1 Day Tour From Nagano to Matsumoto Castle and Narai-Juku

Guests on this exciting 1 day tour of Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku will have the chance to get hands-on with Japan's fascinating history by personally entering the renowned Matsumoto Castle and strolling the streets of the quaint Narai-juku. There will also be opportunities to walk the downtown area of Matsumoto city and window shop or taste some of its delicious local specialties. With all transport included in the tour, you will not have to worry about anything more than which souvenirs to buy for your family and friends. This tour also includes a seasonal activity at Narai-juku, to allow you to get even closer to the fascinating culture of this region of Japan which often feels as though it has been pulled out of a different era.

1. 1

   Nawate Shopping District

   30 min

   The tour will start with a walk through the famous Nawate Street, also known as Frog Street, in Downtown Matsumoto. Completely closed off to private cars, this street provides a relaxing area to window shop, try some local ice cream and snacks, or visit the adjacent Yohashira Shrine.

2. 2

   Matsumoto Castle

   2 hours

   Next you will be led inside Matsumoto Castle after a short walk. One of only 12 original castles remaining in Japan and one of the largest and most impressive out of those 12, this castle is everything you need to see to understand more about the Samurai lifestyle and governance in Old Japan. Not just historical but also extremely beautiful, Matsumoto Castle is sure to win you over with its bold but delicate exterior design.

3. 3

   Naraijuku

   2.5 hours

   After leaving Matsumoto Castle, guests will board the dedicated tour bus and get out on the road to head for Narai-juku post town. Known as the longest post town in Japan, with over 1km of traditional wooden buildings lining its single main street, this town is everything you have dreamed about when it comes to possessing a traditional Japanese atmosphere. Here your guide will lead you through the town and explain the history and purpose of this town and why it was important. There will also be a seasonal activity, such as entering a preserved old home or making chopsticks by hand, the price of which is covered in the tour.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• 5 hours that are not spent at the destinations will be spent boarding the vehicle/on the road.
• 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.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.