1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle

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. This engaging one-day tour takes you to Matsumoto Castle – one of the few remaining original castles in Japan and a registered National Treasure – before heading high into the grandeur of the North Alps and onto the protected alpine oasis of Kamikochi. Led by a locally-based guide and including direct transport to and from Kamikochi, this tour captures the essence of Central Japan by combining two of its most iconic destinations.

Highlights

• Visit Matsumoto Castle – one of Japan’s few remaining original castles and a registered National Treasure – on a guided tour and learn all about its history, legend and secrets
• Stroll through the famous “Kaeru Michi” or “Frog Street” also known as Nawate-dori. Home to more than 50 shops, restaurants, and cafes most famous for selling all things frog-related.
• Explore the stunning alpine valley of Kamikochi, considered the jewel of the Chubu Sangaku National Park.

Want to join this tour from Tokyo? It’s easy to do! Scroll to the bottom for our FAQs including train services that can you use to join the tour!

Description

The tour starts at Nagano Station, where you guide will greet you at 08:15 and have you board the tour bus and head to Matsumoto Station, the second pick up point of the tour, where boarding will begin at 09:45. Once all guests have boarded the bus, the tour will head for the historic center of Matsumoto, established as a castle town in the days of the Samurai.

The tour begins at Matsumoto Castle, one of the last remaining original castles in Japan. The castle dates back to the end of the ‘Warring States Period’ with much of the original structure still intact. One of the most beautiful historic buildings in Japan, it is one of only two 6-storey castles remaining today – yet only exists due to the intervention of local residents who have saved it from destruction more than once.  You will be guided into the castle grounds as your guide reveals the history and features, before heading into the castle itself and ascending all the way to the top of its six stories! Inside you will find intricate woodwork, beautiful views of Matsumoto City, and a collection of historical guns, artifacts, and other items which will give you a glimpse into the life of a Japanese warrior when the castle was first built.

Once we have finished up at Matsumoto Castle, we will begin exploring 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. Located adjacent to the Metoba River which runs through Matsumoto, you would never believe from its appearance today that this river was once heavily polluted.

As a result of that pollution, the frogs which had once blessed the surroundings with their nighttime chorus became unable to live in the parts of the river near Nawate-dori, spurring local residents to start efforts to clean up the water and recreate a suitable environment for the frogs. This was the start of the long-time connection between Nawate-dori and frogs.

The street sells an array of specialties including many flavors of ‘o-senbei’ (rice crackers), ‘taiyaki’ (fish-shaped pastries), ‘dagashi’ (traditional candy), ice cream, and much, much more! At this time, you will have some free time to visit a few shops, try some local snacks, or visit the nearby shrine adjacent to Frog Streett.

Once everyone has finished their free time and had time to purchase a lunch, we will board the bus and begin the drive to Kamikochi. Taking around 1.5 hours in total, relax, eat your to-go lunch, or simply enjoy the scenery along the way. Your tour guide will introduce the story of the majestic Chubu Sangaku National Park – one of Japan’s eight original national parks – as you enjoy the beautiful mountain road leading to Kamikochi.

Situated 1500 meters above sea level deep within the Chubu Sangaku National Park, Kamikochi is famous for its natural beauty, pristine rivers and ponds, and dramatic mountain peaks rising to over 3000 meters. Here you will first enjoy a guided walking tour to Kappa-bashi, followed by some free time to relax in one of Japan’s most scenic spots.

We will be getting off the bus at Taisho-ike, a pond near the entrance to Kamikochi that was formed when a nearby volcano erupted over 100 years ago. From there, we will be walking farther up the Azusa River, which feeds Taisho-ike, taking in the sights and sounds of the pristine natural environment in which the walking trail is located. The trail is mostly flat and well maintained, and there are multiple toilets along the way, so you are free to focus on enjoying your walk. After around 1 hour and 30 minutes, we will reach our destination – Kappa-bashi. Kappa-bashi is a bridge over the Azusa River that commands the best view in all of Kamikochi; the mountains which you will have caught glimpses of along the way will be fully revealed here in all their glory. Once we have arrived at Kappa-bashi, you will have another 1 hour and 30 minutes of free time, during which you may enjoy delicacies made with local ingredients, shop for souvenirs, or continue hiking around the area.  At 17:00 the tour bus will depart and begin the journey back toward Nagano, where the tour is scheduled to conclude where it started, at Matsumoto Station at 18:30* (guests returning to Nagano Station will arrive at around 20:00-20:15).

*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.

*If you prefer to end the tour at Kamikochi – allowing you to stay there overnight or take an onward bus service to Takayama – we can help you board the bus at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 17:00. See our FAQs below for details.

**This is a group tour of Kamikochi. Looking for a private tour for your group? Please see below:

Private Tour

[START FROM NAGANO/MATSUMOTO] Private Kamikochi Tour
Period	April to November
Time	08:15 – Nagano Area 09:45 – Matsumoto Area
Meeting Place	Nagano Station Area Matsumoto Station Area
Price	¥172,100 ~ / group

TOUR MEETUP POINT

1 / HOTEL KOKUSAI 21 @ 07:50

The meetup point is at the entrance of Hotel Kokusai 21. Please note that this is group tour and there are other pick-up points therefore the tour will need to depart on-time. Please be at the entrance prior to the meetup time and look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. The tour will need to depart on-time.

2 / NAGANO STATION @ 08:15  — MAIN MEETUP POINT — All Year Round

The meetup point is inside the station, in front of the Information Board directly across from the Shinkansen ticket gates. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag and ensure you are there prior to the meetup time as the tour will need to depart by 08:20.

2 / MATSUMOTO STATION @ 09:45

The meetup point is at the West Exit of the station, in front of the taxi stand. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag.

NOTES

Included

• Transportation fee to and between all listed destinations and activities including Matsumoto and Kamikochi
• Entry ticket to Matsumoto Castle and guided tour
• Guided walk at Kamikochi
• English-speaking guide

Excluded

• Lunch
• Additional travel costs including train tickets
• Accommodation (unless requested)
• Onward bus tickets from Kamikochi to Hirayu Onsen and / or Takayama

Other Information

• This tour spends the majority of the day outdoors including at Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi. Please ensure you prepared for changing weather conditions by carrying a waterproof jacket, umbrella, hat and sunglasses. While the weather in Kamikochi is likely to be notably cooler than Matsumoto, the sun can be strong so we also recommend bringing sunscreen.
• Kamikochi is located at 1500 meters above sea level and weather can change quickly. Please ensure you have clothing suitable for changing conditions including rain and cooler temperatures (7 to 22℃). In late-autumn (October to November), temperatures can drop to 0℃.
• This tour includes a reasonable amount of walking including at Matsumoto Castle and at Kamikochi. You have the option of entering the castle and climbing to the top-floor. This climb is steep and staircases are tight and therefore may not be appropriate for some people. Please follow the instruction of your guide if they suggest you wait outside where you can freely stroll and enjoy the historic grounds.
• This tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for guests who are mobility impaired. Should this be a concern, please contact us prior to booking to discuss suitability.
• At Kamikochi, you guide will allow you to explore Kamikochi yourselves however please ensure that you cooperate with your guides instruction regarding meeting places and times. The tour bus will need to depart on-time.
• Guests have the option of being dropped at Matsumoto Station, or saying goodbye at Kamikochi Bus Terminal for those wanting to stay in Kamikochi. Guests who wish take the Nohi bus service to Hirayu Onsen and / or Takayama should also feel free to catch that bus at this time. Your guide will provide assistance with ticketing if necessary.
• 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.
• The tour application deadline is 2 days before the tour date at 17:00.