Discover the best of Nagano’s winter scenery with illuminated national-treasure Matsumoto Castle, the nostalgic streets of Narai-juku, and the romantic snowy landscapes of Karuizawa on this luxurious 2-day getaway from Nagoya.
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The Highlight
Matsumoto Castle Projection Mapping — A breathtaking digital art show illuminating Japan’s National Treasure. Narai-juku on the Nakasendo — Walk through Japan’s longest preserved post town, rich with Edo-period charm.
Nesame-no-Toko (Nezame Gorge) — A dramatic granite gorge tied to the legend of Urashima Tarō.
Shiraito Falls in Winter — See the iconic waterfall transform into a magical icy landscape.
Karuizawa Winter Stroll — Enjoy the stylish streets, tranquil ponds, and romantic winter scenery.
Prince Shopping Plaza — One of Japan’s largest resort outlet malls with over 240 shops.
Buffet at Karuizawa Prince Hotel West – Primrose — About 70 dishes including seasonal Japanese, Western, Chinese cuisine & desserts.
Optional Seasonal Fair — Limited-time Berry & Cheese Fair (planned)
The Experience
Matsumoto Castle Projection Mapping & Illumination
Experience an award-winning winter spectacle as Matsumoto Castle—Japan’s National Treasure—is transformed with vibrant projection mapping. Light, sound, and digital art dance across the castle keep and stone walls. Each period features a different theme, from ukiyo-e to traditional crafts and spring flowers. The surrounding town glows with 80,000 lights during the winter illumination.
Nesame-no-Toko (Nezame Gorge)
A stunning natural formation where the Kiso River carved massive granite slabs into box-like shapes. Believed to be where Urashima Tarō returned from the Dragon Palace, it offers majestic scenery best viewed from the grounds of Rinsenji Temple.
Narai-juku (Nakasendo)
Known as “Narai of a Thousand Houses,” this beautifully preserved 1-kilometer post town once thrived as the busiest stop on the historic Nakasendo trail. Its wooden houses, craft shops, and nostalgic Edo atmosphere remain alive today as locals continue to live and work in this heritage district.
Shiraito Falls (Karuizawa)
One of Karuizawa’s most beloved sights, this delicate curtain-like waterfall turns into a mysterious winter scene as the water freezes into icy sculptures surrounded by snow. A serene and unforgettable natural landscape.
Karuizawa Winter Time
Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza: Over 240 brand-name shops in one of Japan’s largest resort outlets.
Old Karuizawa Ginza Street: A charming 750m street lined with bakeries, cafés, and local specialty shops.
Kumoba Pond: A peaceful pond where winter snow creates a picture-perfect scenery.
Karuizawa Prince Hotel West – Primrose Buffet
Enjoy a premium buffet featuring around 70 dishes of seasonal Western, Japanese, Chinese cuisine, plus a rich dessert lineup. A seasonal Berry & Cheese Fair is also planned during the period.
Information about tour Place of departure and destination:From Nagoya to Nagano Number of days of travel:2Day Means of transportation:Bus Name of bus company:Yamato Kanko Meal(s):0 Minimum number of passengers to operate: 20 Number of GUIDE：1
Tour Operator Information Company Name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd. Department Name: Chubu Sales Headquarters Address: Dainagoya Building 16F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, JAPAN, 450-6416 Registration No.: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency Membership: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Contact Information Department Name: Inbound Travel Sales Division DMC Department Chubu Team Address: Dainagoya Building 16F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, JAPAN, 450-6416 Tel: +81- 50-1752-8429 Opening hour :10:00~18:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays)
General Travel Services Manager: Kaku Imamura *The Tour Operations Manager is responsible for transactions related to your travel at the sales office handling your travel arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the explanations provided by the staff about this travel contract, please do not hesitate to contact the above-mentioned Tour Operations Manager.
Please read and understand the Terms and conditions below. Travel Terms and Conditions:Domestic Package Tours Travel Agency Terms and Conditions:Section of Package Tour Contract
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- Japanese
Itinerary
- Include: Dinner
- 08:30Nagoya Station Meeting 8:15 / Departure 8:30
- Nezame-no-Toko (Nezame Gorge) – Rinsenji Temple (Approx. 40 minutes) Visit the dramatic granite gorge tied to the legend of Urashima Tarō and enjoy the breathtaking view from Rinsenji Temple.
