The Complete Guide to the Charms of Hiking and Trekking in Nagano Prefecture | Recommended Tours and Trails for Everyone from Beginners to Advanced Hikers

Mountaineering and Trekking in Nagano
What are the reasons for its popularity?

Nagano Prefecture is truly a sacred place for mountaineering and trekking enthusiasts.

Surrounded by beautiful mountains, including the Japanese Alps, visitors can enjoy the spectacular seasonal scenery and get in touch with nature.

In this issue.Enjoyable for beginners and advanced users alike.I would like to introduce mountain climbing and trekking in Nagano, Japan.

Click here to see the ranking of popular plans in Nagano

Why is mountain climbing and trekking in Nagano so popular?

Let us show you why mountain climbing and trekking in Nagano are so popular!

Recommended for beginners!
Click here for popular hiking plans in Nagano

Nagano / Matsumoto, Azumino, Omachi, Hakuba / 1 day】Only available from April to early November! Kamikochi Hiking Day Tour ★ Includes a maximum of 3 hours of free time to explore the area! (v-5)開始時間8:00~.所要時間6~8.5 hours

Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.

Guide to Outdoor Activities in Nagano Prefecture｜Popular activities throughout the four seasonsActivities to Enjoy in Nagano Prefecture Adventure and Refreshment with Nature Nagano Prefecture is one of the most nature-rich regions in Japan, and offers tourists [...].

Beautiful mountains that change their appearance from season to season

Nagano Prefecture is,Northern Alps, Central Alps, Southern Alpsand are all representative of Japan's mountainous regions. These mountains are ideal areas for mountain climbing and trekking due to their high elevation and magnificent nature.

Recommended tours to enjoy the mountains

Nagano, Takamine Kogen / Winter Only】High percentage of clear skies! Let's go snowshoeing in the mountains and find the footprints of animals and the spectacular view of the mountains! (No.3)開始時間1:00-3:30 p.m.所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours6,000 yen

Nagano/2 hours】Only available from April to December! High Ropes Course＜Tree Athletic＞Challenge about 40 different courses☆Guided tours are available! For friends, family, and team building♪ (No.2)開始時間9:30-12:00 / 12:30-15:00 / 15:00-17:30所要時間Approx. 2 hours5,200 yen

Nagano, Asama/Half day】Spectacular cycling in Asama Plateau☆Casual picnic ride on an electric power-assisted bicycle "e-bike"! (No.4)開始時間9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours6,000 yen

Accessibility

Nagano City and Matsumoto City.Easy access from major citiesand is a base for mountaineering and trekking.

It is very convenient for travelers, as they can easily visit by public transportation or by car.

From beginner to advanced!
Variety of course options

In Nagano Prefecture,Fun for beginners and travelers with children.From the trekking courseA real mountain climbing course for advanced climbersThere are courses of varying difficulty ranging from

People of all ages can enjoy the spectacular scenery on courses suited to their level.

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Travel around Nagano with a sightseeing map! Recommended areas for spectacular spots & hot springs and gourmet food from the map!Geography and features of Nagano Prefecture on a map Nagano Prefecture is a landlocked prefecture full of nature, located in the center of Honshu. The Northern and Central Alps [...].

Things to Enjoy Alongside This!
Nagano forest bathing tours are here↓.

Nagano Prefecture/Chartered/4 hours]Eliminate brain fatigue with the fragrance of the forest! Available from 1 person (No.17)開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approx. 4 hours16,000 yen

Nagano/Matsumoto/2 hours】Learn with a forest therapist! Forest Bathing and Fragrance" hands-on course☆Improves immunity and reduces stress 《You can also make unique fragrance souvenirs》（No.15）.開始時間10:30-12:30 / 14:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 2 hours4,000 yen

Nagano/Matsumoto City/2.5 hours】Only available from December to April! Winter Forest Bathing Walking♪Healing experience walking along fallen-leaf paths scented with red pine (with making sweets and scented souvenirs) (No.18)開始時間9:30-12:00/13:30-16:00所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours6,600 yen

Forest Bathing Tours in Nagano
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Recommended Hiking and Trekking in Nagano
10 Must-See Spots

Nagano Prefecture offers a wide variety of hiking spots, ranging from highland trekking courses that are easy even for beginners to serious mountaineering routes that take you up to 3,000-meter-class peaks.

