Japan’s Best Stargazing & Kamikochi, Hirugami Onsen 2 Days Tour from Tokyo
- Achi Village Starry Sky Night Tour – Experience Japan’s most famous stargazing destination, renowned for having some of the country's clearest and most beautiful night skies.
- Explore Kamikochi at 1,500m Elevation – Discover one of Japan’s premier mountain resorts, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery and pristine nature.
- Stay at Hirugami Onsen – Relax in the soothing waters of Nagano’s renowned hot spring resort, celebrated for its skin-beautifying properties.
- Overnight at Yumoto Hotel Achikawa – Enjoy a comfortable stay at a traditional hot spring hotel in the heart of Hirugami Onsen.
Package Options
Product Info
Purchase Notice
The tour will be guided by a Japanese-speaking guide. An English/Chinese-speaking assistant guide will be provided.
If the minimum number of 25 participants is not met, or if the tour cannot operate due to force majeure such as disasters or accidents, the itinerary may be changed or the tour canceled up to 3 days prior to departure (13 days prior for tours including accommodation).
Departures on Jul 19, Aug 11–15, Sep 19–23, Oct 11, and Nov 1 & 3 will depart 20 minutes earlier at 10:20 AM.
Please note that we cannot accommodate special requests such as dietary restrictions.
The itinerary order and time spent at each location may be adjusted due to traffic conditions or other circumstances on the day of travel.
This tour is not available for children aged 2 and under.
There will be no lunch stop on Day 1&2. Please bring your own meal and enjoy it on the bus.
Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes.
The stargazing venue may vary depending on the departure date.
For the Sep 1 departure, Michi-no-Eki Minamishinshu Toyooka Marche will be closed. Instead, the tour will visit Komagane Kogen Suzuran House.
The walking trail between Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge may occasionally be closed. If this occurs, guests will not be able to disembark at Taisho Pond.
Due to severe weather or traffic restrictions in the Kamikochi area, the tour may be unable to visit Kamikochi. In such cases, alternative sightseeing in Matsumoto City and Kiyosato Seisen-Ryo will be provided.
Hot Spring Facility Hours
The open-air baths are available until:
Yumoto Hotel Achikawa: 11:00 PM
Open-air baths reopen at 6:00 AM the following morning.
Outside these hours, guests may use the indoor public baths.
Stargazing at Heavens Sonohara
Stargazing is subject to weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
The gondola may continue operating in rainy weather, and the stargazing event will proceed even if stars are not visible.
If the gondola service is suspended due to strong winds or severe weather, the gondola fee will be refunded:
Adults (12+): ¥2,000
Children (6–11): ¥1,000
Children (3–5): ¥500
No chairs are provided during the stargazing session. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket (leisure sheet) and a flashlight.
As the summit of Heavens Sonohara is at a high elevation, temperatures can become quite cold at night. Please bring warm clothing or a jacket.
Reminders
After the scheduled departure time, the tour will depart at the discretion of our staff. Please arrive strictly on time.
Scheduled times and itinerary details are subject to change due to road or traffic conditions.
In the event of late arrival requiring taxi use or additional accommodation, we cannot accept any related claims or expenses.
Depending on the number of participants, a medium-sized or small bus may be used.
The bus is not equipped with a restroom.
Smoking is prohibited on the bus. Seat reclining is generally not permitted (except on select tours).
No refunds or compensation will be provided for unused benefits or inclusions.
Please note that we cannot accommodate special requests such as dietary restrictions.
In accordance with Japanese labor regulations effective April 1, 2019, meal times during the tour may serve as the tour conductor’s rest period. In some cases, the tour conductor may stay at a different accommodation. During free time, guests are generally expected to explore independently.
Lost items will be kept for two weeks after the tour ends. Perishable items or items difficult to store will be disposed of immediately.
Participation with pets is not permitted.
Bus seat assignments are determined by the company.
In emergencies, guests may be seated together with the tour conductor.
If the minimum number of 25 participants is not met, or if the tour cannot operate due to force majeure such as disasters or accidents, the itinerary may be changed or the tour canceled up to 3 days prior to departure (13 days prior for tours including accommodation).
Requests for seat preferences, smoking/non-smoking hotel rooms, or allergy accommodations may not always be met and may be declined in advance after explanation.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 21 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 40% will apply
- For cancellations made 0 to 0 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Yes, a 2-day tour provides ample time to experience Kamikochi's natural beauty and relax at Hirugami Onsen. While Kamikochi itself can be explored in a day, combining it with an overnight stay in the Japanese Alps allows for a more immersive experience, including unique activities like stargazing in Achi Village and enjoying traditional hot springs without the rush of a day trip from Tokyo.
Kamikochi is typically closed to visitors during the colder months due to heavy snowfall. The access roads usually close from mid-November and reopen in mid to late April, depending on the snow conditions. It's crucial to check the specific opening and closing dates for the season you plan to visit, as these can vary slightly each year.
Visitors to Kamikochi can expect to discover one of Japan’s premier mountain resorts, characterized by stunning alpine scenery and pristine nature. Highlights include crystal-clear rivers, lush forests, and majestic mountain views. It's an ideal location for leisurely walks, photography, and simply immersing oneself in the tranquil atmosphere of the Japanese Alps.
While Kamikochi itself is primarily a natural alpine resort, the nearby Hirugami Onsen is a renowned hot spring destination. This area is celebrated for its soothing waters, which are known for their skin-beautifying properties. A tour often includes a stay at a traditional hotel in Hirugami Onsen, offering a perfect way to relax after exploring Kamikochi.
A 2-day tour offers a well-rounded experience of Kamikochi and parts of the Japanese Alps. It allows for a full day of exploration in Kamikochi, an overnight stay, and the opportunity to engage in additional regional activities such as the Achi Village Starry Sky Night Tour and relaxation at Hirugami Onsen, making for a comprehensive and enjoyable short trip.
Reaching Kamikochi from Tokyo without a personal car typically involves a combination of trains and buses. However, a guided tour from Tokyo simplifies this significantly by providing direct transportation. This eliminates the need for complex transfers and allows visitors to enjoy the scenic journey directly to Kamikochi and other tour destinations.
The Achi Village Starry Sky Night Tour offers an unparalleled stargazing experience, as Achi Village is renowned for having some of Japan's clearest and most beautiful night skies. Visitors can ride a gondola to a high altitude observation point, away from city lights, to witness a truly spectacular display of stars, making it a memorable natural spectacle.
During a visit to Hirugami Onsen, visitors can expect to stay in a traditional Japanese hot spring hotel. For instance, the Yumoto Hotel Achikawa offers comfortable accommodations within the heart of Hirugami Onsen, allowing guests to fully enjoy the hot spring experience and local hospitality in a relaxing setting.
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