Matsumoto & Tsumago-juku & Takayama 3-Day tour from Tokyo only for 2026 Sakura season(Including tour guide)

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Matsumoto, Takayama
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https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_5.svg?v=1761040622.alt 2 Nights 3 Days
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_6.svg?v=1761040623.alt Max People : 6–10 pax
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_10.svg?v=1761040622.alt Pickup: Hotel in Tokyo city
Time-limited Special: Book NOW and get Airport Pick-up service FOR FREE! (from Narita/Haneda Airport to hotel within Tokyo city)
After your reservation is submitted, our tour operator will contact you as soon as possible to confirm tour availability, regardless of any automated confirmation email you may receive.
You are welcomed to book the tour from 1 participant. The minimum number of participants for this tour to operate is 6.
For safety and communication purposes during the trip, a reachable phone number is required for each participating group.
Cancellation Conditions:Free cancellation ≧ 14 days; 30% charge for 7-13 days; 50% charge for 3-6 days; 100% charge < 3 days.
Child age 6 and under requires to use the car seat during the trip. We recommend to bring your own car seat/booster. Please contact us if you need help.
Overview
Highlights
Itinerary Details
Important Information

Overview

Travel on this immersive 3-day journey through central Japan, following historic routes and seasonal scenery. Begin in Matsumoto, home to one of Japan's most celebrated original castles, where elegant architecture meets springtime cherry blossoms.

Continue along the legendary Nakasendo Trail, visit beautifully preserved post towns of Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku, where cobblestone streets and traditional wooden houses offer a glimpse into Edo-period travel culture.

Stay overnight in Takayama and immerse yourself in the lively local morning market, browsing handcrafted goods and sampling local specialties before driving towards Kyoto. This thoughtfully curated route blends history, nature, and seasonal beauty—creating a memorable springtime passage through Japan's cultural heartland.

Our highlights are

Key highlights

Matsumoto Castle – one of Japan's finest original castles, admired for its striking black-and-white exterior and seasonal cherry blossoms.
Nakasendo Post towns – walk through historic towns of Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku, preserving the atmosphere of Japan's Edo-period highway.
Seasonal cherry blossoms – experience Japan's iconic spring scenery as sakura frame castles, mountain towns, and historic streets.
Takayama Old Town – Explore Takayama's beautifully preserved streets, lined with traditional houses, local crafts, and regional flavors.
Seamless journey from Tokyo to Kyoto – Enjoy a smooth, well-paced multi-day route connecting major cultural regions while uncovering Japan's lesser-seen landscapes.

What's Included

English-speaking guide
Private charter vehicle
Accommodation (breakfast included)
Admissions (Matsumoto Castle, Tsumago-juku museums & Magome-juku museums)
Hotel Pick-up within Tokyo City
Hotel Drop-off within Kyoto City
Meals
Any personal expenses or tips
Travel insurance

