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

5.0

21 Ratings

Nagano

Embark on a captivating one-day tour from Nagano and Matsumoto to explore the stunning landscapes of Central Japan. Visit the historic Matsumoto Castle and venture into the breathtaking beauty of Kamikochi.

Duration: 9 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Matsumoto Castle - 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 during your free-time.
Nawate Shopping District - Stroll through the streets of Nawate-dori with your guide followed by a guided experience at the historic grounds, explaining the fascinating history of one of Japan’s last remaining original castles. Should you wish to, you can head inside and climb all the way to the sixth storey, or else just stroll and relax during your free-time.
Kamikochi - 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.

What's Included

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

What's Not Included

Lunch
Shinkansen or other onward travel tickets
Accommodation

Additional Information

Central Japan, characterized by its impressive mountains and picturesque nature, serves as the geographical heart of this splendid nation, often overlooked by many foreign travellers. This captivating day-long excursion transports you to Matsumoto Castle, one of the handful of preserved original castles in Japan and a designated National Treasure. The journey continues to the majestic North Alps and concludes at the preserved alpine haven of Kamikochi. A locally-sourced guide leads the tour, which includes lunch and direct transportation to and from Kamikochi, encapsulating the very soul of Central Japan by merging two of its most renowned locales.

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.

Location

Nagano Station

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

5.0

(21 Ratings)

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722myhal

Jun 11, 2024

Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi - Nagano prefecture getaway - Had a great time visiting Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi! Shoutout to the tour guide Shinさん & driver Osakiさん. They were both so friendly and accomodating, and helped me practice my Japanese. The tour was well organised and Shinさん gave great insight into the history and knowledge of both locations. A very memorable trip, would highly recommend! ありがとうございました!