1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
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 lunch and direct transport to and from Kamikochi, this tour captures the essence of Central Japan by combining two of its most iconic destinations.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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.
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Matsumoto Castle
Your guide will lead you around the historic grounds of the castle while introducing you to its history, legends and secrets. Should you wish to, you can enter the castle itself and climb all the way to the top-floor of its six storeys or simply take the time to relax outside.
Nawate Shopping District
Stroll through the streets of 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.
What‘s Included
Transportation to all listed destinations inc. direct access to/from Kamikochi
English-speaking guide
Entry to Matsumoto Castle & guided tour
Guided walk followed by free-time at Kamikochi
Lunch
Shinkansen or other onward travel tickets
Accommodation
Pickup points
Hotel Kokusai 21
576 Agata-machi, Nagano Japan
Options
Join & end in Nagano/Matsumoto
Pickup included
Join fm Nagano end in Takayama
Pickup included
Reviews
105 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Active volcano, glaciers and snow monkeys
johnie t,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience exceeded my expectation. Kamikochi is truly beautiful. From the active volcano, glaciers and snow monkeys. Highly recommended if you have day to explore this area.
My wife and I loved it!
chrishQ3026CC,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The walk through the woods was epic and one of the best parts of the trip. The scenery was amazing. My wife and I loved it and highly recommend it.
A day in Matsumoto and Kamikochi
jackaddee,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was really beautiful Taka our guide was super available and shared us full of recommendations in Japan in general, I recommend!
Autumn foliage in Kamikochi
Trail61385225973,,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time the entire day. Our guide Joyce was very knowledgeable and she made sure every one was involved and had fun. She gave us insights on history of the Matsumoto castle along with few fun facts. Entire journey she was kind enough to answer all the questions related to Japan history and culture. Autumn foliage was mesmerising and it was perfect time to enjoy the nature's beauty in Kamikochi. Entire trail walk was easy with breath taking views. Highly recommend this day tour.
A wonderful day tour - Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle
miasY5160WQ,,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was honestly the best day trip we’ve ever been on! Just make sure you are prepared for a long day. Our guide, Shin was extremely knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make sure we all had a lovely time. Firstly, Matsumoto castle was a great experience. Shin guided the tour really well and was a wealth of knowledge. Secondly, everything about Kamikochi was wonderful - the walk, the scenery, the drive up, the free time to grab a beer at the end. Again Shin did an excellent job. Our driver, not only kept us safe but was also extremely helpful with nothing a problem. He kindly helped my husband and I coordinate a transfer back to the mountain town we were staying, which was very much appreciated. Overall this day tour was an incredible experience and we would highly recommend this tour to visit these beautiful places!
Excellent day trip from Nagano
Bryan,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent day trip from Nagano. Matsumoto castle was fabulous as was the hike in the Japanese Alps. Our guide Shin did a great job leading the group and explaining everything.
Great Tour for Matsumoto and Kamikochi
JeffreyDLT,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was amazing. Endo-san was a great guide and was very happy to chat, take pictures for everyone, and explain everything in English, while knowing some words in lots of other languages too! I had lightly injured my knee a week ago and was a bit worried about the 4km walk in Kamikochi, but the pace was relaxing and there were lots of stops for photos so it was an easy walk even for me. Also as a side note the group overall was fantastic. Everyone was very friendly and happy to chat and get to know each other as we were walking from one point of interest to another. I hope everyone who took the tour on Oct 24 2025 has a safe rest of their trip in Japan!
Discovering Nagano
Scenic62632607139,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful Nagano tour! Stunning mountains, hot springs, and kind guides. A peaceful escape! Truly unforgettable!!!
Perfect autumn day!
dariomZ6273NT,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a very nice day with our guide Endo! He was very kind and guided us through the stops with helpful information. The tour itself was very beautiful, well organized and on time. On this day, the group consisted of 11 people, which was just right! 10/10 would book again (especially after seeing the veeery long queues for public transportation back to Mastumoto/Nagano)!
I recommend
I8514GZtonyd,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience under the guidance of Endo. He is a legend. The highlight of the tour was definitely the amazing foliage around Kamikochi.
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