If you’re ready to explore Japan beyond the major cities, Nagano Prefecture offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and tradition. This 5-day itinerary guides you through alpine valleys, historic towns, serene shrines, hot springs, and one of Japan’s most iconic castles—all without needing to rent a car or change hotels every night.

Itinerary Highlights

• Less Packing: Stay 2 nights at a traditional hot spring ryokan in Matsumoto and 2 nights at a city hotel in Nagano – no need to repack every day!
• Smooth Travel: Alpico buses cover most major routes, with JR trains used where convenient.
• Diverse Experiences: Castle, mountain hikes, samurai-era post town, shrines, temples – all in one trip.
• Authentic Stay: Relax in a hot spring and enjoy traditional multi-course “Kaiseki” dinners.

Itinerary Overview - 5 Days in Nagano

Day 1: Tokyo → Matsumoto －Welcome to the Castle Town

Your journey begins with a relaxing ride on the Alpico Highway Bus from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Matsumoto, passing scenic countryside and entering the Japan Alps region. Another option is the JR Azusa Express train, which is about 30 minutes faster but twice the price. It’s a good alternative if you already have the JR Pass.

What to do in Matsumoto

• Visit Matsumoto Castle: Known as the "Crow Castle" for its black exterior, it's one of the few original castles remaining in Japan. Climb up to the top for panoramic views.
•  Visit Matsumoto City Museum of Art: Explore some iconic pieces by Yayoi Kusama, one of Japan’s most celebrated contemporary artists, who was born in Matsumoto.
• Café Culture: Take a walk around Nakamachi Street and Nawate Street, full of charming kura-style buildings and retro cafés. Don’t miss local specialties like Oyaki (stuffed dumplings) or Sanzokuyaki fried chicken.

Accommodation for Day 1-2: Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho

Why stay at Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho

• Spectacular views from every guestroom
• Variety of guestrooms: from pure traditional to modern-Japanese style
• 2 meals included: traditional course-meal “Kaiseki” and breakfast buffet
• Only 20 minutes from Matsumoto station with a free shuttle bus.
• Scenic outdoor hot springs
  
  

Day 2: Day Trip to the Kiso Valley, a part of Nakasendo Route

Start the day with a hearty Western and Japanese breakfast at Shoho before setting out on a day trip to the historic Kiso Valley. Travel by JR train to reach Narai-juku, one of the best-preserved post towns along the old Nakasendo route, which once connected Tokyo and Kyoto hundreds of year ago.

Highlights in Kiso Valley

• Wooden Townhouses: Wander along the 1-kilometer street lined with Edo-era architecture and old merchant houses, some of which are now museums or restaurants.
• Local Crafts: Shop for beautifully crafted magewappa (wooden bento boxes) and traditional Kiso lacquerware—both of which make excellent souvenirs. These handmade items reflect centuries of craftsmanship unique to the region.
• Lunch in a traditional house: Enjoy a local lunch inside a historic house featuring an irori (sunken hearth), offering the unique atmosphere of old Japan.

You can easily spend about 3 hours exploring and having lunch in Narai-juku. If you're quick, head back early and revisit any spots in Matsumoto you may have missed the previous day. Return to Shoho Ryokan in the evening for a well-deserved soak and another delicious dinner.

Alternative Accommodations

If you prefer to stay near the station, both Alpico Plaza Hotel and Hotel Buena Vista are great choices. Alpico Plaza is conveniently located right next to the bus terminal and train station, while Hotel Buena Vista is regarded as the best city hotel in Matsumoto (also near the station).

Both offer free shuttle buses to Shoho, where you can enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath. Staying at either of these hotels also allows for an earlier departure the next day, giving you more time to enjoy Kamikochi.

Day 3: Matsumoto → Kamikochi → Nagano City

Take the direct Alpico bus to Kamikochi (National Park Liner), one of Japan’s most beautiful mountain valleys, located in the Chubu Sangaku National Park. With its turquoise rivers, wooden suspension bridges, and alpine peaks, Kamikochi is a hiker’s paradise.

After enjoying your last breakfast at Shoho, it’s time to head to Kamikochi, one of Japan’s most beautiful mountain valleys. Located within Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi offers crystal-clear turquoise rivers, scenic walking trails, and stunning views of the Japan Alps.

