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    • Mountains & Monkeys (Group Tour Add-On)
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    Japan is a fabulous place for an active adventure holiday. Whether…

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    • Mountains & Monkeys (Group Tour Add-On)
      Mountains & Monkeys (Group Tour Add-On) (Classic)
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    Self-Guided Adventure

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    Mountains & Monkeys (Group Tour Add-On)

    4 Nights: from US$949 per person (twin share) Trip Code: AOMMC

    Trade cities for nature with this four night extension in Nagano Prefecture, home to some of the best scenery in Japan. Visit the castle city of Matsumoto, learn more about the origins of Japanese Buddhism at Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano, and meet the snow monkeys in the forests of Yudanaka. Read more >

    You've delved deep into both the popular and traditional culture of Japan during your Small Group Tour, J-Pop & Go, so why don't you explore a different side to the country with this Self-Guided extension?

    By now you're adept at using the fantastic public transport, so in this add-on you will travel independently from Tokyo to Matsumoto and Nagano for three nights, before heading back to the capital for a final night. Nagano is the fourth biggest prefecture in Japan and it's home to the majestic Japanese Alps, fantastic hot springs, and lots of great food such as Shinshu beef and oyaki buckwheat dumplings filled with savoury vegetables, sweet pumpkin, or tasty anko beans.

    In keeping with the "Self-Guided" name, we will equip you with the information to go out and explore the sights on your own, such as Yudanaka where the snow monkeys while away their time in the sulphurous hot spring baths in the mountains. But we also don't want to leave you completely on your own, so we've included a tasty soba making class in Matsumoto near the "Black Crow Castle" where you can learn about, make, and eat your own soba noodles.

    After spending some time in the mountains, we've booked you a last night in Shinjuku in Tokyo so you can fill up on some delicious food and drink in the welcoming, wonderfully ramshackle bars of Golden Gai, or treat yourself to a last spot of shopping. Need some more ideas? Have a look through your complimentary Info-Pack to get some of our best Insider recommendations.

    On your final morning, you'll take the Narita Express train out to Narita Airport in plenty of time for your flight. If you'd prefer to fly from Haneda Airport instead, don't hesitate to get in touch with us and we can alter arrangements to suit your plans.

    Notes
    This extension package is designed to be bolted on to one of our Small Group Tours. It works best when combined with J-Pop & Go. Please note that the extension is Self-Guided. This means you will not be travelling in a group or with a tour leader, but full instructions including details of your journeys and directions to your accommodation will be included in your complimentary InsideJapan Tours' Info-Pack.

    At a glance

    What's Included

    What's included

    • Four nights' accommodation
    • Breakfast every day
    • All transport between destinations
    • Soba making class in Matsumoto
    • Airport transfer to Narita Airport at the end of your trip
    • Your personalised InsideJapan Info-Pack

    What's NOT included:

    • International flights
    • Local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destinations
    • Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
    • Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip

    Trip Highlights

    • Visit the famous "Black Crow Castle” of Matsumoto
    • Meet the famous snow monkeys at the hot spring pools in Yudanaka
    • Journey into the majestic mountains of Nagano Prefecture
    • Learn how to make (and eat!) soba in a traditional noddle shop
    • Pay your respects at Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano which has 1200 years of history
    • Take in the bright lights of Shinjuku one last time

    For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380

    What, where, when and how...

    • Map & Dest.
    • Day by Day
    • Accommodation
    • Experiences
    • How to Book

    Mountains & Monkeys (Group Tour Add-On) - 5 Days

    Map for Mountains & Monkeys (Group Tour Add-On)

    Destinations

    • Matsumoto
      Matsumoto

      Read more >

    • Nagano
      Nagano

      Read more >

    • Yudanaka
      Yudanaka

      Read more >

    • Tokyo
      Tokyo

      Read more >

    Mountains & Monkeys (Group Tour Add-On) - 5 Days - Day by Day

    • Day 1 Matsumoto
      Day 1 Matsumoto
    • Day 2-3 Nagano
      Day 2-3 Nagano
    • Day 4-5 Tokyo
      Day 4-5 Tokyo
    View all days