Here, from the Northern Alps, the Central Alps, the Yatsugatake area, and other locations,10 Recommended Spots with Different Scenery and Levels of DifficultyLet me introduce...

Choose a trail that suits your fitness level and hiking experience!

Click here for information on hiking in Nagano ↓

10 Recommended Hiking Spots in Nagano, Japan! Spectacular spots for beginners and kids!Let's enjoy hiking in Nagano! Introducing popular and spectacular hiking spots in Nagano Prefecture, including Kamikochi, Hakuba, and Karuizawa, which are rich in nature [...].

Click here to see the ranking of popular plans in Nagano

Kamikochi | For Beginners

Kamikochi is located at an elevation of approximately 1,500 metersA scenic mountain area representative of Nagano PrefectureYou can enjoy a nature walk while taking in the views of the Azusa River and the Hotaka Mountain Range.

Since you can use Kappa Bridge as a starting point to explore places like Myojin Pond and Taisho Pond,My First HikeI'd recommend it for that, too.

It's perfect not only for mountaineering but also for those who want to enjoy a hike in the mountains while taking in the fresh forest air and breathtaking views.

Click here for more information about Kamikochi ↓

Kamikochi -Nagano- About Kamikochi Kamikochi is a beautiful highland area in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, especially with the Northern Alps in the background.

↓Click here for Kamikochi forest bathing tours.

Nagano/Chartered tour/4 hours] Healing aroma forest bathing in Kamikochi with a walk and aroma hand care experience (from 1 person) (No.16)開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approx. 4 hours16,000 yen

Mt. Kiso-Komagatake | For Beginners to Intermediate Hikers

Mount Kiso-Komagatake is the highest peak in the Central Alps, standing at 2,956 meters, andJapan's Hundred Famous MountainsIt has also been selected for this list.

One of the attractions is that you can take the ropeway to Senjōjiki at an elevation of 2,612 meters, and from there, head toward the summit via the Senjōjiki Cirque, Nobori-goshi Jōdo, and Nakadake.

We recommend this to anyone who wants to enjoy the sweeping panoramic views unique to Takayama or who’d like to try their hand at serious mountain climbing.

Mt. Norikura | For Beginners to Intermediate Hikers

Mount Norikura is a mountain whose highest peak is Kengamine, at an elevation of 3,026 meters, andA relatively easy way to experience climbing a 3,000-meter peakSpot.

You can take a bus to Tatamidaira, located at an elevation of 2,702 meters, and from there, a hiking trail leads to the summit in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

It’s also recommended for those who want to try hiking in the mountains for the first time while enjoying alpine flora and the breathtaking views of the Northern Alps.

Click here for more information about Mount Norikura↓

Mount Norikura - Nagano - About Mount Norikura: Mount Norikura is an active volcano with an elevation of 3,026 meters, located on the border between Nagano and Gifu Prefectures, in the Northern Alps […]

↓Norikura Kogen, a place to enjoy the fun of Norikura Kogen in combination with
Click here for forest bathing tours

Nagano Prefecture/Chartered/4 hours]Eliminate brain fatigue with the fragrance of the forest! Available from 1 person (No.17)開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approx. 4 hours16,000 yen

Mt. Tateshina | For Beginners to Intermediate Hikers

Mount Tateshina is a mountain with an elevation of 2,530 meters; it is known as “Suwa Fuji (Mt. Fuji, Mt. Suwa)It is also referred to as "the

The route from the 7th Station trailhead to the summit is relatively short, andIt's a great option for those looking to try a day hike...is its defining feature.

From the summit, you can take in panoramic views of the Yatsugatake Range, the Southern Alps, and the Central Alps, so if you’re looking to enjoy breathtaking scenery, be sure to give it a try.

Click here for more information about the Tateshina Highlands ↓

Tateshina Kogen -Nagano- About Tateshina Kogen Tateshina Kogen is a highland area located in the central part of Nagano Prefecture, at an elevation of over 1,200 meters [...].

Togakushi | For Beginners

Togakushi is,Togakushi Shrineand ... andTogakushi Forest Botanical Garden, ,Kagami PondAn area where you can enjoy hiking through lush, natural mountain scenery while exploring various spots.

There are also relatively easy hiking trails, such as the one leading from the Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden to Kagami Pond.

