The 4 Best Walking Tours in Nagano

1.Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour

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

Start at Matsumoto Station and follow old samurai routes to Matsumoto Castle, then explore Nawate Street and Nakamachi. An English-speaking guide such as Tom, Shin, Naomi, or Kei explains castle design, local customs, and city history. The small-group format allows time for questions, shops, photos, and a slower look at Matsumoto.

“Naomi was amazing, she was so informative and just a beautiful soul! My wife and I were on our honeymoon and this tour made our trip! Couldn’t recommend Naomi as a tour guide enough!”

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

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

Meet your guide outside Starbucks at Nagano Station for a three-hour walk through Zenkoji’s temple town. Try irori-cooked oyaki, sake, miso soup, matcha, and Japanese sweets while visiting local shops, shrines, and back streets. Guides such as Masa, Kasumi, and Tak add history, photographs, and local insight. The group can reach 15 people.

“Our family had a great tour with Masa while on a stopover in Nagano. The food was delicious, and it was interesting to get a more personal perspective on the sights we visited. We would definitely recommend this one to anyone!”

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3.Matsumoto Discovery – Half Day Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 43 reviews · from $64

Meet your English-speaking National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter at Matsumoto Station for a private or small-group walk through the castle town. Spend about two hours at Matsumoto Castle, then explore Nawate and Nakamachi streets. Guides such as Tom, Naomi, Shin, and Sylvain tailor the route to your interests, with museums, Daio Wasabi Farm, and local food possible additions.

“Good guide, fun to get around Matsumoto and get to know the history of the town. Can highly recommend.”

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4.From Matsumoto/Nagano: Nakasendo Trail Walking Tour

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

Meet your English-speaking guide at Matsumoto or Nagano, then ride into the Kiso Valley for an 8-km guided walk from Tsumago to Magome. Expect cobbled Edo-era paths, waterfalls, rural roads, mountain scenery, and restored post-town buildings. Guides such as Shawn, Kim, Joyce, and Sijung are known for keeping a steady pace and adding useful local context.

“Fantastic hike on the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago to Magome. Kim, our guide was very knowledgeable and happily answered our numerous questions along our way. We lucked upon a beautiful day for the hike too.”

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