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1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano
Take in some of the highlights of Nagano with this engaging tour starting with a visit to Zenko-ji Temple – one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan - followed by sake tasting and lunch at a nearby restaurant. It's then time to head to the Snow Monkey Park and its world-famous hot spring-bathing monkeys! All led by a locally-based English-speaking guide, this tour is a great way to see the best that Nagano has to offer and get up close and personal with its most famous furry residents!
(Spring Only) 1-Day Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route Tour
With two pickup points in both Nagano City, this tour takes you to the 'Roof of Japan' and the fabled Snow Walls of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Situated in the dramatic alpine landscape of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, this is one of Japan’s most iconic and unique sights, accessible only in spring and early summer and via a series of different mountain transports. Led by an English-speaking guide, you will be accompanied on every leg of your journey to the 'Roof of Japan' and back down again – the perfect way to experience one of Japan’s more remote and stunning landscapes.
Matsumoto Castle Tour & Samurai Experience
Your chance to become a Samurai while visiting Matsumoto Castle! What better place to have your samurai experience than in a city with an authentic castle from the feudal era? First take a tour of Matsumoto Castle designated a “National Treasure” of Japan due to its well-preserved original structure! During the tour, you will learn about the Matsumoto Samurai lords, the history of Matsumoto City and even some of the castle's defensive strategies. Then experience a live hands-on Samurai Sword Fighting activity! A Master Samurai will teach you some of these ancient fighting techniques. You can choose your own colors for your outfit which consists of a yukata (light kimono), hakama (wide-leg pants), and obi (belt). You can even select your swords! The stage and the atmosphere of the place is bound to take you on a realistic journey back in time. The perfect setting for a complete immersion into this slice of Japanese history! Activity available in English and French.
Matsumoto Discovery - Half Day Walking Tour
Discover a real feudal era castle and the historical streets! Matsumoto is a city with deep-rooted living traditions and proud people who retain an ancestral way of life that we have to honor and respect! Get an introduction into Matsumoto’s past and present during a 3 hour half-day walking tour. Make your stay in Matsumoto the most unique and enjoyable experience possible! Your guide will help you enjoying the best of the city. Our half-day Matsumoto Castle Town Walking Tour is designed to reveal the living traditions of our city by following a different route to and from the castle, and in doing so, bring the history and tradition of the famous castle town to life! Take more than just a tour, discover ancient history and wisdom, have a unique and enlightening experience! Get a glimpse of all there is to explore in Matsumoto City!
Snow Monkey Park & Shibu Onsen Afternoon Tour
Visit the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), named after the plumes of steam shooting out of the ground, as well as the smell of brimstone. Not as scary as it sounds, however, it is a truly memorable experience safe for all ages. After visiting with the Monkeys we offer you the exclusive look into the historic Onsen Village of Shibu. This village was frequented by Samurai, poets, and travellers alike; all looking to recharge and heal wearied or battle-damaged bodies. Good fortune is said to come to those who bathe in each of the Onsens in town. This village is a picture from the past. As you stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional buildings, some hundreds of years old, you might just get to see some more wild monkeys as they try to scavenge food! Our professional, experienced, English-speaking staff can offer the bilingual service that ensures peace of mind and an unforgettable day tour to your already memorable holiday here in Japan!
1-Day Tour from Matsumoto: Walk the Nakasendo Trail
Prepare to experience Old Japan on foot with this exciting hike through traditional post towns, ancient forests, and dramatic mountain passes. Starting in Tsumago-juku post town, your guide will explain a bit about what kinds of people traveled the roads in Old Japan, where they were going, and how they lived. You will get a chance to enter some buildings including an old Inn and a horse-stable that perfectly illustrate what your guide has mentioned. Leaving Tsumago-juku post town, you will start out on an 8km trek to the next post town, passing by roaring waterfalls and quiet hamlets along the way. Keep an eye open for wildlife and wildflowers while you are led by your guide along what was once one of the main avenues of travel in Japan. Arriving at Magome-juku post town, you will be treated to far off views of fields and mountains as you descend to the bottom of this very vertical village. After having a little time for shopping, you will board the tour vehicle and head back.
Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Trail Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide
Kiso Valley, best known for the Magome and Tsumago traditional villages, is another beautiful spot in the Japanese Alps. With one of the most famous hiking paths in all Japan, we set foot there on our quest for traditional Japan. Magome and Tsumago are two beautifully preserved traditional villages. This value-packed Nakasendo trail day hike between Magome and Tsumago with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore both of the ancient post towns! It is about 8 kilometres (5 miles) long and has only gentle elevation changes which takes around 2 hours to easy walk at a leisurely pace. This private tour is a hiking day tour. Please wear hiking boots and gear for this tour. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.
Snow Monkey, Zenko Ji Temple, Sake in Nagano Tour
On this full-day journey, see two of the great sights close to Nagano. Discover the serene grounds of Zenko-ji, a beautiful temple famous for its ancient Buddhist statue. Before traveling down a lovely woodland walk to the home of the snow monkeys, a troop of native macaques renowned for their ability to live in the snow and bathe in the nearby hot spring. Discover Zenko-ji, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Take a break from sightseeing and have lunch & Sake testing at Monzen Terrace beautiful hotel. Visit the Snow Monkey Park to learn more about snow monkeys in their natural environment. Visit a restaurant close to Nagano and have a typical Japanese meal. Note. Total tour will be 8 to 10 hours including traveling.
Magome & Tsumago Nakasendo Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way toexplore both of the ancient post towns! You can travel between Magome and Tsumago by infrequent direct bus. Nakasendo was one of the two highways during the Edo period connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, running through the Kiso Valley. Travelers at that time walked along the highway, stopping at "post towns" for rest. Some of those post towns have been well preserved and show tourists today exactly what Japan was like hundreds of years ago. Stunning forests, beautiful villages and traditions, we would love to recommend it to everyone interested in Japanese nature and history. This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis may be used. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.
Food & Cultural Walking Tour around Zenkoji temple in Nagano
Enjoy having Oyaki(Japanese Stuffed Dumplings) in front of a traditional Japanese sunken hearth, and also you have local sweets & Matcha tea as we walk through Zenkoji temple's town area in Nagano. - Taste 2 Oyaki(Japanese Stuffed Dumplings), Miso soup & Soba Tea in a traditional Japanese sunken hearth. - Explore Nagano's back street area, where is not on your guide book and you see 1400 years history of national treasure temple - Taste the best Nagano’s sakes with nibbles like soy source beans and some Japanese pickles. Also you can have Nagano’s miso soup - Having a Matcha tea in the traditional Japanese style tea place. - Learn and practice authentic Japanese eating style and discover other parts of Nagano outside of your guidebook. - Connect with local business owners to learn the history and local culture. *Please let us know if you have any food restrictions beforehand*