Matsumoto Castle, Zenko-ji temple and the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park are the three sights that bring most American travelers to Nagano Prefecture. In one region you can climb an original samurai castle, walk through a pitch-black tunnel beneath one of Japan’s most important temples and watch wild monkeys soak in a steaming hot spring. Nagano City is only about 80 minutes from Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen, and Matsumoto is reachable by limited express from Shinjuku or Nagoya. This guide covers tickets, new booking rules for the snow monkeys, transportation tips and where to stay in Nagano City.
1. Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan and one of only five designated National Treasures. Its black-lacquered walls earned it the nickname Crow Castle, and its keep is one of just twelve original castle keeps that survive in the country. Inside, steep wooden stairs, built to slow attackers, lead up six floors past displays of armor and firearms to a lookout over the city and the Northern Alps. Admission to the keep and inner courtyard is 1,200 yen for adults with an e-ticket or 1,300 yen for a paper ticket bought on the day, and 400 yen for children. Hours are 8:30 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30, extended in Golden Week and summer. On busy days, especially in cherry blossom season, Golden Week, mid-August and autumn, the wait to enter can reach about two hours, so arrive early, come late in the afternoon or reserve a timed entry slot online up to three months ahead. The castle is about a 15-minute walk from Matsumoto Station.
2. Zenko-ji Temple
Zenko-ji is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan and the reason Nagano City grew up where it is. Founded in the 7th century, it has long welcomed worshippers of every sect, and for centuries pilgrims from across the country have come to pray before its hidden Buddha. The massive main hall is a National Treasure, and the grounds are free to enter. For a memorable experience, buy the inner sanctuary ticket (800 yen for adults), which includes the O-kaidan, a completely dark passage beneath the altar where you feel along the wall for a metal latch said to bring you closer to salvation. Early risers can join the O-asaji morning service, held at sunrise every day; the main hall opens about an hour before it. Note that the sutra hall is closed for a building inspection in 2026. From Nagano Station, take a bus to the Zenkoji Daimon stop, about 15 minutes, or walk up the main street lined with shops and old inns in about 30 minutes.
3. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, in the mountains above the Yudanaka and Shibu hot spring towns, is one of the best places in the world to watch wild Japanese macaques bathing in a hot spring. The monkeys are not caged or fed for show; they come down from the forest to the pools, especially on cold days. From the trailhead, it is a walk of about 1.6 kilometers each way, about 25 to 30 minutes on a mostly level forest path with stairs at the end. Admission is 800 yen for adults. The park is open from 8:30 to 17:00 from April to October and 9:00 to 16:00 from November to March. The classic snowy scenes are best from December to March. New for winter 2026 to 2027: independent visitors need a dated ticket bought in advance online for December to March, New Year, Golden Week and Obon, with sales opening 90 days ahead. From Nagano Station, the Nagano Electric Railway Limited Express Snow Monkey reaches Yudanaka in about 45 minutes for 930 yen, then take a bus or taxi toward the trailhead.
Where to Stay Near Nagano City
Where to stay: Nagano CityHotel links in this section go to Booking.com. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nagano City is the most practical base for this trip. It sits on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Zenko-ji is a short ride from the station, and the Nagano Electric Railway and express buses to the snow monkeys leave from the station area. Matsumoto is about an hour away by JR limited express, so you can visit the castle on a day trip or on your way between Tokyo or Nagoya and Nagano. For a more traditional night, consider a ryokan in Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen near the monkey park.
Luxury
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano is an upscale hotel right next to Nagano Station, run by the JR East hotel group, with comfortable rooms and easy access to the Shinkansen, the Nagano Electric Railway and buses to Zenko-ji.
Upscale hotel directly by Nagano Station.
Mid-Range
Dormy Inn Nagano Zenkounoyu Natural Hot Spring is a popular business hotel near Nagano Station with natural hot spring baths, a welcome treat after a cold morning with the snow monkeys.
Dormy Inn Nagano Zenkounoyu Natural Hot Spring
Business hotel with hot spring baths near the station.
Budget-Friendly
Toyoko Inn Nagano Station Zenkoji is a no-frills chain hotel near the Zenkoji exit of Nagano Station, with compact rooms and breakfast included, a dependable budget base.
Toyoko Inn Nagano Station Zenkoji
Simple chain hotel close to the station.
Compare prices before you book
Hotels in Nagano City on Booking.com
Stay near Nagano Station for easy Shinkansen trips, quick access to Zenko-ji and an early start to the Snow Monkey Park.
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Quick Tips for Visiting
- Book a dated Snow Monkey Park ticket in advance if you are visiting in winter 2026 to 2027.
- Wear boots with good grip for the snowy forest trail to Jigokudani.
- Reserve a timed entry e-ticket for Matsumoto Castle to save time and 100 yen.
- Visit Zenko-ji early in the morning for the O-asaji service and the quietest grounds.
- The Nagano Electric Railway is not covered by the JR Pass; use an IC card or buy tickets at the station.
Getting there by train: The Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Tokyo and Nagano in about 80 minutes. Matsumoto is about 2.5 hours from Shinjuku by the all-reserved Limited Express Azusa and about 2 hours from Nagoya by Limited Express Shinano, both covered by the JR Pass. The Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka is a private line and is not covered. Read our guide to riding trains in Japan, learn how to ride the Shinkansen, and check whether the JR Pass is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matsumoto Castle an original castle?
Yes. Matsumoto Castle is one of twelve castles in Japan with an original surviving keep and one of five designated National Treasures. Admission is 1,200 yen for adults with an e-ticket.
What is the O-kaidan at Zenko-ji?
It is a pitch-dark passage beneath the main hall of Zenko-ji. Visitors walk through by touch and search for a metal latch on the wall. It is included in the inner sanctuary ticket, which costs 800 yen for adults.
When is the best time to see the snow monkeys?
The snowy scenes are best from December to March. For winter 2026 to 2027, independent visitors need a dated advance ticket for peak periods, sold from 90 days ahead.
How do you get from Nagano Station to the Snow Monkey Park?
Take the Nagano Electric Railway Limited Express Snow Monkey to Yudanaka, about 45 minutes, then a bus or taxi toward the trailhead and a 25 to 30-minute walk. Express buses also run in some seasons.
