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Shiojiri

Nestled in stunning Nagano, Shiojiri is a charming blend of tradition and nature! Known for its delicious apples and sake, this delightful town invites you to explore quaint temples and lush landscapes. Don’t miss the picturesque Matsumoto Castle nearby! With vibrant festivals and warm locals, Shiojiri promises a joyful adventure filled with delightful discoveries! 🍏🏯✨

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Recommendations

Landmark4.4/5

Narai-juku

Nestled along the historic Nakasendo Trail, Narai-juku is renowned for its well-preserved Edo-period architecture, charming shops, and scenic mountain backdrop, making it a picturesque destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Landmark4.2/5

Senga Falls

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Nagakura, Senga Falls enchants visitors with its stunning cascades and lush surroundings, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Landmark4.4/5

Tateishi Park

Tateishi Park offers stunning views of Lake Suwa, with its iconic cherry blossoms in spring and serene walking paths, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Landmark4.1/5

Enrei Country Club

This mountain golf course climbs and dips across relatively wide fairways. Many greens sit raised, with pins hidden from the approach.

Eat$$$$$4.2/5

Hikariya Higashi

Nestled in Matsumoto, Hikariya Higashi is renowned for its exquisite blend of traditional Japanese architecture and serene gardens, offering visitors a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

Cafe$$4.4/5

Matsuya Sabo

Eat$$$3.8/5

Hottozawa - Shiojiri Station

Eat$$$4.1/5

Yakitori no meimon Akiyoshi

Eat$$$4.3/5

ベーカリースイート塩尻店

Eat4.1/5

Shinchan

Shinchan, located in 17-2 Daimon Ichibanchō, Shiojiri, offers a delightful blend of quirky charm and Japanese pop culture, making it a must-visit for fans of the beloved animated series and unique local experiences.

Eat$$$4.5/5

Gosengoku Chaya

Stays

Stay$$$$4.2/5

Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu

Established in 1887, Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu is Matsumoto's oldest hotel. Building exterior, lobby, restaurants and shops have gone through renovation works in April 2016, and feature classic furnishings. Providing 24-hour front desk, it features a public bath, free-use bicycles and free property-wide WiFi. Well-appointed rooms come with both air conditioning and heating facilities. In-room conveniences include a fridge and a hairdryer. For leisure, guests can explore the town on a bike or enjoy massage services on request. Luggage storage and laundry services are available. Porter service is avaialble for guests staying in the annex building. Kagetsu Hotel is a 5-minute bus ride from JR Matsumoto Station and a 5-minute walk from the historic Matsumoto Castle and Nawate Street.

Stay4/5

Hotel Route-Inn Shiojiri

Hotel Route-Inn Shiojiri in Shiojiri offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, bidets, and free toiletries. Each room includes a bath, shower, refrigerator, work desk, TV, and electric kettle. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and dine at the on-site restaurant. The hotel provides free WiFi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity for all visitors. The hotel features a public bath, lift, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping service, full-day security, and luggage storage. Located 7 km from Matsumoto Airport, the hotel offers easy access to local attractions.

Stay3.9/5

AB Hotel Shiojiri

Nestled in the heart of Shiojiri, AB Hotel offers modern comfort and a free breakfast, making it an ideal base for exploring the scenic beauty of Nagano Prefecture and its rich cultural heritage.

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

240 h

Highlights of Japan Tour: 10-day Small Group

See the real Japan and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites. You'll walk through busy streets, ride the bullet train, and enjoy local foods. Each tour is customized to fit the preferences of the group.

$7,948.00

5/5

360 h

Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group

$11,748.00

5/5

6 h

Private Electric Bike Tour & Soba Lunch

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.

$161.90

5/5

1 h 30 mins

Handmade Soba Making & Fresh Wasabi Lunch

An immersive experience into Japanese cuisine! Buckwheat has long been grown in Matsumoto, lending to its well-established tradition of Soba noodle making. This part of the country is famed as the destination for getting the best serving of Soba and so happens to be the locally Matsumoto City as well. But that's not all with the discovery of fresh authentic Wasabi of the region that awaits you! - Learn a traditional Japanese culinary art from a master As our Soba master says, “Nothing tastes better than soba noodles made with your very own hands.” While Soba is a simple dish by itself, making the noodles from scratch is a challenge that combines culinary art with precision knife handling and a dash of Japanese discipline. - Discover all the secrets of real Wasabi The real taste of Wasabi is not what you find in plastic tubes. Yes, the flavor of real Wasabi is just as spicy, but much fresher and more nuanced than the store-bought kind!

