Food & Cultural Walking Tour Around Zenkoji Temple in Nagano

Nestled in the heart of Nagano, the Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji Temple offers a captivating blend of culinary delights and historical exploration. Visitors can embark on a 3-hour journey, seeing the region’s traditional flavors and iconic landmarks. From sampling signature snacks to indulging in a sake tasting, this comprehensive experience promises to tantalize the senses and unveil the unique character of Nagano. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this tour presents an opportunity to connect with the local community and uncover hidden gems that may surprise even the most seasoned traveler.

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Walking Tours In Nagano.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 3-hour food and cultural exploration around the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, Japan.
• Includes traditional Nagano snacks and sweets like Oyaki, Soba Tea, and Matcha Tea, as well as a Sake tasting session.
• Offers an immersive experience, connecting with local business owners and gaining insights into Nagano’s unique character.
• Visiting Zenkoji Temple, a 1400-year-old national treasure, is a highlight of the tour.
• Priced from £6,636 per person and may not be suitable for certain individuals due to accessibility and dietary restrictions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

The tour offers a comprehensive food and cultural exploration around the historic Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, providing visitors with a 3-hour immersive experience.

Priced from ¥6,636 per person, the tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s culinary and cultural highlights.

Visitors will have the opportunity to taste traditional Nagano snacks and sweets, including Oyaki (Japanese stuffed dumplings), Soba Tea, Matcha Tea, and local delicacies.

The tour also includes a Sake tasting session with accompanying nibbles.

Along the way, you will explore Nagano’s charming back streets and connect with local business owners, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s rich heritage and vibrant community.

Highlights of the Tour

Throughout the captivating 3-hour tour, visitors can enjoy Nagano’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. They’ll start by savoring traditional Nagano snacks and sweets, including the beloved Oyaki (Japanese stuffed dumplings), fragrant Soba Tea, and refreshing Matcha Tea. Delving deeper, the tour offers a sake tasting experience, where participants can sample a variety of local sakes accompanied by tasty nibbles like soy sauce beans and miso soup.

As the tour progresses, guests will explore Nagano’s hidden gems, connecting with local business owners and gaining insights into the city’s unique character. The experience culminates with a visit to Zenkoji, a 1400-year-old national treasure temple, allowing visitors to connect with Nagano’s spiritual and historical roots.

Tour Highlights	Description
Traditional Nagano Snacks	Oyaki, Soba Tea, Matcha Tea
Sake Tasting	Variety of local sakes with soy sauce beans and miso soup
Exploring Hidden Gems	Connecting with local business owners
Visiting Zenkoji Temple	1400-year-old national treasure
Cultural Immersion	Gaining insights into Nagano’s unique character

Detailed Itinerary

The tour begins at the Starbucks Coffee – MIDORI Nagano, a 15-minute walk from the starting point, where participants gather and prepare for the immersive experience ahead.

The first stop is a local restaurant, where guests will savor traditional Nagano cuisine and sip on fragrant Soba tea for around 30 minutes.

Next, the group will visit the awe-inspiring Zenko-ji Temple, a 1400-year-old national treasure, and spend 30 minutes exploring its rich history and cultural significance.

The tour then moves to a local bar, where participants can indulge in a Sake tasting and sample tasty nibbles like soy sauce beans and Miso soup for 15 minutes.

The final leg of the journey includes:

1. Visiting two hidden gems in Nagano’s charming backstreets (10 minutes each).
2. Ending the tour at a cozy café for a refreshing Matcha tea and local desserts (20 minutes).

Inclusions and Exclusions

This walking tour around Zenkoji Temple in Nagano includes a range of engaging experiences, from sampling traditional Nagano cuisine and local sweets to indulging in a sake tasting with tasty nibbles.

The tour provides a delicious lunch, a matcha tea and dessert stop, and a chance to savor regional sake paired with soy sauce beans and miso soup.

