Things to Do in Japan
30 curated spots from Japan itineraries
Activities & Attractions
10 curated experiences
Matsumoto Castle
Climb original keep for panoramic views; history exhibits.
2h · $12
Zenko-ji Temple
Underground passage ritual. Train: 1.5 hrs.
1h 30m · $10
Snow Monkey Park Trek
40-min forest hike to onsen monkeys; medium fitness.
3h · $30 bus + entry
Bus from Takayama to Kamikochi
Ride a direct or connecting bus into the Kamikochi valley trailhead.
2h · $25-35 round-trip
Kamikochi Hike
Alpine valley trails to Myojin Pond; bus 1 hr, wear boots, medium fitness.
3h · $30 roundtrip bus
Nakamachi Street
Historic merchant quarter shopping; washi paper crafts.
1h 30m · $10-30
Nawate Street Shopping
Frog-themed souvenirs and crafts; couple browsing.
1h 30m · Varies
Ohori Park Lake Walk
Relaxing walk around a large lake with islands and bridges.
1h 30m · Free
Taisho Pond and Forest Walk
Continue on flatter trails toward Taisho Pond for reflections and birdwatching.
2h · Free
Venus Line Drive Start
Rent car for scenic road with flower fields; photo stops.
2h · $50 + gasRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Ippudo Ramen
Shiromaru base ramen; early quiet.
45m · $10-15 per person
Aburaya Soba
Nagano-style buckwheat soba; try with tempura.
1h · $18-25 per person
Convenience Store Breakfast
Simple breakfast to keep your last days economical.
15m · $3-5 per person
Family Mart Taiko-man
Steamed pork bun
15m · $2-4 per person
Gold Leaf Ice Cream
Novelty treat in geisha district.
45m · $15-25 per person
Hifumiya Souvenirs Cafe
Hoto noodles and Fuji sweets; market vibe.
1h · $18-25 per person
Kappa Bridge Area Snack Stands
Simple mountain area food such as soba, curry, and snacks near Kappa Bridge.
45m · $10-18 per person
Kissaten Coffee Shop
Classic Japanese morning set with toast, egg, coffee.
45m · $8-12 per person
Komeda Coffee
Sirloin sandwich and ogura toast.
1h · $15-25 per person
Komeda Coffee Ikebukuro
Nagoya-style coffee shop with toast and egg breakfast sets.
1h · $6-9 per person
Konbini Breakfast (7-Eleven)
Onigiri, egg sandwich, green tea; heat items, eat in park.
30m · $6-10 per person
Kura
Horse meat kaiseki; cozy izakaya.
1h 30m · $30-40 per person
Matsumoto Street Market
Basashi horse sashimi stalls; fresh pickles.
1h · $20-25 per person
Miyashita Food Stalls
Tacos and coffee trucks.
1h · $10-15 per person
Nagano Oyaki Stand
Stuffed bun street food.
45m · $10-20 per person
Nakamachi Street Eats
Street soba stalls in old town; walkable.
45m · $15-20 per person
Naruto Ramen
Rich seafood broth dipping noodles.
1h · $25-40 per person
Nomugi Soba
Handmade soba breakfast set.
45m · $15-20 per person
Shinshu Soba
Cold buckwheat soba with tempura.
45m · $12-18 per person
Snow Monkey Onsen Cafe
Udon near Jigokudani; warming after drive.
1h · $20 per person