Places You'll See
Highlights
- Hike the Nakasendo Trail for 8 km from Tsumago to Magome, with plenty of time to rest and take in the view.
- Raft down the Tenryu River led by a qualified instructor and accompanied by your English-speaking guide.
- View Japan’s largest castle keep, Nagoya Castle, and tour the magnificent Honmaru Palace which was Japan’s first castle to be designated a National Treasure.
- Explore the stunning alpine valley of Kamikochi, considered the jewel of the Chubu Sangaku National Park.
- Witness rare wildlife, including the Japanese Giant Salamander.
Description
This itinerary is perfect for the adventure seekers and those looking for a more active tour through the Japanese countryside. Discover historic castles, hike breathtaking mountain trails, raft down winding rivers, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this captivating region.
Day 1 NAGOYA
How to Start Your Day
Start your adventure by getting a lay of the land and fueling up for the action packed days ahead with a food-filled tour of Nagoya.
This walking tour provides you with a taste of the wonderful flavors of the region and introduces you to some of the most notable landmarks in the city while also providing you with valuable information regarding the history and culture of the region you will be exploring over the next few days.
1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya / All Year Round
For those who prefer to eat their way through Japan, there probably aren’t many cities more “foodie-friendly” than Nagoya. With a large port and fertile plains, along with the wealth and resources of the powerful city of Samurai, Nagoya has long had access to a wide variety of foods distinctive from other regions of Japan.
As we eat our way through Nagoya, you will also be able to marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace, relax as you gaze upon the reflecting pond of Mirai Tower, and learn about the day’s fresh catch at a bustling fish market as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.
This tour will not only give you a taste of the wonderful flavors of the region and introduce you to some of the most notable landmarks in the city, but also provide you with the confidence to go out and try more Nagoya Meshi on your own.
How to End Your Day
After your tour concludes, you'll have some free time to explore the vibrant city of Nagoya at your own pace. We highly recommend staying near the Nagoya Station area, offering convenient access to transportation and easy access to a variety of attractions, dining options, and shopping experiences, ensuring that your time in Nagoya is both enjoyable and hassle-free.
Recommended Accommodations
As one of Japan’s largest cities, Nagoya has a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget.
The area immediately around Nagoya Station has many large hotels—ranging from high-end to budget—including some inside the station itself. Located a short subway ride away from Nagoya station, the Sakae area of Nagoya is the city’s main shopping and entertainment district. As such the area has many great options for travelers looking to enjoy the city’s fine dining or nightlife. For travelers looking for a more traditional stay, Nagoya and the surrounding areas also have many traditional ‘ryokan’ to choose from.
Check out our Nagoya destination page for more information on where to stay.
Day 2 SONI HIGHLANDS
How to Start Your Day
After spending yesterday learning about the history, culture, and food of the region, gear up for a nature-filled day where you can learn more about some of the unique flora and fauna which call Japan home.
A portion of your tour fee this day is dedicated to supporting ongoing conservation efforts in the Akame Valley. These funds help maintain the trail systems, preserve wildlife habitats, and ensure the continued protection of the species, like the Japanese Giant Salamander, that call this region home.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Soni Highlands Eco-Adventure & Giant Salamanders
Take an unforgettable journey into one of Japan’s most stunning and ecologically diverse regions. Not only will you discover the majestic, natural beauty of Central Japan and the Muro Akame Aoyama Quasi-National Park, but you’ll also contribute to the preservation of this exceptional landscape—ensuring that it remains a safe haven for wildlife and future explorers alike. This adventure, led by an experienced, English speaking guide from Nagoya, is designed for travelers seeking an authentic and eco-conscious experience, with a deep focus on preserving the environment for generations to come.
How to End Your Day
Your tour will conclude back at Nagoya station around 6:30 P.M., providing plenty of time for dining or shopping. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or directions to some of the city's shopping districts.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 3 NAKASENDO TRAIL
How to Start Your Day
Day three takes us into Nagano along the Nakasendo trail. Also known as "the Samurai Road" this historic route includes some of Japan's best preserved towns including Tsumago and Magome and winding cobblestone walkways—which you'll be able to hike.
As this tour starts a little later than yesterday, you'll have time to sleep in and enjoy a big breakfast before your hike. Just remember to purchase a bento beforehand as there is no place to buy food on the trail!
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail / March - June & September - December
Day Tour
Popular
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail
- Spots:
- NagoyaKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
¥24,900
Step into the past and experience life in rural Japan as you hike the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku. This scenic section of the Nakasendo trail is brimming with lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and remote mountain villages—which have remained relatively untouched by the modern world. Your experienced, English-speaking guide will lead you through the historic post town of Tsumago, along the 8 km Nakasendo trail, past waterfalls and wildlife, and into the stunning post town of Magome. Shop for handmade crafts and sample local fare.
