Discover the heart of Japan on this one-day tour to two of Central Japan’s most iconic sights. Visit the historic Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure and one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, then journey into the stunning Northern Alps to explore the serene alpine haven of Kamikochi. Led by a local guide, this tour offers direct transport and an unforgettable look at Japan’s natural and cultural beauty. Group tour operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours.
Options
Join-in Tour (Round trip from Nagano/Matsumoto)
The Highlight
- 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.
The Experience
The tour begins at Nagano Station at 08:15, where your guide will welcome you before boarding the bus to Matsumoto Station, the second pickup point (09:45). From there, the tour heads into the historic heart of Matsumoto, once a thriving samurai castle town.
Your first stop is Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original castles and a designated National Treasure. Built at the end of the Warring States Period, it stands today thanks to local efforts that saved it from demolition multiple times. Inside, explore its six stories, admire intricate wooden architecture, and view collections of antique weapons and artifacts while enjoying panoramic views of Matsumoto City.
Next, stroll through Nawate-dori, or “Frog Street,” lined with over 50 quaint shops and cafes. This charming street, named after local efforts to restore the nearby Metoba River and its frogs, offers everything from traditional snacks to unique souvenirs. You’ll have free time here to explore, shop, and enjoy lunch before heading to Kamikochi.
The journey to Kamikochi takes about 1.5 hours through the scenic Chubu Sangaku National Park, one of Japan’s oldest and most beautiful national parks.
At 1,500 meters above sea level, Kamikochi is a pristine alpine valley surrounded by towering 3,000-meter peaks. Starting from Taisho Pond, enjoy a guided walk along the crystal-clear Azusa River to Kappa Bridge (Kappa-bashi) — the area’s most iconic viewpoint. The trail is easy and well-maintained, with plenty of time to take in the breathtaking scenery.
After arriving at Kappa-bashi, enjoy around 1.5 hours of free time to relax, try local delicacies, or explore further before the bus departs at 17:00. The tour concludes at Matsumoto Station around 18:30 and Nagano Station around 20:00–20:15.
(Travel Agency License No: Nagano 2-562) Snow Monkey Resorts Tours 2159 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano, 380-0921 Japan Tel: (+81)26-219-6272 Member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association Travel Service Supervisor: Azusa Fukuhara
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
Itinerary
- 08:15The tour begins with meetup at Nagano Station at 08:15
- 09:45Departure from Matsumoto Station at 09:45
- 10:00Arrive at Matsumoto Castle to explore the grounds as well as ascend to the top for a unique experience, learning the fascinating history of one of Japan's last remaining original castles. Afterwards, you'll have some time to stroll through the charming streets of Nawate-dori (Frog Street) including 30 minutes of free time before getting back on the bus.
- 12:30Depart Matsumoto and begin your journey into the North Alps. Enroute to Kamikochi, you will stop in the mountains after around 45-minutes to break-up the long but beautiful drive and allow you to stretch your legs and use the bathroom. Once back on the road, it's another 30-minutes until your arrival in Kamikochi.
- 14:00Arrive at Taisho-ike, where we will begin our 1 hour and 30 minute walk through the pristine nature of Kamikochi to Kappa-bashi. Once we reach Kappa-bashi, you will have a further 1 hour and 30 minute time period of free time to get some food, shop for souvenirs, or continue hiking
- 17:00Board the tour bus and begin the journey back toward Matsumoto (guests wanting to transfer to bus services bound for Hirayu Onsen and Takayama are welcome to leave the tour at this point).
- 18:30Tour concludes at Matsumoto Station, where the guide will say their goodbyes (guests returning to Nagano will then be shuttled back with an estimated arrival time of 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.
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
- 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
- All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary.
- Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors.
- Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.
Important Booking Information
- This tour spends the majority of the day outdoors, including at Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi. Please ensure you are 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 the 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 the staircases are tight and therefore may not be appropriate for some people. Please follow the instructions 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, your guide will allow you to explore Kamikochi yourselves; however, please ensure that you cooperate with your guide's instructions regarding meeting places and times. The tour bus will need to depart on time.
- Guests have the option of being dropped off at Matsumoto Station or saying goodbye at Kamikochi Bus Terminal for those wanting to stay in Kamikochi. Guests who wish to 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.