    Mountains & Monkeys (Group Tour Add-On) - 5 Days - Accommodation

    • Richmond Matsumoto
      Matsumoto
      Richmond Matsumoto

      Moderate

    • Metropolitan Hotel
      Nagano
      Metropolitan Hotel

      Moderate

    • Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
      Tokyo
      Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

      Moderate

    Mountains & Monkeys (Group Tour Add-On) - 5 Days - Experiences

    • Soba noodle making
      Soba noodle making

      Read more >

    • Zenko-ji Temple
      Zenko-ji Temple

      Read more >

    • Snow monkeys
      Snow monkeys

      Read more >

    • Day 1

      1

      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

    • Day 2-3

      2-3

      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

    • Day 4-5

      4-5

      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

    View all days
    • Day 1

      1

      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

    • Day 2-3

      2-3

      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

    • Day 4-5

      4-5

      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

    Close all days

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    How to book

    If you would like to book this Self-Guided Adventure, all you need to do is make an enquiry using our online form or give us a call at one of our offices in Bristol (UK), Boulder (USA), Brisbane (Australia) or Nagoya (Japan) to begin planning your holiday.

    There are no blackout dates for this trip. However, please be aware that at the busiest times of the year the named accommodation may not be available, in which case the price can not be guaranteed. However, we will always do our best to match the prices you see here as closely as possible.

    All of our Self-Guided Adventures are completely flexible, so if you like what you see here but would like to make a few changes - where it's to add in destinations, request special experiences, upgrade accommodation or plan extra nights - please don't hesitate to get in touch and one of our expert consultants will help you tailor a trip to suit you.

    Self-Guided Adventure Styles

    To help you get a feeling for our Self-Guided Adventures, we have divided the itineraries into four grades outlined below. Of course this style of travel is fully tailorable, so it’s not a problem to mix elements and grades to suit you!

    Essential Tailor-made

    Just the basics included so you can choose how much you spend

    Style Facts

    • Two- to three-star accommodation
    • No airport transfers (but a city transport pass and detailed airport transfer instructions are provided)
    • Ordinary class Japan Rail Passes
    • Breakfast every day plus some dinners
    • Cultural experiences

    Classic Tailor-made

    Mid-range hotels and Japanese inns, some private guiding and cultural experiences

    Style Facts

    • Three-star accommodation
    • Local professional guides for sightseeing in key destinations
    • Airport meet-and-greet and transfers
    • Ordinary class Japan Rail Passes
    • Breakfast every day plus some dinners
    • Cultural experiences

    Superior Tailor-made

    Enjoy in-depth cultural immersion while staying in high-quality accommodation

    Style Facts

    • Four- to five-star accommodation
    • Local professional guides for sightseeing in key destinations
    • Entrance fees and lunch included with the private guides
    • Private airport transfers
    • Green car (first class) Japan Rail Passes
    • Breakfast every day plus several lunches and dinners
    • In-depth cultural experiences

    Deluxe Tailor-made

    Luxurious hotels and Japanese inns, fine dining and exclusive experiences with a focus on comfort and ease of travel

    Style Facts

    • The very best five-star accommodation
    • Exclusive cultural experiences
    • Local professional guides with drivers and private cars for sightseeing in key destinations
    • Entrance fees and lunch included with the private guides
    • Private airport transfers
    • Private car transfers between stations and hotels
    • Green car (first class) reserved seat train tickets
    • Breakfast every day plus several lunches and dinners

    Contact us

    • GB Inside Japan UK office

      + 44 117 244 3380
    • US Inside Japan US office

      + 1 303 952 0379
    • AUS Inside Japan Australia office

      + 61 7 3186 8800
    • JAP Inside Japan - Japan office

      + 81 52 253 6068

    ABTA: Travel with confidence ASTA: American Society of Travel Agents Click for the Business Review of Inside Japan Tours, a Japan Specialist Tour Operator in Boulder CO ATOL: Air Travel Organisers Licensing ATAS AFTA AITO: Association of Independent Tour Operators ABTOT: The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust JATA logo ACTA logo

    Order a brochure or enquire today

    If you'd like any help or want to know more about Japan, feel free to either enquire today, give our Japan travel experts a call, or why not get one of our beautiful Japan brochures.

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