Things to do in Matsumoto

I've participated in other one-day tours in Japan before, but there's no comparison without a benchmark. This time, our tour leader, Xiao Yu (Yukino), truly exceeded expectations. Giving her 101 points wouldn't be an exaggeration! I want to sincerely thank our tour leader, Xiao Yu (Yukino), and our driver, Mr. Sun. Both were incredibly responsible, polite, and meticulous in their work. Throughout the trip, Xiao Yu (Yukino) thoughtfully sent us reminders via messaging apps about various important details, such as things to note, meeting times, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Everything was perfectly organized, making us feel very secure and allowing us to fully relax and enjoy our vacation. What's even more commendable is that Xiao Yu (Yukino) proactively offered to take photos for the group members! Not every tour leader does this, and it was a huge bonus! Driver Mr. Sun also drove very smoothly and safely, and his demeanor was very friendly. Additionally, I must mention that the fellow travelers on this tour were of very high quality; everyone was incredibly punctual and polite, making the entire trip exceptionally smooth. An impeccable professional team, combined with excellent fellow travelers, created a top-quality travel experience. If you're planning to book a two-day tour to Tateyama Kurobe and Kamikochi, choosing this tour is definitely the right decision!

The Kamikochi was the highlight of our Japan trip. The mountains and the forest was just perfect. You will surely love it. The water is crystal clear. Our guide Suzy is very accomodating and friendly. She explained everything at ease. She also speaks Taiwanese language very fluently. I hope she will be our tour guide again. Very energetic and accomodating. Overall, you will say to yourself I want to live in Japan and you will surely comeback for more.

The guide and transportation were flawless! I definitely recommend booking with them: they were very kind, helpful, and professional. Unfortunately, when we were in Kamikochi, the autumn colors had already started to change and the foliage was almost gone, but the scenery was still beautiful. Some participants arrived late, so we started the trail a little later than expected. Despite this, the three hours available were enough to walk the path from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge, stopping to take photos and have a lunch break with our packed lunches. Overall, it was a great experience, which I recommend to anyone who wants to visit Kamikochi in an organized way without worrying about transportation!

Arriving at the meeting point on time allows you to start your relaxing day trip, which is very convenient and hassle-free. On the way back, seeing individual travelers waiting in a long line for their return transportation made me realize how right I was to book a day tour.

It was such a wonderful experience, and I couldn’t be more satisfied. Definitely one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Japan. Worth every minute of the journey! Highly recommended!

I was initially a bit anxious as I booked this tour despite its lack of reviews and I’m a solo female traveller. I’m returning to Tokyo now and wanted to share my experience. The long drive is worth it for a great view of Kamikochi if you’re short on time. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and found the price very reasonable for a 9-hour round trip. The weather was perfect, enhancing the beautiful scenery. My guide, Cathy, was accommodating and kind, making me feel safe and taken care of. The driver also drove safely. I highly recommend this tour, but be prepared for a long day! There’s plenty of opportunities to nap during the bus ride anyway.

First, I'd like to thank our tour guide, Ms. Anna, for leading us on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route tour on May 8th. From the moment we boarded the bus, she provided very detailed explanations and repeated them in both Chinese and English. It seemed like if there were Japanese participants, she might have even explained it in Japanese again. She was able to explain the origins of everything, from the history of Tateyama and its scenic spots to the herbs on the Chizushi bento box, which was truly impressive. Furthermore, during the tour, she would always be the first to arrive at the meeting point, holding her flag high, and would frequently offer helpful tips, such as information on limited-edition local products, seating areas, recommended seating positions on public transport, crowd control, and perfect timing. In short, she is a truly admirable person. Regarding the attractions, I honestly feel we were very lucky. I initially thought it would be a day ruined by heavy rain, as it was pouring heavily on the way to Tateyama Station... My heart sank at that moment. I thought, "How are we going to enjoy anything like this?" However, from Tateyama Station onwards, the rain stopped. Then, at Murodo, at a crucial moment, there was only fog and wind, but the visibility was still very good, making the experience uniquely enjoyable. The fog even created a snow-like, yet not quite snowy, atmosphere. Besides our own group, I saw many other tourists having a great time. Later, at Daikanbo, there was no rain or fog when we were at the observation deck or riding the ropeway. We were able to take in the entire panoramic view, which was truly breathtaking. Any photo taken there could easily be a postcard. At Kurobe Lake and Kurobe Dam, I had heard there would be significant rain, but by the time our group arrived at Kurobe Lake, the rain had stopped, and visibility was incredibly high. The unobstructed view of the dam was another kind of spectacular and magnificent sight. Was our group blessed with some special luck? Thank you to our tour guide and the hardworking driver. Watching him drive precisely and smoothly on the dark, winding roads on the way back showed his extensive experience. Most of the tourists, including myself, slept soundly. Thank you to all the staff for providing us with such a wonderful experience on this one-day tour! I would definitely recommend this to friends who aspire to travel independently but also want an easy way to experience the Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route.

The meeting point was easy to find, and the departure was on time. Even though it was rainy and cloudy on the day we went, we were able to comfortably walk the 3.5 km without getting tired. Our guide, Yamada, provided detailed explanations in both English and Japanese. We made three stops at rest areas, and we arrived back in Nagoya on time, around 7 PM.

Kamikochi, known as "God's Homeland," truly is the most beautiful hiking destination. Walking along the Azusa River trail, nestled beneath the Hotaka mountain range, is incredibly refreshing. The breathtaking scenery, where the clear stream intertwines with the Hotaka peaks, is stunning and truly uplifting. Our tour guide, Yukino, was exceptionally dedicated on this trip. She meticulously prepared all the information, including introductions to attractions, suggested routes, and food recommendations, providing comprehensive details to all participants. She also catered to both Chinese and English-speaking guests, proving to be an incredibly diligent and responsible leader. Highly recommended!