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- English
Experience the beauty of Japan’s cherry blossom season on a journey from Tokyo to Nagano’s most iconic sakura sites: Ueda Castle and the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle.
This tour blends seasonal scenery with samurai history. Stroll beneath thousands of cherry trees in full bloom while exploring historic castle grounds from the Sengoku era. From the legendary Sanada Clan’s stronghold to the striking “Black Crow” Castle, each stop is carefully selected for a meaningful spring experience.
A perfect balance of history, culture, and sakura, designed for travelers seeking more than just a scenic walk.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
If you come from JR Shinjuku Station: walk from the West Exit (about 10 min) If you use the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line Nishi-Shinjuku Station: 2 minutes from exit E7 The tour guide will hold the HIS logo blue flag or HIS logo meeting board at the meeting point.
Itinerary
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1
Ueda Castle: The Stronghold of the Unyielding Sanada Clan Walk the historic grounds where the famed Sanada warriors held their fortress against vastly superior forces. Once celebrated as an “Invincible Fortress,” the castle ruins are now surrounded by around 1,000 cherry trees. Strolling through the old gates evokes the Sengoku era, with drifting petals recalling tales of courage, resilience, and masterful strategy.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
2Matsumoto Castle
National Treasure Matsumoto Castle: The “Black Crow” Amid Sakura Blooms Discover one of Japan’s rare surviving 16th-century castles, designated a National Treasure and famed for its striking black exterior. Picture the deep black walls set against clouds of soft pink cherry blossoms, with the snow-capped Japanese Alps rising in the background. This dramatic contrast creates one of the most breathtaking scenes in Japan—and beyond.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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
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Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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
- Cherry Blossom Timing: Bloom dates vary each year depending on the weather. We aim for the peak, but nature is unpredictable.
- Regardless of when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the tour will take place as soon as there is sufficient interest.
- Castle Entry: During peak season, the wait time to enter the interior of Matsumoto Castle’s keep can exceed 60 minutes. (Matsumoto Castle entrance ticket not included)
- Lunch menu may vary depending on ingredients purchased. If you have any food allergies, please tell us when you register. (We will remove the affected ingredients as far as possible).
- If you have any special requirements, please inform us at the time of booking. (Some fees may apply.) When we receive your request, we will do our best to accommodate it.
- Clothing: Please wear comfortable walking shoes (sneakers recommended). Nagano is often cooler than Tokyo; we recommend bringing a light jacket.
- If the minimum of 20 participants is not met, or if the tour cannot proceed due to force majeure such as disasters or accidents, the tour may be changed or canceled at least 3 days prior to departure.
- Please arrive at the designated meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- The bus will depart at the scheduled time at the discretion of our staff. We cannot wait for late arrivals. If you miss the departure, the tour fee will not be refunded.
- The scheduled times and itinerary details are subject to change due to traffic conditions, weather, or other unavoidable circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.
- In the unlikely event that the tour is significantly delayed, and you incur expenses such as a taxi fare or accommodation, we regret that our company cannot accept any claim for compensation. We strongly recommend leaving ample time for connections after the tour.
- Depending on the final number of participants, the tour may use a medium-sized or small bus instead of a large one.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the bus.
- Please be mindful of the person behind you when you recline your seat. For safety reasons, the guide may advise against using the recliner on certain routes.
- When leaving the bus, even temporarily, please return your seat to the upright position.
- The bus is not equipped with a restroom. The bus will make scheduled stops for bathroom breaks.
- Please limit your luggage to items that can be safely stored in the overhead bin or under your seat. If you need to store large luggage on the bus during the tour, please notify us in advance. Please note that some small vans cannot accommodate a lot of luggage.
- Bus seats will be assigned by the company. While we understand seating preferences, specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed.
- In emergency situations, our tour conductor may sit in an otherwise empty seat next to you.
- Bringing pets of any kind is not permitted on the tour. (Excluding certified service animals, with prior notice.)
- In accordance with Japan's "Work Style Reform Law," the conductor's working hours are legally restricted. Therefore, meal times during the itinerary will be designated as the tour conductor's rest period.
- During designated free time, you are generally expected to enjoy the activities on your own without a guide.
- Lost and found items will be held for two weeks after the tour ends. When contacting us about them, it will be helpful to tell us your seating position during the tour.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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