Top Matsumoto Outdoor Activities

Begin in Kamikochi amid alpine peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and quiet forest trails. Depart from Matsumoto (8:00 or 9:45 AM) or Nagano (8:45 AM), and arrive before the busiest hours—when the scenery feels calm and serene. Skip the bus lines with a direct ride to Kamikochi’s central parking. Enjoy a scenic walk from the Kappa Bridge area toward Taisho Pond, with time for photos, viewpoints, and a flexible lunch break. Later, visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s oldest original wooden castles. With pre-arranged admission, you can skip the ticket line and explore at your own pace while your guide shares helpful stories and context. For Nagano departures, the tour normally returns to Nagano, with an optional end in the Matsumoto Castle area. Designed as a premium small-group experience, this day blends mountain beauty with cultural depth. Autumn peak season: Matsumoto 8:00 AM departure only due to congestion in Kamikochi.

Experience the natural beauty of Nagano Prefecture on this day trip to Kamikochi from Tokyo. Head to Matsumoto by train, then ride a comfortable bus deep into the Japanese Alps. Enjoy ample free time to explore Kamikochi at your own pace and soak up views of the Hotka Mountains, River Azusa, Mt. Yake, and more.

Experience Matsumoto’s Celebrated Samurai Culture! Constructed at the end of the Warring States Period, Matsumoto Castle is the grandest symbol of the city’s feudal origins and samurai heritage. During your experience you will be provided with further insight into the feudal domain that was once ruled by the daimyo and his samurai. To this day, residents of Matsumoto remain proud of that heritage, that can be experienced firsthand through historic activities available in the city. Among those activities, traditional ‘katana’ (sword) fighting and ‘hankyu’ (archery) are two of the most popular on offer, both of which can be enjoyed during this experience. Samurai employed both close combat and long-range weapons including archery. Following-on from your katana experience, you will be guided in use of a hankyu bow inside a room designed for the experience. Learn the art of the ‘Katana’ Sword and extend your skill with ‘Hankyu’ Archery during this half-day samurai experience!

Enjoy a thrilling outdoor adventure with a guided Mountain Bike Fun Ride designed for families and groups. This flexible tour allows participants to choose between a 90-minute ride or extend their journey up to 3 hours, catering to different skill levels and interests. Whether you're a family of four or a group of friends, you can tackle the trails together or split up based on your preferences, ensuring everyone has a great time on two wheels. - Choose between a 90-minute or extended 3-hour mountain bike tour - Perfect for families and groups with 2 or more participants - Tailored experience to accommodate various skill levels - Explore scenic trails while enjoying the company of family and friends

You can enjoy nature while listening to the flow of water and the birds singing in the quiet, green forest. If we are lucky, you might even encounter wild deer or chipmunks. The view from the top is spectacular if the weather is good enough. You can see the Alps, the city, the lake, and even Mt. Fuji. Although the top is a tourist spot, it is not too crowded.

Explore the city and its surroundings on this off-the-beaten-path bike tour! Far from the Japanese metropolises, enjoy a deep breath of fresh air and the magnificent landscapes of Matsumoto City. Ride an electric bicycle with your guide through the countryside of Matsumoto and discover the main historical sites of the city while enjoying a country ride through the vast fields surrounding the city. The ideal experience for all cycling enthusiasts! Matsumoto is centered in the Japanese countryside and is the ideal place to get on a bicycle for an exploration of the city and its surroundings! Beyond the city built around its historic castle, Matsumoto offers all kinds of magnificent rides. Explore the city's historic sites, take a deep breath of fresh air, as you cycle around the city, past rice fields and admire the beautiful and traditional Japanese farmhouses. The tour includes a soba noodle lunch at a traditional countryside restaurant.

As our service will defines itself. Travelers to this region will be welcomed and will visualize the natural beauty, and traditional Japanese culture by visiting Historic Village in Mt.Fuji area. Also visiting sites including the Sengen Shrine Complex, Oshino Hakkai, Kawaguchiko Lake, and the Mount Fuji Fifth Station with an English-speaking driver (if the weather permits). With the flexibility of a personalized tour, you may choose how long to spend at each location. We have a well-trained and organized Multilingual drivers.

This tour stands apart by turning one of Japan’s most beautiful alpine landscapes into a guided story you can understand, not just photograph. Starting from Taisho Pond, you will walk through Kamikochi’s most scenic areas, including views of Mt. Yake, Tashiro Wetland, Azusa River, Hotaka Mountain Range, Weston Monument, and Kappa Bridge. Along the way, your guide will explain how volcanoes, rivers, forests, wetlands, and mountain culture have shaped this protected valley. The route is a one-way walk from Taisho Pond to Kamikochi Bus Terminal, so you can enjoy the natural flow of the landscape without backtracking. Morning start times are available, including early options for travelers who want to experience Kamikochi when the air is fresh, the light is soft, and the trails are quieter. This is a relaxed but meaningful nature walk for travelers who want more than one quick photo stop: it is a chance to see Kamikochi with context, care, and a deeper appreciation for the Japanese Alps.

