NAGANO JAPAN

1-Day Tour: Matsumoto Castle & Kamikochi Alpine Valley

Highlights

• Visit Matsumoto Castle – one of Japan’s few remaining original castles and a registered National Treasure
• Stroll Matsumoto’s quaint ‘Frog Street’, a cute shopping street of food vendors, craft and antique stores leading to the castle
• Explore the stunning alpine valley of Kamikochi, renowned for its pristine natural state and guided walk the trail from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bashi before enjoying free-time to enjoy the beauty of mountain landscape

Description

Situated between the popular destinations of Kyoto and Tokyo, the mountains of Nagano and surrounding regions are the literal heart of Japan and a road less travelled by many international visitors. This tour combines visits to Matsumoto and its famous castle – one of the few remaining castles in Japan – before heading high into the grandeur of the Northern Alps and to the alpine oasis of Kamikochi. All led by an English-speaking guide, this tour captures the essence of Central Japan by combining two of its most iconic destinations.

The tour begins at JR Nagano Station at 08:30. Your guide will greet all guests and quickly have you on your way toward the historic city of Matsumoto.

Arriving around 10:00, your guide will lead you along a quaint little street known locally as ‘Kaeru Michi’ or ‘Frog Street’. This cute shopping precinct is home to food vendors, craft and antiques stores, and adorned with countless frog statues, memorabilia, and merchandise. Your guide will explain just why frogs are so important to the local neighbourhood as you stroll toward the castle – a lovely introduction to this popular city.

More than 400 years old and a registered National Treasure, Matsumoto Castle is one of Nagano’s most impressive cultural sites, known for its structural beauty set against a splendid mountain backdrop. You will be guided into the castle grounds as your guide reveals the history and features which make it so lauded, before giving you time to explore for yourself (including ascending all the way to the top of its six storeys, should you choose to!).

It’s then time to head high into the mountains, as you are transported into the Northern Alps and onto 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.

Arriving at approximately 13:00, 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). 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.

The next two hours are yours to enjoy as choose. You choose to stroll further along the river or sit at a café or restaurant, and simply take in the view*.

At 16:30 the tour bus will depart and begin the journey back toward Nagano, where the tour is scheduled to conclude where it started, at JR Nagano Station at 19:00.

*Please note, this tour does not include lunch due to time constraints. You will however have opportunities to buy snacks in Matsumoto and (should you wish to) sit down at a cafe or restaurant in Kamikochi, should you wish to. The earliest opportunity to do so in Kamikochi will be approximately 14:30. If you wish to bring food on the day, please feel free to do so.