The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Matsumoto, Chubu

We are guides located at the entrance of the mountain resort Kamikochi at the elevation of 1500 meters. We specialize in trekking/walking areas of Kamikochi with little difference in elevation, such as Taisho Pond, Myojin, and Tokusawa. We do not offer “mountain climbing guide courses”. We want our customers to feel love not just towards the beautiful flowers but also towards the moss, little creatures, flower seeds, and the fallen leaves of Kamikochi. We aim to offer guide courses for everyone to like Kamikochi more. We, the National park guides, are the one and only private enterprise stationed at Kamikochi. The view of the Hotaka mountain range and the Azusa River from the Kappa Bridge is one of the most famous and popular breathtaking sceneries of Japan. But moreover, you can enjoy the variety of fascinations of each season, such as the colorful flowers, the twitter of birds, the sky color that changes every second, the fresh green, and the yellow leaves.

Are you planning a vacation in Japan? Why not stroll around beautiful castle town Matsumoto dressed in a kimono? We are just down the street from the castle and can help you dress up in the kimono of your choice. Our wide range of light kimono includes children's sizes, so we can accommodate your whole family! We also have ninja costumes and a suit of Japanese samurai armor for those who are interested. Make your experience in Japan a memorable one by walking from Matsumoto Castle to the Nawate/Nakamachi districts, enjoying local cuisine, and taking plenty of photos dressed in traditional clothing!

We are organizing cycling tour and snowshoeing tour. A half-day cycling tour that takes you along a path through the forest in the beautiful Japan Alps. This half-day adventure brings you Japan’s beliefs and historical explanations about the mountains. You will even visit places tied to legend. A snowshoe tour to Kamikochi’s Taisho Pond and Tashiro Pond. The trek to the two ponds provides ample entertainment during winter in Kamikochi. Feel the presence of the mountain gods in Kamikochi, a land enveloped in stillness!! A half-day snowshoe tour in Norikura Highlands. Snowshoe hiking through a natural landscape with frozen waterfalls and ponds, a primeval forest, and peaks and valleys in Norikura Highlands. A snowshoe tour of Norikura Highlands’ frozen Zengoro Falls at night. This is an original Guesthouse Raicho tour. Don your snowshoes and adventure out into the night’s winter forest. The tour guide will provide light, illuminating the beautiful frozen waterfall at night.

Something for everyone! Whether you love snowboarding, mountain biking, or hiking, chances are we have an activity you will enjoy. We provide Mountain bike tours and trails as well as beginner and intermediate lessons in both Japanese and/or English. In the winter we provide snowboard lessons and tours in the backcountry. We have rental mountain bikes, rental snowboards. We can also do more relaxed sports like hiking tours and snowshoe tours.

Norikura Kogen (Highland) is a large area spreading in the east of Mt. Norikura (3,026 m), which is the 10th highest mountain and one of the younger volcanoes in Japan. You can enjoy the magnificent views from Japan's highest highway (2,700m) over Mt. Norikura. There are also many viewpoints like water falls, flower gardens, and caldera lakes. Ushidome-ike is a beautiful pond, which gives you one of the best views of the mountains especially on a breathless morning or calm sunset. You can enjoy various activities like hiking, biking, jogging, birdwatching or just a peaceful walk in nature. The annual "Tenku Marathon" and "All Japan Norikura Mountain Cycling Race" are held in June and August each year. In Winter, Mt. Norikura Ski Resort is a renowned winter destination. The snow remains year round and some skiers enjoy skiing as late as August on Mt. Norikura. After walking or skiing, you can soak in Norikura Kogen Onsen (hot springs), which are famous for their white onsen water. Norikura is also famous for delicious soba noodles and other local mountain vegetables.