Food & Culture Walk in Nagano: Oyaki, Sake, Matcha & Zenkoji
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Come to Nagano for a flavorful food-and-culture walk built around four highlights in the perfect order: freshly made oyaki, the Zenkoji area, a local sake tasting, and a matcha dessert (matcha ice cream or dorayaki). Between stops, enjoy quiet backstreets, family-run shops, and local stories that bring the neighborhood to life.
We begin with warm oyaki, then stroll the historic streets around Zenkoji before heading to the tasting. Finish at a cozy matcha spot before returning toward Nagano Station.
-Start with freshly made oyaki (Nagano’s famous stuffed dumplings), served warm
-Walk through the Zenkoji area’s historic streets and peaceful back lanes
-Enjoy a local sake tasting with small nibbles and local pairings
-Finish with a matcha dessert (choice of matcha ice cream or dorayaki)
-Visit 2–3 small family-run shops and meet local owners
-Discover lesser-known spots beyond the guidebooks
-Learn simple local tasting etiquette and hear stories of everyday life in Nagano
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Walking shoes are recommended
Minimum alcahol drinking age is 20 years. So we offer another drink for under 20.
In case of late arrival, the tour cannot be extended.
o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.
Not suitable for person who needs gluten free food.
This tour generally requires 2 or more guests to operate. For solo travelers, feel free to contact us before booking to confirm availability.
What To Expect
Oyaki → Zenkoji → Sake tasting → Backstreets walk → Matcha dessert (matcha ice cream or dorayaki). ● Stop 1 — Oyaki House: Warm oyaki tasting. ● Stop 2 — Zenkoji Area: Walk the main streets and visit Zenkoji Temple. ● Stop 3 — Sake Tasting: Local sake + small nibbles + Nagano miso soup. ● Stop 4 — Backstreets Walk: Quiet lanes, small shrines, hidden local shops. ● Stop 5 — Matcha Tea Stop: Matcha dessert (choice of matcha ice cream or dorayaki). ● Tour Concludes: Near the final stop.
Sample Menu
dessert
Matcha dessert (choice of matcha ice cream or dorayaki)
main
2 Oyaki (Japanese Stuffed Dumplings)
Options
Nagano's Food & Cultural Walking Tours
What‘s Included
2 Oyaki(Japanese Stuffed Dumplings)
Sake Tasting
Matcha dessert (choice of matcha ice cream or dorayaki)
Local-English-speaking guide.
Extra drinks and food (available to purchase)
Meal for infant
Transportation fee to meeting point
There are no mandatory in-destination costs.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
62 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Satisfactory
shelamaeb2026,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We sailed from Cagayan De Oro to Cebu, Philippines earlier this month through 2GO Masagana. The staff were friendly, accommodating and professional. The vessel was also clean and well-organized. However, we experienced an issue with the air-conditioning unit in our cabin, which was not functioning properly. I stayed in tourist class, room 4A. I also found the check-in and cabin assignment process quite confusing. There three of us travelling together, but we were assigned to separate cabins. My two companions were placed in different cabins, even though each cabin has four bunk beds. It would have been better if members of the same group were assigned to the same cabin instead of being mixed with other passengers we did not know.
Disappointed
Bryan S,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Disappointed. Our guide had very limited knowledge of the area we saw and poor English. A waste of our time and money.
A must do experience
Tandevil,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are visiting Nagano and pre booked this tour . We met our tour guide Robin who was very knowledgeable , was happy to answer all our questions and knew lots about the local area ,he spoke very good English . Food experience was very good , Saki tasting was enjoyable experience and some miso soup was also tasted . We saw the Zenkoji temple and a small shrine . We finished off our tour with a Matcha icecream. This is a wonderful tour to do around the area.
Well worth experiencing !
Beate L,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great guide who told us a lot about the statues, the story of the shrine and what to taste/ speciality of Nagano. Basic, but great info in order for us to understand and learn. No rush, our guide gave us good time to see and enjoy. We enjoyed it very much.
Wonderful day exploring Nagano
264JessicaR,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time walking and talking with Masa. We had never been to Nagano before and this was a great way to briefly see the area and enjoy some of the local sights and flavors while learning some of the history of the area. I highly recommend this tour when visiting Nagano.
Enjoyable tour
Debra L,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide's name was Masa and he was very informative. He took us to places that we would never have found by ourselves. We tasted oyaki, a traditional food that we probably wouldn't have tried had we been on our own. Masa took us to the Zenkoji Temple and explained about the Shinto religion. On our way back we had a sake tasting and tried matcha icecream. I would highly recommend this tour.
Interesting overview tour of Nagano
shawnad83,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun and interesting tour of Nagano. In addition to going to the temple, we went to a shrine, had a few food tastings and saw some traditional shops and homes. We also walked by the are where they helps the Olympic medal ceremonies. The guide was informative and funny. The temple is beautiful and we really enjoyed trying oyaki, the dumpling famous for the area.
We loved visiting Nagano!!
jackieo7,Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent the day with Masa from o8 Experience and had a wonderful time! This is truly what we wanted to experience - from a local person’s perspective. Everything is so walkable and close to our hotel, too. We learned about family traditions when visiting the temple to daily life with a special visit to a shrine. It helped us understand the Japanese people’s thoughts on family, life, and prosperity. Walking around the grounds of the Zenkoji temple was amazing! It’s a treasure here in Nagano. We also stopped by a local shop for Oyaki dumplings. Delicious and interesting to see them make a traditional farmer’s meal. We also had the best matcha ice cream for a treat after lunch. Nagano has such a chill vibe and is completely different from other busier cities. It’s definitely worth the visit.
Oyaki and matcha ice cream… the best of Nagano summer
435jacintas,Jul 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thanks Masa and Riku for making our families summer tour of Nagano so easy, interesting, delicious, and fun. We really appreciate your enthusiasm, hospitality and excellent photos!
Nice tour.
jpmooy,May 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Nice tour with guide who speaks good English. Few snacks for a food tour. The sake tasting was very nice.
Related Experiences
Operated by o8Experience