When coming to the Nagano area, oyaki is definitely one thing you should try. These wheat/buckwheat buns filled with a variety of delicious filling are one of the areas specialties and are a great way to learn about the food culture of Nagano. But not all oyaki are made the same, and for the discerning connoisseur the difference between freshly baked and store bought oyaki will be obvious.

— What is Oyaki?

— How To Find Fresh Oyaki in Nagano City

Luckily for the hungry traveler, we include an Oyaki tasting experience on several of our group tours in Nagano City. Read on for more!

WHAT IS OYAKI?

Made of a what bun (sometimes mixed with buckwheat) which is stuffed with fillings including nozawana mustard greens, pumpkin, red bean paste, eggplant, and more, oyaki are a delicious and filling meal that can be easily taken out for a picnic or just in the car to eat on the go. The buns can be cooked in a variety of ways, including by frying, baking, or roasting over a fire. The fillings are generally vegetable based, but sometimes meat filled oyaki are also to be found – some experimental varieties for sale in Nagano even include a beef and cheese version! Oyaki or similar foods have been eaten for a long time, and according to archaeological evidence they may date back over 10,000 years!

HOW TO FIND FRESH OYAKI IN NAGANO CITY

If you are on the hunt for the best oyaki in the city, look no further than our tours which include a visit to a local oyaki shop! Cooking oyaki over an open flame in a traditional hearth, the flavor is enhanced greatly by the direct touch of the flame onto the dough. This style is believed to be similar to how oyaki were eaten thousands of years ago, and once you taste the flavor you will understand why this style of cooking has lasted so long. So why not join a tour with us and taste if for yourself?

1 Day Tour

Half-Day Tea Ceremony and Zenkoji Experience Tour
Period	All Year Round
Time	12:15-16:30
Meeting Place	Nagano Station
Adult Rate	¥14,500
Child Rate	¥9,900

Zenkoji has a lot to offer, and on this fun half day tour your guide will lead you right into the heart of its history and traditions. Including a tea ceremony experience, sake tasting, and of course oyaki for lunch, you can enjoy Japan’s unique culture in only a short amount of time. Click the banner above for more details!

2 Day Tour

Tea Ceremony and Zenkoji Experience Tour with ‘Shukubo’ Stay
Period	All Year Round
Time	12:15-16:30
Meeting Place	Nagano Station
Adult Rate	¥33,800
Child Rate	¥26,800

For those who really want to get to know Zenkoji, this tour with an included overnight stay at a shukubo, or pilgrims inn, is ideal. With a focus on Zenkoji and its surroundings, you will come away with a new appreciation for the sights, sounds, and flavors of this centuries old temple. The activities on the first day will be the same as the above half-day tour, but when everyone else is going home you will instead be checking in to your room at the shukubo! Book now to secure your room for the night.