Discover the charm of Central Japan on this one-day tour combining history and scenic beauty. Visit Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure and one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, then explore Narai-juku, a beautifully preserved post town along the old Nakasendo route. With a local guide and direct transport from Nagano and Matsumoto, this tour offers a true glimpse into the spirit of Old Japan.
Group tour operated by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours.
選項
特色
- 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 famous post town of Narai-juku, the biggest post town on the Nakasendo road and one of the best preserved in all of Japan, known for its charming streets lined with wooden buildings.
說明
The tour begins at Nagano Station at 08:15, where your guide will greet you before boarding the bus to Matsumoto Station (second pickup at 09:45). From there, you’ll head to Matsumoto’s historic center, a former samurai castle town.
Your first stop is Nawate-dori, or “Frog Street,” a charming shopping lane with over 50 local shops and cafés. Once polluted, the nearby Metoba River has been restored by locals, inspiring the area’s long-time frog motif. Enjoy free time to explore and try traditional snacks like taiyaki or senbei before heading to the castle.
Next, visit Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure and one of Japan’s few remaining original castles. Dating back to the Warring States Period, this impressive six-story structure stands as a symbol of local pride and preservation. Explore its wooden interiors, samurai exhibits, and panoramic city views before enjoying some free time around the castle grounds or grabbing a quick lunch.
In the afternoon, travel about an hour to Narai-juku, a beautifully preserved post town along the old Nakasendo Road connecting Tokyo (Edo) and Kyoto. Once known as “Narai of a Thousand Inns,” its streets are lined with historic wooden buildings, shops, and teahouses.
Your guide will lead a walking tour through the town, sharing stories of its prosperous past and pointing out highlights like Shizume Shrine, set among centuries-old cedar trees. Afterwards, enjoy about an hour of free time to stroll, shop, or relax in a café before returning by private vehicle to Matsumoto Station, where the tour concludes.
(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
導覽服務
導遊語言
- 英語
行程表
- 08:15The tour begins with meetup at Nagano Station at 08:15
- 09:45Departure from Matsumoto Station at 09:45
- 10:00Stroll through the streets of Nawate-dori with your guide followed by a guided experience at the historic castle grounds, learning the fascinating history of one of Japan’s last remaining original castles. Then, enter the castle and ascend to the top for a unique experience you won't soon forget. Afterwards, you will have 30 minutes of free time to prepare for our bus ride to Narai-juku.
- 12:30Depart Matsumoto and begin your journey to Narai-juku. The trip will take around 1 hour in total, with beautiful scenery visible outside the window for most of the ride.
- 13:30Arrive at Narai-juku and begin your guided walk. Your guide will introduce the area and its history, and make sure you do not miss anything along the way.The seasonal activity will also take place during this time.
- 15:00After walking through the entirety of Narai-juku, you will be given 1 hour of free time to eat, shop, and enjoy the town at your own pace. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations.
- 16:00The tour concludes, and our tour bus will begin the journey back to Matsumoto and Nagano.
- 17:00Arrive back at Matsumoto Station at 17:00, or 18:15 for those going back to Nagano Station.
費用細節
如何使用
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購買須知摘要
- 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.
注意事項
- This tour spends the majority of the day outdoors, including at Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku. Please ensure you are prepared for changing weather conditions by carrying a waterproof jacket, umbrella, hat, and sunglasses. As both Matsumoto and Narai-juku are located at a relatively high elevation, the sun can be strong, so we also recommend bringing sunscreen.
- In winter, there will often be snow on the ground both in Matsumoto City and in Narai-juku. The temperatures may also be quite cold, with days where even the high is below 0 degrees Celsius being not uncommon. We ask that you wear waterproof, winter shoes and warm clothing in order to best enjoy your tour.
- This tour includes a reasonable amount of walking, including at Matsumoto Castle and at Narai-juku. We will also be entering the castle and climbing to the top floor. This climb is steep, and 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 Narai-juku, your guide will allow you to explore Narai-juku 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.
