3 Days | Central Highlands Journey | Tokyo → Karuizawa → Togakushi → Nagano → Suwa Lake → Nagoya | MJH-03

What To Expect

• Day 1Nagoya → Matsumoto → Nagano Highlands

   

  10:00｜Depart from Nagoya

  The journey gradually leaves the urban region behind and begins moving into the mountain and highland areas of central Japan.
  Along the way, the scenery slowly changes from city landscapes into forests, mountain roads, and highland scenery.

   

  13:30 – 14:30｜Highlands Scenic Rest Stop

  The Central Highlands roads and mountain routes themselves become part of the journey experience.
  Guests may relax along the way while enjoying the slower rhythm and natural scenery of inland Japan.

   

  15:30 – 17:30｜Matsumoto Area

  Matsumoto carries a strong atmosphere of regional Japan.
  Compared with Tokyo or Osaka, the city feels quieter and more connected to the lifestyle of Japan’s highland regions.

  Guests may freely enjoy:

  • Local town atmosphere
  • Highland scenery
  • Relaxed countryside rhythm
  • Traditional streets and regional culture

  18:30｜Arrive in Nagano Highlands

  Hotel check-in and free evening time.

   

  Accommodation

  Toyoko Inn or similar business hotel
  Nagano Highlands area
• Day 2Nagano Highlands → Togakushi → Narai-juku

   

  09:00｜Depart after breakfast

  The journey continues deeper into the mountain and forest regions of central Japan.

   

  10:00 – 13:00｜Togakushi Forest Area

  Tall cedar forests, mountain roads, and quiet shrine surroundings create a completely different atmosphere from Japan’s major cities.
  The Togakushi area feels peaceful, slower, and closely connected to the natural rhythm of inland Japan.

  Guests may freely enjoy:

  • Forest walking areas
  • Mountain scenery
  • Traditional shrine atmosphere
  • Hidden Japan landscapes

   

  13:00 – 14:00｜Local Lunch & Scenic Break

  Guests may enjoy local food and relax within the highland region before continuing the journey.

   

  15:00 – 17:30｜Narai-juku

  Narai-juku preserves the atmosphere of an Edo-period post town.
  Wooden buildings, old streets, and the surrounding mountain scenery create the feeling of slowly stepping into another era of Japan.

  Guests may freely explore:

  • Traditional wooden streets
  • Historic post town atmosphere
  • Cafés and local shops
  • Quiet mountain town scenery

   

  18:30｜Hotel Check-in & Free Time

  Free evening for relaxation and local exploration.

   

  Accommodation

  Toyoko Inn or similar business hotel
  Post Town / Highlands area
• Day 3Narai-juku → Kawagoe

   

  09:00｜Narai-juku Departure

  The final day of the journey gradually leaves the Central Highlands region and moves back toward the Tokyo area.
  The route continues to maintain a slower and more relaxed travel rhythm, allowing guests to enjoy the countryside scenery and atmosphere of inland Japan.

   

  12:00 – 14:00｜Japanese Countryside Scenic Drive

  The mountain roads and countryside highways of central Japan remain an important part of the travel experience itself.
  Along the way, guests may enjoy the quieter landscapes and rural atmosphere rarely experienced on standard Japan tours.

   

  16:00 – 18:30｜Kawagoe｜Little Edo Area

  Instead of directly returning to central Tokyo, MOVE JAPAN chooses Kawagoe — known as “Little Edo” — as the final stop of the journey.

  Traditional wooden streets, local cafés, and nostalgic town scenery allow the journey to slowly conclude in a quieter and more atmospheric way.

  Guests may freely explore:

  • Little Edo old streets
  • Traditional wooden architecture
  • Local cafés and shops
  • Nostalgic Japanese town atmosphere
  • Hidden Japan scenery

   

  Evening｜Free Departure

   

  Tour Ends

  Kawagoe (Near Tokyo Area), easily travel to:

  • Shinjuku
  • Ikebukuro
  • Shibuya

  within approximately 30–40 minutes, allowing flexible free time for shopping, dining, and city exploration in Tokyo.

  Thank you for joining the MOVE JAPAN journey.
  We hope you have enjoyed a wonderful travel experience across Japan and created many memorable moments along the way.

  After the tour officially ends, guests may freely arrange their own onward travel plans, including:

  • Proceeding to the airport for departure
  • Continuing independent travel in Japan
  • Returning to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, or other cities by personal arrangement
  • Connecting with other MOVE JAPAN extension routes or optional journeys

  Guests are free to plan their schedule according to their own travel needs and flight arrangements.

   

  Friendly Reminder (Itinerary Adjustment Notice):
  The schedule, attraction sequence, and meal arrangements listed in this itinerary are for reference only. Actual arrangements may be adjusted by the tour coordinator or driver-guide based on traffic conditions, weather, attraction restrictions, or other unforeseen circumstances to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.