Your choices include a stay for convenience, one of seclusion, or up close and personal to the region’s massifs.

Nothing beats this location for those using the city as a base to explore the region. Bullet trains and express buses put the rest of Nagano and beyond within easy reach. Hotels nearby range from no-fuss business stays to upscale options with polished interiors and panoramic views. Night owls will love the area, with plenty of late-night ramen joints and local izakayas whipping up feasts under the glow of Japanese lanterns.

Prefer the quiet of deep woods to city streets? Surrounded by endless cedars and winding trails, this area is perfect for group getaways or anyone wanting proximity to Togakushi’s historic shrines and multi-day hikes. In winter, lodges near the ski lifts are the epitome of cozy, where mornings start with fresh powder and evenings end by the warmth of a crackling fire.

Accommodations range from classic alpine lodges with heavy wooden beams and roaring fireplaces to sleek, minimalist stays with floor-to-ceiling views of the slopes.

Staying near one of Japan’s most revered temples means picking from wooden ryokans, traditional guesthouses, or small boutique stays. Early mornings bring the distant sound of monks chanting, plus plenty of restaurants line the area.

Convenience meets solace without unnecessary fuss at Hotel Metropolitan Nagano. With the amenities of an upscale stay but a price tag that won’t stretch your budget, it’s directly connected to Nagano Station, with buses to Jigokudani and Hakuba merely steps away.

So of course, it's the perfect rest stop to recharge between explorations. En-suite bathrooms have bathtubs to thaw out after a cold day. And, if your muscles call for extra respite, the on-site massage salon is ready to take care of your wellness.

This long-time local favorite has 235 guest rooms, with options from the stylish yet budget-friendly 18 m² Standard Double and 18 m² Superior Single to more spacious choices like the 25 m² Standard Twin, 25 m² Deluxe King, or the 30 m² Superior Twin and Triple Room.

No matter the choice, a deep night's slumber is a given.

If you ask us, we have only two recommendations. First, go for a package that includes the buffet breakfast at Iris Café, where a scrumptious spread of crisp croissants, freshly baked bread, and regional specialties is perfect fuel for the day. Second, request a room on one of the higher floors because the city skyline and the mountain silhouettes are well worth waking up to.

Less than 30 minutes walking distance to Zenko-ji, staying at Nagano Tokyu REI Hotel gives you easy access to the iconic landmark. Connected by a passageway from Nagano Station, the hotel's main appeal is its location, followed closely by stunning mountain views from the windows, and impeccable Japanese hospitality.

Redesigned less than a decade ago, the hotel still holds onto its business-hotel efficiency—rooms are compact yet well-designed. The 23 m² Superior Triple Room is the most spacious, while the 15 m² Standard Double Room keeps costs low for those who don’t mind a tighter fit.

There are ample breakfast options available with mouthwatering plates like Shinshu Soba & Nozawana rice each morning. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, Blanche, keeps things interesting with a weekly rotating menu. But, if you prefer eating outside, the streets are packed with late-night bars, local eateries, cafés, and convenience stores that stay open around the clock.

Rebranded and renewed in the spring of 2020, Hotel New Nagano Next has a vast history spanning 5 decades, but even in its latest iteration, the core vision remains unchanged—providing travelers with a restful stay and an easy way to see the gems of Nagano.

Guests are welcomed with freshly made donuts before settling into bright, well-appointed rooms. Solo travelers can opt for a Single Room, while those needing more space can choose between Double, Twin, and Superior Rooms, measuring 15 m², 18 m², and 20 m², respectively.

Wake up bright and early to devour a breakfast spread of oven-fresh bread, soups, salads, and farm-to-table dishes, served in the dining area or as an in-room meal.

When you're not taking in the chants of monks at Zenkō-ji Temple or watching snow monkeys soak in Jigokudani’s hot springs, you can wind down in your room and rest before another day of wandering.

