Scenic Local Hikes of Nagano, 5 days

Explore the lesser-known hiking trails in Nagano on this trip, visiting some off-the-beaten-track hiking points. You will also visit iconic local sights like Zenkoji Temple and Togakushi Kodo. You may get to enjoy vibrant autumn foliage during this season.

Besides being a treasure trove of nature, history, and culture. Nagano is bursting with natural hot springs, making it the king of Onsens. The accommodation comes with a natural spring water onsen bath, and there is an option to visit a public onsen bath if time permits.

Duration: 5 days

Departure Date: 26 – 30 October 2027

NOTE: Weather can be unpredictable, so our itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind. Our guide will monitor real-time conditions and, if needed, adjust the route to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Please rest assured that any adjustment is made with your best experience in mind. We appreciate your understanding that these decisions are part of the adventure. Should changes occur, we will provide a wonderful alternative. Your flexibility is what makes these journeys unforgettable.

Itinerary

Highlights

~ Stay in a cozy family-owned mountain lodge
~ Enjoy hiking in natural and historical setting during autumn season
~ Visit Zenkoji Temple, one of the oldest temples with the oldest Buddha statue in Japan
~ Hike to Togakushi Kodo, nestled amongst 900-year-old cedars

~ Hike to the summit of Mount Iizuna, the icon of Nagano

Day 1 Tokyo – Nagano

Upon arrival at Tokyo Haneda International Airport, take the airport bus to Tokyo Station before taking the Shinkansen to Nagano.

Upon arrival at Nagano train station, our Japanese driver guide will pick us up for the visit to Zenkoji Temple.

The history of Zenkoji temple started in the year 642, when Yoshimitsu Honda enshrined a Buddhist image at the present site. The main image was created in India and introduced into Japan with Buddhism via Paekche in the Korean Peninsula in the year 552. It is called “The Image of Sangoku Denrai” in Japanese.

The image is believed to lead all people to the Buddhist Pure Land regardless of their status, gender, or creed. Many people, from those in power at the time to the common people, earnestly worshipped it. The main image was completely hidden from the people in the year 654, and since then, no one has ever been allowed to see it.

Enjoy a welcome dinner at the mountain lodge.

Meal: Dinner

Stay: Pinokio Lodge

Note: The lodge is a communal stay with a mixture of tatami and bunk beds. Each room will be segregated by gender and can accommodate 3 to 4 hikers. Toilets are in the common area, and the shower facility is local Japanese style – open concept.

Day 2 Togakushi Kodo

Transfer to mirror Lake Kagami, the starting point of our hike today. From here, embark on a hike towards Togakushi Shrine. The Togakushi Kodo Trail is a pilgrimage route that connects the five shrines of the Togakushi Shrine: the Okusha, the Kuzuryusha, the Chusha, the Hokosha, and the Hinomikosha.

The Togakushi Shrine was established on the slopes of Mount Togakushi, which has been the centre of Japan’s traditional mountain worship since ancient times. Sometimes called “Togakushi Sanzembo,” the shrine has been visited by throngs of pilgrims through the ages.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Pinokio Lodge

Hiking Distance: approx. 10 KM Hiking Duration: approx. 5 hours

Hiking Elevation: +/- 174 M

Day 3 Naena and Sasagamine

Transfer to Naena-taki Falls. Naena-taki Falls is one of Japan’s select 100 waterfalls. It is located in the headwaters of the Seki River along the border with Nagano Prefecture. The waterfall delivers an impressive sight, flowing and falling like surging waves over a 55-meter drop (about the height of a 20-storey building).

Located deep in the Myoko mountain range and part of Myoko Togakushi Renzan National Park. The Sasagamine plateau is located 1,300m above sea level, receives little rainfall and is cool even during the summer months. The area covers over 132 hectares so there is a lot to explore whilst enjoying a leisure hike.

The grassland is dotted with huge Japanese elm trees and the Myoko mountain range frames the background.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Pinokio Lodge

Hiking Distance: approx. 10 KM Hiking Duration: approx. 4 hours

Hike Elevation: +/- 186 M

Day 4 Mount Iizuna

Mt. Iizuna, a revered mountain that overlooks a vast panorama, is a spiritual home for the people of Nagano. The mountain can be seen from anywhere in Nagano City, making it a symbol of the locals.

Today, hike from our lodge to the summit of Mount Iizuna. Rising at 1,917 M tall, the famous mountain is included among Japan’s 200 most famous mountains.

Enjoy a magnificent, 360° panoramic view of the surroundings when you are at the summit.

If time permits, enjoy an onsen experience to soothe your aching muscles.

Meal: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Stay: Pinokio Lodge

Hiking Distance: approx. 8 KM Hiking Duration: approx. 6 hours

Hiking Elevation: +/- 815 M

Day 5 Nagano – Tokyo Station (end)

Enjoy a leisure walk around Biwaike Pond in hope of catching some lovely autumn colours before our transfer to Nagano train station.

Take the shinkansen back to Tokyo train station where your journey ends. We will arrive back at Tokyo train station at about 3.00 PM.

Meal: Breakfast

Stay: Nil

Inclusions

~ airport bus from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Tokyo train station;

~ return Shinkansen ticket between Tokyo train station and Nagano train station;

~ 4 nights’ communal stay in a cosy mountain lodge;

~ 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners;

~ sightseeing and transportation as per itinerary;

~ service of a local English-speaking hiking guide.

Exclusions

~ flights to Tokyo, Japan;

~ tourist visa (if required);

~ travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage;

~ any expenses of personal nature;

~ beverages during meals;

~ tipping for local guide and driver.

Price

Twin/Double Occupancy: SGD 2,698 per person

Single Occupancy: Not Applicable

Early Bird Discount: SGD 100 per person (book by 31-DEC-2026)

< WBWG Rate Applicable >

Important Notes

~ A non-refundable deposit of SGD 300 per person is required at the time of booking.

~ Full or balance payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

~ Only book your air ticket to Tokyo Japan when you have been informed to do so.

~ Trip requires minimum 7 hikers to go, and we take up to maximum 11 hikers.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Japan, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ As you prepare for the hiking vacation, we recommend one hour of exercise 1 – 2 times per week (this can be hiking, running or walking). Hike at least 2 or 3 consecutive days if possible, as the trip draws near.

~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences occur during the ideal time or period of the year. However, certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.

~ Weather can be unpredictable, so our itineraries are designed with flexibility in mind. Our guide will monitor real-time conditions and, if needed, adjust the route to ensure your safety and enjoyment. Please rest assured that any adjustment is made with your best experience in mind. We appreciate your understanding that these decisions are part of the adventure. Should changes occur, we will provide a wonderful alternative. Your flexibility is what makes these journeys unforgettable.

~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases the local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander when booking. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests, but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and the availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.

~ Trip grading indicates the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and an active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore, the inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation bookout, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary, and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip.

~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for hikers with chronic and/or acute diseases. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Hiking
Country	Japan
Hiking Grade	Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus
Season	04 – April, 05 – May, 09 – September, 10 – October

Scenic Local Hikes of Nagano, 5 days