Jump on the train and head north for three days of mountains, monkeys, and heaps of local food, starting in Matsumoto with its mysterious black castle.

Today you'll say your final goodbyes to your tour leader and group in Tokyo and head to Shinjuku Station to take the direct express train north to Matsumoto. (We'll extend your Japan Rail Pass so it covers all the train journeys in this add-on package.) If the weather is on your side, you'll be able to see Mount Fuji along the way, as well as the peaks of the Japanese Alps as you draw closer to your destination. Matsumoto is the second largest city in Nagano Prefecture and is most famous for its unique black castle which is one of the most complete original castles in Japan.

You'll have the afternoon to explore the old Nakamachi District or if you fancy some culture you can take a 10 minute taxi ride out to the woodblock print museum. Matsumoto has some great little bars if you want to try local beers or Japanese whisky which has been enjoying a lot of popularity recently.

On the following morning we've arranged a soba making class for you where you'll learn how to make the tasty noodles from scratch. Once your class is over, you can return to the station and continue your Self-Guided Adventure north.

Overnight: Richmond Matsumoto

Journey further north to Nagano City and learn about the origins of Buddhism in Japan, then venture east into the mountains to meet the famous snow monkeys of Yudanaka.

The journey north to Nagano takes about 55 minutes, and the views of the mountains out the left side of the train is really spectacular. When you arrive free you're to explore Nagano as you please – if you want some hints of what to do, have a look at your Info-Pack for ideas. Zenkoji Temple, one of the most important temples in Japan, is well worth a visit. On your second day in Nagano we've prepared information for you to head out on a daytrip to see the monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yudanaka, to the northeast. The walk through the forest to the tiny hot spring village where the monkeys live is quiet and picturesque, and the route is flat and well-maintained. You might even be escorted along the way by one or two adventurous monkeys! The monkeys roam free throughout the village but most of them spend the day around or in the hot spring pools at the top of the valley, wallowing in the steaming water or chasing each other over the rocks. You're not allowed to enter the baths with the monkeys, but there are other “humans-only” hot spring facilities in the village if you want to have a soak.

Please note that there's only snow on the ground during the winter months (usually December to March), but the monkeys do play around the pools all year round.

Overnight: Metropolitan Hotel

You've seen the mountains and monkeys, so now it's time to return to Tokyo to spend your final night in the bright lights of Shinjuku.

It's time to return to Tokyo on the bullet train from Nagano. It's a quick train ride, only 1 hour 40 minutes, so you'll have a good amount of time to do any last shopping or eating in Tokyo before your flight home the following day. Is there a particular restaurant you'd love to eat at, or one last cultural experience you're eager to do? Let us know and we'll do our best to arrange something for you.

On your final morning you can use your Japan Rail Pass one last time to take the Narita Express train out to Narita Airport. If you'd prefer to fly out of Haneda Airport instead, please let us know and we can provide alternative arrangements for you.

Overnight: Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku