Japan is renowned for its unique culture and traditions, which have been passed down through many generations. In Nagano, some hotels and ryokans offer guests the chance to engage in activities and experiences unique to the Japanese countryside, such as snow sports, climbing, woodcraft, mushroom picking, and bike tours. However, finding these opportunities can be challenging, especially for foreigners. To assist with this, we’ve compiled a curated list of accommodations that provide access to these distinctive cultural experiences, helping you to immerse yourself in Japan’s rich heritage.

Lacquerware Decorating, Pilgrimages, Canoeing, and Much More at Zenagi

The Zenagi Hotel, located in the southern Kiso area, offers a range of unique experiences and activities. One highlight is the chance to meet a legendary woodturning and lacquer painting craftsman—an opportunity not to be missed, as only two families still practice this traditional art form. During the tour, you can also experience “Maki-e,” a traditional lacquer decoration technique where designs are drawn onto the surface of lacquerware with lacquer before gold or silver powder is applied. In addition to these fascinating activities, the hotel offers many other exciting experiences, such as a pilgrimage, a meditating experience, and an exclusive boat ride with a former Olympian.

Details

Location: Nagiso (near Tsumago, a famous post town of Kiso Nakasendo ‘Samurai’ Trail)
Website: Zenagi's official website (English)

Snowcat Ride at the Ougatou Hotel

The Ougatou Hotel is situated in the picturesque Utsukushigahara Highlands at an elevation of 2,000 m. During spring and summer, guests can enjoy trekking amidst stunning alpine plants. Fall offers a spectacular display of colorful autumn leaves, while winter transforms the area into a snowy wonderland, perfect for a special ride in a snowcat across the frosty fields while enjoying the expansive mountain views of the Japan Alps. The night sky provides an equally breathtaking experience, with a clear view of the Milky Way. A shuttle bus can pick up guests from Matsumoto Station.

Details

Location: Utsukushigahara Highlands, East of Matsumoto
Period: January to March
Website: Ougato Hotel's official website (English)

Sake Brewing at Kurabito Stay

Immerse yourself in the Sake Brewing Experience—a 3-day, 2-night program that takes you through the entire process of making sake. Each day, you’ll delve into the meticulous art of sake preparation under the guidance of professional brewers. The experience begins with a traditional Shinto purification ritual, designed to ward off evil spirits. Following this, you’ll head to the brewery to start your hands-on journey. Throughout your stay, you’ll master traditional sake brewing techniques, and upon completing a quiz-style final exam, earn a certificate of completion. To further enhance your experience, delicious meals will be provided throughout your stay, showcasing the rich flavors of the local cuisine.

Details

Location: Saku, Southwest of Karuizawa
Website: Kurabito Stay's official website (English)

Buddhist Vegetarian Cuisine and Copying Sutras at Temple Lodging Fuchinobo

You can get a full Buddhist experience near the famous National Treasure, Zenkoji Temple. Try the Buddhist “shojin ryori” vegetarian cuisine, made using only plant-based local ingredients. The meals include a wide selection of traditional Japanese ingredients, with changing menu items depending on the season. You can also try copying sutras in front of the Buddha statue inside the lodging. By calmly copying the words of the sutra, you can purify your mind and bring happiness to yourself and those around you. After finishing, you can write your name and a wish and take that with you to the morning service at Zenkoji Temple the following morning.

Details

Location: near Zenkoji Temple, Nagano City
Website: Fuchinobo's official website (machine translated)

Mountain Vegetable Picking, Mushroom Picking, and SUP at LAMP Nojiriko

Situated on the shores of Lake Nojiri, this hotel offers a range of seasonal lake-related and mountain-related activities and tours. In spring, guests can participate in a mountain vegetable picking tour, with options for both group and private tours. After collecting the vegetables, the chef will prepare a delicious tempura meal for you to enjoy. During spring and summer, you can enjoy activities like SUP and kayaking on the pristine lake, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. In fall, a guided mushroom picking tour will take you deep into the mountains for a unique and immersive experience.

Details

Location: Shinano Town, Northern Nagano Pref.
Website: Guesthouse LAMP's official website (English)

Reading Space at Matsumoto Jujo in Asama Hot Springs

Located in the Asama Hot Spring area, the Matsumoto Jujo is a collection of 2 hotels and many other shops and cafes. One of the two onsite hotels is the Matsumoto Honbako, where approximately 10,000 books are available for you to read at your leisure. Guests are allowed to read the books in the bookstore until late at night, and you can purchase any books that caught your attention. On the first floor of the Matsumoto Honbako, you can enjoy the wood-fired cuisine at Restaurant 367. Also, all of the rooms at the Matsumoto Honbako are equipped with open-air baths with natural spring water.

Details

Location: Matsumoto
Website: Matsumoto Jujo's official website (English)

MTB, Hiking, Kamikochi Winter Tours, Bouldering, Rock Climbing, and Much More at Northstar

From mountain bike tours to snowshoe tours of Kamikochi and even rock climbing, this hotel has it all! The activities available change based on the season and you can choose between either a private or group lesson/tour. Activities are designed to be as beginner-friendly as possible, with equipment available for rent; however, tours for more experienced participants are also offered. Guides are available in English to teach you the basics of skiing and mountain biking as well as guide you on one-day or multiple-day hiking tours to places such as Mt. Norikura and Mt. Yakedake.

Details

Location: Norikura Highlands, West of Matsumoto
Website: Northstar's official website (English)

Bike Tours and 30-minute Geisha Shows at Kamesei Ryokan

This Japanese traditional hot spring inn is located in Chikuma City, just south of Nagano City. This inn was originally built as an okiya (geisha house) in the early 1900s. There are several performances for you to experience, including a geisha show, a taiko drum performance, and a lion dance performance. All of the shows are performed by local practitioners and last around 30 minutes. The Zukudashi Cycling Tour is also run by the American innkeeper Tyler. Bikes are available to rent, and the experienced bilingual guides can take you around the area and show you all of the hidden locations known only to the locals.

Details

Location: Togura-Kamiyamada Onsen, Chikuma
Website: Kamesei Ryokan's official website (English)

Nightly Noh Performances at the Sekitaitei Ishida

This is a traditional hot spring inn that embodies Japanese culture from the architecture, cuisine, and hospitality. Every night, on the Noh stage, a traditional Japanese performance takes place. The performers are on a rotating schedule so the show that you get to see depends on the day that you stay. The inn also features seasonal events such as a 2,000-doll decoration event during the months leading up to spring. Likewise, in summer, 1,000 Edo wind chimes are decorated throughout the entrance and lobby areas due to their association with summertime in Japan.

Details

Location: Hirugami Hot Springs in Achi Village, Southern Nagano Pref.
Website: Sekitaitei Ishida's official website (English)

*Please note that the Noh stage performance will not be performed during the events in early September and mid-January to early April.