Explore the city and its less-visited surroundings on this extended bike tour!

Far from Japan’s major cities, Matsumoto sits at the foot of the Japanese Alps in a wide, open basin where the air is clear and the distances between landmarks are best covered by bicycle. This six-hour private guided tour covers the city’s historical districts and cultural landmarks before heading out into the surrounding countryside, combining sightseeing with a soba noodle lunch and a rest at a traditional hot spring foot bath in the Asama Onsen area.

The Route

The tour begins at Matsumoto Castle and moves through the city's main historical districts: Nawate and Nakamachi Streets, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, and Agatanomori Park. Your guide will cover the history and significance of each area along the way before the route heads out into the surrounding countryside.

The route heads out of the city center on quiet roads, flattening out as it moves through the Matsumoto basin. The pace is relaxed, and the shift from urban streets to open countryside happens gradually over the first stretch of the outbound leg.

Matsumoto Countryside: Rice Fields and the Japanese Alps

The countryside section passes working rice fields and traditional farmhouses, many unchanged for generations. Farmers still work the same plots that fed the region for centuries, and the villages along the route have changed little. This is the part of rural Matsumoto most visitors don't reach.

Further out, the Japanese Alps come fully into view. The Matsumoto basin is surrounded by mountain ranges on multiple sides, and from certain points along the route the panorama is stunning. The Northern Alps, including several peaks above 3,000 meters, form the western wall of the basin and are visible for much of the ride.

Local Lunch & Foot Bath

The tour includes a soba noodle lunch at a traditional countryside restaurant. Nagano is one of Japan's premier soba regions, and eating it here, close to where the buckwheat is grown, is a different experience from the city. The route then continues to the Asama Onsen area for a hot spring foot bath (ashiyu), where guests can soak their feet in geothermally heated mineral water before heading back. Towels are provided.

This tour is limited to two guests plus a guide, making it well suited to couples on a honeymoon or anniversary trip, or two friends who enjoy cycling. The two-guest limit keeps the experience genuinely private.

Additional Information

Meeting Location: Tour begins at Matsumoto Castle. Your guide will meet you at 10:00am.

Group Type: Private Tour

Important information:

• This tour includes a moderate amount of cycling and is suitable for most fitness levels. The e-bike assist makes the route accessible even if you haven’t cycled recently.
• The tour is designed as a discovery bike tour. There are regular stops along the route for sightseeing, photos, the included lunch, and the foot bath.
• Helmets are provided and must be worn during the ride.
• Additional safety gear is not included. Please bring any other equipment you feel will be necessary.
• Be sure to prepare enough snacks, water, and sun protection, especially during the summer months

Cancellation Policy: To receive a full refund, cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start date in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.

Please note that we reserve the right to cancel the activity in the event of inclement weather that does not allow the tour to take place in safe condition. In such event, you will be offered an activity of similar value or a full refund.

Terms & Conditions: Please read our Terms & Conditions