Follow a path that leads you deep into Nagano City’s past. From the sacred grounds of Zenkoji Temple to atmospheric backstreets lined with old storehouses, a historic sake brewery, and local shops, the tour uncovers sides of Nagano that most travelers miss.

Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites, has stood for more than 1,400 years. Starting at Nagano Central Square in the heart of the city, your guide will bring you along a historic approach once used by pilgrims and warriors. This traditional path has carried countless travelers for centuries and still leads to the temple today.

At its end stands Zenkoji Temple, among the oldest and largest temples in Japan. Believed to house the first Buddhist statue ever brought into the country, it is also remarkable for its open, inclusive spirit, welcoming people of every background. Your guide will show you through its towering gates and incense-scented courtyards. This is more than a sightseeing stop. It is a moment to connect with the spiritual heritage at the core of Japanese history.

After the temple visit, the walk continues into a historic neighborhood where an old sake brewery still stands. Inside, you will learn how sake-making influenced Nagano’s culture and economy, while discovering the significance of regional “Shinshu” sake. During this part of the tour you will also enjoy a freshly made oyaki: Nagano’s beloved stuffed bun. Filled with seasonal vegetables, these simple, vegan-friendly dumplings are a local specialty.

From there, your guide will take you off the main road into a quiet back alley. Here you will find kura storehouses with their striking black-and-white plaster design, now home to artisan boutiques, cafés, and small shops. As you walk, your guide will share stories behind the architecture and explain how this peaceful district blends the heritage of old Nagano with the creativity of its present, making it one of the city’s most photogenic corners.