Top Activities on the Ground in Matsumoto

Explore the city and its surroundings on this off-the-beaten-path bike tour! Far from the Japanese metropolises, enjoy a deep breath of fresh air and the magnificent landscapes of Matsumoto City. Ride an electric bicycle with your guide through the countryside of Matsumoto and discover the main historical sites of the city while enjoying a country ride through the vast fields surrounding the city. The ideal experience for all cycling enthusiasts! Matsumoto is centered in the Japanese countryside and is the ideal place to get on a bicycle for an exploration of the city and its surroundings! Beyond the city built around its historic castle, Matsumoto offers all kinds of magnificent rides. Explore the city's historic sites, take a deep breath of fresh air, as you cycle around the city, past rice fields and admire the beautiful and traditional Japanese farmhouses. You will not fail to marvel at the beauty of the landscapes, with the vast and spectacular Japanese Alps as a backdrop.

A historic walk halfway between a stroll and hike! The ancient lords of Japan made a pilgrimage to Tokyo once every two years, as part of their feudal duties. Long foot hikes therefore awaited the Matsumoto Castle’s lords who also braved the Zenkoji Road, an extension of the famous Nakasendo Road on regular spiritual journeys to the Buddhist temple in Nagano City. During each of these trips, the lords stayed in luxurious hotels such as the Satoyama Villa Honjin. The tour begins at Matsumoto Castle in front of the main gate which was once an access way to the seat of feudal power. As you approach Kariyahara Pass for a short hike, you will discover the ancient intersection between Tokyo, Matsumoto and Nagano. This also happens to be the location of the very first toll road in Japan! After passage through Shiga-mura, you'll stop at the Satoyama Villa Honjin with its authentic architecture! It is in this profound Japanese atmosphere that you can enjoy a classic Japanese Bento Lunch.