Walk the highlands of Utsukushigahara, Kirigamine and North Yatsugatake with Toru “Reck” Fujita, a local guide in the Japanese Alps.
Hikes from May to November, snowshoe tours from late December to March. Every tour is private, so the pace and the route fit your group.
Green seasonOpen highland pasture on a plateau above Matsumoto, with wide views toward the Northern Alps.
Green seasonRolling grassland ridges along the Venus Line, with Mt. Kurumayama at the top of the plateau.
WinterThe same high plateau under snow. Snowshoes make the winter landscape walkable, with no skiing needed.
WinterSnow-covered grasslands and forest around Kirigamine and Mt. Kurumayama.
WinterRide the ropeway up, snowshoe through frosted forest past Tsuboniwa and Shimagare Lodge, and walk out onto frozen Ameike Lake for lunch.
Staying in Matsumoto? Take an early JR train to Chino Station (about 40–60 min). Toru picks you up there at 8:50.
Have something else in mind, or dates outside the main seasons? Tell Toru what you would like to see and he will suggest a plan.
All prices are per person, in Japanese yen (JPY), tax included.
| Tour | 2 guests | 3 guests | 4 guests | Child* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utsukushigahara / Kirigamine HikeGreen season · 6–7 h | ¥18,000 | ¥16,000 | ¥15,000 | ¥10,000 |
| Utsukushigahara / Kirigamine SnowshoeWinter · 4–5 h · beginner | ¥18,000 | ¥16,000 | ¥15,000 | ¥11,000 |
| North Yatsugatake & Ameike SnowshoeWinter · 5–6 h · intermediate · + ropeway round trip ¥2,600 (child ¥1,300) | ¥20,000 | ¥18,000 | ¥17,000 | ¥12,000 |
Book directly with your guide — no booking platform fees. Private tours for 2–4 guests. Minimum 2 guests per booking; we are unable to accept solo bookings. *Children's price applies to ages 6–12. Children count toward group size, including the 2-guest minimum. Ameike: the ropeway round trip is added to the tour price (adult ¥2,600, child ¥1,300); pick-up from Chino or Kami-Suwa Station is included (from Matsumoto, take the JR train to Chino, about 40–60 min).
The highlands above Matsumoto are hard to reach by public transport. We start in town and take care of the way up.
No strangers and no fixed bus schedule. We walk at your pace and adjust the route to your group.
Toru has been guiding since 2007 and knows how the weather and the trails change with the seasons.
Founder & Lead Guide, FKA Nature Tours
Toru grew up with the mountains of Nagano on his horizon, and has spent his career helping people connect with them.
His guiding roots go back to 2007, when he began working on THE NORTH FACE KIDS nature programs in Japan. In 2012 he founded Future Kids Adventures (FKA) to create outdoor experiences that leave lasting memories — for children, families, and travelers of all ages. For the past seven years he has also guided international guests as a bilingual guide with Walk Japan.
Today Toru is based in Matsumoto and manages Sakurashimizu, a cottage and camping retreat in the forest. His tours cover the high plateaus of Utsukushigahara and Kirigamine and the forests of the Yatsugatake area. He keeps groups small and private, sets an easy pace, and fills the walk with the stories behind the landscape: the cows that spend their summer “vacation” on the plateau, the bell tower that once guided hikers through fog, and the trail that Walter Weston praised more than a century ago.
“I don't just want you to see the view. I want you to understand why the people of Matsumoto have looked up at it with pride for generations.”
Pick a highland and a season, or ask for a custom day.
Tell us your dates, group size and where you are staying.
Toru replies within 24 hours to confirm availability and the plan, with a secure Square payment link.
Toru meets you at Matsumoto Station at 8:00 and drives you up to the highlands. For the Ameike tour, guests staying in Matsumoto take the JR train to Chino Station, where Toru picks you up at 8:50 (included in the tour price).
English and Japanese, plus some German. Gerne auch ein paar Worte auf Deutsch.
Yes. Each tour is for your group only. You will not be joined by other guests.
The Utsukushigahara and Kirigamine tours are beginner-friendly, and Toru sets the pace for your group. The Ameike snowshoe trek is intermediate and suits guests with some hiking experience.
Safety comes first. Toru sends a first decision by 6:00 pm JST the day before and confirms on the morning of the tour. If we cancel because of weather, you choose a free new date, a safer alternative route at the same price, or a full refund. Tours go ahead in light rain or cloud when it is safe, but views cannot be guaranteed.
Free cancellation up to 5 days before your tour. Cancellations less than 5 days but at least 48 hours before are charged 50% of the tour fee; less than 48 hours before, or a no-show, is charged in full. One free date change is possible up to 5 days before. Read the full policy.
No. Snowshoe equipment is provided. Please bring your own waterproof boots; hiking boots are fine.
Yes, children aged 6 and over are welcome. Children count as guests (an adult and a child can book as a group of 2), and children aged 6–12 pay the children's price. See prices.
Each tour is private for 2–4 guests. The price per person goes down as your group gets bigger. We are unable to accept solo bookings. See prices.
Sending a request is free. Once Toru confirms your date, he emails you a secure Square payment link and you pay the tour fee by card. Your booking is confirmed when payment is received.
Utsukushigahara and Kirigamine tours: transport from Matsumoto Station, lunch, and snowshoe equipment in winter. Ameike tour: snowshoes, poles, guide, lunch and a hot drink. The ropeway round trip is paid in addition (adult ¥2,600, child ¥1,300).
Send your preferred date and group size. Toru replies within 24 hours to confirm availability and the plan.
Prefer chat? Message on WhatsApp+81 (0)80-3127-7476