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


9 hours
Free cancellation
1 - 14
Mobile ticket

Overview

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.

Inclusions

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

What to expect

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Matsumoto Castle, 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto 390-0873 Nagano Prefecture

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.

Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes

Stop At: Nawate Shopping District, Matsumoto Nagano Prefecture

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.

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Kamikochi, Kamikochi, Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Koshinetsu, Chubu

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.

Duration: 3 hours

Additional information

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Ticket delivery

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Oscar_G
July 2023

The ride up to the castle and National Park were fun and made that much more interesting by the guide provided to us. The random wildlife made it feel like you were one with nature...at least as close you can get within a controlled environment. The national park is not something I would have don...

F4690QAoscarg
July 2023

We really enjoyed the random wildlife we encountered (macaque monkeys). The guide was fun to talk to and we learned a bit about living in Japan as an ex-patriot. The trip is broken up nicely with enough time to explore each area, the town, the castle, or the national park. I would recommend as i...

NP1991
October 2023

We had a fantastic day with Joyce on the tour of Matsumoto Castle and the Kamikochi reserve area from our base in Nagano. We were fascinated to hear about the samurai and castle as first time visitors to Japan, and loved hiking through the Kamikochi area with all the fall colours surrounding us. ...

Explore14219420743
October 2023

Such a lovely tour and Devin was really knowledgeable. We stopped at Matsumoto castle first before the drive up to Kamikochi. Kamikochi was absolutely beautiful but a bit difficult to get to on your own and this tour made it so easy. We had a nice little nature walk and got a bit of free time.

mauisurfergirl
October 2023

As a person who rarely takes tours, I have to say, this one was fabulous! Our guide, Joyce, was the BEST. She is fluent in English and Japanese and she had great knowledge of the area and history. She told us many things about Matsumoto town and castle that we would have missed otherwise. We ...

b00nhuatg
October 2023

It was a wonderful trip for us. Kevin from Snow Monkey Resorts did an excellent job of guiding us to the fantastic views as well as took great care to ensure our comfort and safety.

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from US$198.44 /