What to do and see in Matsumoto, Chubu: The Best Multi-day Tours

November 4, 2021 Concepcion Newsome

The proud black “crow castle” of Matsumoto keeps watch over a city that’s rapidly developing into an epicenter of food and culture. Slurp noodles made from local soba or taunt your taste buds with product from the Daio Wasabi Farm. Take a soothing soak in a local hot spring or spend a few minutes in the Timepiece Museum. Classical music fans should consider a visit during the Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto, founded by famed conductor Seiji Ozawa.
Restaurants in Matsumoto

1. 2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano to Takayama via Matsumoto

Nagano Station, Japan, 〒380-0921 長野県長野市大字栗田59 Snow Monkey Resorts
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

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

Reviewed By LyceTherece

AMAZING Valentine's Day! Our guide (Peter, I believe) was absolutely fantastic, offering information, fun facts and history at every turn. He went above and beyond to make our experience wonderful, and it was, despite abnormally warm weather keeping the monkeys away from the onsen, and COVID precautions causing an early end to the lantern festival. Our guide was super knowledgeable and helpful, and went above and beyond to provide a memorable tour for us all. He was the epitome of the hospitality and kindness that I love so much about Japan!

2. Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group

Tokyo, Japan Japan and More
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

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

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Reviewed By 559janies

My 2 friends and I went on the beginners Spring Tour 2019 for our first trip to Japan. We loved it and can't wait to go back! Becky and Shawn are awesome. They were so down to earth, helpful and very knowledgeable. I also really liked that the tour group is small. It allows you to get to know your fellow group members and ensures personal attention from your guides. We saw so many large tour groups at tour sites and they looked a little chaotic, it made me happy we chose a small group. The accommodations were always clean and comfortable and located perfectly. Food was amazing!!! If you are willing to try new things you can have an amazing gourmet experience. The events and locations that Becky and Shawn chose were top notch and we got to experience all different modes of transportation while there.

3. Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group

Tokyo, Japan Japan and More
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

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

Reviewed By 559janies

My 2 friends and I went on the beginners Spring Tour 2019 for our first trip to Japan. We loved it and can't wait to go back! Becky and Shawn are awesome. They were so down to earth, helpful and very knowledgeable. I also really liked that the tour group is small. It allows you to get to know your fellow group members and ensures personal attention from your guides. We saw so many large tour groups at tour sites and they looked a little chaotic, it made me happy we chose a small group. The accommodations were always clean and comfortable and located perfectly. Food was amazing!!! If you are willing to try new things you can have an amazing gourmet experience. The events and locations that Becky and Shawn chose were top notch and we got to experience all different modes of transportation while there.

4. Hiking Yarigatake and Mt Fuji

Hearton Hotel Kyoto, 405 Funayachō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0836, Japan Venture

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

Reviewed By sarahcM8539YQ

The session with Noriko was great and I recommend it even if you are worried about virtual experience. I have done several virtual tours but this was the best one full of excellent information. Noriko answered all my questions had great food and sake information to deliver.

5. Nagano 5-Day Pass

Ueda Station, 1 Chome-1 Tenjin, Ueda, Nagano 386-0025, Japan Korina Tour

Nagano 5-Day Pass is a ticket that allows you to fully enjoy the trains in the surrounding area including Nagano, Shinano, Ueda, Matsumoto. Nagano Prefecture is located in the central part of Honshu, Japan, and is called the roof of Japan. Take a trip to Nagano, one of Japan's most precious spas and treasures of history and culture. You can also observe wild monkeys enjoying hot springs in Jikkudaniya Enkoen during the winter season. ----------------------- Coverage Area: ----------------------- [[Shinano Electric Railway (しなの鉄道)]] -- Karizawa Station (軽井沢駅) - Shino noi Station (篠ノ井駅) -- Nagano Station (長野駅) to Myogogo Kogen Station (妙高高原駅) [[Nagano Electric Railway (長野電鉄)]] -- Nagano Station (長野駅) - Yudanagawa Station (湯田中駅) -- Ueda Electric Railway (上田電鉄) [[Ueda Station (上田駅) - Bessho Onsen Station (別所温泉駅)]] -- Matsumoto Station (松本駅) - Shinshigashima Station (新島々駅)

Inclusions: Nagano 5-day Pass, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Subway section not included, Personal expenses, Individual traveler insurance

Reviewed By lorrainechallenor

The tour guide was not needed if we were given a map of the theme park. I was looking forward to looking at the Winery but oh what a disappointment, Just a few empty barrels and at the end of the short walk through the walk way to the wine bar. No free samples and certainly did not have a french feel with a picture of St Marks Square Italy. Would have liked to look around the gardens but was hurried to the next cable car to the the top to the theme park not impressed. I had high hopes for this trip but felt let down., More toilet stops on the way there would have been good due to medication I struggled. More for families. Disney land and still building work being carried out. Would advise not to go but go to and spend more time at Hue, I did like the views on the cable cars going up and down.

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