Make it Easy – Join a Guided Tour to Kamikochi
Kamikochi is one of those rare places that retains its character and inherent value despite its popularity with visitors from all over the world. While at times very busy, it is one of Nagano’s most impressive attractions and one which is well worth visiting – you won’t regret it. Based in Nagano, we offer two private tours combining an afternoon visit to Kamikochi with morning exploration in either Matsumoto or Azumino beginning with our:
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle | |
| Period | April to November |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
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. Our 1-Day Highlights of Central Japan: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley Tour* takes you to Matsumoto’s iconic 400-year old castle before heading high into the grandeur of the North Alps and onto the protected alpine oasis of Kamikochi. Starting from Matsumoto Station, the tour first heads to the castle, where you will be introduced to the history and legends of the historic complex before being given time to explore for yourself. One of Japan’s last remaining original castles and a Registered National Treasure, exploring the grounds and castle itself with your guide is an engaging way to experience one of Central Japan’s most iconic destinations – ENQUIRE NOW!
It’s then time for a quick lunch to recharge before getting into the tour bus to head high into the Hida Mountains as you are transported directly into Kamikochi. There’s no need for transfers from one bus to another, as we take you straight into the valley and drop you at Taisho Pond. From there, your guide will lead you on the trail from Taisho Pond to Kappabashi Bridge. Allowing 1.5 hours to walk the trail takes the tour at a leisurely pace and allows plenty of time to stop for photos and hear the story of the Kamikochi.
Arriving at Kappabashi, you will then have 1 to 1.5 hours (dependent on the pace of the tour) to enjoy for yourself by wandering further along the trail or simply sitting down at a café or restaurant to take in your surroundings – a great way to combine two of the region’s most iconic destinations on an engaging and convenient day-trip.
Private Tour
| [START FROM NAGANO/MATSUMOTO] Private Wasabi-Picking Experience & Kamikochi | |
| Period | May to November |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Matsumoto Station |
| Price | ¥120,000 ~ / group |
Traditional Japanese belief tells that human souls are born atop of mountains, from where they flow down alpine rivers and eventually into the streams that give life and abundance to the villages below. Following that belief, our 1-Day Wasabi-Picking Experience & Kamikochi Alpine Valley Tour* starts in the farmlands of Azumino before ascending to the stunning alpine valley of Kamikochi and source of the rivers that bring fertility and life to the world below – ENQUIRE NOW!
Also starting from Matsumoto Station, this tour first heads to Daio Wasabi Farm. Located in the Azumino region of Nagano, the farm is one of Japan’s largest producers of wasabi. A notoriously difficult plant to grow, wasabi requires pristine water and the right mineral balance in order to thrive – and as such, it is the ideal place to demonstrate the far-reaching importance of the water flowing from the mountains above. You’ll have the chance to wade into a stream as a local farmer pulls a fully-grown plant from the riverbed at a nearby farm and then enjoy an early lunch of Azumino’s renowned ‘soba’ (buckwheat noodles) with your freshly-grated wasabi.
After lunch, it’s time to head to Kamikochi as the tour follows the same afternoon schedule as the one above. Arriving at Taisho Pond, you’ll walk the Azusa River Trail to Kappabashi – a leisurely 1.5 guided walk with plenty of chances to stop for photographs and take-in the beauty of the alpine valley.Your guide will allow you 1 to 1.5 hours of free-time (dependent on the pace of the tour) to enjoy the Kappabashi area, where you can walk a little further should you wish to or simply sit and buy a coffee, snacks or mementos of your visit before heading directly back to Matsumoto Station where the tour concludes.Including lunch and guided by a locally-based guide, this tour goes against the flow to take you deep into Japan’s mountainous heartland.
*Please note, due to time restrictions both tours do not include walks to Hotaka Shrine/Myojin Pond.
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator. We have the local knowledge of where to go, when to go and what to do when you’re there to make sure you get the most out of your adventure in Kamikochi and Central Japan! As a registered travel agent we can arrange experiences and tours, transport, accommodation and inclusive packages at the destinations listed above. So no matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered including getting you to the best destinations and events in the region.
For guests wanting to access these destinations in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customised to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination in the region. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.
Got a question about visiting Kamikochi and Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!
