Escape to the tranquil highlands of Nagano for a journey into the heart of rural Japan. Stay at a historic onsen hotel once favoured by literary masters and discover the deep-rooted traditions of Chino. From preparing regional specialties with village residents to exploring tranquil landscapes, this experience offers a true connection to the land.
Board a limited express train from Shinjuku to leave behind the bustle of Tokyo and reach the tranquil
Board a limited express train from Shinjuku to leave behind the bustle of Tokyo and reach the tranquil countryside of Nagano prefecture.
Upon arrival at Chino Station, take a complimentary shuttle bus for a 30-minute drive into the Tateshina Highlands.
Check in at Tateshina Shinyu Onsen, a historic hotel established in 1926 and famously used as a retreat by renowned Japanese poets and novelists. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the property’s unique hot spring baths, which feature tatami-matted floors and views of the surrounding mountain stream.
Enjoy a multi-course dinner of Tateshina Mountain Cuisine, a creative fusion of Japanese and French culinary styles using local mountain ingredients.
Overnight in Chino
Inclusions:
🍗 Dinner
Start the day with the transfer to a nearby rural village to join local grandmothers for a hands-on cooking experience.
Learn the art of preparing traditional seasonal dishes such as tempura made with foraged wild vegetables or regional preserves while hearing stories of village life.
After the meal, embark on a guided walking tour through the narrow lanes of the village to observe antique earthen warehouses, traditional plaster art and historic irrigation systems.
Learn about the deep sense of community and the samurai origins of the settlement while exploring hidden shrines and manicured Japanese gardens before transferring back to the hotel.
Overnight in Chino
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner
After breakfast and a final soak in the onsen, take a complimentary shuttle back to Chino Station for the departure and onward journey.
Optional Tour: Moss Forest Immersion
High in the northern reaches of the Yatsugatake mountain range lies a mysterious forest blanketed almost entirely in moss.
Reach the mountain hut with a private transfer and meet the guide for a forest exploration of two parallel worlds: the vast “macro forest” of towering conifers and volcanic terrain, and the lesser-known “micro forest” formed by hundreds of moss species growing in delicate clusters.
With the help of magnification tools, the intricate structure of tiny moss leaves becomes visible, revealing a miniature ecosystem often overlooked by the naked eye.
The forest spreads around the area of Shirakoma Pond, where cool temperatures and high humidity allow moss to flourish in remarkable variety.
Walking slowly through this highland landscape allows time to observe subtle details; moisture patterns, light filtering through branches, and the fragile textures that make moss forests so unique.
More than a simple nature walk, this is an immersive encounter with one of Japan’s most quietly fascinating ecosystems, where patience and curiosity reveal a hidden world beneath every step.
Time:
Start: 11:00
Duration: 3 h
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast
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