Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in the Japanese Alps from Matsumoto

Day 1: Arrival in Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

3:00PM

Check-In at Accommodation

Settle into your family-friendly hotel in Matsumoto, ideally located for exploring the area.
Directly walk to your hotel from Matsumoto Station, which is nearby.
£0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Stroll around Matsumoto Castle

Take in the elegant views of Matsumoto Castle, surrounded by lovely gardens at dusk.
15-minute walk from your hotel to Matsumoto Castle.
£6, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a hearty dinner with your family at a local izakaya, with a menu featuring diverse Japanese dishes.
Choose an izakaya within walking distance of the castle.
£25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploring Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, preparing for a full day of exploration.
Have breakfast right in your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Matsumoto City Museum of Art

Discover art by local artists and beautiful exhibitions, providing a glimpse into Japanese creativity.
A short 15-minute walk from your hotel.
£8, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Enjoy a light lunch at one of the charming cafes in the city, featuring fresh local ingredients.
Walk back into downtown Matsumoto.
£15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Nakamachi Street

Experience the unique atmosphere of Nakamachi Street, known for its traditional buildings and unique craft shops.
Easily walk to Nakamachi Street, just a 10-minute stroll from the cafe.
£0, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Ramen Restaurant

End your day with a warm bowl of ramen at a popular local restaurant to refuel.
Return to the city centre, a quick 15-minute walk will get you there.
£12, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Kamikochi

Kamikochi, Japan

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day's adventure.
Included breakfast in your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kamikochi

Set off for Kamikochi, a stunning alpine area perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
Catch a bus from Matsumoto Station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
£15, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Hiking in Kamikochi

Embark on a family-friendly hike along the flat trails through beautiful scenery in Kamikochi.
Start your hike from the Kamikochi bus terminal.
£0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch by the Azusa River

Have a picnic lunch along the river, enjoying nature and the lovely mountain views.
Pack a light lunch or purchase snacks in Kamikochi.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Continue Exploring Kamikochi

Take time to explore more of Kamikochi at your leisure, with lovely spots for photography and relaxation.
Walk and explore at your own pace.
£0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Matsumoto

Travel back to Matsumoto by bus as the sun sets over the mountains.
Catch the bus from Kamikochi back to Matsumoto.
£15, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Homestyle Restaurant

Experience a homestyle meal at a local restaurant featuring seasonal ingredients.
Choose a restaurant near your hotel.
£20, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Day Trip to Norikura

Norikura, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of adventure.
Included breakfast in your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Norikura

Head to Norikura, renowned for its magnificent trekking routes and stunning views.
Take a bus from Matsumoto Station, which takes roughly 1 hour.
£12, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Norikura Kogen

Discover breathtaking mountain views and waterfalls as you hike along family-friendly trails in Norikura.
Start hiking from the bus stop in Norikura.
£0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Mountain Lodge

Take a break and enjoy a hearty lunch at a rustic mountain lodge.
Find a lodge along your hiking path.
£15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Norikura Onsen

Indulge in a relaxing afternoon at Norikura Onsen, known for its rejuvenating hot springs.
Travel a short distance via bus or taxi from your lunch spot.
£20, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Matsumoto

Travel back to Matsumoto, reflecting on the day of adventure.
Board the bus from Norikura back to Matsumoto.
£12, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Grill Restaurant

Savor delicious grilled dishes at a popular local restaurant for dinner.
Find a recommended grill restaurant close to your hotel.
£30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Art and Nature in Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out for a vibrant day.
Included breakfast in your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Japan Ukiyo-e Museum

Discover the stunning art of ukiyo-e, traditional woodblock prints, at this unique museum.
A short 20-minute walk from your hotel.
£5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Bakery

Satisfy your cravings with sandwiches and pastries at a local bakery for lunch.
Walk around the nearby area to find a local bakery.
£10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Matsumoto Alps Park

Enjoy a sunny afternoon walking through Matsumoto Alps Park, featuring stunning natural landscapes.
Take a 15-minute taxi ride to the park.
£10, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Afternoon Snack in the Park Cafe

Relax with refreshments at the park cafe, enjoying the serene surroundings.
Use the cafe located within Matsumoto Alps Park.
£5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a Sushi Restaurant

Indulge in a family-friendly dinner of fresh sushi, made with local seafood.
Return to the city centre and choose a highly-rated sushi restaurant.
£30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nature Adventure in Akiyama

Akiyama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included breakfast in your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Akiyama

Journey to the scenic Akiyama area, known for its lush landscapes and hiking trails.
Take a bus or train to Akiyama, approximately 50 minutes.
£8, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hike the Akiyama Trail

Embark on a family-friendly hike along Akiyama's scenic trail, surrounded by nature.
Start the trail from the bus stop in Akiyama.
£0, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a Local Diner

Refuel with a delicious lunch at a nearby diner offering local specialties.
Find a diner close to the trailhead.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Akiyama Hot Springs

Relax in soothing hot springs, enjoying the therapeutic benefits after your hike.
Travel via taxi or local bus, about 15 minutes from the diner.
£20, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Matsumoto

Travel back to Matsumoto, reflecting on a refreshing day in nature.
Catch the bus from Akiyama back to Matsumoto.
£8, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at a Traditional Ryokan

End your day with a wonderful kaiseki dinner at a traditional ryokan, experiencing a variety of seasonal dishes.
Choose a ryokan within a short walking distance.
£70, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Relaxing Day in Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast one last time at your hotel, perfect for a relaxing final day.
Included breakfast in your hotel.
Included, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Matsumoto's Morning Market

Experience local life by visiting Matsumoto's morning market, where you can find fresh produce and handmade crafts.
Walk to the market, approximately 10 minutes from your hotel.
£5, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Main Street Restaurant

Choose from a variety of restaurants along the main street for your lunch before departure.
Easily walk to one of the many options nearby.
£15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Souvenir Shopping

Take some time to shop for unique souvenirs to remember your Japanese Alps adventure.
Walk through the city centre towards souvenir shops.
£0, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Return to Hotel for Check-Out

Return to your hotel to pack and check out.
Walk back to your hotel.
£0, 1 hour

4:00PM

Departure from Matsumoto

Head to Matsumoto Station for your onward journey, cherishing the memories made during your adventure.
Walk to Matsumoto Station, approximately 10 minutes from the hotel.
£0, 0.5 hours
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