[START FROM NAGOYA] Private Tour of the Kiso Valley and Magome

Escape to the mountains and enjoy a refreshing getaway through Japan’s picturesque Kiso Valley as you tour historic villages and embrace local traditions on this day trip from Nagoya. Stroll down the streets of Magome-juku a post town on the Nakasendo trail, learn Japanese calligraphy in a historic temple, and dine on a wide array of dishes at a farm-to-table buffet. Relax and recharge in the charming countryside villages of Central Japan as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour.

Highlights

• Glimpse into the lives of Edo-era merchants and families in the Nakasendo post-town of Magome.
• Learn calligraphy from a monk in a historic temple along the Nakasendo trail.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant and shochu distillery.

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section.

What’s typically included?

Embark on this one-day tour starting from Nagoya (or any location within 5km of Nagoya Station) through the picturesque Kiso Valley region of Japan’s countryside. Our private tour vehicles ensure seamless transport throughout your journey. Depending on your plans, this tour can conclude at your accommodation in Magome, at a chosen location around the Kiso Valley, or return back to you accommodations in Nagoya.

This one-day tour typically includes:

• Use of a chartered vehicle with a dedicated driver for the tour.
• Services of a private, English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• Transport to all locations included in the tour.

Opting for a private tour ensures a personalized and intimate experience, letting you and your group delve deep into these remarkable destinations, free from the hustle and distractions often found on larger group tours.

The tour cost is calculated per person (aged of 6 years and over) with infants (under 6 years of age) included free of charge.

Description

This tour will start at Nagoya Station at 9:30 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Silver Clock tower near the Shinkansen Gates. You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker or stow it on our tour bus if you feel the need.

Your guide will provide you with a brief history of the region and set the scene as we head through the picturesque Kiso Valley towards our first destination, an all-you-can-eat buffet at a farm-to-table restaurant and shochu distillery.

The restaurant started as a farm growing chicory (also known as endive) but grew to include a restaurant, gift shop, and distillery making alcohol from this unique vegetable. The buffet’s menu is highly seasonal, incredibly fresh, and vegetable-focused—but includes chicken and fish options as well. You will get a chance to taste many Japanese foods that are not often seen on other restaurant menus.

After lunch, we will make our way to a historic temple along the Nakasendo trail. There, you will have a personalized calligraphy lesson with the temple’s head monk. You will learn the techniques behind Japanese calligraphy, also known as shodo, and its connection to buddhism as a form of meditation.

After you’ve mastered the art of calligraphy, we will head to Magome, a picturesque post town on the Nakasendo trail. Situated on a slope, this town offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain scenery and features a main street lined with traditional wooden buildings. Even better, there are waterways on either side of the street, and the fast-running water powers multiple waterwheels.

Your guide will provide you with a tour of this charming town while allowing plenty of time for you to go off and explore on your own. Sample local delicacies or purchase some souvenirs to commemorate your trip. Of course, your guide will be on hand to take photos to make all your friends and family back home jealous of your time in Japan.

From here, we will return to the station via our tour bus and say our goodbyes there. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

NAGOYA STATION @ 9:30 A.M.

The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. 

If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the clock tower should be located directly in front of you as you exit the gate.

If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

For those coming from outside the station, you will most likely be entering through the Sakura-Dori gate (the side with the gold clock). In this case, please walk straight through the station towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:30 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded. 

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Transportation during the tour
• Buffet Lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant
• Calligraphy experience
• Entry fees at all tour stops

Excluded

• Additional food/beverages
• Accommodation
• Transportation to/from Nagoya Station

Other Information

• This tour involves walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• In the summer, temperature highs are around 35 °C (95 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol is highly encouraged.
• Winter temperatures in Nagoya average between 0℃-10℃ (32°F-50°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions.
• There will be free time along the way for guests to purchase souvenirs to remember their trip.
• Guests must be 20 or older to drink alcohol.