(Green Season) 4-Day Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa: The Ultimate Central Japan Tour

Once relatively unknown amongst overseas visitors, in recent years Central Japan has become increasingly popular as a stop along the Tokyo to Kyoto “Golden Route”. The reason for this, simply stated, is that Central Japan offers every experience the traveler could desire from Japan, while also being located close to some of Japan’s largest cities, such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. From majestic mountain peaks to delicious local sake, and of course the famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, our carefully crafted multiple day group tour of this amazing region of Japan will bring you to every location you dreamed of, and many you may not have even heard of yet. Starting in Nagano and ending in Kanazawa, this tour is perfect for those wishing to move through central Japan and removes the necessity of dealing with sometimes confusing train and bus transfers. While accommodation is not included, transport between all destinations and an English speaking guide are provided on every day of the tour, so you do not have to worry about the small things and can instead focus on enjoying your vacation time.

Highlights

• Visit the ancient Zenkoji Temple, taste fresh local sake, and take a trip to see the Snow Monkeys enjoying a dip in the hot springs of Jigokudani
• Stroll through the streets of Matsumoto, and ascend to the top of the 400 year old Matsumoto Castle
• Explore the stunning alpine valley of Kamikochi, considered the jewel of the Chubu Sangaku National Park
• Enter the Takayama Jinya, and take a guided walk through the historical avenues that make up the old town of Takayama
• View thatched roof “Gassho-zukuri” style houses while breathing in fresh air at Shirakawa-go
• Saunter through Kanazawa and visit all of its best attractions in a comprehensive one day walking tour

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

Starting at Nagano Station, the tour opens with a bang by including a visit to the Zenkoji Temple. One of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan, the main building here is 300 years old and displays amazing craftsmanship; Meanwhile, the history of the temple complex as a whole stretches back well over 1,000 years. With some quick stops for sake tasting (non-alcoholic options included!) and lunch, the day continues with a hike through pristine forest to reach the onsen baths and volcanic valley which the Snow Monkeys call their home. Here you can get up close and personal with the monkeys as they walk mere centimeters away from you, or bathe in the hot spring baths right before your eyes.

On day two of the tour, our tour bus will pick you up in the morning and drive you to Matsumoto to walk through the streets of this beautiful and cultured city before ascending to the top of Matsumoto Castle. At over 400 years old, this castle is considered one of the best in Japan. Inside you will also find a number of artifacts, including firearms and samurai armor that will teach you more about the life of a feudal warrior.

Descending from the castle, the tour bus will next escort you deep into the Japanese Alps, to a breathtaking river valley known as Kamikochi. One of the original National Parks of Japan, the reason it has been registered as such will be immediately obvious by its stunning natural beauty and well preserved environment. Here, you will be treated to an easy hike and some time to rest and take in the scenery. Afterwards, the tour bus will take you on to Takayama city, where you will stay the night to be ready for the next day of the tour.

The second half of this tour kicks off in Takayama, a city with preserved traditional streets lined with handsome wooden buildings that could rival Kyoto. Located in the middle of all this is the Takayama Jinya, once the administrative office of the Shogun in Takayama and today the last remaining building of its kind in Japan. Access to the interior of the Jinya is of course included on our tour, and your guide will regale you with stories and information about the heyday of Takayama while showing you around this unique cultural site.

With a break to try some local snacks and do some window shopping, the tour bus will once again pick you up to deliver you to Shirakawa-go, the UNESCO World Heritage village of steep, thatched roof homes designed to withstand the snow and cold during the long winters in Central Japan. Here too, your guide will show you the best route around town and answer any questions you may have about the town. While the winter scenery of Shirakawa-go is deservedly world-famous, the area is beautiful in any season, with the flowers of spring, deep greens of summer, and bright fall colors of autumn providing a suitable backdrop to the town.

Leaving Shirakawa-go, the tour bus will continue to our final destination, Kanazawa. Upon waking up the next morning, your guide will meet you at Kanazawa Station to start a complete one day walking tour of the city that includes entrance to a Samurai house, Matcha tea on the grounds of Kanazawa Castle, and a visit to the Geisha District of Higashi-chaya, the symbol of Kanazawa.

On the way back, your guide will lead you through the small but maze like district of Kazue-machi, a lesser known geisha district across the river from Higashi-chaya which still has working geisha wandering its streets. Finally, your guide will leave you at Kanazawa Station, from where it is simple to reach Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

DAY 1

1 / HOTEL KOKUSAI 21 @ 09:10

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 @ 09:30  — MAIN MEETUP POINT

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 09:30.

DAY 2

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.

DAY 3

1 / TAKAYAMA STATION @ 9:00 A.M.

The meetup point is outside of the ticket gates at JR Takayama Station. Once you have left the gates, look to your left to see a walkway and a carving depicting an ornate wagon. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. There is also a waiting room with benches nearby for guests who have arrived early and would like to sit down; however, please make sure that you have left the waiting room and are in place at the meetup point at 9:00.

DAY 4

1 / KANAZAWA STATION @ 9:00 A.M.

The meetup point is outside of the Shinkansen ticket gates, in front of the information center. If you are heading out from the gates, look forward and to the right and you will see a large ‘?’ inside of a circle, which is the sign under which we will be meeting. For those coming from outside the station, you will find this sign immediately inside of the East Entrance of Kanazawa Station. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tag.

NOTES

Included

• Transportation fee to and between all listed destinations and activities on each day of the tour
• Entry ticket to all locations you visit on the tour
• Lunch on Day 1
• Guided walk at each location
• English-speaking guide

Excluded

• Lunch on Days 2, 3, and 4
• Accommodation (unless requested)

Other Information

• This tour includes lots of outdoor activities and walking, including walking in both cities and natural areas. Please ensure you are prepared for changing weather conditions by carrying a waterproof jacket, umbrella, hat and sunglasses. As the tour runs from Spring to Autumn, the exact temperatures and weather conditions will vary.
• This tour does not pick any guests up from any locations outside of the above listed pick up and drop off points.
• This is not a private tour – other guests may also be joining you.
• 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℃.
• Mid-summer temperatures in the cities can be very high, sometimes reaching 35-36℃ at the hottest point of the day. While Central Japan is less humid than the coastal cities such as Tokyo, and therefore will feel cooler even at the same temperature, prepare for very hot weather if you are taking the tour in July or August. We also do our best to ensure tours are designed to keep you as cool as possible while still enjoying the scenery.
• 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 various points during the tour, guests will be granted free time to explore or eat at their own pace. Feel free to go where you please during this time, but make sure to follow the guides instructions and be at the meeting point by the designated time.
• Accommodation is not included in this tour – please make sure you have a room to stay in each night. We are available for assistance if you are having trouble finding a place to stay, and always feel free to ask your guide whatever questions you have while on the tour.
• The tour application deadline is exactly 1 week before the tour date (For example, customers booking a tour for October 27th should book by midnight on the 19th)