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Chino

Welcome to Chino, Nagano! Nestled in the Japanese Alps, this charming town is a hiker's paradise, boasting stunning mountain views and pristine lakes. Explore the picturesque Shirakaba Lake, delight in local craft beer, and cozy up in traditional ryokans. With hot springs aplenty and seasonal beauty, Chino is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered—so pack your bags!

From the Community

Recommendations

Outdoor4.2/5

Yatsugatake Park of Nature and Culture

Outdoor3.9/5

Chino City Sports Park

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Nagano, Chino City Sports Park boasts stunning views, lush green spaces, and state-of-the-art sports facilities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

Landmark3.8/5

Ikenotaira Family Land

Nestled in the scenic Tateshina area, Ikenotaira Family Land is iconic for its stunning views, exhilarating outdoor activities, and a charming blend of nature and family-friendly attractions, making it a must-visit destination for adventure seekers.

Outdoor4.4/5

Matsumoto Castle Park

Nestled in Matsumoto, Matsumoto Castle Park features the stunning historical Matsumoto Castle, adorned by cherry blossoms in spring, making it a picturesque destination for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Shop4.7/5

日用品とクラフトビール販売 yuit（ユイット）

Cafe$$4.1/5

Starbucks Coffee - Chino Nakaoki

Stays

Stay3.65/5

HOTEL ROUTE-INN SUWA INTER

Nestled in the heart of Suwa, HOTEL ROUTE-INN SUWA INTER offers modern comfort with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, an inviting hot spring spa, and delicious complimentary breakfast, making it a perfect retreat for travelers.

Stay3.75/5

Yatsugatake Grace Hotel

Nestled in the scenic Yatsugatake region, Yatsugatake Grace Hotel offers stunning mountain views, luxurious accommodations, and an inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect retreat for nature lovers and relaxation seekers alike.

Stay3.75/5

Hotel Chino

Nestled in the scenic Nagano region, Hotel Chino offers breathtaking mountain views, exquisite local cuisine, and relaxing onsen baths, making it a perfect retreat for travelers seeking a serene escape into nature’s beauty.

Stay2.75/5

Yamaura Stay

Nestled in the scenic backdrop of Nagano, Yamaura Stay offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern comfort, making it an unforgettable retreat for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Stay3.5/5

Chino Station Hotel

Nestled in the serene Nagano countryside, Chino Station Hotel offers travelers a unique blend of modern comfort and traditional Japanese hospitality, making it an ideal base for exploring the picturesque surrounding mountains and lakes.

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

2 h

A Self-Guided e-BIKE Tour Around Lake Shirakaba and Forest Trails

・Start the tour with a safe ride along the lakeside bike path to get used to the e-bike's controls. ・Drink the natural water from the lake coming from 200 metres below the ground. Take your own bottle with you on tour if you have one! ・Enjoy a pleasant cycling experience while feeling the highland breezes and mountain views. Our bikes make it easy to ride up even steep hills which looks impossible to climb! ・A downhill section will take you all the way down the Venus Line! Feel like your on a rollercoaster thrill ride that's sure to refresh you! ・Take the bike path through the forest. A spectacular view awaits you.

$34.67

5/5

Private Charter Service to Visit Snow Monkey Park

Book a transfer service with a private driver to and from the Snow Monkey from a variety of locations! Snow Monkey Park: established in 1964, the Jigokudani Monkey Park is home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to naturally bathe in hot springs. Open all-year-round, the park is one of Nagano's most popular destinations. YOU MUST message us the total amount of people, total amount of luggage, and drop off location after your booking. FAILING TO DO SO MAY CAUSE DELAYS TO YOUR TRAVEL PLAN. All routes can also be conducted in reverse. We will arrange the vehicle best suitable for your group. Available Vehicle: 12 Seater Hiace (8 seater with luggage) 17 Seater Microbus (14 seater with luggage)

$600.99

4.7/5

Kamikochi Private Summer Escape: Meet Wildlife in Pristine Nature

Discover Kamikochi, a pristine alpine valley at 1,500m. Walk quiet trails, spot wildlife, and enjoy pure air. Travel smoothly with a private guide, with photos gifted after. ❑ A Special Day in Kamikochi Kamikochi offers breathtaking beauty each season. Beat the intense heat and enjoy a cool 22°C (71°F) paradise with shaded trails, crisp air, and icy rivers in summer. Witness a golden, fiery-red wonderland framed by majestic peaks in autumn. You may glimpse monkeys, stoats, or a rare Japanese serow. With clean air and open views, this vehicle-free sanctuary is a serene escape. ❑ Why Private? Public transport is slow, crowded, and inflexible, since private cars are restricted. With your own car to the entrance and an English-speaking guide to manage transfers, the journey is smooth and tailored to you. ❑ A Personalized Journey We guide you to quiet trails, viewpoints, and hidden spots others miss. Wildlife, scenery, and alpine calm are photographed and gifted afterward as memories.

$169.51

3/5

3 h

Ebike Tour in Lake Shirakaba and Tateshina Highland Japan

This is a guided tour by E-Bike (electric bicycle) between "Shirakaba Lake" and "Tateshina Highland," two major tourist attractions in Chino City. The tour stops at places of interest along the route and introduces the history and geological formations of the area with the help of a guide. At the end of the tour, after a 15-minute stroll through the forest, you will be guided to the "Tateshina Otaki Fall," which suddenly appears, where you will be served a "Yatsugatake Sandwich" from the popular Auberge Terra in Tateshina Highlands.

$108.67

10 h

Yamanashi Autumn Leaves: Higashizawa Bridge and Yatsugatake Train

Enjoy a day of autumn scenery, local flavors, and countryside charm in the Yatsugatake Highlands. Visit some of the region's most scenic viewpoints, including the striking red arch of Higashizawa Bridge and the sweeping mountain views from Seisenryo, a beloved symbol of the Kiyosato Plateau. Experience a ride on the Koumi Line, known as the Yatsugatake Highland Train, as it travels through one of Japan's highest railway regions surrounded by seasonal color. The tour also includes local culinary treats throughout the day, from Marumasa's popular Tenmusu station lunch box to a sweet whipped anpan snack. As a special bonus, take home approximately 1 kg of seasonal fruit, including Shine Muscat grapes, La France pear, persimmon, apple, and Shinano Gold apple.

$93.10

2 h 30 mins

Tateshina highland Trekking and Ride

After walking with a guide along the Yokoya Gorge Trail, a popular trekking route on the Tateshina Plateau, you will then take an electric bicycle (e-bike) on a cycle tour along the 'Marchen road'.

$108.67

1 h

Lunch at the Lake Shirakaba with its superb views

This is a special lunch experience only available on this day, with part of the space with a spectacular view by Lake Shirakaba reserved for private use. A sommelier who runs a wine shop in Shimosuwa, Nagano Prefecture, will be your host, and you can enjoy a one-plate meal made with the bounty of the Yatsugatake mountains, paired with local liquor and soft drinks, mainly wines from Nagano Prefecture.

$101.26

4 h

Private Osuwa Daiko Performance Tour for Suwa Spiritual Essence

Explore Suwa-Taisha shrine, considered one of the oldest shrines in the country, and Buppou-syoryuji Temple with a guide to discover the world of natural faith. Experience the essence of natural faith up close through a special "dedication performance of Osuwa Daiko" at Buppou-syoryuji Temple. Engage in an exchange with Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto, the guardian of Osuwa Daiko, who played a pivotal role in shaping today's Japanese drumming culture, and hear about his passion for the drums. *Please note that masks are required during the experience to prevent infection.

$638.87

4 h 30 mins

Private Yatsugatake Highland Guided Electric Bike Tour

Ride a bicycle through the forests of the plateau. The eMTB makes it easy to ride on hills and gravel roads, which are a bit difficult for ordinary bicycles. Enjoy a homemade lunch with delicious vegetables such as mini-tomatoes and corn, which are unique to Hara-mura, a highland vegetable production area. Safe and secure tour with two guides and a support vehicle. You can also buy lots of souvenirs during the cycling. Feel the fresh Haramura wind and sunshine.

$208.27

3 h

Kirigamine Guided E-bike Tour

Starting from the shores of Lake Shirakaba, you cycle with a guide on a fashionable e-Bike along the Kirigamine Venus Line with its spectacular views from the Yatsugatake Mountains to Mt.Fuji. Before setting off, a safety course is given, so even first-time e-bike riders can feel at ease. You can also start the tour by refilling your bottle of clean spring water at a spring water spot by Lake Shirakaba early in the tour. This is a special guided tour where you can experience the rich nature of Lake Shirakaba and the Yatsugatake Mountains first-hand. The views are so spectacular that you will want to take photos. At Kurumayama-kata highland, halfway along the Kirigamine, you can get off the e-Bike and have a relaxing time at a café on the plateau. This tour is a great way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Kirigamine.

$62.60

2 h

Private Canoe Tour: Shirakaba Springs & Highlands

You will spend a special time floating in a canoe in the midst of nature at Lake Shirakaba, located at an altitude of 1450m. Take a canoe to the headwaters of Lake Shirakaba and experience the coldness of the water directly. Head to a local shrine affiliated with Suwa Taisha to learn more about the history and beliefs of the area.

$51.37

2 h

E-bike Tour through Forests and Springs on a 1000m Plateau

A local guide who loves Tateshina will take you to the best local scenery. You can leisurely cycle around this area while enjoying the rich sound and scenery of the water provided by Mt. Yatsugatake. (For Tateshina Otaki Course) You can walk through a fantastic virgin forest. (For the rice terrace course) You can also tour an agar factory that takes advantage of the local climate and get a glimpse of the unique way of life in this area. (For Otome Falls course) You can enjoy the negative ion water spray of Otome Falls up close. This is an overseas-style E-bike suitable for the terrain of this region. You can rest assured that you can row easily even on slopes without breaking a sweat.

$77.05

1 h 30 mins

Horse riding Experience in Nature Rich Lake Shirakaba

The Yatsugatake area flourished most during the Jomon period, when it was prosperous and peaceful for over 10,000 years, and is still a place where people cherish their relationship with nature while making use of the limited blessings of nature. Since ancient times, there have been many people who were skilled at horseback riding, and during the Kamakura period, the jockeys who were in charge of Yabusame events in Kamakura were also people from Suwa. Hope Lodge, which has been operating at Lake Shirakaba for several decades, has continued to offer horseback riding experiences here for many years and continues to teach many people how to interact with horses. Why not spend some special time in a place rich with nature and get a glimpse of the lives of people who have been working with horses for many years?

$211.89

2 h

Enjoy a private Osuwa Daiko performance in the great nature

Mr. YAMAMOTO Makoto, the inheritor, will provide an explanation of Osuwa Daiko and nature beliefs, followed by a dedicatory performance. After the performance, participants will have the opportunity to experience playing Osuwa Daiko, including a brief lesson on a simple piece. Capture a commemorative photo with Lake Shirakaba in the background, then return to the meeting point and disband. You can choose from two performance styles. ・Performance by one Yamamoto Makoto It is an overwhelming performance by the soke. The continuous beating of several drums by a single drummer is a sight to behold. ・Performance by 4 members of Osuwa Daiko drum formation Osuwa Taiko was the first in Japan to create the "Kumidaiko" style, in which the taiko drum is the main part of the performance. Be sure to watch for their performance.

$834.71

1 h

Agar Factory Tour and Tasting Experience at Chino City

Be amazed by the surprising background and history that makes Chino City the top producer of agar in Japan! Receive a guided tour through the workshop, with staff providing easy-to-understand explanations. Explore the rich water resources that contribute to delicious miso and sake in the Suwa-Chino area, embodying the wisdom of predecessors who shaped Japan's traditional cuisine. Conclude the experience with a tasting of agar, as Irise Co., Ltd. shares various ways to incorporate agar into different dishes, driven by the concept of promoting health and happiness for everyone.

$19.26

1 h 30 mins

Meditation Experience in Nature with Primeval Forest and Springs

The primeval forest covered in fresh moss looks just like the world of a Ghibli movie! It's a mysterious and mysterious space. You can sharpen your five senses and refresh yourself while bathing in the negative ions of Tateshina Otaki and Taki-no-Yukawa. You can feel a lot of natural energy. Yoga instructor Chihaya Dan will give a lecture, and you will meditate in nature and experience time ``spending time in nature without thinking about anything.''

$50.08

48 h

Jomon 2-Day Historical Spirits Tour

Exploring the Secrets of 10,000 Years of Peaceful Jomon Era In today’s world, we are witnessing frequent international conflicts and wars, threatening peace on a global scale. Additionally, we face global warming, extreme weather, and related food crises, which contribute to a growing sense of insecurity. We believe the Jomon period in Japan holds the key to the peace people seek and the coexistence with nature needed to protect the planet. The Jomon period is unique in world history for having maintained peace for over 10,000 years. In Hara Village, Nagano Prefecture and Yatsugatake, a region where the Jomon culture flourished, many messages left by Jomon people remain. This tour invites you to feel the spirit of peace the Jomon people cultivated, based on the messages they left behind. This special journey will allow you to touch the Jomon spirit and search for clues to a better future. Let’s discover the essence of peace by learning from the past.

$642.08

12 h

Suwa Lake Fireworks VIP Viewing Day Trip

⚠️ PRE-SALE NOTICE: This experience is currently offered as a pre-sale reservation. The official tour date is Aug 15, 2026. Please meet at the designated time and location on that date. Detailed meeting information will be provided after booking confirmation. The Suwa Lake Fireworks Festival is one of Japan’s largest summer fireworks events, featuring around 40,000 fireworks launched over the lake and attracting about 500,000 visitors annually. Guests will enjoy exclusive travel-agency VIP viewing tickets, creating a truly unforgettable and romantic summer night. Travel from Tokyo with TOURDREAM in comfortable small groups using vehicles such as Toyota Hiace or Toyota Alphard for a relaxed experience.

$607.38

2 h

For Beginners Short Taiko Lesson at Osuwa Daiko Dojo

Osuwa Daiko, a taiko drumming style rich in history and culture in the Suwa region, evolved from the Kagura music dedicated to Suwa Taisha. It has pioneered the modern ensemble taiko style and today attracts disciples from numerous countries worldwide who come to learn the art. This beginner-friendly tour offers the chance to learn about Osuwa Daiko and experience the spiritual essence of traditional Japanese taiko drumming.

$507.24

48 h

From Nagoya: Suwako Fireworks Festival Tour with Reserved Seat

Witness the spectacular Suwako Fireworks Festival, celebrated at Suwa Lake in Nagano Prefecture. Enjoy reserved seating very close to the launch site to fully immerse yourself in one of Japan's largest fireworks displays, featuring over 40,000 fireworks. Travel from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Post Office and indulge in a lunch break at Oginoya Suwa branch, famous for its kamameshi (meal not included). Explore the festival area before the fireworks begin at 7:00 p.m., showcasing breathtaking displays like the giant over-water fireworks and the famous two-kilometer-long "Niagara" display. After the show, return to Shinjuku by overnight bus, with blankets and slippers provided for comfort. - Reserved seats located directly in front of the launching site - Experience over 40,000 fireworks launched during the festival - Comfortable overnight return bus with blankets and slippers - Expert tour conductors familiar with the festival to assist you