3 Day Japanese Alps Heritage Private Tour from Tokyo

3 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

This immersive private and customized tour explores the cultural and scenic heart of the Japanese Alps, covering Kiso Valley, Hida Valley, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go. Ideal for travelers who want history, nature, and traditional Japan without rushing.

What's Included

Private transportation
WiFi on board
English Speaking Driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Parking Fees
Meals
Accommodation
Guide
Matsumoto Castle Entry fee

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We do no pick up from Airports and sea ports.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Tokyo → Matsumoto → Kiso Valley

    7 stops
  • 1
    Matsumoto Castle

    Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s most iconic original castles, famous for its striking black exterior that earned it the nickname “Crow Castle.” Visitors admire its elegant wooden interiors, steep samurai staircases, and panoramic views of the Japanese Alps from the top floor. Surrounded by peaceful moats and seasonal scenery—cherry blossoms in spring and snow in winter—the castle offers a vivid glimpse into Japan’s feudal history and architectural mastery.

    2 hours Admission ticket not included
  • 2
    Nakamachi Street

    Nakamachi Street is a beautifully preserved historic area lined with traditional kura-style storehouses, now home to charming cafés, local craft shops, and small museums. Visitors enjoy a relaxed stroll along the stone-paved street, discovering handmade goods, local snacks, and a glimpse of old merchant-town Japan framed by the scenic backdrop of Matsumoto.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Nawate Shopping District

    Nawate Shopping District is a lively pedestrian street running alongside the river, filled with small local shops, snack stalls, and souvenir stores. Visitors enjoy a relaxed walk, tasting street food, browsing traditional goods, and soaking in the friendly, old-town atmosphere of Matsumoto.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 4

    Passing through the Kiso Valley offers a glimpse of timeless rural Japan, where forested mountains, clear rivers, and traditional post towns line the old Nakasendo route. Travelers enjoy scenic views, wooden houses, and a calm countryside atmosphere that feels far removed from modern city life.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5

    Magome Post Town is a beautifully restored mountain village along the historic Nakasendo Trail, known for its stone-paved slopes, traditional wooden houses, and scenic countryside views. Visitors enjoy walking through the car-free streets, exploring old inns and teahouses, and experiencing the charm of Edo-period Japan surrounded by nature.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6

    The Nakasendo Trail Walk takes visitors along a historic samurai-era route connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, passing through forest paths, rural villages, and preserved post towns. Walking this trail offers a peaceful blend of nature and history, with stone paths, traditional houses, and mountain scenery that capture the spirit of old Japan.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Tsumago Village is a well-preserved post town along the old Nakasendo route, known for its traditional wooden buildings, quiet streets, and nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors experience the charm of Edo-period Japan, with historic inns, local shops, and scenic surroundings that make the village feel beautifully untouched by time.

    1 hour 30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Kiso Valley → Hida Valley → Takayama

    3 stops
  • 8

    Hida Valley is a picturesque mountain region known for its traditional countryside landscapes, clear rivers, and well-preserved rural villages. Travelers enjoy scenic drives, views of the Japanese Alps, and a slower pace of life that reflects authentic local culture and heritage.

    Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Takayama

    Takayama Old Town features beautifully preserved streets from the Edo period, lined with traditional wooden houses, sake breweries, and small local shops. Visitors enjoy strolling through the historic district, sampling local specialties, and experiencing the warm, old-world atmosphere of this mountain town.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Takayama Jinya

    Takayama Jinya is a historic government building from the Edo period and the only one of its kind still standing in Japan. Visitors explore traditional tatami rooms, administrative offices, and peaceful inner courtyards, gaining insight into how the region was governed during the samurai era.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • Day 3

    Takayama → Shirakawa-go → Tokyo

    3 stops
  • 11

    Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage village famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Visitors admire the scenic rural setting, explore preserved homes, and experience a unique way of life shaped by centuries of history and mountain living.

    4 hours Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck

    Shiroyama Viewpoint offers a panoramic view over Shirakawa-go, showcasing the village’s traditional farmhouses set against surrounding mountains and rice fields. It is a popular spot for photos, especially in different seasons, providing a memorable perspective of this historic rural landscape.

    3 hours Admission ticket free
  • 13
    Tokyo

    Return back to tokyo

    4 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Milkyway Tours

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Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Car Tours
Adventure Tours
Additional fees
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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