Nagano in Half a Day: Showa-dori — Guide Emi
September, 2025
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:00 Meet at hotel
- 10:18 Showa-dori
- 10:45 In front of Matsushiro Hachijuni Bank
- 10:50 Japanese sweets shop
- 11:15 Matsushiro Zozan Underground Bunker
- 11:50 Yamadera Jozan Residence
- 12:20 Zozan Shrine
- 12:50 Sanada Residence
- 13:20 Matsushiro Castle Ruins
- 14:00 Matsushiro Station
- 14:29 Nagano Station Dismissal
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Showa-dori at 10:18, In front of Matsushiro Hachijuni Bank at 10:45, Japanese sweets shop at 10:50, Matsushiro Zozan Underground Bunker at 11:15, Yamadera Jozan Residence at 11:50, Zozan Shrine at 12:20, Sanada Residence at 12:50, Matsushiro Castle Ruins at 13:20, Matsushiro Station at 14:00 and Nagano Station Dismissal at 14:29.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Showa-dori／Alpico Kotsu Nagano to In front of Matsushiro Hachijuni Bank／Alpico Kotsu Nagano by bus (660JPY); Matsushiro Station／Alpico Kotsu Nagano to Nagano Station／Alpico Kotsu Nagano by bus (660JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 1,320JPY per person.
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Matsushiro Castle Town Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Oceania. Since there was plenty of time before the bus departure, we set off after carefully reviewing the tour course together. At the Zozan Underground Bunker, the guests showed great interest and learned about its history. Inside the bunker it was cool, in complete contrast to the hot and humid weather outside. The guests seemed to take in and remember each thing we encountered—the features of the samurai residences, and the spring-water ponds and water channels unique to Matsushiro. Although we were caught in a sudden rain shower, the guests thoroughly enjoyed this castle town known only to those in the know.
Click here for more details: Nagano Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Showa-dori／Alpico Kotsu Nagano～In front of Matsushiro Hachijuni Bank／Alpico Kotsu Nagano | 660JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Matsushiro Station／Alpico Kotsu Nagano～Nagano Station／Alpico Kotsu Nagano | 660JPY |
| Total | 1,320JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Showa-dori, In front of Matsushiro Hachijuni Bank, Japanese sweets shop, Matsushiro Zozan Underground Bunker, Yamadera Jozan Residence, Zozan Shrine, Sanada Residence, Matsushiro Castle Ruins, Matsushiro Station and Nagano Station Dismissal.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,320JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Emi is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Nagano itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Nice to meet you. My name is Emi F., and I am a licensed guide interpreter specializing in English. I was born and have lived and worked in Nagano, where I am especially knowledgeable about the northern, eastern, and central regions of the prefecture. After retiring early from a career in teaching, I began working as a guide interpreter in 2021. Since then, I have had the pleasure of guiding many visitors to some of my favorite places, including Nagano, Matsushiro, Togakushi, Matsumoto, Azumino, Yamanouchi, Obuse, Nozawa-onsen, Suzaka, and Karuizawa, among others. I have a deep appreciation for the diverse foods harvested in Nagano and am committed to providing a flexible and enjoyable experience for my guests. Additionally, upon request, I can also guide you in Kanazawa, Nagoya, Nara, and Kyoto. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and to share a memorable and enjoyable tour together.
Mar 21, 2026
Cengiz_S
Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Recommend this tour without any hesitation!
We’re really enjoyed this…
Mar 21, 2026
Cengiz_S
Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Recommend this tour without any hesitation!
We’re really enjoyed this tour! Emi, our guide, was a fantastic host and incredibly informative and attentive. She contacted us in advance for the tour and tailored an itinerary based on interests. The tour itself was absolutely delightful – we spent most of it exploring Zenkoji Temple and its surrounding area which were beautiful and fascinating at the same time. Recommend this tour without any hesitation!
Apr 3, 2025
R
Robert_C
Emi was a great guide who…
Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Emi was a…
Apr 3, 2025
R
Robert_C
Emi was a great guide who…
Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Emi was a great guide who took time in explaining the many facets of the Zenko-ji Temple.
On our walk to the temple, she pointed out the various cultural sites, food to sample and
Japanese history. This was an excellent tour and I recommend Emi as a guide.
Jun 8, 2024
James_M
Beautiful afternoon with a private tour of Nagano!
Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees Half Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We…
Jun 8, 2024
James_M
Beautiful afternoon with a private tour of Nagano!
Viator review: Nagano All Must-Sees Half Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a beautiful afternoon spending 4 hours with Emi (Amy) seeing Senko-Ji temple, an open-air market, the art museum, and observatory overlooking all of Nagano. Amy is a wonderful, energetic and knowledgeable guide who speaks English very well. We enjoyed our time very much and highly recommend this tour!