Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano

Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji Temple in Nagano

Info
¥13,800/person (10+)
  • 📆 Period: All year
  • ⏱️ Duration: 3 hours
  • 📍 Meet at Starbucks Midori Nagano station
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Looking for the best things to do in Nagano?
This flavorful cultural walking tour around Zenkoji Temple blends local food, tradition, and community. From oyaki dumplings to sake tasting and matcha sweets, enjoy an unforgettable Nagano cultural experience. You may also visit lesser-known local spots — hidden gems not found in guidebooks — that add a personal and authentic touch to your experience.

Tour Highlights 
✅ Walk through the historic streets around Zenkoji Temple
✅ Taste freshly made oyaki dumplings and local pickles
✅ Enjoy traditional sweets with matcha green tea
✅ Discover family-run shops with hidden stories
✅ Sample seasonal sake and non-alcoholic amazake

Embark on a Delightful Journey through Zenkoji Temple and Its Enchanting Surroundings

This immersive walking tour offers an authentic glimpse into Nagano’s rich history, local traditions, and culinary delights, all centered around the iconic Zenkoji Temple. Perfect for foodies, culture enthusiasts, and curious travelers, the experience is designed to highlight the charm and character of this historic area.

1️⃣ Zenkoji Temple Exploration 

Step into one of Japan’s oldest and most spiritual temples.
Admire the wooden architecture, learn about its Buddhist roots, and feel the peaceful atmosphere that makes Zenkoji so special.

2️⃣ Hidden Stories & Local Legends 📜

Wander through temple streets as your guide shares fascinating stories, local customs, and superstitions still alive today.
Discover how Zenkoji has shaped the spirit and identity of Nagano City.

3️⃣ Delicious Food Tastings 🍙🍡🍶

Taste your way through Nagano’s food culture:

  • Oyaki dumplings – Warm, soft, and filled with sweet or savory goodness

  • Seasonal Japanese sweets – Handmade treats served or matcha ice cream.

  • 🍶 Sake tasting – Try craft sake brewed with Nagano’s mountain spring water

  • 🌾 Amazake – A non-alcoholic traditional drink full of flavor

4️⃣ Explore Nakamise Street 🛍️

Enjoy the buzz of this vibrant shopping street full of local food, handmade goods, and classic Japanese charm.
A great way to explore Nagano like a local.

5️⃣ Interactive Cultural Experiences 🎎

Try fun customs like omikuji (fortune slips) and learn Japanese etiquette from your guide. These little moments create big memories.

📋 What’s Included?

✅ Guided tour of Zenkoji Temple
✅ Oyaki, sweets & sake tastings (light meal)
✅ Amazake (non-alcoholic option)
✅ Nakamise shopping street stroll
✅ English-speaking local guide

🌟 Why Join This Tour?

🔍 Discover what makes Zenkoji one of the top cultural spots in Nagano
😋 Enjoy a Nagano food tour full of local flavors
👣 Walk with a guide who shows you hidden spots & stories
📚 Learn history, eat well, and connect with the local vibe

💡 Additional Information

📍 Meeting Point: In front of Beck’s Coffee, Nagano Station
🕒 Duration: 3 hours
👥 Group Size: Small & personal
🍶 Note: Must be 20+ for sake tasting
👟 What to Bring: Walking shoes & curiosity

Curious about who we are?

Meet our local guides and the people behind o8Experience HERE.

📅 Book Your Tour Today!

Step into the heart of Nagano’s history, taste its iconic local cuisine, and feel the spiritual energy of Zenkoji Temple. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to experience this unforgettable journey!

  • Photo Friendly
  • 3 Hours
  • 1 to 8 people
  • All weather
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Trip Itinerary

Meet at in front of Starbucks Coffee MIDORI Nagano Station
Meet with our guide
Oyaki House
Taste Nagano’s special product “Oyaki”, which is Japanese stuffed dumplings and from local village called “Ogawa”. Oyaki is cooked in irori, which is a traditional Japanese sunken hearth and you can have it near by cozy & warm bonfire.
Walking High Street to Zenkoji Temple
You can buy some Nagano’s local products for souvenir on the high street and see the history of 1400 years’ national treasure temple
Sake Tasting
You can try to taste variety of Sake here with nibbles like soy source beans and some Japanese pickles. Miso is one of the Nagano specialities and you can have Nagano’s miso soup.
Walking on back street.
As we walk on back street, you will see local shrines, local shops and neighborhood of Nagano city.
Arrival at Matcha Tea Place
You have Matcha tea in Japanese style room and also very nice Japanese sweet.
Pop in local shop on back street
You can pop in local shop to see Nagano’s local products and you can have nice chat with the staff.
Tour Concludes
The duration of this tour is about 3 hours. The tour concludes at the Nagano station. If you would like to explore different place s like restaurants after this tour, you can say good bye to your guide at around Zenkoji temple area, where is easy to get back to Nagano station by yourself
⭐ What Guests Are Saying About This Tour
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Have a Question?