An experienced local guide leads the way, offering insights into Nagano’s culinary heritage and cultural landmarks.

However, the tour may not be suitable for certain groups, including pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those with gluten intolerance.

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Restrictions and Limitations

While the Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji Temple in Nagano promises an immersive culinary and cultural experience, there are certain restrictions and limitations to be aware of.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, individuals over the age of 80, 95, or 70 years, and those with gluten intolerance. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants and to provide the best possible experience.

The tour itinerary involves:

1. Walking through narrow backstreets and uneven terrain.
2. Accessing areas that may not be wheelchair-friendly.
3. Sampling a variety of local foods, including those that may contain gluten.

Participants with any special needs or concerns are advised to inform the tour provider in advance to determine if the tour is suitable for them.

Pricing and Availability

The Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji Temple in Nagano costs from ¥6,636 per person, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and provides an immersive experience exploring the temple, sampling traditional Nagano cuisine and beverages, and connecting with local business owners.

Highlights include tasting Oyaki, Soba Tea, Matcha Tea, and local sweets, as well as a sake tasting with nibbles. The tour also includes lunch, Matcha Tea and dessert, and a personal tour guide to lead the way through Nagano’s charming backstreets and hidden gems.

Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply seeking a cultural adventure, this tour is an excellent way to experience the best of Nagano.

Meeting Point and Start Time

The tour starts at Starbucks Coffee – MIDORI Nagano, which is a 15-minute walk from the meeting point. Participants can gather at this convenient starting location before embarking on their immersive food and cultural exploration of Nagano.

The tour itinerary includes:

1. Visiting a local restaurant for tea and lunch.
2. Exploring the iconic Zenko-ji Temple, a 1400-year-old national treasure.
3. Sampling a variety of sake with traditional Japanese snacks at a cozy local bar.

From the starting point, the knowledgeable guide will lead the group through Nagano’s charming backstreets, introducing them to hidden gems and local business owners along the way. This well-curated experience promises to be a delightful blend of culinary and cultural delights.

Supplementary Information

This immersive walking tour offers a wealth of supplementary inclusions, enhancing participants’ overall experience. Visitors can look forward to a delectable lunch, a refreshing matcha tea and dessert pairing, as well as an enlightening sake tasting accompanied by traditional Japanese snacks. The tour also provides a personal guide to lead the way, ensuring a seamless and enriching journey through Nagano’s culinary and cultural highlights.

Tour Inclusions	Details
Lunch	Traditional Nagano cuisine
Matcha Tea & Sweets	Authentic Japanese desserts
Sake Tasting	Sampling local sake with nibbles
Personal Tour Guide	Knowledgeable local expert
Transportation	Not provided

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Request a Customized Itinerary for the Tour?

Yes, the tour provider likely offers customized itineraries to accommodate guests’ preferences and dietary needs. They’ll work with you to curate a unique experience that matches your interests within the tour’s duration and budget.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, there are often discounts available for group bookings. Customers can typically save 10-20% off the per person price when booking a tour as a group of 4 or more people. The exact discount may vary depending on the tour operator.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are generally not allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks on guided tours. The tour provider typically provides all food, drinks, and necessary supplies as part of the tour package. Bringing outside items may not be permitted.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children Participating?

The tour has age restrictions, excluding children under 12 years old. However, children ages 12-18 can participate with adult supervision. Younger children may find the pace and content challenging, so the operator recommends this tour for adults and teens.

Do You Provide Recommendations for Accommodations Near the Tour Location?

The tour operator doesn’t provide specific accommodation recommendations, but they can suggest areas near the tour location with a variety of hotels, inns, and guesthouses to choose from based on your budget and preferences.

Recap

The Zenkoji Temple Food & Cultural Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich culinary and historical heritage of Nagano.

Visitors can indulge in local specialties, discover hidden gems, and connect with the community, all while exploring the captivating sights and sounds of this historic area.

Whether a foodie or a culture enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: