Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

Zenko-ji Temple - The tour begins at Nagano Station with an exciting visit to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant Buddhist temples. The main structure, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship, is 300 years old, while the temple complex’s history spans over a millennium. The tour includes brief stops for sake tasting (with non-alcoholic options available) and lunch.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park - The adventure continues with a hike through a pristine forest to reach the onsen baths and volcanic valley, home to the Snow Monkeys. Visitors can get remarkably close to the monkeys as they wander nearby or enjoy watching them bathe in the hot springs.

Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle - On the second day, the tour bus will collect participants in the morning and transport them to Matsumoto. Here, they can explore the charming streets before ascending Matsumoto Castle, a 400-year-old structure regarded as one of Japan’s finest. Inside, various artifacts, including firearms and samurai armor, offer insights into the life of a feudal warrior.

Kamikochi - After descending from the castle, the tour bus will take guests into the Japanese Alps to the stunning river valley of Kamikochi. As one of Japan’s original National Parks, its breathtaking natural beauty and well-preserved environment are immediately apparent. Participants will enjoy a leisurely hike and time to relax and appreciate the scenery. The tour bus will then proceed to Takayama city for an overnight stay, preparing for the next day’s activities.

Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go

Takayama Jinya - The tour’s second half begins in Takayama, a city with traditional streets featuring elegant wooden buildings reminiscent of Kyoto. At the heart of this area is Takayama Jinya, once the Shogun’s administrative office and now the last remaining building of its kind in Japan. The tour includes access to the Jinya’s interior, where the guide will share stories and insights about Takayama’s vibrant past.

Shirakawago - After a break for local snacks and window shopping, the tour bus will transport guests to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village known for its steep, thatched-roof homes designed to endure Central Japan’s harsh winters. The guide will lead participants along the best route through the village and answer any questions. While Shirakawa-go’s winter scenery is renowned, the area is beautiful year-round, with spring flowers, summer’s lush greens, and autumn’s vibrant colors enhancing the town’s charm.

Samurai, Matcha, Gardens, and Geisha in Kanazawa Walking Tour

Kanazawa - Departing Shirakawa-go, the tour bus heads to the final destination, Kanazawa. The following morning, the guide will meet participants at Kanazawa Station for a comprehensive one-day walking tour of the city. This includes entry to a Samurai house, enjoying Matcha tea on Kanazawa Castle’s grounds, and visiting the Geisha District of Higashi-chaya, a symbol of Kanazawa.

On the return journey, the guide will navigate through the quaint, maze-like district of Kazue-machi, a lesser-known geisha area across the river from Higashi-chaya, where geisha still roam the streets. The guide will conclude the tour at Kanazawa Station, providing easy access to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.

• Guided walk at each location
• Lunch
• English-speaking guide
• Transportation fee to and between all listed destinations and activities on each day of the tour
• Entry ticket to all locations you visit on the tour

• Lunch for Day 2, Day 3 & Day 4
• Accommodation

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.

• 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.