Japan’s trusted Dormy Inn brings its signature niceties to Nagano, just minutes from Nagano Station. This branch delivers everything the chain is known for—sleek, modern rooms, a full spa section with natural hot springs and a sauna.

The hotel’s 153 rooms, all equipped with air conditioning and LCD TVs, lean on the smaller side but are designed for restful sleep. Guests can choose between a 23 m² Twin Room or a 14 m² Double Room.

Scarf down complimentary ice cream, which is best enjoyed after a soak in the outdoor onsen on the 11th floor, where the Shinshu mountains stretch beyond the steam. Later, end the night with a hot bowl of free ramen that always hits the spot.

Get the breakfast package to try Shinshu Soba, loaded with fresh vegetables, alongside a spread of smaller bowls featuring local specialties, making for a satisfying beginning to the day.

With 136 squeaky clean rooms spread across 12 floors, Chisun Grand Nagano brings plenty of personality and charm. Step into the spacious lobby, where freshly brewed coffee and tea are always ready, and quiet reading nooks invite you to slow down and stay a while.

Trainspotters should snag a room on one of the top floors, to wake up to views of Nagano's cityscape, with bullet trains gliding in and out of the station.

Here, the most spacious choices are the 20 m² Grand Queen Room and the 25 m² Grand Twin Room, both situated between the 9th and 11th floors.

The staff keeps things running smoothly, with English-speaking assistance at the 24-hour reception and a helpful luggage storage option, so you can explore Nagano without hauling your bags around.

When the skies are clear, Asama Restaurant on the 12th floor is where you’ll want to start your morning. Few things match the sight of the Northern Alps coming into view, best enjoyed with a hot meal in front of you. Grab a breakfast voucher because the spread is well worth it with regional specialties, eggs, sausages, and perfectly crisp bread, all made with carefully chosen ingredients.

Just 800 meters from the station, yet with an atmosphere of exclusivity, Compass has self-catered apartments equipped with all you would need for a stay in Nagano.

Each of Compass' standalone apartments has air conditioning, a seating lounge, a television with the best streaming services, and, of course, a kitchen and dining area for those days when you cannot be bothered to leave the solace of your stay.

Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with light, while simple decor and spotless furnishings keep distractions to a minimum.

For groups, the 42 m² Deluxe Apartment fits six, while the 49 m² Superior Apartment comfortably holds five. But our pick? The Apartment with Balcony, where a large double bed and two futons bring together the best of both worlds.

And if you find yourself snoozing your alarm more than once, blame the too-soft pillows and cushy beds that make leaving harder than it should be.

No elevator means packing light is a smart move, but that’s a small trade-off.

Driving in? There’s a paid parking area nearby.

For jet-setters who burn through their energy chasing sights around Japan, Awai Togakushi in Nagano is the reset button you didn’t know you needed.

With an enviable mountain location close to peaceful temples, the stay can be reached in less than an hour from Nagano Station by car.

You’ll pick between the Former Nakasha Public Hall, a pared-down space for two on the second floor, or the Thatched Roof House, which sleeps up to six and feels like something out of another time.

Spend a slow morning gazing out the window as the world passes by, take in the unreal hilly views, or wander over to nearby holy sites like Togakushi Shrine and Nakasha Shrine.

Downstairs, the 20-seat restaurant is where chef Yuki Fujimoto, who once sharpened his skills in a Michelin-starred kitchen, turns Togakushi’s seasonal produce into a meal worth sitting down for. Dinner leans French-inspired and paired with wine, while lunch keeps things local with handmade soba, crisp vegetables, and buckwheat-based plates that pull from the region’s best ingredients.

When Kei’s grandparents built Maison d’hôtes KIRISIMIZU over a century ago, they designed it with Japanese aesthetics and Zen philosophy in mind. Even after careful restoration, this essence remains untouched.