This private and customizable tour for Kamikochi is ideal for guests who want their trip tailored to their interests and preferences, ensuring they can explore the city at their own speed. With our personalized approach, guests can delve into Kamikochi's charm, discovering its unique sights and experiences curated just for them. Whether it's seeking adventure or embracing serenity, our tour caters to every preference, promising an unforgettable journey through Kamikochi's wonders.

Experience the best of Nagano winter in one unforgettable private tour—combining snowshoeing in the sacred forests of Togakushi and a visit to the iconic Snow Monkey Park, where wild macaques relax in natural hot springs. This seasonal experience is available only for a limited winter period. Unlike standard shared tours, this is an exclusive private experience focused on comfort, safety, and flexibility. Your guide, Hama—an English-speaking UIMLA-certified mountain leader and registered nurse—provides professional guidance tailored to winter conditions. Travel in a new Subaru Forester Hybrid 4WD, ideal for snowy mountain roads, ensuring a smooth and secure ride. The standard capacity is up to 4 guests, but groups up to 8 can be arranged upon request, with an additional certified guide for safe pacing and support. This tour is perfect for travelers who want to make the most of limited time while enjoying a premium, safe, and meaningful experience in Japan’s winter wilderness. ❄️

The opportunity to freely ride an E-Kart (a four-wheeled electric kart similar to a go-kart) on Japan's public roads without a license will be a memory that you will cherish for the rest of your life!

Book this winter Kamikochi snowshoe tour for a truly special Japan Alps experience, guided in English by a UIMLA Certified International Mountain Leader. You’ll enjoy detailed communication and professional support from start to finish, making this tour smooth and stress-free even for first-time snowshoers. Snowshoes, microspikes, and trekking poles are included, and your guide will also handle the bus reservation for you. To keep you warm and comfortable, the guide will serve a hot drink at a scenic spot, please feel free to tell us your preferred drink in advance.

This type of Tour is for those who are interested in having a custom tour in Kamikochi and/or Norikura. For these tours we offer full day Kamikochi Tours to Kappa Bridge, Kamikochi+Norikura frozen waterfall combination tours, and other tours upon request. Starting times and finishing times can be adjusted. We can also pick you up at your hotel (Norikura, Shirahone, Sawando area only) or at certain bus stops (Oyakodaki, Sawando, Nakanoyu) if you are traveling from Matsumoto or Takayama. **IMPORTANT Notice: Arriving to Kappa Bridge is not guarunteed depending on physical fitness, time schedule, and for those coming by Bus. If you want a higher chance at arriving at Kappa Bridge we must start earlier at around 8:00am. For an 8:00am start you must stay in Norikura prior to the Tour or come by rental car to NORHTSTAR. There is no early bus that arrives at this time. Please plan accordingly. Guides will make the final decisions on the trail regarding when to turn back.

Explore the hidden winter wonderland of Kamikochi on a guided 7 km snowshoe hike. Follow local experts through quiet tunnels to the shimmering Taisho Pond and along the Azusa River to Tashiro Pond. With dramatic alpine views and no crowds, this is a once-in-a-season way to see Japan’s Northern Alps.

Discover the breathtaking winter landscapes of Norikura Highlands, including frozen waterfalls, snow-covered forests, and panoramic mountain views that few travelers ever get to see. This snowshoe tour is not just a hike – it’s an immersive winter adventure tailored by a local guide to match your pace and interests. Whether you are an adventure seeker looking for a challenge or a family with children wanting a fun and safe activity, snowshoeing offers a memorable way to connect with nature. Guests often highlight the sense of peace in the quiet winter forest and the insider knowledge shared by the guide about the local environment and culture.

Let’s enjoy the various trails that spread over Norikura Kogen on an E-Mountain Bike! E-Mountain bike stands for electric assist mountain bike. The skill-check/lessons cover basic techniques required for trail riding such as how to use brakes, derailleurs, electric functions, basic riding positions, etc. Lessons will cover how to control the bike both on and off the trail. After basic lessons, we will depart to the trail. Your guide will choose trails according to your level and ability starting from flat trails to more intermediate trails as you progress in your riding.

Discover Kamikochi on foot while exploring a carefully selected collection of the valley's most iconic natural and cultural landmarks. This private tour combines crystal-clear rivers, peaceful marshlands, sacred ponds, panoramic mountain views, and forest trails into a rewarding hiking experience suitable for travelers who want to appreciate more than just the famous viewpoints. Along the way, you'll experience the remarkable diversity of Kamikochi's landscapes, learn about its mountain culture and history, and enjoy the freedom to walk at a comfortable pace with your private guide. With round-trip private transportation from Matsumoto, you can simply immerse yourself in the beauty of one of Japan's most spectacular national parks while enjoying an unforgettable day surrounded by the Northern Japan Alps.