Nagano Prefecture

Visit the newly reopened Nagai Botanical Garden, which is run by the art collective teamLab as a hybrid garden and art space. Wander through the grounds home to roughly 1,200 species of plants, then enjoy the interactive art installations which come alive at night. Stroll through the botanical gardens, with its 240,000 square meters of grounds and wide array of plant species to admire. Stop by the central pond and relax in the serene natural beauty of the gardens. As night draws in, stay to discover teamLab’s unique art project which explores how nature can become art. The concept of the project is that non-material digital technology like light displays can turn nature into art without harming it.  Watch incredible light spectacles which actively interact with the surrounding nature, animals, and visitors, and become part of the artwork yourself as you experience it. 

Join a full-day trip to experience a blend of natural beauty and unique culture from a meeting point in Osaka or Kyoto. Take in the magnificent vistas of Amanohashidate, seek blessings at Chionji Temple, and uncover the secrets of Kyoto at the boathouses of Ine. Accompanied by your guide and driver, venture to Amanohashidate, a sand bar known as one of Japan's three most scenic views. Stretching 3.6 km along the Japan Sea and Amanohashidate Bay, this masterpiece of nature has been formed by coastal sedimentation, adorned with around 8,000 pine trees. Admire white sandy beaches to the east and west – a truly unique natural landscape. See how the shape resembles a bridge reaching towards the sky, giving it the name “Amanohashidate” or Heaven's Bridge. Soak in pure natural beauty and ocean views of the islands. If you wish, take a cable car to Mt. Monju to behold Amanohashidate from an observation deck at your expense. From this vantage point, see Amanohashidate shaped like a dragon soaring into the sky, earning it the name “View of the Flying Dragon”. Enjoy a sightseeing car and attractions designed for all ages. Next, head to the Chionji Temple, also known as Bussharado (a temple for academic success). The temple's gate is the largest in the Tango region. Observe the unique fan-shaped omikuji (fortune-telling paper). When hung upside down, the width of the fan varies, symbolizing gradual improvement. Nearby, see the revolving bridge connecting Amanohashidate and Bussharado on land. When large ships need to pass, the bridge rotates 90 degrees to allow them through. Or head to the Amanohashidate Hot Springs to relax in natural spring waters with a view. Give the outdoor foot bath a try for free. Finally, journey to the charming world of Ine Boathouses, one of Kyoto's hidden gems. Marvel at the small fishing village renowned for its traditional boat-house architecture. Explore Ine on foot or by bicycle, or feed seagulls by boat , all while appreciating the coastal scenery.

Take the hassle out of your vacation transportation with the Japan Rail Pass. Explore the whole country with just one ticket and ride the famous Shinkansen bullet train. Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka to Hiroshima, and Hokkaido to Kyushu – Japan's your oyster with a 7, 14, or 21-day pass. Get your voucher mailed to your home or office address, then exchange this for your actual Japan Rail Pass at a major train station or international airport in Japan and start traveling. Use the free guide booklet to make the best of your Japan trip, thanks to insider tips and train details. Travel as much as you like for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. The pass includes: • All Japan Rail Group shinkansen bullet trains, except the Nozomi and Mizuho departures • All Japan Rail Group limited express, express, rapid, local, trains, and Bus Rapid Transit in Tohoku • Tokyo Monorail between Haneda airport and Hamamatsucho station (no service to Narita) • Aomori Railway services between Aomori and Hachinohe (some exceptions) • Ishikawa Railway services between Kanazawa and Tsubata (local, limited departures only) • Ainokaze Toyama Railway services between Toyama and Takaoka (local departures only) • All Japan Rail Bus local lines (some exceptions, no express services), including services from JR Hokkaido Bus, JR Bus Tohoku, JR Bus Kanto, JR Tokai Bus, West Japan JR Bus, Chugoku JR Bus, JR Shikoku Bus, and JR Kyushu Bus • JR-West ferry service between Miyajima and Miyajimaguchi (JR station near the pier with ferry services for Miyajima)

Gain great insight by slipping through a hidden maze of bars and restaurants in central Osaka, completely hidden to tourists. After check out haunts loved by locals, even passing cobblestones winding alleys. Here you'll get to taste the famous Takoyaki (octopus batter balls) on us. It will be complemented with a can of drink too. Next, we'll step into the traditional Kuromon Ichiba Market, a seafood market where top chefs head to purchase their fresh ingredients every day. We'll explain all the oddities and deliciousness and do some taste testing as well. Then, leave the hustle and bustle of the busy market behind as you duck into quiet off the beaten paths to uncover a mystic temple and its centuries-old unique history while passing boutique eateries and hidden shops. As you continue your Osaka journey, prepare yourself for a sensory overload as you navigate wacky larger-than-life billboards highlighting modern Japanese culture. Follow your guide through the central Dotonbori area and listen to interesting personal stories and local history about Osaka as you go. Then, get a glimpse into what the Japanese think of American culture when you visit America-mura before heading to the old Shinsekai neighborhood. Admire the intriguing mix of crazy fishing restaurants and ancient Japanese gaming parlors. The 3hr group tour (max of 9 guests) gives a quick, exciting overview of the charms of Osaka. We all meet in Namba Metro Station, exit 24, top of the stairs. Choose a more indepth experience by opting for the 4hr, 5hr and 7hr private tour (which is totally personalized to your liking) and visit such places as a knife shop for a private demonstration and lesson of world famous Japanese knife. Explore even more alleys filled with authentic restaurants, and discover the East Shinsaibashi foodie zone. Also go to the Museum of housing & Living and peek at how the locals used to live in the olden times to the present. On these private tours we can also visit Osaka Castle. As well as go the the historic and serene Shitennoji, Japan's oldest Temple. Our private tours can have hotel pick up in the central areas of Osaka.

