Zenkoji Temple Food & Culture Walk: Savor Oyaki, Nagano Sake & Matcha in Quaint Streets

Experience the rich food and culture of Zenkoji Temple in Nagano. Taste Oyaki, Nagano Sake, and Matcha while exploring the historic streets and connecting with locals.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Zenkoji Omotesando - Meet Up At: in front of Starbucks at Nagano station. We will explore the greater part of Zenkoji temple town, an old and residential area. We will visit 2 - 3 local shops to try authentic Japanese bites and sweets.

    Stop At: Oyaki House
    Taste Nagano’s special product “Oyaki,” which are Japanese stuffed dumplings from a local…
What's Included
  • 2 Oyaki (Japanese Stuffed Dumplings)
  • High quality photographs taken throughout the experience to be shared with you after the tour
  • Sake Tasting
  • Matcha Tea & Sweets
What's Not Included
  • Extra drinks and food (available to purchase)
  • Meal for infant
  • Transportation fee to meeting point
Meal Options
  • Matcha tea & sweets
  • Oyaki (Japanese Stuffed Dumplings)
Additional Information

Explore the Essence of Nagano with Zenkoji Temple’s Rich History, Vibrant Culture, and Exquisite Cuisine
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Nagano City, Zenkoji Temple & Nearby Areas
Type: Walking Tour
Tour Highlights
1️⃣ Zenkoji Temple Exploration
Visit one of Japan’s most historic and spiritual landmarks!
Uncover the timeless…

Location
Starbucks Coffee - MIDORI Nagano
The guide will meet you infront of Starbucks at Nagano station.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(47 Ratings)
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Andrewst8897sh
Nov 30, 2024
Passing through Nagano the right way! - Our guide Masa was outstanding. It was a relaxed, and very fun experience, that allowed us to take the morning train into Nagano, then we finished back at the station, and took the train onwards to Tokyo. If your plans have you passing by Nagano, or you are staying in Nagano, this is a perfect three hours to take a look around the Zenkoji temple, and taste some fresh off the fire treats, and also a sake tasting from a highly rated Nagano sake brewery. Masa explains the differences in sake, and the traditional baking techniques of the Oyaki dumplings. We finished with Macha ice cream that tasted so much better than what we have back home. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Botsun
Nov 20, 2024
A great 3 hours action packed cultural tour - We had an amazing and action-packed three hours! From trying Nagano’s traditional snack, Oyaki, to tasting at a historic Japanese sake brewery (non-alcoholic options available), indulging in rich and delicious matcha ice cream made by a local teahouse (also available in hojicha flavor!), and exploring famous spots like Zenkoji Temple and Yawataya Isogoro shop, one of Japan’s top three chili pepper makers—every moment was memorable. MASA’s detailed explanations, his kind hospitality, and the beautiful snapshots and commemorative photos he took added so much value to the experience. Whether you have 3 hours to fill , like you’re waiting for your Shinkansen back to Tokyo or filling time before checking into your hotel or hot spring / skiing resort after arriving in Nagano, this cultural tour around Nagano Station is highly recommended. Our guide, MASA, was incredibly accommodating, knowledgeable about both the main attractions and hidden gems, and highly responsive to the needs of our guests visiting from overseas. We’re so grateful for his guidance! The seasonal Unohana (tofu soy pulp)Oyaki and the Daiginjo sake were unforgettable—they were absolutely delicious!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Richardwa9462gd
Oct 29, 2024
fantastic tour and guide - We had an amazing experience with our local guide Masa. Their extensive local knowledge allowed us to see some great local places that we would have missed on our own. He sent us some fantastic photos afterwards and even recommended a great place for dinner after the tour. We recommend him as a guide for anyone who wants to know the history of the area and have a great tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ebonyhawk
Oct 18, 2024
Fun and interesting - Interesting and fun experience, our guide showed us unique and fascinating insights, that we would not be able to find on our own. Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E38liemilym
Oct 9, 2024
Wish we spent more time in Nagano!! - My husband and I had such an amazing time throughout this tour. We had delicious cuisine, and learned so much about Nagano. It was such a beautiful experience, and we will definitely be return to Nagano because of this tour. Thank you Masa!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
388vrenib
Oct 5, 2024
Food & Cultural Walking tour with Masa was great! - Masa was our tour guide in Nagano. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole tour with him! He is a nice man and had an answer for all the questions we have had about Nagano etc. This made our stay in Nagano very memorable and I’ll certainly suggest this tour to our friends that might come and visit the city. All the best. Vreni and Thomas B.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travellightoften
Oct 2, 2024
Excellent introduction to Nagano! - This was a great introduction to Nagano with our friendly, informative guide Masa. We walked up to the famous temple here and learned all about its history and cultural significance. It was quite warm, and Masa was very considerate when we needed a short break. After the temple, we enjoyed sake tasting. Local specialty dumplings unlike any you’ve ever tasted, and matcha ice cream ended our tour. Highly recommended! Worth the cost.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kaylene
Sep 27, 2024
Fantastic food and a walk through history, all washed down with delicious sake and a matcha ice-cream - perfect! - This was without doubt one of the best tours I have ever been on. My guide, Masa, was passionate about his home town of Nagano, and his depth of knowledge allowed me to learn about this beautiful part of Japan. We visited some gorgeous places that you probably wouldn’t see if you wandered around by yourself. The food was superb, as was the sake tasting. Masa speaks fabulous English and as someone who doesn’t speak Japanese (or any other language!!), this meant I was able to learn a lot about the culture and history of the Zenkoji Temple and cultural practices. If you are visiting Nagano, I would strongly recommend you take Masa’s tour - it’s the best money you will spend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shingwai_y
Jun 30, 2024
Highly recommended - Masa was a wonderful host and guide. As it was just the two of use it turned out to be a private tour. He speaks excellent English having lived many years in the UK and together with his knowledge of history and local culture really made the tour “alive”. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Gpr1808
Jul 11, 2024
Foodie tour of Nagano - We enjoyed our tour with Masa, he showed us areas of Nagano we wouldn’t have found without him, and exposed us to traditional foods and a lovely tasting of local sakes. His English is very good (as we speak no Japanese), and he is very knowledgeable about the local history, culture and food.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
December 2024
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