This tour offers amazing value for travelers looking to get a taste of nature in Japan at their own pace, attended by a knowledgeable English speaking guide. Escape from the heat and crowds in the cities, and enjoy an evening in the Japanese Alps.

Once your tour begins, you will board our private tour vehicle and be shuttled to our first destination. For guests boarding from either the Nagano or Matsumoto areas, that will be the formidable Matsumoto Castle. At a total of 6 stories high, and covered on the outside with black wood, it’s architecture is equal parts elegant and imposing, reflecting the era in which it was built. One of only 12 original castles left in Japan and registered as a National Treasure, the interior of the castle also houses a number of artifacts from the era of the samurai, including muskets, armor, and rockets. The views from the top of the castle are of course stunning, and the whole plain on which Matsumoto is situated in will be visible along with the mountains which surround the city.

Guests will also have a chance to walk through some of the famous streets of downtown Matsumoto while on their way to the castle. A very picturesque city, Matsumoto is relatively small but boasts a lively art and music scene, and has a number of cafes and eateries catering to its residents. On Nawate doori, also known as frog street, you will have some time to sample local specialties and enjoy a visit to the most important shrine in the city.

You will the board the tour bus again, headed for Kamikochi. Leaving from Matsumoto, the drive up the mountains is stunning and offers lots of scenery to gaze out on the roughly 1 hour long drive. Customers with a keen eye may spot a number of wildlife species along the way, including snow monkeys, Japanese black bears, golden eagles, badgers, and sika deer.

Upon arrival at Kamikochi, guests will get off the bus at Taisho-ike pond, from where the 3 kilometer walk to Kappa-bashi (pictured above) will begin. The trail is flat and well maintained, and any guest of reasonable physical capabilities will be able to easily complete the trek.

Upon arrival at the scenic Kappa-bashi bridge, guests will have further time to themselves to enjoy a snack or browse for souvenirs at the shops around Kappa-bashi. For those who would like to hike further, Kamikochi also offers other trails from Kappabashi that guests are free to explore on their own terms during this free time. Your guide will offer an explanation of what there is to do around Kappa-bashi before free time starts,

Once free time is finished, your guide will lead you to the tour bus which will take you on to your destination, whether that be Nagano or Matsumoto. The return journey will take around 1 hour for guests returning to Matsumoto, or 2 hours for guests who will be returning to Nagano.