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1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle Exploration
5.0
36 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
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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.
- Nawate Shopping District - Stroll through the streets of Nawate-dori, also known as “Frog Street”, which is home to more than 50 shops, restaurants, and cafes most famous for selling all things frog-related.
- 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
(36 Ratings)
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Rachaelhw9974ye
Sep 1, 2024
You can stop searching now, this tour is brilliant 👌 - Brilliant experience, I cannot fault the tour. Kieron, the tour guide, is a wealth of knowledge, I felt safe, and super comfortable. Everything they mention in the description is included and we also had time to stop into shops or to get food. Plenty of breaks and of course the best part was Kamikochi. Unfortunately it was very overcast, though, the rain stopped once we got to Kamikochi which made it much more enjoyable to walk. I didn’t get to see the beautiful blue coloured water but that’s just how it goes, can’t control the weather and the eeriness of the low lying clouds created a unique experience I really enjoyed (it also meant significantly less crowds). If you’re thinking of this tour as a solo or group travel; highly recommend — they’re a reputable company and very responsive communication! Thanks again Kieron :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wellingtonrugbyfannz
Aug 31, 2024
Wonderful day! - Sijung was a great guide - full of information and useful tips.
The castle was amazing - steep stairs though!
We felt at home at Kamikochi (we’re from New Zealand) - really beautiful!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jonathan_s
Aug 26, 2024
A great day exploring the area - We really enjoyed the day. Both the castle and the walk were great, and our guide made the trip especially memorable.
Review provided by Viator
981nab
Aug 25, 2024
Kamikochi - I had a great experience today! Kamikochi is one of the most beautiful place in Japan in my opinion. Despite the rain our guide is able to make the best out of the day by adjusting our plan accordingly. We were able to see and experience everything and more on this trip. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angiet28
Aug 25, 2024
An unforgettable day trip - A top day. Matsumoto city and the castle was very interesting to visit. I loved learning about the history of the castle and also of ‘frog street’. The scenery at Kamikochi was breathtakingly beautiful. We had a great group, our guide was fantastic and this was a very comfortable and efficient way to see this area from Nagano.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vivienk106
Aug 19, 2024
Matsumoto & Kamikochi day tour by Snow Monkey Resorts. - Amazing trip. Both Matsumoto and Kamikochi are beautiful and highly recommended. In fact Kamikochi is the highlight of our Japan trip. Its a must visit. Our guide, Kieron was very informative , and is absolutely one of the best guide we had in our 14 day visit to Japan. 1st class customer service. We love the driver too...he was so couteous and frequently asked if we are comfortable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sirin
Aug 18, 2024
One of the best tour ever - This is one of the best tour ever! Our guide kieron is so knowledgeable and guide us to matsumoto castle and kamikochi! Kamikochi is so beautiful and I definitely will visit again someday
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bert_w
Jul 25, 2024
Excellent Tour - Travel guide Shin was excellent. Explained the highlights of the locations visited. Very patient. Kamikochi is a very nice place. Just as expected.
Review provided by Viator
Nathang12345
Jul 24, 2024
Brilliant day - Shin was an excellent guide and the tour was brilliant; the views in particular at Kamikochi were absolutely stunning. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Prao11051989
Jul 29, 2024
Highly recommend and it's definitely worth the price. - It was a convenient and well organized option for those who don't have much time but would like to explore Matsumoto and Kamikochi. The tour guide was friendly and helpful. The van was clean and comfortable. The locations were interesting and beautiful.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