Contact us via email or WhatsApp. Please note that WhatsApp is only used for simple availability checks and post-booking communication.

¥13,800 /person (10+)
  • Booking directly with us means supporting a local business and receiving the most personalized experience possible.
  • Solo travelers welcome!
    Booking directly through our website allows solo travelers to join this tour, offering a more personalized and flexible experience.​
  • Depending on the day, your tour may include visits to unique local gems — like a traditional sweets shop that serves koi-shaped stuffed pancakes, a hidden art gallery in a renovated townhouse, a retro-style independent movie theater, or a beautifully preserved historic inn. These one-of-a-kind stops are exclusive to direct bookings, offering a more personal and memorable experience.
Book Now

ℹ️ Info

🕒 Duration: 3 hours
⏰ Start times: 9:00 / 10:00 / 11:00 / 12:00
👥 Group size: 1–8 guests
💴 Price: ¥13,800 (10+), ¥8,500 (ages 3–9), Infants (0–2) free – lunch not included
🍱 Includes: Oyaki, sweets, matcha tea, English-speaking guide
🚫 Excludes: Extra drinks/food, bullet train or other transport fees
📍 Meeting point: In front of Starbucks Midori Nagano Station

  • 🚶 Small-Group Comfort: Explore without the crowd – just 8 guests max.

  • 🧑‍🏫 Local Cultural Insight: Go beyond sightseeing with real stories, history & humor.

  • 🍡 Authentic Food Stops: Taste oyaki dumplings, matcha sweets, sake & more.

  • 🏯 Hidden Corners of Zenkoji: Discover places not covered in guidebooks.

  • 💬 Fully Guided in English: Clear, helpful, and fun from start to finish.

  • 🧭 You’re curious about Japan’s temple culture and local lifestyle

  • 🍱 You love discovering local flavors, not just big-city restaurants

  • 📷 You prefer stories over selfies – depth over speed

  • 👣 You enjoy walking tours that balance history, food & fun

  • 🌸 You want an easy, 3-hour plan that fits your Nagano itinerary

  • 🧑‍🏫 English-Speaking Local Guide
    Personable, professional, and passionate about Nagano.

  • 👣 Relaxed Walking Tour
    No rush. Just a fun, immersive walk through local streets.

  • 🍵 Authentic Local Tastings
    Oyaki dumplings, matcha sweets, and local tea – light but satisfying.

  • 📸 Great for Instagram
    Hidden alleyways, temple details, and local color await.

Q: What is included in the tour?
A: The tour includes a guided visit to Zenkoji Temple, Nakamise Street, and nearby historic streets, as well as food tastings like oyaki dumplings, traditional sweets and local craft sake.

Q: I’m traveling solo. Will the tour still happen if I’m the only one booked?

A: Yes — we warmly welcome solo travelers, and this tour will run even if you’re the only guest. Your guide will accompany you throughout the experience, creating a relaxed and personalized evening.

Please note: this tour is not designed as a group social or mixer-style event.
You may occasionally share the evening with other guests, but it’s also common for tours to run with just one booking group. If you’re specifically hoping to meet and connect with fellow travelers, this experience may not be the best fit.

Q: Where does the tour start?
A: The meeting point is in front of Starbucks Midori Nagano Station.

Q: How long does the tour last?
A: The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Q: How much walking is involved?
A: This is a walking tour, and guests can expect to walk approximately 10,000 steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Q: What languages are spoken during the tour?
A: The tour is conducted in English.

Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
A: Yes, children are welcome to join, but they should be comfortable walking for the duration of the tour.

Q: What happens if it rains?
A: The tour operates rain or shine, so please bring appropriate clothing for the weather.

Q: Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
A: We try to accommodate dietary restrictions when possible. Please inform us in advance to make arrangements.

Q: Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?
A: Yes, we have a cancellation policy:

  • 7+ days before the tour date: Full refund, minus a 10% processing fee.
  • 3 to 6 days before the tour date: 50% refund, minus a 10% processing fee.
  • Within 2 days of the tour date: No refunds.

Q: What should I bring with me?
A: Please bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera to capture memories. If you’d like to participate in sake tasting, bring a valid ID.

Q: How can I book the tour?
A: You can book the tour directly on our website at o8experience.com.

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