1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle

Defined by its mountains and natural landscapes, Central Japan is the literal heartland of this beautiful country and a road less travelled by many international visitors. This engaging one-day tour takes you to Matsumoto Castle – one of the few remaining original castles in Japan and a registered National Treasure – before heading high into the grandeur of the North Alps and onto the protected alpine oasis of Kamikochi. Led by a locally-based guide and including lunch and direct transport to and from Kamikochi, this tour captures the essence of Central Japan by combining two of its most iconic destinations.

Your guide will lead you around the historic grounds of the castle while introducing you to its history, legends and secrets. Should you wish to, you can enter the castle itself and climb all the way to the top-floor of its six storeys or simply take the time to relax outside.

Stroll through the streets of Nawate-dori, also known as “Frog Street”, which is home to more than 50 shops, restaurants, and cafes most famous for selling all things frog-related.

Situated 1500 meters above sea level deep within the Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is famous for its pristine natural state, beautiful rivers and ponds, lush forests, and dramatic mountain peaks rising to over 3000 meters. Your guide will lead you along a gentle walking trail starting at Taisho Pond and following the stunningly azure Azusa River, through mixed forest and onto to the parks famous Kappabashi (Kappa Bridge). Taking around 1.5 hours to complete the walk, you’ll then have another 1.5 hours to yourself to grab a snack or coffee or walk a little further along the river. Set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Hodataka, Kamikochi never fails to thrill guests and is often listed as one of Japan’s best experiences.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• This tour is scheduled to conclude at Matsumoto Station by 18:30 and return to Nagano Station by 20:00-20:15. However, we cannot guarantee the end time as traffic could cause delays. For guests booking onward tickets to other destinations, we recommend doing so for times of 19:00 or later from Matsumoto, and 20:45 or later from Nagano Station.

• Join from Nagano Station
  Add
  Meetup Point: In front of the Information Board directly across from the Shinkansen ticket gates at 08:15
  Starting point:
  Nagano Station, Kurita, Nagano, 380-0921, Japan
• Join from Matsumoto Station
  Add
  Meetup Point: The meetup point is at the West Exit of the station, in front of the taxi stand at 09:45
  Starting point:
  Matsumoto Station, 1 Chome-1 Fukashi, Matsumoto, Nagano 390-0815, Japan

• Transportation to all listed destinations inc. direct access to/from Kamikochi
• English-speaking guide
• Entry to Matsumoto Castle & guided tour
• Guided walk followed by free-time at Kamikochi

• Lunch
• Shinkansen or other onward travel tickets
• Accommodation

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Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.).
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Tokyo.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 53 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 14 Travelers is accepted for booking.