This tour will reward those who like to take the road less traveled and enjoy an adventurous experience into the heartland of Japan.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour concludes, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude in Nagoya at approximately 6 P.M. which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination, Matsumoto, at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination.
Running from Nagoya Station to Matsumoto Station the Limited Express 'Shinano' makes it easy to travel between two of the region’s major cities. The Limited Express 'Shinano' operates approximately once an hour and makes the journey between Nagano and Matsumoto in approximately 2.5 hours. For further details including daily timetable, see our ‘Limited Express Shinano Line Timetable’ page.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 4 TENRYU RIVER-RAFTING
How to Start Your Day
Turn-up the excitement with an afternoon of rafting on the Tenryu River. Explore the Tenryu Riverlands, located in the far south of Nagano prefecture and boasting one of Japan’s most beautiful river gorges.
As one of the more extreme rivers in Japan, this 10k rafting tour features plenty of thrilling sections where you can—and will—be splashed. This tour also has plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery as you sample Japanese classics such as soba, tonkatsu, and tempura at a local restaurant and enjoy the season’s bounty as you pick seasonal fruits at a local farm along the river.
Be sure to back your water gear as you will have the opportunity to swim in the river, splash other guests, and generally enjoy a good time in the outdoors. Sunscreen is recommended, as you will be under the sun for several hours - and a nasty sunburn is one gift you don't want to bring back home!
Fruit Picking and Rafting in the Tenryu Riverlands Tour / April - November
Perfect for those looking for excitement and hands on activities, our 1-Day tour of the Tenryu Riverlands includes fruit picking, a tasty local lunch, and an afternoon of rafting on one of Nagano's most famous rivers. Known for its fruit production, southern Nagano is one of the top places in Japan when it comes to the number of grape and apple orchards. The 'Shine Muscat' grapes are particularly famous globally and grow well in the climate provided by the Ina Valley. Blueberries, peaches, and more round out the rest of the year, with something always available from April through November. Beyond just providing a great place for fruit orchards, the Tenryu River also makes a great spot for rafting, with white waters, calm patches, and stretches of beautiful gorges surrounded by high rock cliffs. The rafting here is just exciting enough to be fun, while also easy enough for anyone to do - no experience is needed and the whole family can enjoy a day cooling off in the waters of Nagano.
How to End Your Day
Your tour will conclude back at Matsumoto station just after 5:30 P.M., providing plenty of time to change into new clothes and head out for dinner. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or directions to some of the city's shopping districts.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 5 KAMIKOCHI
How to Start Off Your Day
The adventure continues as you tour 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.
Your guide will lead you along a trail though this stunning plateau ripe with flora and fauna which was formed by a volcanic eruption over 100 years ago. This tour captures the essence of Central Japan by combining two of its most iconic destinations and is the perfect conclusion to your 4-day adventure packed itinerary.
KAMIKOCHI & MATSUMOTO CASTLE TOUR FROM NAGANO & MATSUMOTO / April to November
Day Tour
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle
- Spots:
- NaganoMatsumotoKamikochi
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
¥23,800
Kamikochi sits in the middle of the mountains and is accessible from the west from Takayama and also from the east. The eastern route comes form Matsumoto, another city with a long and storied history. This tour starts from Matsumoto as you see the city's most impressive site, Matsumoto Castle. It is one of Japan's 12 original castles and is famous for its black color, wooden interior and interesting stories. You will also get a chance to walk along the Kaeru Michi or Frog Street that has over 50 shops, restaurants and cafes that sell many different products that may pique your interest. After a morning full of history culture and tradition, the afternoon will take you to see the relaxing and pristine environment of Kamikochi. Enjoy a walk along a clear mountain river as you drink in the stunning mountains around you. Some of the bridges and walkways are are unique and deepen the feeling of being on a true adventure.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour concludes back in Tokyo, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
From here, you can continue your journey through Central Japan making your way through Nagano to Kanazawa and beyond, or you can head back to Nagoya or Tokyo for all the excitement of the cities.
Recommended Accommodations
For those returning home from Nagoya, the Chubu Centrair International Airport offers a convenient and easily accessible location from which to fly out of.
For those with early morning flights, the airport, located on a man-made island in Ise Bay, offers a couple of hotels in the airport itself with more options just over the bridge on the mainland. For listings, see our ‘Chubu Centrair International Airport Area’ page.
