5 Days in Nagano Japan 2025 – Things to do in Matsumoto, Nagano City & Yamanochi Onsen Town
[Music] Nagono. Imagine experiencing Japan’s calm side for the very first time. 5 days across three unique towns. From Matsumoto’s historic castle and lively streets to Nagano’s towering ceda shrines and finally the warm onsen vibes of Yamanuchi. [Music] Let me show you how to travel Nagago. [Music] [Applause] Our journey begins in the charming city of Matsumoto. By the time we arrived, the city was already cloaked in drizzle. [Music] First stop, Siori Cafe. Warm lights, cozy atmosphere, and probably the most aesthetic cafe I’ve stepped into on this trip. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Afterwards, we stumbled on Fukashi Ginger Shrine, hidden in plain sight, just off the main boat. [Music] Just a few steps away, we reached Matsumoto Castle. Our [Music] last morning in Matsumoto started early. We checked out, left our bags at reception, and caught a quiet train heading south, off to visit one of Japan’s most wellpreserved post towns. Narajuku, a single street stretching through the hills, lined with dark wooden houses and shop signs swaying gently in the wind. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] With a few hours left before our train to Nagono, we decided to go and explore what we missed yesterday. [Music] [Music] Once more we wandered through Nakamachi and Nate Street, this time under clear skies. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] By late afternoon, we boarded the train to Nagana. [Music] Morning in Nagono started early. We caught the 9:10 a.m. bus to Togakushi Shrine, a journey into the forested heart of Japanese spirituality. [Music] After winding mountain roads and misty peaks, we arrived at Tokushi Inner Shrine. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat. [Music] [Music] [Applause] On our way back down, we made a detour into the Toakushi Forest Botanical Garden tucked just beside the shrine. [Music] Instead of waiting for the return bus, we walked down to the Chusha area and we were glad we did. [Music] [Applause] [Music] By afternoon we were back in the city. We wandered through Zenoji Nakamay Street, a stretch of traditional shops leading to the city’s spiritual heart. [Music] At the end of the street, you will find Zenoji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites. Heat [Music] up here. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] The next morning, we left the buzz of Nagono behind and boarded a quiet train heading deeper into the mountains just about an hour away. And we arrived in Yamanuchi, a small Onson village where time moves slower and the air carries the scent of sulfur and pine. [Music] Here [Music] [Music] you will find Wakabaya, a cozy cafe in Rioan style. Come on. [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] As night settled in, we ended the night with a dinner at a local restaurant that feels like someone invited you into their home. [Music] a lot more. On our final day in the Nagano region, we set out for one last adventure. We took the first bus heading toward Jigokuani Monkey Forest. It’s a short ride followed by a peaceful 40minute walk through the forest. [Music] In May, the trail is dry and lush, lined with fresh greenery, the air cool and clear. [Music] If you’re looking to experience a different rhythm in Japan, a softer pace, Nago is waiting. [Music]
#japan #nagano #matsumoto
This 5-day trip through Nagano Prefecture takes you from historic post towns to relaxing hot spring escapes. We explore Matsumoto, Narai-juku, Nagano City, and Yamanouchi Onsen Town, experiencing a mix of culture, history, and scenic mountain landscapes in the heart of Japan’s Alps.
What You’ll See in This Video:
Matsumoto Castle and charming old streets
Narai-juku, one of Japan’s most beautiful Nakasendo post towns
Togakushi Shrine, Cedar Tree Promenade and Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano City
Yamanouchi Onsen Town and its traditional hot spring atmosphere & a trip to the famous Snow Monkey Onsen Park
Local food, coffee spots, and seasonal flavors
Perfect For:
Travelers seeking peaceful destinations in Japan, first-time visitors to Nagano, and anyone looking to combine culture, history, and nature in their itinerary.
Whether you’re here for historic streets, onsen relaxation, or alpine scenery, this Nagano travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip.
00:00 intro
00:26 Day 1: Matsumoto Castle, cozy cafe & charming old streets
02:44 Day 2: trip to post town Narai-juku, revisiting Matsumoto & Train to Nagano
06:15 Day 3: Nagano, Togakushi Shrine, Cedar Tree Promenade and Zenko-ji Temple
10:08 Day 4: train to Yamanouchi Onsen Town & its traditional hot spring atmosphere
12:59 Day 5: Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Snow Monkey Onsen Park)
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The hotels we stayed at:
Matsumoto: https://trip.tpx.lv/yRdHtYdg
Nagano: https://trip.tpx.lv/vVSrgjaf
Yamanochi Onsen Town: https://trip.tpx.lv/HKvbzBQz
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Shot on DJI Osmo Pocket 3
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1 Comment
Would you skip Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto for this side of Japan 🌳🦌?