Things to do in Koshinetsu, Chubu: The Best Multi-day Tours

Hike a section of the Nakasendo Trail on a 3- or 4-day self-guided tour from Tokyo or Kyoto that includes all rail transport. A series of forested trails and paved village paths linking the two cities comprise the Nakasendo, a trail among an ancient network of Japanese highways. Follow in the footsteps of travelers from the Edo period who walked this mountain route via the Kiso Valley. Stop in the best-preserved post towns — known as ‘juku’ — where you’ll stay overnight in local ‘minshuku’ (guest houses). Traditional Japanese dinners and breakfasts are included! Overnight accommodation is limited to 8 people on this independent tour, ensuring a personable experience with a small group of fellow travelers. This tour is self-guided - there is no attending guide - and is suitable for 1 to 8 travellers.

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, 2 or 3 nights accommodation depends on your tour, Rail tickets to and from Kyoto/Tokyo and the trail

Exclusions: Drinks or other meals, guiding, Hotel Pick up or drop off, Solo supplement, Local bus fares (approximately 1200 JPY in value - payable locally)

Situated between the popular destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto, the mountainous of region of Nagano is the literal heart of Japan and a road less travelled by many international visitors. This tour combines some of the region’s most iconic destinations - including the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, the 1400-year old Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, and the historic old town of Takayama - with the unforgettable experience of being driven through Japan’s Northern Alps, a place of high mountain peaks and rarefied beauty. With English-speaking guide, lunch, and full-service accommodation on Day 1 followed by hotel pick-up and transport to Matsumoto and Takayama, including hotel drop-off, on Day 2, this tour captures the history and beauty of central Japan with the convenience and comfort of one easy package.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Transportation from Nagano to all listed destinations, ending at Takayama, Snow Monkey Park entrance fee, Sake tasting, Accommodation at Hotel Kokusai 21 on Day 1 (inc. breakfast on Day 2), Matsumoto Castle entrance fee on Day 2, English-speaking guide & transport on Day 1, Driver & transport on Day 2

Exclusions: Dinner on Day 1 & Day 2, Accommodation in Takayama, Shinkansen/bullet train tickets, English-speaking guide on Day 2

See the real Japan and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites. You'll walk through busy streets, ride the bullet train, and enjoy local foods. Each tour is customized to fit the preferences of the group.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner

Exclusions:

From the neon lights of buzzing Tokyo to ancient temples on snowy mountain tops, Japan is a feast for the senses and INTRO is the most amazing way to experience it! You’ll walk the streets of one of the world’s busiest and most futuristic cities, watch monkeys bathe in hot springs, roll your own sushi, visit ancient shrines and castles, get taught to wield a sword by a Samurai master, stay overnight with monks in a 1000 year old Buddhist temple, experience incredible and unique accommodation and much more! With an awesome group leader from the moment you arrive at the hotel, an instant group of friends and help with all your onward travel. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, 12 Nights Accommodation, All Transport, Awesome Group Leader, Help with Onward Travel, Tokyo City Tour, Nightlife, Traditional Japanese Style Accom, Ancient Temples & Shrines, Fish Markets, Sushi Class, Sake Tasting & Brewery, Jigokudani Snow Monkeys, Shiga Kogen National Park, Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Cruise, Mount Fuji Cable Car Views, Osaka Castle Visit, Overnight Stay at Buddhist Temple, Meditation & Night Temple Walk, Morning Prayer & Fire Ceremony, Arishiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion Temple, Fushimi Inari Temple, Samurai Experience

Exclusions: Flights, Some Meals, Travel Insurance, Visas

See the real Japan and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites. You'll walk through busy streets, ride the bullet train, and enjoy local foods. Each tour is customized to fit the preferences of the group.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast

Exclusions: Travel Insurance, Airfare

Enjoy a 2-day, 1 night trip in Nagano where you will spend one full day with an English-speaking guide taking you around the city—enjoying attractions such as snow monkeys, the famous Zenkoji Temple and later relaxing at a traditional onsen (hot springs) and enjoying a traditional Japanese multi-course (kaiseki) dinner at a traditional Japanese ryokan (hotel). On the second day after checking out of the hotel, spend the free day snowboarding/ skiing or spend more time exploring the city on your own (without tour guide), or book one of the add-on second-day tours with us.