- Narai-juku (Nakasendo Post Town) (Approx. 130 minutes / includes free time for lunch) Explore Japan’s longest and most atmospheric post town, preserved with 400 years of history.
- Hotel Check-in (around 15:30) Alpico Plaza Hotel or Shōhō, Utsukushigahara Onsen Enjoy an early check-in.
- ★ After dinner, enjoy the Matsumoto Castle Projection Mapping and the city illumination with approximately 80,000 lights.
- Shiraito Falls (Karuizawa) (Approx. 40 minutes) Admire the delicate, curtain-like waterfall as it transforms into a magical winter scene.
- Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (Approx. 180 minutes / includes buffet lunch, 90-minute time limit) Enjoy the popular buffet at Primrose, then shop at one of Japan’s largest resort outlet malls or enjoy a stroll around Karuizawa’s scenic spots.
- 19:30Return to Nagoya Station
Price Details
Add-on Items
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
- This tour is a Japanese tour. The tour conductor will provide language support using a translator (Pocket Talk).
- This is not a private tour; you will enjoy the tour with other guests.
- If the minimum number of participants (20) is not met by (14) days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date might be canceled.
- Drinking alcohol on the bus is prohibited.
- Please note that odd-numbered groups will, in principle, share seats on the bus
- The order of the itinerary may be partially changed.
- Due to traffic or other unforeseen conditions, the stay time at each destination may be shortened.
Hotel Options (Choose One) ① Alpico Plaza Hotel (Matsumoto City)
A convenient city hotel just 2 minutes from Matsumoto Station and 15 minutes to Matsumoto Castle. • Breakfast buffet featuring local Shinshu dishes • Free use of Shōhō’s hot spring with complimentary shuttle • “Matsumoto Tsunagu Yokocho” izakaya alley with 12 food stalls on the 1st floor Homepage: https://www.alpico-plaza-hotel.jp/
② Utsukushigahara Onsen Shōhō
A hilltop hot spring ryokan with panoramic views of the Northern Alps. • Seven types of baths, including a scenic open-air bath and private baths • Dinner with freshly prepared Shinshu cuisine / 40-item breakfast buffet • Room type: hotel-assigned
- Parts of the itinerary may be changed or rearranged without prior notice. Homepage: https://www.hotel-shoho.jp/
Important Booking Information
Important Notes During Bus Tour
- Please refrain from drinking alcohol on the bus.
- Members of the odd-numbered group may need to share seats with other passengers on the bus.
- As stipulated by Japanese law, please wear your seat belt on the tour bus.
- Please remain seated and avoid walking while the tour bus is moving.
- Seating on the bus is assigned by H.I.S staff. Please do not change your seat during the tour.
- Please be punctual and arrive at the designated meeting place on time. The bus will depart on time and will not wait for latecomers.
- Latecomers who wish to rejoin the group will be responsible for all transportation fees. 8.Please wear the sticker provided by the tour guide visibly.
- Avoid sticking the sticker on leather goods, as it may leave marks.
- Do not use the seat reclining function or adjust the seat settings.
- Please set all electronic devices, including mobile phones and game consoles, to silent mode.
- Talking on mobile phones and making video calls are prohibited on the tour bus.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited on the tour bus.
- Arrival times at each sightseeing spot may vary depending on traffic conditions.
- The use of drones for filming or other purposes is prohibited during the tour.
- Please do not use perfume, sprays, or change baby diapers on the bus, as it may disturb other passengers.
- Manage your valuable belongings yourself.
- After the tour, please take all your trash with you and do not leave any on the bus.
- Ensure you do not forget or leave any personal belongings on the bus after the tour.
- If you fail to follow these regulations and cause a disturbance on the bus, you may be asked to leave the bus, even during the tour.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 21 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 8 ~ 20 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel during 2 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel on 1 day(s) before departure, will charge 40%
- Cancel on activities date, will charge 50%