Light pours through open shoji doors, casting soft shadows across the curated selections of ceramics and handcrafted crockery. A petite garden—your personal oasis—sits just ahead, giving you a space to pause and breathe. Sitting in Nagano’s residential streets, KIRISIMIZU is the kind of home that quickly becomes a highlight of your travels.

This 100 m² holiday home has three bedrooms, each with two futons, comfortably hosting six guests, though solo travelers looking for extra space are just as welcome. It’s also one of the few places in Nagano that welcomes pets, so your four-legged companion doesn’t have to miss out on the trip.

Evenings here feel dreamlike. Sip on basil tea by the crackling fireplace, then sink into the plush futons for the kind of sleep you only get in a place this still.

If you can, set aside one morning to sit down with Kei over coffee and hear the stories embedded deep into the lattice of this home.

Shimmering stars scatter across winter skies, sunrises stretch over the Shigakōgen Highlands, summer mornings hum with birdsong, and spring turns the landscape into a sea of cherry blossoms—that’s just a glimpse of what awaits at Arcadia Hotel in Nagano.

One peek through the lobby's floor-to-ceiling windows and you’ll know you made the right choice.

Arcadia's 32 rooms, spread across two floors, come in three types: Standard, Twin, and Triple. They are all set in a spacious 43 m² layout. Wooden textures and muted earthy tones run through the walls and furniture and warm mood lighting adds to the ambiance.

Public transportation in the area is sparse, so having your own vehicle is recommended.

Togakushi Shrine is a 20-minute drive away, but if you’re staying put, there’s plenty to do. Work up an appetite on the on-site tennis court or with a few rounds of table tennis, then sit down for a hearty meal at Bizen Restaurant, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner spotlight fresh, local ingredients in healthy meals.

For slower afternoons, Sky Lounge Retreat is the place to be. Drink carefully brewed flavored tea with a book in hand and panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see.

More of a chic mountain escape than just a place to rest your head, Villa Iizuna Plateau is every bit as stylish as it is traditional.

Forget flashy tech and over-designed spaces, real luxury is found in the absolute quiet. Nothing but the sound of the wind through the trees and the occasional rustle of wildlife.

Villa Iizuna Plateau strikes a balance between old and new. Tatami mats, a sunken irori hearth, and a kotatsu table sit alongside flat-screen televisions, high-end kitchenware hammocks, massage chairs, and heated floors. Every detail comes together to create an otherworldly experience. The fresh scent of Iizuna’s woods drifts through the open spaces, pulling nature right into your stay.

This expansive 195 m² holiday home includes a living area, four distinct bedrooms, and a bathroom with a bathtub and bidet. Twelve futons (three per room) ensure ample space for every guest. The kitchen has a stovetop, refrigerator, microwave, and essential cookware. Whip up breakfast while gazing out of the window to splendid outdoor views.

Gather your ten favorite people, load up a car, and head to this mountain hideaway to reconnect between adventures around Nagano.

Run by an energetic young woman and her team of welcoming hosts, 1166 Backpackers is in a quiet downtown neighborhood of Nagano City.

Select between dorm-style rooms or private beds inside this 100-year-old building, which has been transformed into a hostel while keeping its original personality intact. Each room comes with a heater for chilly nights, and if that’s not enough, hot water bottles are available on request. Despite the shared bunks, toilets, and kitchen area, everything remains spotlessly clean.

Mornings begin with free tea and coffee in the common area, where travelers from around the world gather for conversation in a space that feels more like a cozy home away from home. The English-speaking staff are always ready to help with travel plans, offering recommendations, and help with itineraries.

Zenkoji Temple is a five-minute walk away, while Nagano Station is a 20-minute stroll. Right next door, you’ll find local shops, small temples, and neighborhood gems that give a peek into daily life in Nagano.

For an offbeat way to explore Nagano, stay in the ancient castle town of Matushiro.

And who better to host you than someone born and raised here? Yamamoto-san knows Matsushiro inside out, not just from history books but from years spent uncovering its hidden corners.