Inclusions: Private tour with local tour guide (tour guide on the first day only, the second day is free day without tour guide), Breakfast, Dinner, Transportation within Nagano City on the first day (public transport or chartered vehicle options), Onsen (hot springs) experience at hotel. Please note that the onsen is within the hotel and may not be connected to your room (there may be times when there is no onsen within your hotel, but you will have access to the onsen in the area of the ryokan). For private onsen experience, it is available at additional cost at the ryokan (usually around 1500 to 2500 JPY for 1 hour), Overnight accommodation at traditional Japanese hotel (ryokan) rated at 3 Stars (or 4 - 5 Star hotel option is available at checkout)

Exclusions: Lunch, snacks and drinks, Optional activities, Add-on experiences on the second day (available at booking), Private onsen experience (additional cost for private experience at ryokan), Gratuities

See the iconic highlights of Japan on a 3-day guided tour to Mt Fuji, Kyoto and Nara. Visit revered Mt Fuji, take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi and an aerial tram ride up Mt Komagatake. Head to Kyoto on the bullet train and take in the beautiful city on a morning tour to the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Then see Nara’s famous sites including Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and Nara Park (Deer Park). Stay two nights in Kyoto with optional return to Tokyo.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, 2 nights accommodation, Hotel pickup (select hotels only), Luggage delivery (1 piece, one-way tour option only), Bullet train ride（One-way or Round trip)

Exclusions: Baggage Handling (round-trip), Hotel drop off

Over the course of two days of an easy walk (self-guided tour) along the Nakasendo road and one overnight stay at a Minshuku (family run lodging), immerse yourself in Japan's folkloric landscapes between the villages of Nakatsugawa and Tsumago. During Japan's feudal period (1603-1868), the Nakasendo road was one of the five routes that linked the economic hub, Tokyo, to the imperial capital, Kyoto. Unlike the Tokaido road, which was replaced by today's Shinkansen train, the Nakasendo was saved from rampant modernization and still upholds an old-fashioned charm. Created by general Tokugawa in order to assert his political domination, the route spans a distance of 534 kilometers and includes 69 rest stops. Its name literally means "mountain road" and is a means of communication in case of a large flood on the Tokaido: the coastal road. Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

Inclusions: 1 night overnight accommodation at family run traditional Japanese inn, 1 Japanese breakfast, 1 Japanese dinner, Detailed day-by-day itinerary and directions (PDF), Detailed walking map (Google Map), Local support by telephone

Exclusions: Activities entrance fees, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guide, Drinks, Lunches, Travel insurance, Train tickets according to itinerary (*if NO TRAIN option selected), Luggage delivery

The 80km Shinetsu trail, the best woodland trail in Japan, runs over the ridges of the Sekida mountains at about 1,000 meters above sea level, forming a boundary between Nagano and Niigata prefectures. It is one of the few long trails in Japan. This area is blessed with a rich ecosystem nurtured by Japanese beech tree forests. Historically, there were 16 passages connecting Nagano with Niigata. The forests are perhaps best known for their beech trees. The tall, well-shaped beech trees form a corridor of nature along the path. The earth-packed trail also makes it easy to walk. Spring (from mid-June to the end of July) and autumn (from mid-September to the end of October) are great seasons to visit the trail. In the spring, the last traces of snow can be seen among new greenery and flowers bursting into bloom. In the fall, hikers can enjoy the brilliant colors of autumn leaves.

Inclusions: 3 days Hiking , Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, 1 day local Trail guide, Japanese style accomodation w/shared bathroom facilities

Exclusions: Travel Insurance, Lunch unless otherwise stated, Dinner (except welcome dinner), Hiking gear

This is an active tour that includes many walks and challenging treks up two mountains but also includes visits to several popular sites (6 days of walking and hiking). Many of the walking and hiking paths are well maintained. If you wish to skip the hike up Mt. Yari, please consult with your tour guide who will help you organize accommodation nearby or in Matsumoto (extra expense will be incurred). The tour in brief is as follows; • Start by exploring the ancient capital of Kyoto • Walk a part of the Nakasendo Highway, one of the five cross country routes of the Edo period • Climb the Japanese Matterhorn, Mt Yarigatake • Climb Mt Fuji in time for the sunrise • Relax at Lake Kawaguchi or explore the area for its local attractions • Sleep in a traditional Japanese Ryokan • End the trip in the Tokyo metropolis • Travel will be arranged mostly by public transportation

Inclusions: 8 nights comfortable hotels, 1 night ryokan (traditional Japanese Inn) and 3 nights mountain hut, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, All transportation; Trains, buses, taxi and private mini bus, All activities listed, Professional English speaking guide, Extra professional mountain guide for Mt. Fuji and Mt. Yari

Exclusions: Transportation to/from the airport, Travel insurance, Mountain hiking gear (you have chance to get in Kyoto if needed), Tips for the guides