Take in some of the highlights of Nagano on this engaging tour starting with a visit to Zenko-ji Temple – one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan – followed by sake-tasting and lunch at a local restaurant. It’s then time to head to the world-renowned Snow Monkey Park! This troop of monkeys are the only monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs. Watching them live their best life in close proximity is a wonderful experience unlike any other. Led by a locally based English-speaking guide, this tour is a great way to see the best that Nagano has to offer. Meet your tour guide at Nagano Station at 9:35 AM. For guests traveling from Hakuba, from December through March, your journey can begin with a shuttle from Hakuba Tokyu Hotel (Wadano area) at 7:40 AM OR Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal at 7:55 AM. Please be at your chosen pickup point in advance of the meetup time as the tour must depart on-time. (WINTER ONLY) Once the 09:35 timeslot is fully booked out for the standard Nagano Station pickup option at 09:35, we will potentially open an additional timeslot to join the tour from Nagano Station at 09:00 so please double check your booking timeslot when joining from Nagano Station, as it may be this earlier 09:00 start. This tour is scheduled to conclude at Nagano Station by 17:30 (and by 18:45 for guests joining from Hakuba in winter).

Experience the best of Hakone and Mt. Fuji on a day trip from Tokyo. Leave behind the bustling Tokyo metropolis on a guided day trip to enjoy breathtaking views from Mt. Fuji's 5th Station, glide over Hakone on a scenic cable car ride, cruise Lake Ashi's tranquil waters, and explore the Owakudani Valley volcanic area. Start your journey with an ascent to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji, spending 40 minutes admiring the stunning views of Japan's tallest peak from an elevation of 2,300 meters, just above the clouds. If the 5th Station is inaccessible, the tour pivots to Oshino Hakkai, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Famous for its eight picturesque ponds formed from melted snow from Mt. Fuji, this historic village set against the breathtaking backdrop of Mt. Fuji is sure to amaze you. After a traditional Japanese lunch at a restaurant with a stunning view of the area, we will board the enchanting Hakone Pirate Ship for a 25-minute sightseeing cruise from Motohakone to Togendai on Lake Ashino. Next, glide through the skies on the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley. You'll enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Hakone area during this 30-minute aerial journey, unveiling the area's mesmerizing seasonal landscapes. Try one of the famed black eggs of Owakudani, cooked in volcanic hot springs—a delicacy said to promote longevity. Conclude your day of exploration aboard our coach, riding in comfort as you journey from the Japanese countryside back to the Tokyo cityscape.

Explore the Nagano Prefecture on a tour of the Snow Monkey Park with pickup and drop-off in Tokyo. See the snow monkeys bathing in a natural spring, enjoy lunch at a local Japanese restaurant. Take the coach from central Tokyo to arrive in the Nagano Prefecture in time for lunch. Savor a delicious meal of Japanese food, featuring a beef sukiyaki dish. After lunch, head to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Here, admire the Japanese Macaques up close as they bathe in hot thermal springs. The tour will finish with drop-off back in central Tokyo.

Enjoy a safe and reliable private airport transfer with a 24-hour service between Kansai Airport and your accommodation in Kyoto City Center area. Avoid long taxi lines and busy public transport. Save yourself from having to carry heavy bags all by yourself with the included luggage assistance.  Climb aboard a vehicle that is regularly maintained to high-quality standards. Travel directly with this private service. our driver will track your flight, so you won't have to worry in case of a flight delay. Transfer worry-free knowing that you get 60-minutes of free waiting time for arrivals, 30-minutes of free waiting time for departures, 120-minutes of free waiting for flight delays. Let your driver take care of local traffic for you while you admire the city. 

Immerse yourself in a land of Japanese films and TV at Toei Kyoto Studio Park. Walk through outdoor sets that have been rebuilt from the Edo period and enjoy the atmosphere of ancient Japan by walking on Cinema Road. Seize the possibility to watch a show or movie being filmed. Receive your ticket and step into the fascinating world of Jidaigeki, Japanese historical dramas. Take incredible pictures with old Kyoto as the background and enjoy entertaining attractions for kids and film fans. Experience the world of the Kamen Riders at Super Sentai × Kamen Rider Hero Land. Browse through the exhibition of Super Sentai and Pretty Cure and take part in the character events that are held on weekends. Transform yourself into a samurai or ninja of the Edo period by renting movie costumes and makeup at an extra cost.

What better place to have your samurai experience than in a city with an authentic castle from the feudal era? This is what Matsumoto offers you! In this city you will find many people who cherish their castle and the town’s samurai past. To this day, residents of Matsumoto remain proud of that heritage. Discover the history of Matsumoto Castle and the Samurai, then step into the shoes of an apprentice Samurai and experience this ancient art of combat for yourself! First take a tour of Matsumoto Castle! With over 400 years of history, Matsumoto Castle is 1 of only 5 castles designated a “National Treasure” of Japan. The original construction dates from 1593 to 1594. The castle walls contain the oldest original five-tiered, six-story castle tower that still exists in Japan today. During the tour, you will learn about the Matsumoto Samurai lords, the history of Matsumoto City, the different classes and residential areas and even some of the castle's defensive strategies. Then experience a live hands-on Samurai Sword Fighting activity! A Master Samurai will teach you some of these ancient fighting techniques. You will meet passionate people who will patiently guide you every step of the way, all the while emphasizing the importance of just having fun! The experience begins by dressing in samurai outfit and then selecting your sword. Once prepared, the samurai master will instruct how to assume basic attacking and defensive stances and use of your sword. In doing so, you’ll learn more about the samurai as you master the weapon that in many ways defined them. The samurai master’s passion and expertise is certain to inspire you to linger longer and learn more about Matsumoto’s proud feudal past.