The city of Matsumoto and the Kiso Valley region are situated north of Tokyo in the quiet and secluded prefecture of Nagano. Both locations offer a magnificent scenic view of the Northern Japan Alps and an uniquely special cultural experience.
Centered around the Matsumoto castle, a national treasure, the city of Matsumoto has thrived as a castle town. Located in the central part of the Japanese Archipelago, Matsumoto commands a spectacular view of the Northern Japan Alps, which are over 3,000 meters in altitude to the west, and the Utsukushigahara Plateau, which are over 2,000 meters in altitude to the east. From there, you can see a 360-degree panoramic view of the region.

The Kiso Valley is a journey through Japanese history. Approximately 400 years ago, people traveled by foot in Japan, starting from Edo (present-day Tokyo) and reaching Kyoto via the Kiso Valley. There were rest stops, or post stations (towns that hosted the travelers) along the roads, and the old buildings and beautiful rows of stores and houses. There are 11 post towns in Kiso, and most of them have been carefully preserved the way they used to be. Tsumago is especially well known as one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan. It is highly recognized for its historic value because it precisely reproduces the authentic culture.

Matsumoto and Kiso Valley - Full Day Itinerary: