Places You'll See
Highlights
- Hike on the historical Nakasendo Trail for 8km along its best section, sandwiched between the towns of Tsumago and Magome
- Enter Matsumoto Castle and enjoy the views from the top
- View the famous art of Yayoi Kusama, born in Matsumoto City, in the City Art Museum
- Whisk your own Matcha Tea, and drink it with Japanese sweets in a local cafe
- Visit the stunning Kamikochi alpine valley and hike alongside the Azusa river
Description
At the base of the Japanese Alps lies Matsumoto, one of Central Japan's best positioned cities to enjoy everything the region has to offer - and with its own treasure trove of cultural wonders! With something to offer to hikers, foodies, art lovers, and even onsen fans, you should have a visit here on your bucket list.
Want to spend a few days in the region and discover much more of what it has in store than a day trip can give you? Our 3-day itinerary takes you from the historic path of the Nakasendo to the heights of the Japanese Alps, as well as in to the heart of Japanese culture both ancient and modern. You can enjoy all this while being based in Matsumoto City.
*ESTIMATED BUDGET – Please note that the estimated budget advertised on this page is only for the cost of the tours and what they include. Some tours may include transportation between tour destinations via tour buses. However some tours do not include transportation between tour destinations, and you will need to book your own transportation in such cases. Please refer to each tour listed on this page for further information on what is not included.
Day 1 MATSUMOTO - Hike Old Japan on the Nakasendo
How to Start Your Day
Located in the exact center of Japan, Matsumoto is the gateway to many must see spots, both natural and cultural. Less crowded than many other cities, and drier and breezier than the big cities in the Summer, it is one spot the traveler will not regret adding to their itinerary.
The first day begins with pickup at either Nagano Station or Matsumoto Station (08:15 and 09:45 respectively). For guests staying in either of those cities the night before, joining is as easy as walking over to the meetup point a little before the scheduled start time. For those coming from Tokyo, it is possible to reach both Nagano and Matsumoto on time for the tour using JR trains, but it will require an early start to the day.
Once everyone is on the bus and ready to go, you will head far to the south of Nagano Prefecture with your guide on our dedicated tour vehicle. Once you arrive in the town of Tsumago, on the Nakasendo, the 8km hike will begin.
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Step into the Past on the Nakasendo / March - June & September - December
Day Tour
Recommended
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Step into the Past on the Nakasendo
- Spots:
- NaganoMatsumotoKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
¥24,900
Running from April through to June, with a short break in July and August to avoid the summer heat, and resuming from September to November, this tour is great for those who want to combine a great hike with a cultural experience. Once one of the main thoroughfares for traveling throughout Japan, the Nakasendo today is a little quieter but still draws visitors looking to walk its well trodden path. Along the way, guests on this tour will have the chance to see Tsumago and Magome, two post towns which preserve the look and feel of Japan in the days of the Samurai, and also have a number of tasty delicacies as a reward for undertaking the hike. 8 km in total, and with lots of ups and downs, this hike is not super strenuous but does require guests to be in good physical condition. Nonetheless, the walk adds a lot to the experience as you find yourself stepping on cobblestones laid down under the order of the Shogun centuries ago.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Matsumoto Station
How to End Your Day
After finishing the tour, you will get off the bus at Matsumoto Station (make sure not to ride back to Nagano Station!). As the next days tour will start from Matsumoto Station as well, it is best to reserve a room nearby. However, if you are fine with taking a short bus ride in the morning, it can also be a good idea to stay at Asama Onsen, Matsumoto City's own onsen village. Either way, don't forget to enjoy the restaurants and nightlife in front of the East Exit of the station!
Recommended Accommodation
Matsumoto City has no shortage of places to spend the night, from hostels and business hotels to ryokan and luxury resorts. Regardless of your budget and desire, we are sure you can find something!
On the below page, you will find more in depth information about accommodation as well as a tool for booking a room.
Day 2 MATSUMOTO - Matcha and Modern Art
How to Start Your Day
After resting up from the previous days hike, it is now time to explore more of the city of Matsumoto itself. Blessed with several amazing museums, the national treasure Matsumoto Castle, and a lively cultural scene in music, cuisine, and other arts, there is more to do here than most visitors first assume. As this days tour will begin from Matsumoto Station at 09:45, you will need to make your way there first, either on foot or by using the city's convenient bus system.
1-Day Walking Tour in Matsumoto: Matcha Tea and Modern Art / all year round
Matsumoto City is a treasure trove of modern art, ancient history, and stunning nature - and yet, it is still not crowded in the least! Step outside of the overly popular cities along the coast and enjoy Japanese culture at a slower pace on this walking tour in Matsumoto. With entrance to both the city's History Museum and Art Museum (dedicated to Yayoi Kusama, who was born nearby), as well as a Matcha whisking experience included, there is plenty to do in between strolling the streets of this lovely city. And while strolling, you will be introduced to some of its biggest landmarks; Matsumoto Castle, The Former Kaichi School, and the Nawate Shopping Street await your visit! Free time will also be included for you to take things at your own pace, and of course our English-speaking and friendly guide will be with you throughout the day.
How to End Your Day
This tour will also return to Matsumoto Station, just like the previous day. Of course, if your hotel is somewhere near the route we take back to the station after the last tour activity is done, don't hesitate to let your guide know so that you may split off from the group then and save yourself the extra distance. As there is still one more day left in Matsumoto, take this time to enjoy more of the city before returning to your hotel. Why not try sanzokuyaki, garlic flavored fried chicken which is the city's soul food? Afterwards, some craft beer from the local Matsumoto Brewery should put a positive end to your day.
Day 3 MATSUMOTO - Explore Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi
How to Start Your Day
For this final day, if you will be leaving Matsumoto after the tour, make sure to check out of your hotel and bring your luggage with you to the meetup at Matsumoto Station - we can hold it on our bus throughout the day. The tour will begin once again at 09:45 at Matsumoto Station, a location you will be well familiar with by this point. Once everyone is gathered up, you will be off to Matsumoto Castle to start the day, with Kamikochi, one of Japan's best areas of natural scenery, awaiting you in the evening.
Be sure to bring something warm to wear early and late in the season, as the mornings can be chilly, and Kamikochi is always much cooler than the lowlands beneath it.
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle / April to November
Day Tour
Popular
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle
- Spots:
- NaganoMatsumotoKamikochi
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
¥23,800
Kamikochi sits in the middle of the Japanese Alps and is accessible either from the west or the east side. The eastern route comes form Matsumoto, another city with a long and storied history. This tour starts from Matsumoto as you see the city's most impressive site, Matsumoto Castle. It is one of Japan's 12 original castles and is famous for its black color, wooden interior and interesting stories. You will also get a chance to walk along the Kaeru Michi or Frog Street that has over 50 shops, restaurants and cafes that sell many different products that may pique your interest. After a morning in the city, the afternoon will take you to see the relaxing and pristine environment of Kamikochi. The clean and fresh mountain air will be a welcome refreshment as you walk 3 kilometers along the river with your guide.
How to End Your Day
This tour can end with 3 different options - drop off in Matsumoto or Nagano, or drop off in Takayama. For those going onwards to a different location, both the Nagano and Takayama drop offs may be of great use - Nagano connects you to the bullet train, and also the Snow Monkey Park, while Takayama is a big attraction on its own which can be used to also head further along to Kanazawa. For those going to Nagoya, returning to Matsumoto and taking the Shinano Express from there will be your best option.