What to see in Kamikochi

• Kappa Bridge: The iconic wooden suspension bridge over the Azusa River, with dramatic Hotaka mountain range in the background. Great for photos.
• Taisho Pond: Formed by a volcanic eruption in 1915, this peaceful pond reflects the surrounding mountains like a mirror.
• Nature Walk: Enjoy easy hikes along the riverbanks through forests of larch and birch. Keep an eye out for wild monkeys and birds.
  
  

Accommodation for Day 3-4: Nagano Metropolitan Nagano

After your nature escape, hop on the Alpico direct bus to Nagano City, a convenient base for the next two nights. Nagano Metropolitan Hotel is a modern city hotel, directly connected to JR Nagano Station. Perfect for shopping, or grabbing dinner nearby.

If you’re still feeling energetic, stroll around Midori Nagano (a shopping mall attached to the station) or unwind at one of the nearby izakayas.

Day 4: Day Trip to Hakuba – Alpine Adventure

Today’s destination is Hakuba, known for its world-class winter resorts, but equally breathtaking in summer. Expect alpine trails, mountain gondolas, and panoramic views that will take your breath away. Be prepared for hiking up the mountain and don’t forget to check the weather forecast.

Highlights in Hakuba

• Happo Pond: Ride a gondola and pair of chairlifts to the trailhead, then take a 2.5-hour round-trip hike to Happo Pond. This crystal-clear alpine pond perfectly mirrors the surrounding peaks of the Northern Alps.
• Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort: Take a gondola up to a scenic mountaintop resort offering panoramic views, stylish cafés, and fun outdoor activities like mountain carts and a giant swing.

Read more:

• How to hike to Happo Pond with detailed access guide >
• Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort guide with detailed access >

After a full day in the mountains, return to Nagano City. If you’re still up for it, browse the Don Quijote (Donki) store near your hotel for unique souvenirs, snacks, or Japanese skincare.

Day 5: Togakushi Shrine & Zenkoji Temple – Spiritual and Serene

Wrap up your Nagano journey with a day of deep spirituality, history, and natural beauty as you explore the sacred forests of Togakushi and one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, Zenkoji.

Morning: Togakushi Shrine, Ninja and Soba

Start your day with a scenic bus ride from Nagano Station to Togakushi, a peaceful mountain village located just northwest of the city. The area is famous for its towering cedar trees, historic shrines, and delicious soba noodles.

• Togakushi Shrine: This sacred site is actually a series of five shrines spread across the mountain. The most famous is Okusha (Upper Shrine), reached via a beautiful trail lined with 400-year-old cedar trees and the iconic red Zuishinmon Gate.
• Togakushi Soba: Don't miss the chance to try this region’s specialty buckwheat noodles—served cold with dipping sauce and optionally paired with crispy tempura. Hot soba is also available, perfect for chilly days. Togakushi soba is considered one of Japan’s top three.
• Visit Togakure Ninja Museum: Located right across from the trail to Okusha, this fun museum features ninja tools, and a ninja trick house that’s a hit with both kids and adults.
  

Afternoon: Zenkoji Temple

Return to Nagano City in the afternoon and head to Zenkoji Temple, one of the oldest and most venerated Buddhist temples in Japan.

• Temple Grounds: Zenkoji is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan, said to house the first Buddhist statue ever brought to the country.
• Okaidan Meguri: Don’t miss this unique spiritual experience—descend into a pitch-dark underground corridor beneath the main hall in search of the “key to paradise.”
• Nakamise Shopping Street: Explore the bustling approach to Zenkoji, filled with souvenir shops, local snacks, and specialty items. It’s the perfect place to pick up gifts and enjoy the lively atmosphere of temple-town culture.

After your final day of spiritual and cultural exploration, head back to Nagano Station for your return to Tokyo. You can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (about 90 minutes) or the Alpico Highway Bus to Shinjuku. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, stay one more night in Nagano and travel back the next morning.

This 5-day Nagano itinerary brings together nature, culture, and comfort—without the stress of daily hotel changes. With convenient transport, mostly by ALPICO, getting around is simple and efficient.

Plan ahead and start your Nagano adventure with ease.