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Nagano City is famous for the spiritually-revered Zenko-ji temple, as a great jumping-off place to visit Japan’s famous snow monkeys, and/or as one of the first potential stops in what’s becoming known as the ‘new Golden Route’. This takes you from Tokyo to Kyoto – the long way via stops like Nagano, Toyama, Takayama and Kanazawa. But if you’re staying in Nagano city, where is it best to stay? Here’s our advice…
Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
In my opinion, there are two great areas to stay in Nagano: near the station or near the Zenko-ji temple. Which is best for you depends on why you’re visiting the city and the type of lodging that you might want to stay in. So, let’s take a look at them both.
Staying Near Nagano Station
If you’re here to see the Snow Monkeys or to take day trips to places like Matsumoto or Narai-Juku, then you’ll want a hotel within a short walk to the station that gets you to these – and the good news is there are plenty to choose from. However, proximity to the trains isn’t the only reason you might want to stay here.
The station is also close to Nisenro-dori, one of the roads full of bars and restaurants in Nagano. It’s always a good idea to have things on your doorstep in Japan in case you’re too tired from all the sightseeing to go far!
Rooms in this area tend to be in business-style hotels. If you’re on a budget or just looking for a bargain, this is your best bet.
So, if you do decide to stay close to the station, where are some of the best options.
My Pick: Chisun Grand Nagano
This was where I stayed on my trip, and even though it’s not as close to the restaurant area as some of the other hotels listed here, the bed was probably the most comfortable I’ve slept in in my last three trips to Japan.
The room is a little dated but a nice big size, you can easily open your suitcase. The bed is also the biggest of the three hotels here, and they do have rooms that will accommodate three people.
I have read reviews from people saying they could hear the trains from their rooms, but mine overlooked the tracks from the side, and I couldn’t hear anything. It was generally very quiet.
I really enjoyed staying here, not least because I had such a good night’s sleep. Book early, and you can also get it at an excellent price.
One final sneaky trip – if you’re coming back on the train from Obuse or the Snow Monkeys, Shiyakusho-Mae station is nearby, so jump off there.
Hotel New Nagano NeXT
They had me at the words ‘free welcome donut! ‘ and the fact that they have decent-sized beds for couples alongside the option for twin rooms is a big bonus for this area.
The double rooms aren’t huge, but they look fresh and modern. They’re also all non-smoking.
The hotel also has a coin laundry if you’re at the ‘I need to do my washing’ part of my trip. Breakfast is included in most room rates, and the selection actually looks pretty good.
Dormy Inn Nagano
Fantastically located a short walk from the station and next to bars and restaurants, this business hotel has the highest rating of the hotels around the station. A huge bonus is the on-site hot spring with indoor and outdoor baths—depending on what time of year you’re visiting Nagano, the sauna might also be a welcome touch!
One thing to note is that the double beds aren’t huge, so if you’re a couple who likes their space, you might want to book a twin room. The hotel also has a laundry room.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi
I’m a big fan of the Sotetsu group, so this would typically have been my first choice in Nagano, but the Chisun was slightly cheaper the day I went to book (this isn’t always the case). I think I would have preferred the location a little more than the Chisun, but the rooms are smaller.
If you’re traveling as a couple, note that the double beds are VERY small (they say a small double, but it doesn’t look much bigger than a single) – so, if you’re a couple, book a twin.
The decor is fresh and bright, though. The hotel also has a laundry. Unlike most of the Sotetsu branches I stay in, this one does have some smoking rooms, so make sure you specifically book a non-smoking room to avoid getting one of these.
Staying Near Zenkoji
This is the main tourist attraction in Nagano City, and if it’s your focus, you might want to stay closer to the temple, especially if you are hoping to get up early and see the O sakji ritual at sunrise.
Staying around Zenko-ji also offers a different type of accommodation than the station area. Here, you’ll find smaller ryokan-style hotels – and the chance to stay in a shukubo, lodging in the many small temples surrounding Zenko-ji, which is a very special experience.
Jizokan Matsuya Ryokan
If you’re looking for a traditional Japanese experience, this ryokan near Zenkoji has tatami mat floors, traditional low-profile seating, and futon-style beds. Rooms have their own private bathroom.
A traditional Japanese breakfast is included in most rates, and a kaiseki-style dinner is available.
The property also has a public onsen. People rave about the warm welcome at this hotel and say the staff is incredibly friendly.
信州善光寺 薬王院
This shukubo also offers a different experience. The simple rooms can accommodate up to four people sleeping on futons, but note that you do have to share a bathroom.
There is a public onsen bath on the premises.
The inn will also help organise a guide to take you to the morning ritual. It’s one of the few shukubo that is listed on main booking sites (see below about booking the others).
Chuokan Shimiyuza Ryokan
Located on the main road approaching Zenko-ji (and close to an amazing dumpling shop), this is another inn with traditional Japanese rooms. The hallways and stair areas are particularly atmospheric.
Charming and authentic are two of the words people commonly use in reviews (the main picture at the start of this piece is of the outside of this hotel).
Rooms can sleep up to four on futon-style bedding, but bathrooms and toilets are shared. The building also has a public onsen.
How to Book The Other Shukubo
信州善光寺 薬王院 is one of the few shukubo on Western booking sites. But 39 temple lodgings around Zenkoji take in guests. You can find a full list, including prices, here. It is in Japanese, so you’ll need to translate it.
Note some shukubo can only accommodate Japanese-speaking guests, or people traveling with someone who speaks Japanese. To avoid disappointment, once you go onto the site, filter the list to those who accept foreigners and check the terms carefully.
This tour on Viator also organises a shukubo stay for you – it’s one of our eight more interactive experiences you can try in Nagano.
Each shukubo also has its own reservation process; some will only take phone bookings. Also note that these are temple lodgings, so you might be expected to meet the priest and participate in certain rituals. Meals are provided but are likely to be vegetarian or vegan.
This is an incredible experience for the right person, but staying in a shukubo isn’t the best choice if you plan to head out to the Gondo entertainment district until dawn!
So that’s our guide to where to stay in Nagano. If you haven’t yet planned your itinerary, you might want to check out our guide on how many days you need here as there might be more on offer in and around the city than you think.
Need Extra Planning Help?
Our Japan trip planners can help. You might like our First-Timers Japan Planner, which will help you plan your trip to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka step-by-step, including tips on everything from picking hotels to sightseeing and dining. Or our super-duper Tokyo Disney Planner makes arranging your park trip MUCH easier. Find them in our Planners store – printable and digital versions are available.
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