This is highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery of the deep forest and the Togakushi Mountain Range while also experiencing the area’s history and culture.

Click here for more information about Togakushi Shrine ↓

Togakushi Shrine -Nagano- About Togakushi Shrine Togakushi Shrine is a shrine located in the northern part of Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, and has long been a place of worship. It is specially [...].

Utsukushigahara Highlands | For Beginners

The Utsukushigahara Highlands is a vast plateau at an elevation of around 2,000 meters and is a popular spot for taking walks while enjoying the expansive scenery.

There are well-maintained walking trails throughout the plateau, where you can enjoy hiking tours that take you to the summit of Oga-gashira and the Tower of Beauty.

For those who’d rather take a leisurely stroll while enjoying the scenery than tackle a rugged mountain trail, orHighland Hiking for BeginnersAlso recommended for...

Click here for more information about the Utsukushigahara Highlands ↓

Utsukushigahara Plateau -Nagano-   About Utsukushigahara Plateau Utsukushigahara Plateau is located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture at an altitude of 2000 meters [...].

Be sure to check this out too!
Click here for popular tours of the Asama Highlands ↓

Nagano, Asama/Half day】Spectacular cycling in Asama Plateau☆Casual picnic ride on an electric power-assisted bicycle "e-bike"! (No.4)開始時間9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00所要時間Approx. 3 hours6,000 yen

Kirigamine | For Beginners

Kirigamine is a vast highland area that includes Mount Kurumayama and the Yashimagahara Marsh, and it is a hiking spot where you can enjoy nature throughout the seasons.

One of the attractions is being able to take in the views of grasslands, wetlands, and the surrounding mountains while walking along the relatively gentle plateau trails.

Combined with a drive along the Venus Line,A Relaxed Hike in the MountainsIt's also perfect for those who want to enjoy [...].

Click here for more information about Kirigamine↓

Kirigamine -Nagano- About Kirigamine Kirigamine is a beautiful plateau in Suwa County, Nagano Prefecture, stretching over 1,900 meters above sea level [...].

Be sure to check this out too!
Click here for popular snowshoeing experiences at Takamine Highlands ↓

Nagano, Takamine Kogen / Winter Only】High percentage of clear skies! Let's go snowshoeing in the mountains and find the footprints of animals and the spectacular view of the mountains! (No.3)開始時間1:00-3:30 p.m.所要時間Approx. 2.5 hours6,000 yen

Mt. Hakuba | For Intermediate Hikers

Mt. Hakuba, standing at an elevation of 2,932 meters, is one of the most iconic peaks in the Northern Alps, renowned for its vast snowfields, alpine flora, and magnificent views from its ridgelines.

On the route from Tsugaike Nature Park to the summit via Hakuba Oike,A mountainous landscape typical of the Northern AlpsYou can fully enjoy it.

If you're looking to take on a serious mountain climb—including long hikes and overnight stays in mountain huts—make sure you're well-equipped and have a solid plan in place so you can enjoy the experience.

Click here for more information about Hakuba Happo-one ↓

Hakuba Happo One -Nagano-   About Hakuba Happo One Hakuba Happo One is a part of the Hakuba mountain range located in northern Nagano Prefecture, and has four [...].

Things to Enjoy Alongside This!
Click here for popular tours in Hakuba↓

Nagano / Matsumoto, Azumino, Omachi, Hakuba / 1 day】Only available from April to early November! Kamikochi Hiking Day Tour ★ Includes a maximum of 3 hours of free time to explore the area! (v-5)開始時間8:00~.所要時間6~8.5 hours

Nagano/Azumino/Omachi/1 day】Only available from April to November! Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort round-trip ticket included tour★Walk in the air by gondola! (v-8)開始時間9:00~.所要時間4~5 hours

Nagano/Azumino/Omachi/Morning】Only available from June to October! Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden Sightseeing Day Tour★Gondola ride to the sky botanical garden with spectacular view! (v-12)開始時間9:00~.所要時間5 hrs.

Mt. Tsubame | For Intermediate Hikers

Mt. Tsubame, located in the Northern Alps at an elevation of 2,763 meters, is a popular hiking destination where visitors climb the Gassen Ridge to reach the summit.

Along the hiking trail are the Tsubame-sanso and Gassen-goya mountain huts, and around the summit,Dolphin Rockand ... andGlasses RockYou can see distinctive rocks such as these.

