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A traditional Japanese castle with a stone wall and a red bridge over a reflective water body. 1
A train interior with blue patterned seats and overhead luggage compartments. 2
A modern building with glass windows, a red location pin icon, and a sign with a flower logo. 3
A map with Tokyo Station, bus stops, and landmarks like FamilyMart and 3COINS. There's also a QR code and a building with glass windows. 4
A traditional Japanese pagoda with snow-capped mountains in the background. 5
By Vip Japan Tours
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Features

  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Cleanliness and safety

Overview

    • Visit National Treasure Zenkoji Temple
    • Explore Nakamise Shopping Street
    • See historic Matsumoto Castle
    • Comfortable day trip from Tokyo
    • Free time for lunch and local sightseeing

Activity location

  • Zenko-ji & Matsumoto Castle
    • 10
    • 390-0811, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Tokyo Departure (7:20 Meet Up / 7:30 Departure)
    • 東京都中央区八重洲２丁目１−８
    • 104-0028, Chiyoda-city, Tokyo, Japan

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What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Inclusions
    Listed accommodation fees or facility usage fees
  • Inclusions
    Consumption tax and other taxes
  • Exclusions
    Meals not included
  • Exclusions
    Admission fees for the paid areas of Zenko-ji Temple and Matsumoto Castle

Know before you book

    • The tour schedule may change without prior notice due to weather, road traffic conditions, and other unforeseen reasons. (There might be delays in returning to the designated location.) The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic condition
    • In case of late arrival or arrival at wrong location, regardless of contact prior to the departure time, refunds may not be granted. The only drop-off location available is Shinjuku (Shinjuku Station west exit)
    • This tour will depart regardless of weather or traffic conditions, unless you are notified otherwise by the local operator. Local tour operator will not be responsible for itinerary changes due to unforeseen circumstances.
    • Contact number may be unavailable outside business hours (Mon–Fri, 9:30AM–6:30PM JST).

What you can expect

  • Escape Tokyo for a full-day journey to Nagano and Matsumoto, travelling comfortably by a spacious 3-row-seat bus. Visit two of Japan’s most celebrated national treasures—Zenkoji Temple and Matsumoto Castle—while enjoying free time to explore, eat, and experience the local culture.

    Visit National Treasure Zenkoji Temple

    Begin your sightseeing in Nagano with a visit to Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist temples and home to one of the country’s oldest Buddhist images. The temple has attracted worshippers for centuries and is associated with the famous saying, “Even from afar, one should visit Zenkoji at least once.”

    Take your time to admire the temple’s solemn atmosphere and historic architecture, and enjoy a peaceful break from the bustle of the city.

    Note: Paid activities such as entering the temple’s inner sanctuary, climbing the Sanmon Gate, and experiencing the Okaidan Meguri underground passage are not included and must be paid for individually on site.

    Explore Zenkoji Nakamise Street

    After visiting the temple, stroll along Nakamise Street, the lively approach lined with shops and local food specialities. This is a great opportunity to sample Nagano flavours, from Shinshu apples and sweets made with local chestnuts to miso manju, oyaki dumplings, and Shinshu soba.

    Browse local souvenirs and discover regional flavours and traditions at your own pace. Lunch is also free to enjoy during your stay at Zenkoji.

    Discover National Treasure Matsumoto Castle

    Next, head to Matsumoto to see the magnificent Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure and one of Japan’s most famous historic castles. Its elegant black-and-white exterior and imposing five-story, six-level keep preserve the character of the castle from the time it was built.

    Enjoy time to explore the castle and surrounding area, where remnants of the historic castle-town atmosphere can still be found.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Zenko-ji & Matsumoto Castle
    • 10
    • 390-0811, Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Tokyo Departure (7:20 Meet Up / 7:30 Departure)
    • 東京都中央区八重洲２丁目１−８
    • 104-0028, Chiyoda-city, Tokyo, Japan