🌿 Discover the Best Summer Tours in Nagano & Matsumoto
When the summer heat rolls into Japan, there’s no better escape than the cool highlands of Nagano and the cultural gems of Matsumoto. With lush forests, crisp mountain air, and refreshing local cuisine, these five hand-picked tours offer the perfect way to enjoy summer in central Japan. Whether you’re into scenic nature walks, historic castles, or food adventures, this list has you covered.
Here are our top summer tours — each one curated to showcase the very best of the season.
🏯 1. Matsumoto Everything Tour: Castle, Miso, Wasabi & Wine
This full-day experience is like a tasting menu of everything Matsumoto has to offer. Stroll the historic grounds of Matsumoto Castle, dive into the rich flavors of traditional miso, wander through Japan’s largest wasabi farm, and end with a relaxing wine tasting in beautiful vineyards near the mountains.
✅ Great balance of culture, food, and countryside
✅ Easy pace, minimal walking
✅ Shady spots and cool breezes even in midsummer
🏞 2. Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle: A Perfect Nature & Heritage Day
Step into a dreamy alpine world with a half-day walk in Kamikochi, one of Japan’s most breathtaking national parks. Surrounded by towering peaks and crystal-clear rivers, this is your nature reset. The tour also includes a morning visit to Matsumoto Castle, making it a perfect blend of history and wilderness.
✅ Cool mountain air, even on the hottest days
✅ Unforgettable scenic walk without intense hiking
✅ Starts and ends from Matsumoto Station — convenient access
🌲 3. Togakushi: A Serene Walk Through Sacred Forests & Soba Traditions
Looking for something spiritual and off the beaten path? The Togakushi Shrine trail is shaded by centuries-old cedar trees and steeped in ninja legends. You’ll walk quiet forest paths, visit historic shrines, and enjoy handmade Togakushi soba, one of the best cool summer dishes in Nagano.
✅ Quiet, forested trails — perfect for escaping city heat
✅ Learn the stories behind shrines and sacred paths
✅ Optional visit to a ninja museum or Zenkoji Temple
🍽 4. Karuizawa Food Walking Tour in Nagano
For a more laid-back and stylish summer outing, head to Karuizawa — a popular summer retreat since the Meiji era. This walking tour explores the town’s hidden gourmet gems, from artisan delis and bakeries to mountain sweets and craft drinks.
✅ Enjoy Karuizawa’s cool breeze and elegant charm
✅ Perfect for foodies and architecture lovers
✅ Includes transport from Nagano or Matsumoto
🐵 Bonus Summer Pick!
Snow Monkey, Hokusai & Sake: A Perfect Day in Nagano
Think snow monkeys are only for winter? Think again. Summer is actually a hidden gem season to visit the Snow Monkey Park. The trails are lush and green, the crowds are minimal, and — best of all — you might catch a glimpse of adorable baby monkeys playing by the streams.
This tour also includes a stroll through Obuse, home to traditional architecture and the Hokusai Museum, plus a premium local sake tasting experience.
✅ See monkeys without the crowds
✅ Lush forest scenery and cool mountain streams
✅ Cultural depth with Hokusai & sake experiences
🌞 Why These Tours Are Perfect for Summer
- Cooler temperatures: All tours take place in refreshing highland areas.
- Scenic nature: From alpine valleys to sacred forests, each destination is full of vibrant summer beauty.
- Seasonal flavors: Enjoy cool soba, fresh wasabi, summer wine, and local sake — the best tastes of the region.
- Small-group comfort: These tours offer a relaxed and personal way to explore, away from the crowds.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan of Nagano, these tours offer a fresh, authentic, and memorable way to enjoy summer in Japan. Book early, pack light, and get ready for an unforgettable escape into the mountains!
