Overview
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.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Private transportation (including hotel pickup and drop-off)
- Fully customized itinerary and arrangements
- City-based private day with vehicle (up to 8 hours)
- English-speaking local expert guide
What's Not Included
- Food and personal expenses
- Entrance fees are not included. Guests will need to pay for them directly at each location.
- There are no mandatory in-destination costs.
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
Possible stop depending on your selected route, season, and pickup location. Walk through the forest trail and see Japan’s famous wild monkeys in their natural mountain habitat. Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours
Stop 2
Possible stop depending on your selected route and season. Walk along the beautiful cedar-lined path to one of Nagano’s most sacred mountain shrines. Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours
Stop 3
Possible stop depending on your selected route. Visit one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles and enjoy the historic atmosphere of Matsumoto. Suggested time: 1–1.5 hours
Stop 4
Possible stop depending on your selected route. Explore one of Japan’s most important and historic Buddhist temples in the heart of Nagano City. Suggested time: 45–60 minutes
Stop 5
Possible stop depending on your selected route, season, and tour duration. Experience dramatic mountain scenery, alpine transport, and one of Japan’s most spectacular highland routes. Suggested time: 4–6+ hours
Stop 6
Possible stop depending on your selected route. Visit the Hokusai Museum and explore the charming town of Obuse, known for art, chestnuts, sake, and traditional streets. Suggested time: 45–90 minutes
Stop 7
Possible stop depending on your selected route and season. Walk through the dramatic volcanic rock landscape of Onioshidashi Park, created by the great eruption of Mt. Asama. Enjoy unique lava formations, mountain views, and a short scenic walk through one of the most distinctive landscapes in the region. Suggested time: 45–90 minutes
Stop 8
Possible stop depending on your selected route and pickup location. Wander through a historic hot spring town known for traditional ryokan, narrow streets, public bathhouses, and old-fashioned onsen atmosphere. Suggested time: 30–60 minutes
Stop 9
Possible stop depending on your selected route and tour duration. Step back in time along the historic Nakasendo route and visit Tsumago-juku, one of Japan’s best-preserved post towns with traditional wooden houses and a timeless Edo-period atmosphere. Suggested time: 1.5–3 hours
Stop 10
Possible stop depending on your selected route. Discover one of the longest and best-preserved post towns on the Nakasendo, lined with traditional wooden buildings, local shops, cafés, and historic streetscapes. Suggested time: 1–2 hours
Stop 11
Possible stop depending on your selected route. Visit one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms, walk beside clear spring-water fields, and browse local wasabi products such as snacks, pickles, and soft serve ice cream. Suggested time: 45–60 minutes
Stop 12
Possible stop depending on your selected route, season, and tour duration. Enjoy one of Japan’s most beautiful mountain valleys, with clear rivers, alpine views, forest trails, and scenic walking routes around Kappa Bridge, Taisho Pond, and the Azusa River. Suggested time: 2.5–3.5 hours
Stop 13
Possible stop depending on your selected route. Visit a historic miso brewery in Matsumoto, learn about traditional miso production, and enjoy the rich flavor and aroma of Shinshu miso. Suggested time: 45–60 minutes
Stop 14
Possible stop depending on your selected route. Explore the historic samurai town of Matsushiro, known for the Sanada clan, traditional residences, samurai schools, temples, and quiet historic streets. Suggested time: 1–2 hours
Stop 15
Possible stop depending on your selected route. Visit a local winery in the beautiful Azumino countryside, surrounded by mountain views and peaceful rural scenery. Enjoy browsing local wines and optional tasting depending on availability. Suggested time: 30–60 minutes
Stop 16
Possible stop depending on your selected route. Visit the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum in Matsumoto, home to one of the world’s largest private collections of ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Discover the beauty of traditional Japanese print art, including works connected to Edo-period culture, travel, landscapes, and everyday life. Suggested time: 45–60 minutes
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Child seats are available upon request.
- Pickup & Drop-off Policy Standard Pickup Areas: Complimentary pickup is available from accommodations in Nagano City and Matsumoto City. Other Pickup Locations: For pickups from areas such as Yudanaka Onsen or Nozawa Onsen, please contact us before booking. Additional charges may apply depending on distance and travel time. Drop-off Options: Drop-off can be arranged at your hotel, a train station, or another local landmark of your choice. Additional Notes: Please provide your accommodation details at the time of booking to ensure smooth coordination. If your location is outside our standard pickup areas, we will inform you of any additional charges or suggest the most convenient nearby pickup point.
- Depending on your final drop-off location and overall distance, additional fees may apply.
- Please do not eat or drink coffee inside the vehicle to keep it clean for everyone. Bottled water and small pets in carriers are okay.
- o8Experience is a locally based tour company offering private and small-group experiences across Nagano and surrounding regions. From food and culture to nature and history, we create meaningful journeys tailored to curious travelers. Visit o8Experience to discover more.
- • City-based private day (up to 8 hours) with vehicle. • Outskirts / cross-city routes may involve a travel supplement (examples: Snow Monkey Park (Yudanaka–Shibu), Togakushi, Obuse, Iizuna/Kurohime, Kamikochi (seasonal), Narai-juku, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route). • Extra time available on request (per tour, not per person); confirmed after booking. • Standard pickup areas: Nagano City or Matsumoto City (others by request). • Unsure about your route? Message us before booking and we’ll recommend the best pairing.