$89.73

5/5

1 h

Takayama sunrise photo tour fully custom and private

Hi, I'm Kye. A Japan-born, half-Australian semi-pro photographer who's quick with a joke. Japan can be amazing to travel, but it can also be challenging. My boys and I are here to make your trip smoother, more comfortable, and memorable! We're excited to open reservations for our photography tour in Takayama City, where I was raised! There really is no better company to explore Takayama with than one run by someone who grew up here ;) This isn't just a tour; it's a photography tour too. Our guides carry over $10,000 of camera gear, including a Fujifilm GFX 100 II with over 100 megapixels. Whether you want the perfect Instagram shot or amazing photos to share with family, we're here for you! Our early morning tour focuses on photography, since most things in Takayama don't open until 10am haha. The quiet streets make the perfect photo setting. And don't worry, you'll still learn plenty! Our guides are itching to share everything they know about Takayama ;)

$32.51

5/5

96 h

4 Days Central Japan Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa

In recent years Central Japan has become increasingly popular as a stop along the Tokyo to Kyoto “Golden Route”. The reason for this, simply stated, is that Central Japan offers every experience the traveler could desire from Japan, while also being located close to some of Japan’s largest cities, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. From majestic mountain peaks to delicious local sake, and of course the famous Snow Monkeys, our multiple day group tour of this amazing region of Japan will bring you to every location you dreamed of, and many you may not have heard of yet. Starting in Nagano and ending in Kanazawa, this tour is perfect for those wishing to move through central Japan and removes the necessity of dealing with train and bus transfers. While accommodation is not included, transport between all destinations and an English speaking guide are provided on every day of the tour, so you do not have to worry about the small things and can instead focus on enjoying your vacation time.

$708.72

5/5

Matsumoto Everything Tour: Castle, Miso, Wasabi, Wine & Ukiyo-e

Discover Matsumoto beyond the castle on a full-day tour combining samurai history, local food, wasabi, wine, and ukiyo-e. Depart from Nagano (8:00 AM / 8.5 hrs) or Matsumoto (9:30 AM / 6.25 hrs). Explore the black-walled Matsumoto Castle, visit a 150-year-old miso brewery for a guided visit and onigiri lunch, and enjoy free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm. Stop at a countryside winery for a casual tasting of local wines, then finish at the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum. On Mondays, the museum is replaced by Matsumoto City History Village. ・Entry to Matsumoto Castle ・Guided miso brewery visit & onigiri lunch ・Free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm ・Casual wine tasting at a countryside winery ・Entry to the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum (History Village on Mondays) ・Castle, food, countryside & culture in one day

$193.76

5/5

8 h

Matsumoto Private One Day Tour from Nagano

On this full day private tour, visit the city of Matsumoto with your tour guide. Enjoy the historical Matsumoto Castle, the unique streets of Nawate and Nakamachi and see Daio Wasasbi Farm, the largest wasabi farm in Japan in the tranquil Hotaka Town.

$257.48

5/5

3 h

Matsumoto Castle, Sake & Local Bites Walking Tour

Discover Matsumoto on a relaxed walking tour featuring castle history, local sake, old streets, and a light local snack. Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles. Explore its wooden interior and hear stories from Japan’s feudal past. The tour then continues to a small local sake shop with a warm, homely atmosphere, offering a relaxed tasting experience that feels like stepping into a local home. After that, stroll through Nawate Street and Nakamachi, known for their preserved buildings, small shops, and nostalgic atmosphere. Along the way, enjoy a light Japanese snack and discover another side of Matsumoto beyond the castle. ・Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles ・Enjoy sake tasting at a small local shop with a warm, homely atmosphere ・Walk through Nawate Street and Nakamachi with a local guide ・Try a light Japanese snack during the tour ・Discover historic streets, local shops, and hidden details beyond the castle

$143.04

5/5

Matsumoto Discovery - Customizable Private Tour

Discover the True Character of Matsumoto on a Personalized Tour! From our famous castle, to our historic shopping streets and enticing food and art scene, Matsumoto is best experienced on a private tour customized to suit your needs and interests! Let us share our knowledge and passion for Matsumoto by crafting a private tour that matches your interests and travel itinerary. More than just a guided experience, we design private tours to reveal both the history and contemporary character of Matsumoto – in a way only a local can do! We will create an itinerary based on your interests, our recommendations or a combination of both. Accompanied by a locally-based, English-speaking guide you will then explore the city with your guide enhancing all aspects of your visit through their knowledge of Matsumoto and in any way that is of assistance. The provided tour details is our recommended itinerary.

$520.16

5/5

10 h

Private Snowshoeing and Snow Monkey Tour in Nagano

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. ❄️

$1,667.18

5/5

Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle: A Perfect Nature & Heritage Day

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.

$211.32

5/5

12 h

Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi Private Tour

Experience an unforgettable journey from Tokyo to Nagano with our Matsumoto Kamikochi Alpine Private Tour. Discover the wonders of Japan's Alpine beauty as you explore breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Why Choose Us? Customizable Itineraries: Tailor your tour to fit your interests. Expert Guides: Our knowledgeable guides bring history to life. We pick you up from your location in Tokyo. Comfort and Style: Travel in private, comfortable transportation. Flexible Timing: Enjoy a full day of exploration at your own pace. Highlights: Matsumoto Castle: Discover this iconic symbol of feudal Japan's architectural prowess. Kamikochi Alpine: Lose yourself in the serene beauty of towering peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and lush forests. Note: Kamikochi is closed from mid-November to mid-April. During this period, we can take you to explore the charming historic town of Narai Juku instead.

$845.26

5/5

14 h

Kamikochi Mountain Day Trip from Tokyo

This tour offers a rare chance to visit Kamikochi, a stunning alpine valley in Nagano Prefecture, designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Natural Monument of Japan. With private cars restricted and public access limited, Kamikochi can be difficult to reach on your own—making this guided trip by train and chartered bus a truly convenient way to explore its untouched beauty. Spend up to 5 hours surrounded by crystal-clear rivers, towering peaks, and the iconic Kappa Bridge, all in one peaceful and unforgettable day.

$74.94

5/5

4 h

Half Day Archery and Samurai Experience in Matsumoto

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!

$103.38

5/5

8 h

Private One-Day Everything Tour in Nagano or Matsumoto

Discover Nagano or Matsumoto on a Fully Customizable Private Tour Enjoy a full-day private tour with an English-speaking local guide and private vehicle. Choose Nagano Standard, Matsumoto Standard, or an Extended Route. Nagano Standard covers Zenkoji, Togakushi, Obuse, Snow Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen, Matsushiro, and nearby areas. Pickup is from Nagano City hotels or Nagano Station only. Matsumoto Standard covers Matsumoto Castle, Ishii Miso Brewery, Daio Wasabi Farm, Azumino Winery, Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, Narai-juku, and nearby areas. Pickup is from Matsumoto City hotels or Matsumoto Station only. Extended Route covers cross-area or long-distance routes such as Nagano ↔ Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Tsumago & Magome, Tateyama Kurobe, Hakuba, Nozawa, Shibu Onsen, and Yudanaka. Not all destinations fit in one day. The final route depends on pickup location, season, weather, road conditions, and time. Perfect for couples, families, and small groups seeking a comfortable private day.

$514.31

5/5

48 h

2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano to Takayama via Matsumoto

Situated between the popular destinations of Tokyo and Kyoto, the mountainous region of Nagano is the literal heart of Japan and a road less travelled by many international visitors. This tour combines some of the region’s most iconic destinations - including the world-famous Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani, the 1400-year old Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, Narai-juku, and the historic old town of Takayama - with the unforgettable experience of being driven through Japan’s Northern Alps, a place of high mountain peaks and rarefied beauty. With an English-speaking guide on both days, and transport between locations included, this tour captures the history and beauty of central Japan with the convenience and comfort of one easy package.

$637.20

5/5

8 h

Private Matsumoto Castle and Azumino Craft Immersive Culture Tour

Embark on an exclusive 8-hour journey through the scenic heritage and artisanal soul of the Japanese Alps. Relax in the ultimate comfort of a high-end luxury van as you travel seamlessly between the historic streets of Matsumoto and the tranquil landscapes of Azumino. This immersive tour offers a perfect balance of architectural history and hands-on artistry. Explore two National Treasures—the majestic Matsumoto Castle and the historic Former Kaichi School—before savoring a fresh lunch at Japan’s largest wasabi farm. The highlight of your afternoon is a personalized craft session where you can choose between traditional wooden chopstick making or professional glassblowing at The Art Studio 8. Follow this with a visit to either the Rokuzan Art Museum or the Chihiro Art Museum, based on your preference. Designed for discerning travelers, this private experience ensures a deep, mindful connection to local craftsmanship and the timeless beauty of Nagano’s alpine region.

$1,462.95

5/5

8 h

[From Nagano] Private 1-day Kamikochi & Matsumoto Tour

Home to some of Japan’s highest mountains and most stunning alpine vistas, Central Japan is a region which will impress the traveler with the breadth of activities it has to offer. From historical sites, to unique culture, to world-class nature, there is something for everyone. On this private tour, guests will be able to visit the over 400 year old Matsumoto Castle, followed by a trip high into the Japanese Alps to enjoy a hike in the fresh mountain air of Kamikochi, a secluded valley that is considered the gem of the Chubu-Sangaku National Park. Guests on this tour are free to mix and match their starting and end points from the following locations: Nagano City or Matsumoto City. For example, you may start at Nagano City and end in Matsumoto City, or start in Matsumoto City and end in Nagano City, or start and end in the same city. For this reason, this tour is ideal for customers looking to travel through Central Japan while visiting its key sites.

$562.42

5/5

1 h

1 Hour Private Photoshoot in Matsumoto Nagano

Led by highly qualified photographers, our program works around your travel schedule, capturing natural and memorable shots. -Available anywhere in Matsumoto Nagano. -The original 100+photo files will be delivered. -Photography can be booked up to 3 days in advance. Please select your preferred shooting location from the Location list and inform us when booking or via Chat. ①Matsumoto castle park ②Nakamachi Street & Nawate Street ③Other location (Additional fees will be charged for outlying areas such as Togakushi Shrine Okusha ) ＜Proposal Photography Option＞ Planning a surprise proposal in Nagano? We offer optional proposal photography plans to help capture this special moment. - Plan A: 1-hour proposal photoshoot, 100+ original photo files, and pre-consultation via chat. - Plan B: Includes everything in Plan A, plus a short smartphone video capturing the proposal moment (about 30 seconds).