Itinerary Details

Day 1
Day in Matsumoto
Private Transportation
Private Transportation
Admission included
Admission included
Accommodation in Matsumoto
Accommodation in Matsumoto
<em>08:00</em> Depart from hotel in Tokyo city (private car charter pick-up)
08:00 Depart from hotel in Tokyo city (private car charter pick-up)
<em>08:00-12:00</em> Drive to Matsumoto City (approx. 4 hours)
08:00-12:00 Drive to Matsumoto City (approx. 4 hours)
<em>12:00-13:00</em> 【Lunch】on your own
12:00-13:00 【Lunch】on your own
<em>13:00-14:30</em> Visit Matsumoto Castle
13:00-14:30 Visit Matsumoto Castle
<em>14:30-16:00</em> Free walk around Nawate Street
14:30-16:00 Free walk around Nawate Street
<em>17:00</em> Arrive at hotel in Matsumoto city
17:00 Arrive at hotel in Matsumoto city
Day in Matsumoto Day in Matsumoto
Day 2
Gentle hiking along Nakasendo trail
Private Transportation
Private Transportation
Gentle hiking
Gentle hiking
Admissions included
Admissions included
Accommodation in Takayama city
Accommodation in Takayama city
<em>08:00</em> Check-out and depart from hotel in Matsumoto city
08:00 Check-out and depart from hotel in Matsumoto city
<em>08:00-10:00</em> Drive to Magome-juku (approx. 2 hours)
08:00-10:00 Drive to Magome-juku (approx. 2 hours)
<em>10:00-11:30</em> Visit Magome-juku museums
10:00-11:30 Visit Magome-juku museums
<em>11:30-12:30</em> 【Lunch】on your own
11:30-12:30 【Lunch】on your own
<em>12:30-14:00</em> Gentle hiking along Nakasendo Trail towards Tsumago-juku (approx. 1.5 hours)
12:30-14:00 Gentle hiking along Nakasendo Trail towards Tsumago-juku (approx. 1.5 hours)
<em>14:00-15:00</em> Visit Tsumago-juku museums
14:00-15:00 Visit Tsumago-juku museums
<em>15:00-17:30</em> Drive to hotel in Takayama city (approx. 2.5 hours)
15:00-17:30 Drive to hotel in Takayama city (approx. 2.5 hours)
Gentle hiking along Nakasendo trail Gentle hiking along Nakasendo trail
Day 3
Journey from Takayama to Kyoto
Private Transportation
Private Transportation
<em>08:00</em> Check-out and depart from hotel in Takayama city
08:00 Check-out and depart from hotel in Takayama city
<em>08:00-10:00</em> Walk around Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market
08:00-10:00 Walk around Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market
<em>10:00-13:00</em> Visit Takayama Old Town, 【Lunch】on your own
10:00-13:00 Visit Takayama Old Town, 【Lunch】on your own
<em>13:00-17:00</em> Drive to Kyoto (approx. 4.5 hours)
13:00-17:00 Drive to Kyoto (approx. 4.5 hours)
Journey from Takayama to Kyoto Journey from Takayama to Kyoto

Important Information

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We will contact you via your provided contact information 2 days before your departure. If you do not receive any information, please check your email spam folder. If you still do not receive anything one day before the trip, please do not hesitate contacting us.
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We only offer hotel pick-up and drop-off within the city area (Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto), if your hotel is out of the area, we are happy to drop you off at a terminal station or where you request within the city area (need to be informed in advance).
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All travel itineraries do not include travel insurance. Outdoor activities involve certain risks and dangers. The company is not responsible for any physical damage or injury caused by accidents or unforeseen factors. We highly recommend to purchase your own insurance in advance.
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Please arrive at the meeting location 10 minutes before the departure time. The bus will depart according to the schedule and will not wait for late arrivals. You cannot join the tour midway.
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If your group does not meet the minimum participants, you will enjoy the tour with other guests. We will contact you in advance if it occurs. If the minimum participants are still not met by 14 days before the scheduled departure, the tour may be cancelled.
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Please note that weekends, holidays, and event days may experience heavy traffic. The itinerary is for your reference and may be adjusted or shortened depending on actual conditions; also, there may be delays in arrival time due to traffic or other factors.
Price:
$900.00
/ Person

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Flexible Options — Change or cancel easily before the trip.

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Matsumoto & Tsumago-juku & Takayama 3-Day tour from Tokyo only for 2026 Sakura season(Including tour guide)
Matsumoto & Tsumago-juku & Takayama 3-Day tour from Tokyo only for 2026 Sakura season(Including tour guide)

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FAQs

Q1. Are all tours guided by an English-speaking guide?

A: Not all.
At Japan Local Journeys, some tours are guided by professional English-speaking guides, while others are operated as driver-only private transfers.

Our driver-only tours are designed for travelers who prefer privacy and flexibility — you’ll have a private car and driver, while our operation team provides real-time English assistance via WhatsApp.
Please check each product page to see whether an English-speaking guide is included.

Q2. What is a “driver-only private tour”?

Q3. Can the driver speak English?

Q4. Can I add an English-speaking guide to a driver-only tour?

Q5. What type of travelers choose driver-only tours?

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