Since this route is a popular choice for those looking to start serious mountaineering in the Northern Alps, why not get in shape and gear up to give it a try?

Click here for more information about Azumino ↓

Azumino -Nagano- About Azumino Azumino is a beautiful region located in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture, with the spectacular mountains of the Northern Alps in the background.

Held in Azumino City!
Click here for popular go-kart tours in Nagano ↓

Nagano/Azumino City/2.5 hours] Let's ride go-karts! You will be very satisfied if you drive this much♪ 《First timers and women are also welcome》（No.5)開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes8,500 yen

Nagano/Azumino City/1 hour]Participation from 4 years old★Recommended for children who love cars! Junior Kart School Plan《First timers are welcome》（No.11)開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approx. 1 hour6,700 yen

Nagano/Azumino City/30 min.]Participation from 4 years old★Recommended for children who love cars! Junior Special Driving Plan 《First timers are welcome》（No.9）.開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approx. 30 min.2,700 yen

Mt. Hotaka | For Advanced Climbers

Mount Hotaka is one of the most iconic mountain ranges in the Northern Alps, featuring a chain of 3,000-meter-class peaks such as Mount Okuhotaka, Mount Maehotaka, and Mount Kitahotaka.

Including rocky terrain and steep climbsThere are many challenging hiking trails,...It is essential to have sufficient mountaineering experience and equipment, and to plan your trip with the weather in mind.

If you’re planning to hike to take in the magnificent views of the Hotaka Mountain Range, choose a route that matches your skill level and physical fitness, and enjoy your hike while putting safety first.

Things to Enjoy Alongside This!
Click here for the Kamikochi day trip bus tour ↓

Nagano / Matsumoto, Azumino, Omachi / 1 day】Only available from June to October! Kamikochi Day Trip Bus Tour★Including French lunch at Kamikochi Imperial Hotel! (v-10)開始時間8:00~.所要時間6.5 to 9.5 hours

Mountain climbing and trekking in Nagano, Japan

In order to enjoy mountain climbing and trekking in Nagano, you need to prepare well in advance.

Please follow the points below to enjoy safe and comfortable mountain climbing and trekking.

Click here to see the ranking of popular plans in Nagano

Clothing and Equipment

Proper clothing and equipment are essential when climbing or trekking.

This is especially true because temperatures change rapidly at higher elevations,Clothing that can regulate body temperatureChoose the

Weather check

In the mountainous areas of Nagano Prefecture, weather conditions can change rapidly.

It is important to check the weather forecast before departure, and if bad weather is forecast, it is important to take it easy and make the decision to cancel the climb.

Particularly in winter and during inclement weather, the trail becomes slippery, so extreme caution is required.

Food and hydration

Carrying adequate food and water is important for long mountaineering and trekking trips because of the energy expended.

Bring energy bars and nuts for snacks, and hydrate regularly.

summary

Nagano Prefecture is blessed with beautiful mountains, including the Japanese Alps and the Yatsugatake Mountains, and is an attractive area for mountaineering and trekking enthusiasts.

A wide variety of routes are available, from trekking courses for beginners to full-scale mountain climbing courses, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature in each of the four seasons.

When planning your Nagano mountaineering or trekking trip, be well prepared and enjoy the wonderful contact with nature.

Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.

An extraordinary experience at Lake Aoki! Activities & Sightseeing Information to Enjoy Nagano's Great NatureLake Aoki, located in Nagano Prefecture, is a crystal clear lake surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Northern Alps, and is a spot where visitors can enjoy the charm of the four seasons. The lake's water is crystal clear, and on a clear day, the blue sky and mountains are reflected in the lake's surface, creating a spectacular view. Lake Aoki's charm lies in its quiet environment where visitors can relax and enjoy the clean air and natural beauty of the lake.

Guide to Outdoor Activities in Nagano Prefecture｜Popular activities throughout the four seasonsActivities to Enjoy in Nagano Prefecture Adventure and Refreshment with Nature Nagano Prefecture is one of the most nature-rich regions in Japan, and offers tourists [...].

Nagano Prefecture Tours｜Luxurious travel with spectacular views of the four seasons and historySpecial Feature: Hands-On Tours in Nagano Prefecture! Enjoy Stunning Views and Nature In this column, we introduce recommended hands-on tours in Nagano Prefecture […]