This 7-day journey takes travelers deep into rural Nagano, far beyond Japan’s well-trodden cities, for an unhurried encounter with the country’s timeless countryside. Blending historic post towns, hands-on traditions, and serene alpine scenery, this itinerary is designed for those who want to experience an authentic side of Japan at a relaxed and comfortable pace.

Wander the beautifully preserved Edo-era streets of the Kiso Valley — Tsumago, Magome, and Narai — then decorate your own piece of Kiso lacquerware and hand-make Shinshu soba noodles alongside local artisans. Along the way, discover the emerald gorge of Nezame-no-Toko, the vast Daio Wasabi Farm fed by clear alpine water, and the sweeping Obasute rice terraces overlooking the Zenkoji plain.

With a knowledgeable English-speaking guide and private-van transfers throughout your stay in Nagano, getting from village to village — and moving your luggage — is effortless. Warm ryokan and onsen stays, thoughtfully paced days, and expert support make this tour ideal for travelers seeking a genuine rural escape without the stress of planning it themselves.

Why This Tour Stands Out

• Explore the timeless Edo-era post towns of the Kiso Valley, including Tsumago, Magome, and Narai.
• Travel comfortably by private van throughout your stay in Nagano, with easy transfers and no luggage hassle.
• Enjoy authentic hands-on experiences, from Kiso lacquerware painting to Shinshu soba noodle making.
• A perfect choice for travelers seeking an immersive rural escape with the support of an expert guide.

Tour Pricing

Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.

*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 160 JPY

Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.

Please note that prices may also vary during high-demand periods, including:
・March–April (spring season)
・Year-end and New Year holidays
・Obon holiday period (mid-August)
・Autumn foliage season
・Long holiday weekends

Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Tokyo

Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival.

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 2 | Kiso Valley

• Bullet train and limited express train from Tokyo to Nagiso in the Kiso Valley
• Visit Tsumago-juku (a beautifully preserved Edo-era post town with car-free wooden streets)

Hotel: Ryokan in Tsumago (dinner included)

Day 3 | Kiso Valley

• Private van from Tsumago to Magome
• Visit Magome-juku (a hillside Edo post town of stone lanes and mountain views)
• Visit Nezame-no-Toko (a scenic river gorge of emerald pools and granite rocks)
• Explore Kiso-Fukushima (a historic checkpoint town along the old Nakasendo highway)

Hotel: Onsen Ryokan in Kiso-Fukushima (dinner included)

Day 4 | Azumino

• Visit Narai-juku (Japan’s longest post town, quiet and beautifully preserved)
• Visit Kiso-Hirasawa (a historic village of traditional Kiso lacquerware craftsmen)
• Kiso lacquerware painting experience (decorate your own lacquer piece with a local artisan)
• Private van from the Kiso Valley to Azumino

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Azumino

Day 5 | Azumino

• Explore the Azumino countryside by private van (farmland and canals beneath the Northern Japan Alps)
• Visit Daio Wasabi Farm (Japan’s largest wasabi farm fed by clear alpine water)
• Soba-making experience (hand-make Shinshu buckwheat noodles with a local instructor)
• Visit Hotaka Shrine (a serene shrine set in Azumino’s peaceful rural landscape)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Azumino

Day 6 | Tokyo

• Private van from Azumino to Obasute
• Visit the Obasute Rice Terraces (station-side terraced paddies overlooking the Zenkoji plain)
• Bullet train from Nagano to Tokyo

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 7 | Tokyo

Check out from your hotel and transfer to Narita International Airport.

If you’d like to extend your stay, add experiences, or arrange hotels only without a guide, we’re happy to customize your plans.

Inclusions

• Private tour
• Dedicated English-speaking guide
• 7 days itinerary
• 6 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels and ryokan
• Breakfast everyday
• Dinner at the ryokan on 2 nights
• Private van transfers throughout your stay in Nagano
• Public transportation
• All entry fees to sites, activities as specified
• Kiso lacquerware painting experience
• Soba-making experience
• Ride the shinkansen bullet train

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
• Visas
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Luggage transfer for bullet train (if required)
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Important Notes

If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.

This tour includes walking through historic post towns and rural landscapes, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Tell Us More, and We’ll Find the Best Plan for You

Interested in this 7-day package? Contact us anytime to begin planning your trip.

If you would like to extend your stay or add more experiences, we can arrange additional days, activities, or accommodations upon request.

We also offer fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and travel style. To learn more, check out Tailor-Made Tour by ENJYU JAPAN.