August: Things to Do in and around Nagano

Posted on 2026.07.27 in Events

Coming to Nagano this August but not sure what to do once you’re here? From concerts and festivals to walking tours and fruit picking, there’s always plenty to do in the area. Here are 11 things to try on your trip to Nagano in August.

For a list of things closer to Matsumoto city, please see the article on our sister site, Matsumoto Experience, at this link.

 

Pick Strawberries at Karuizawa Garden Farm

Strawberries are an excellent summer treat, and Karuizawa is a classic summertime getaway in Japan. Nestled at a high altitude in the mountains, the summer heat doesn’t quite reach this quaint destination. At Karuizawa Garden Farm you can pick your own strawberries, enjoy a wide variety of strawberry-themed food and drinks, and escape the dreaded summer heat of Tokyo.

 

Attempt the Nakasendo and Joshu Ultra Walking Tour

The phrase “walking tour” makes this sound like a simple walk in the park, but the Nakasendo and Joshu Ultra Walking Tour is anything but. This 100-kilometer walking race covers more than 2,100 meters of elevation gain! It starts in Shimo-suwa, passes through Karuizawa, and eventually ends at Isobe Onsen in neighboring Gunma Prefecture. After the grueling hike, the onsen is a welcome sight and experience for all the exhausted participants. Entry is limited to those aged 13 and older who are in good health and able to complete the event within the 31-hour time limit. Those under 20 must have parental consent. See website for additional requirements and other details.

 

Attend a Summer Pipe Organ Concert in Karuizawa

For those wanting a taste of Europe during their Japan travels, we recommend catching one of the three pipe organ concerts that will be happening in Karuizawa during the month of August. The concerts will feature two organs - a Renaissance Organ and a Baroque Organ - and will take place in a beautifully resonant concert hall with acoustics reminiscent of European churches.

 

Visit Zenkoji Temple for the annual Obon Festival

The Zenkoji Obon Festival is a spectacle to behold. A large tower is constructed in front of the main hall of the temple. From the top of the tower, someone sings the leading note, beginning the traditional song. From here, a bon-odori dance is done by all the participants while they move around the tower. Outside, there will be typical festival activities: vendors from Nagano City and surrounding towns selling food and drink, and plenty of games and activities to do.

 

See the Iiyama Lantern Festival & Special Nighttime Opening at the Takahashi Doll Museum

The Iiyama Lantern Festival, now its 20th year, is such a spectacular event that it has been designated as a “Japan Night View Heritage Site.” More than 10,000 paper lanterns will illuminate the city, creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. The city will be divided into two sections: an “active” section where there will be dance events, street vendors, and the like, and a “quiet” section, meant to be used as a place to relax and enjoy the unique environment that comes with the warm glow emanating from thousands of paper lanterns. Concurrently, the Takahashi Doll Museum will be holding a special nighttime opening, extending their hours to 20:30 on the evening of the event, and their courtyard will also be full of paper lanterns.

 

View the Perseid Meteor Shower Observation at Togakushi Ski Resort

The 2026 Perseid Meteor will reach its peak overnight on 12 to 13 August, when there are predicted to be more than 100 visible meteors per hour. Togakushi Ski Resort sits high in the mountains and far enough from the city to avoid light pollution, making it the perfect spot to catch the astral event. Even though it takes place in August, due to the location it may get chilly at night, so we recommend bringing warm, clothing and something to sit on. Pads/mats/sleeping bags will be available for rent, but are limited in supply and first-come, first-served.

  • Date: 12 – 13 August 2026
  • Time: For two hours each night beginning at 26:00 on 12 August (02:00 on 13 August) and 26:00 on 13 August (02:00 on 14 August)
  • Location: Togakushi Ski Resort
  • Website: https://sites.google.com/site/asterism8432/Meteor 

 

Join in the local festivities at the Rokaku Lake Lantern Floating Festival and Fireworks Display

During an annual fireworks display above the Sai River, look down and you’ll see a parade of lanterns floating down the river under the spectacle. Dozens of food stalls will be set up along the riverside promenade, and in front of the Flood Control Hall, you’ll find a local specialty: Jingisukan, or grilled lamb. In front of the Flood Control Hall is also where you will find alcoholic beverages if you are so inclined. The event is planned to go on rain or shine, but in cases of extreme weather such as lightning it may be canceled, so be sure to check the website below for the most up-to-date information.

  • Date: 15 August 2026
  • Time: 19:00 – 21:00
  • Location: Downstream of Shinmachi Bridge, Upstream of Takefusa River Bed (See website for details)
  • Website: https://www.sinmachihanabi.com/ 

 

Eat local food at the Shinonoi Kei Truck Market

Kei truck markets are a tradition in Japan as old as the mini trucks. Farmers and craftsmen from the area gather to sell their goods from the backs of their incredibly utilitarian vehicles. This local farmers’ market has far more than just produce; the Shinonoi Kei Truck Market is also home to craftspeople, restaurants, bakeries, and plenty of food trucks. Only a few stops by train from Nagano station, this is a great place to spend a morning trying local food.

 

Watch the Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival

This annual fireworks display is one of the largest in Ueda area. Boasting more than 8,000 fireworks plus the addition of lights and starbursts, this is certainly a show that can’t be missed. This year, the fireworks display will be synchronized with music, and the finale is rumored to be more exciting than ever. The event venue will be full of life, with food vendors scattered throughout. This is an excellent opportunity to experience a uniquely Japanese event.

 

Have a Jazz Picnic at the Madarao Jazz 2026

Now in its 18th iteration, Madarao Jazz 2026 will feature 24 bands over the course of 2 days, including 10 big bands and gospel groups, and over 240 musicians! Visitors to the event are welcome to set up picnic blankets or small tents and listen for as long as they like. There will be food vendors and restaurants participating in the event as well, so there’s no need to worry about going hungry.  

  • Date: 29 – 30 August 2026
  • Time: 09:30 – 17:35 
  • Location: Special Stage at Madarao Kogen Ski Resort
  • Website: http://www.madaraojazz.com/ 

 

Join a Half-Day Walking Tour of Zenkoji

None of the events above fit your schedule? Looking for a different kind of vibe? We recommend booking a half day walking tour of Zenkoji Temple and its surrounding neighborhood. Here you can trace the footsteps once taken by samurai, pilgrims, and monks centuries ago. Your English-speaking guide will give you an in depth experience you won’t soon forget, complete with local insights and recommendations you won’t find online. Bookings can be made at the link below.

 

＞＞BOOK NOW＜＜