Guesthouse Matsushiro Walkers isn’t for those rushing through a checklist of sights. It’s for slow travelers, the ones who want to stay in a traditional house, explore lesser-known parts of Nagano, and experience the city other than the usual tourist trails, all without spending a fortune.

Rooms are simple but comfy. Pick between a mixed dorm, a female-only dorm, or a compact 7 m² private room for two that’s snug but entirely your own.

Hop on a bus from Nagano Station and arrive in 30 minutes, or rent a car and take advantage of the free parking.

Once you’re settled in, explore your surroundings, from castle ruins and centuries-old shrines to hidden temples and underground bunkers that few visitors ever see.

No amount of praise would do justice to the legacy of Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan. Located along Nakamise Street, just a short stroll from Zenkoji Temple, this ryokan is one of Nagano’s finest.

Aside from its unbeatable location in the heart of Nagano’s old town, its history makes it special. 300 years ago, this spot was home to Zenkoji Temple’s original main hall, a piece of the past that tourists walk past without ever knowing.

For a semi-modern stay focused on comfort and deep sleep, book the 18 m² Standard Twin Room. If you want the classic ryokan setting, the 30 m² Deluxe Tatami Room delivers futon bedding and classic Japanese interiors.

Begin the day with steaming green tea and a traditional Japanese breakfast. As night falls, soak in the onsen before sitting down to a kaiseki meal filled with seasonal dishes. Guests with dietary restrictions are well accommodated, ensuring no one is left out.

Teleport to the Meiji era with a stay at Chuokan Shimizuya Ryokan, a legendary inn that has stood for over 160 years. Once a merchant’s store, it has since evolved into a guesthouse brimming with old-world charisma, just a short walk from Zenko-ji Temple.

Your hosts, a kind-hearted couple, take pride in looking after different kinds of visitors from around the globe. The Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring come in single, triple, and quadruple layouts, and the bathrooms are shared but always uncluttered and impeccable.

Don't expect flashy extras here, just a peaceful, character-filled space.

At night, step into the indoor bath, let the heat settle into your bones, and forget the outside world before turning in for the night.

If a temple stay is on your list, Shukubo Gokui in Togakushi is the one to book. This 200-year-old retreat, with its photogenic thatched roof, is our top pick for the Togakushi area’s temple lodging.

Wake up to the scent of incense and the chime of temple bells, then start your day alongside monks in a prayer service.

For a traditional experience, book the 10-tatami mat room on the first floor, which fits four adults and has a private washroom. If you prefer a more familiar setup, the Western-style twin room on the same floor is a great alternative.

Whichever you decide to book, opt for the meal plan. Japanese breakfast and dinner here are entirely vegetarian, and winter brings a seasonal kaiseki feast in the Tokuzen-in style, with delicious unlimited thin soba noodles.

Breakfast consists of lighter meals meant to nourish both body and mind.

Slip into the yukata provided, then step into the onsite public mineral-rich bath, lined with Bakhan and Kamiyado stone.

An intimate ryokan-style temple stay is offered by Shinshu Zenkoji Yakioin.

Tatami floors greet you at the door to your room, with dim lighting, a low table, and two chairs at the center, just as they’ve been for generations. The atmosphere leans into old-world craftsmanship and spirituality, but you’ll still find air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and even WiFi, for those who can’t quite disconnect.

The 11 m² Quadruple Room accommodates up to five guests, while the 27 m² Family Room offers five futons for a more spacious setup.

As expected in a temple stay, there’s a 9 PM curfew, though that works in your favor. Book the 5 AM wake-up call & temple visit, where an English-speaking guide leads you to Zenkoji Temple. It's a paid experience worth the early start.

Relaxation is built into the stay, with an indoor communal onsen providing the perfect place to unwind. Just make sure to reserve your spot in advance. Meals follow the same thoughtful approach, with vegan and vegetarian-friendly breakfast and dinner options created from fresh, seasonal produce.