THIS TOUR STARTS FROM A LOCATION OF YOUR CHOICE IN MATSUMOTO.
You can pick your hotel, a train station or any other location as long as it is located within MATSUMOTO CITY.
If you would like our assistance in reaching MATSUMOTO, please book a customized bespoke tour instead.
| PRICES START FROM:
+ JPY 14,636 PER PERSON FOR A GROUP OF 5 PEOPLE (TOYOTA ALPHARD) = JPY73,180/GROUP + JPY 10,073 PER PERSON FOR A GROUP OF 8 PEOPLE (HIACE GRAND CABIN) = JPY80,580/GROUP Each booking will be charged per vehicle, irrespective of the number of passengers. The price per person will depend on the number of passengers in your group travelling in a single vehicle. Please note the maximum occupancy limits for each vehicle while booking. |
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE?
+ Vehicle designated in selected package (either a Toyota Alphard or HiAce Grand Cabin)
+ English speaking driver (the driver is not a guide & may only have basic English skills)
+ Tolls, Highway Fees, Parking Fees, Fuel (and other associated vehicle costs for this itinerary)
SEAT PLAN
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HOW CAN I ADD A TOUR GUIDE?
Pick a date & package; press the PROCEED BOOKING button. The next screen will offer you the option to add on a REGION EXPERT (a local guide with expert knowledge of the area, its history and culture) for an additional fee. Other add-ons may also be available.
ITINERARY
This private package tour will start at a location of your choice within MATSUMOTO and then proceed to your chosen destination options.
Destination 01: Taisho Pond
Destination 02: Kappa Bridge
Destination 03: Myojin Pond
Destination 04: Hotaka Shirine Okumiya
DETAILED ITINERARY
We start off in a mountain city on Japan’s main island, Matsumoto. After picking you up in one of our luxurious private vehicles, we will drive you through some truly spectacular views to the destinations.
**This tour requires round trip hike and lots of walking.
Destination 01: Taisho Pond
Due to a large explosion in 1915, the Azusa River was blocked and suddenly formed a beautiful pond. The pond that remains reflects the surrounding mountains and forests, creating a beautiful and fantastic atmosphere. When it was formed the pond area was 3.9km2 with many trees, but due to erosion it has been gradually shrinking, and is now less than half its original size. It is believed that it will one day vanish entirely, so it’s highly recommended if you want to see it before it disappears someday.
Destination 02: Kappa Bridge
Kappa Bridge is a suspension bridge over the Azusa River in the center of Kamikochi. The structure of the bridge is wooden and it has become a distinctive symbol of Kamikochi. It inspired the 1927 novel, “Kappa,” by Ryunosuke Akutagawa, in which the narrator and protagonist journeys to Kamikochi only to stray into the mysterious land of the kappa, a quirky race of water spirits from Japanese folklore.
Destination 03: Myojin Pond
This is a pond near Hotaka Shrine, surrounded by bamboo and coniferous trees. The pond has a shape of a gourd and the trees are beautifully reflected on the water surface. Myojin Pond actually consists of a bigger pond and a smaller pond joined together. Crystal clear water always springs out from under the ground. The surrounding scenery is reflected on the water surface creating a beautiful view during all four seasons.
Destination 04: Hotaka Shrine Okumiya
This shrine is dedicated to Hotakami no Mikoto, the local Shinto deity who protects the Japanese Alps. Every year on October 8th, a ceremony called the “Nihon Alps Sangaku Sonansha Ireisai” is held to soothe the spirits of those who perished in the Japanese Alps.
The tour will end with us dropping you off at a location of your choice in Matsumoto.
