set in Nagano, within 500 metres of Zenkoji Temple and 2.5 km of Nagano Station, Dot Hostel Nagano provides a bar. Featuring a shared lounge, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen and a concierge service for guests. The units feature bed linen. Suzaka City Zoo is 13 km from the hostel, while Jigokudani Monkey Park is 32 km away. The nearest airport is Matsumoto Airport, 74 km from Dot Hostel Nagano.
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    • Hotel NewNagano NeXT
      Mid-range
      Hotel NewNagano NeXT is set in Nagano, 1.2 km from Nagano Station and 2 km from Zenkoji Temple. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage space and free WiFi. Suzaka City Zoo is 13 km from the hotel and Jigokudani Monkey Park is 33 km away. The units in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. All guest rooms at Hotel NewNagano NeXT feature air conditioning and a desk. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Ryuoo Ski Park is 35 km from Hotel NewNagano NeXT, while Togakushi Shrine is 23 km from the property. Matsumoto Airport is 73 km away.
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    • Chisun Grand Nagano
      Mid-range
      A 5-minute walk from JR Nagano Train Station, Chisun Grand Nagano offers rooms with free WiFi access throughout the hotel. A selection of free amenities in the lobby is offered. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV with video-on-demand features, a fridge and an electric kettle. Slippers and nightwear are provided for all guests, while the en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. All rooms come with a humidifier. Dry cleaning services are provided at the front desk. Private parking is available for an additional fee. Designated smoking area is available for guest's convenience. Located on the 12th floor, Asama restaurant serves a Japanese-style breakfast featuring local white rice. Guests can try grilled fish and miso soup. Refreshments are available at the ground floor lounge. Zenko-ji Temple is a 10-minute drive away. Nagano Grand Chisun is a 25-minute drive from Iizuna Kogen Ski Resort and a 1-hour drive from Snow Monkey Park. A convenience store is located a 1-minute walk away.
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    • Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel
      Mid-range
      Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel is situated in Nagano, 2.5 km from Zenkoji Temple and 13 km from Suzaka City Zoo. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is non-smoking and is located 1.2 km from Nagano Station. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. All units in Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. A buffet breakfast is available daily at the accommodation. Around the clock guidance is available at the reception, where staff speak English and Japanese. Jigokudani Monkey Park is 33 km from Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel, while Ryuoo Ski Park is 34 km away. Matsumoto Airport is 73 km from the property.
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Experiences around Nagano

Top rated in Nagano