Savvy travelers looking for authentic Japanese drinking experiences will find their paradise in Nagano. The city’s sake scene is compact, historic, and wonderfully local. I love the combination tours that pair traditional brewery visits with cultural stops – they’re perfect for maximizing your time and understanding how sake fits into local life.
Two standout experiences: The evening Izakaya tours let you rub shoulders with locals while sampling regional sakes in cozy pubs, while the full-day tours brilliantly mix sake tasting with visits to the snow monkeys and temples. The guides really know their stuff, and the groups stay small and personal.
Check out these top drinking tours in Nagano:
Key Points
- Matsumoto Sake Tasting Tour provides a 2-hour, intimate experience for sampling local sake and learning about Japanese rice wine.
- Nagano’s Izakaya Food Night Tour offers a 100% recommendation rate, with stops for authentic dishes and drinks.
- Matsumoto Castle and Food Tour combines a visit to a 16th-century historical site with sake sampling and street food indulgence.
- Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji, Sake Tour is a highly-rated, full-day experience that includes private transportation, entry fees, and a knowledgeable local guide.
- Nagano’s drinking tours cater to various interests, from cultural highlights to culinary experiences, with options for personalized, small-group settings.
1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano
This 1-day tour offers visitors a chance to experience some of Nagano’s most iconic attractions.
Travelers will visit the famous Snow Monkey Park, where they can observe the unique Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs. The tour also includes a stop at the historic Zenko-ji Temple and a sake tasting at a local brewery.
With a maximum of 46 participants, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience. Transportation, lunch, and entry fees are all included, making it a convenient and hassle-free way to explore Nagano’s natural and cultural wonders.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, although the forest trail may present some accessibility challenges.
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Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour in Nagano
Visitors to Nagano can experience the region’s renowned sake culture through the Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour. Priced at €61.28 per person, the 2-hour tour takes groups of up to 8 participants to explore Matsumoto’s historic streets and visit a local sake brewery for a tasting.
Along the way, guests will learn about Japanese rice wine, sample local pickles, and enjoy hot green tea. The tour provides an immersive cultural experience, with opportunities to photograph Matsumoto’s medieval architecture and lively shopping streets.
Though not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or seniors, the Matsumoto Sake Tasting Walking Tour offers an intimate glimpse into the heart of Nagano’s sake heritage.
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Izakaya Food Night Tour in Nagano
Nestled in the heart of Nagano, the Izakaya Food Night Tour offers an immersive culinary experience, guiding travelers through the city’s vibrant food scene.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 41 reviews, this tour showcases the region’s authentic flavors, from handmade soba noodles to BBQ skewers. Guests can expect to visit 2-3 food stops, sampling over 5 dishes and enjoying 2 drinks.
The tour also provides insider access to hidden bars and local introductions, all led by personable, English-speaking guides. Priced from $107.89 per person, this experience promises a memorable introduction to Nagano’s culinary delights, with a photography service to capture the journey.
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Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour in Nagano
The Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour in Nagano offers an immersive exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
This 3-hour excursion, limited to just 8 participants, takes visitors through the iconic 16th-century Matsumoto Castle, where they’ll learn about its history and architecture.
Next, they’ll sample local sake at a historic brewery and indulge in delectable street food like Taiyaki and Takoyaki.
The tour also includes a visit to the charming Nakamachi Shopping Street, featuring Edo-period merchant houses.
Guided by the knowledgeable Masa, the experience is enhanced by high-quality photographs and recommendations for further culinary adventures.
With flexible booking and free cancellation, this tour provides an unforgettable taste of Nagano’s vibrant culture.
Read our full review: Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Food Walking Tour in Nagano Review
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Snow Monkey, Zenko Ji Temple, Sake in Nagano Tour
This full-day excursion takes travelers on an immersive journey through Nagano’s cultural and natural wonders. Known as the “Snow Monkey, Zenko Ji Temple, Sake in Nagano Tour,” this highly-rated experience boasts a 91% recommendation from previous guests.
With private transportation, entry fees, and lunch included, guests visit the iconic Jigokudani Monkey Park, the historic Zenko-ji Temple, and a sake brewery.
While most reviews rave about the knowledgeable guides and flexibility, some guests felt the experience lacked the expected guided tour component.
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Snow Monkeys, Nagano, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip
Venture on a captivating day trip that showcases Nagano’s renowned natural and cultural highlights. The “Snow Monkeys, Nagano, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip” takes visitors to observe playful snow monkeys, explore the historic Zenko-ji Temple, and savor local sake.
Priced at €520.92 for up to 6 participants, the tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entry fees. Theres some good a delicious lunch and a sake tasting, while learning about this iconic Japanese beverage.
The tour departs from Nagano Station at 9:35 AM and concludes by 5:30 PM, with an option for a shuttle service from Hakuba during winter. This immersive experience offers an ideal way to discover Nagano’s natural wonders and cultural treasures.
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Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour
Nagano’s rich sake heritage comes alive on the captivating Sake Tasting Walking Tour. Rated 96% by travelers, this half-day experience offers an in-depth exploration of the region’s premier libations.
Guests embark on a guided journey, sampling a diverse array of sake, from standard brews to hand-crafted and sparkling varieties, complemented by miso soup and savory nibbles. An English-speaking guide provides cultural insights, while high-quality photographs capture the memories.
Though not wheelchair-accessible, the tour requires a moderate fitness level and is unsuitable for those with medical conditions.
With flexible booking and cancellation policies, this tour promises an authentic taste of Nagano’s vibrant sake culture.
Read our full review: Nagano Sake Tasting Walking Tour Review
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Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip
Travelers can embark on a captivating 8-hour day trip that showcases the natural and cultural wonders of Nagano.
This tour covers the iconic Zenko-ji Temple, a guided tour through the Jigokudani Monkey Park to observe the famous snow monkeys, and a local food and sake tasting experience.
Priced from Kč 3,234 per person, the tour includes transportation and is suitable for those seeking an immersive, small-group exploration of the region.
With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this day trip is a convenient and memorable way to experience the highlights of Nagano.
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Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour
Set out on a captivating private tour that showcases the natural and cultural wonders of Nagano.
The Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour offers a comprehensive 8-hour experience.
Begin at the famous Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll observe the Japanese macaques bathing in the natural hot springs.
Next, explore the historic Zenko-ji Temple, one of the most important Buddhist sites in Japan.
Complete the day with a sake tasting, delving into the local brewing traditions.
Priced from $166.12 per person, this tour provides an immersive and personalized introduction to Nagano’s top attractions.
Delight in the perfect blend of nature, culture, and local flavors on this private excursion.
Read our full review: Snow Monkey & ZinkoJi With Sake Tasting Private Tour Review
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Sum Up
Nagano offers a diverse range of drinking tours, from exploring the region’s renowned sake production to experiencing the vibrant izakaya culture. Visitors can enjoy the local traditions while taking in the stunning natural beauty and historic landmarks. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or simply looking to discover the local culinary scene, Nagano’s drinking tours provide a unique and memorable experience.