2-Day Tour from Tokyo: Kamikochi, Hirugami Onsen & Japan’s Best Stargazing

Experience Japan’s most famous stargazing destination, renowned for having some of the country's clearest and most beautiful night skies.

Achi Village, Nagano Prefecture, previously recognized as the No. 1 place in Japan for stargazing by a survey from Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, is celebrated for its exceptionally clear night skies. Nestled among mountains that shield against artificial light, this village provides perfect conditions for star observation in pristine air.

On the Starry Sky Night Tour, you will ascend via a gondola to roughly 1,400 meters. As the moon nears its new phase, a multitude of stars illuminate the night sky, crafting a stunning celestial panorama. During the full moon, visitors can witness the bright light of the moon alongside prominent first-magnitude stars and planets.

For the stargazing experience, all illumination in the viewing area is turned off, unveiling a sky bursting with seemingly infinite stars overhead. Enjoy a magical evening sky, far from the city's bright lights.

Full Moon Dates:

• July 29
• August 28
• September 27
• October 26

Notes

• In 2006, Achi Village was chosen as the prime location for star observation in the national Star Watching Network survey conducted by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment.
• The area also received the Minister of the Environment Award (Group Category) at the 29th Star Watching Convention in Minamimaki Village, Nagano, in 2017.
• Stargazing is dependent on weather conditions and cannot be assured.
• No designated seating is available for stargazing. Guests may enjoy the event from any spot within the viewing area.
• It is advisable to bring a picnic blanket (leisure sheet) and a flashlight.
• Chairs will not be supplied during the stargazing experience.
• Nights can be chilly, so warm clothing or a light jacket is recommended.

Explore the Stunning Summer Scenery of Kamikochi

Immerse yourself in the stunning landscape of Kamikochi, one of Japan’s top mountain resorts, where dramatic alpine scenery and soaring rocky summits create unforgettable vistas. Along the walking paths, delicate seasonal flowers bloom throughout the summer months, and from July onward, the area enters its most picturesque season.

With average daytime temperatures around 20°C (68°F) in summer, Kamikochi provides a delightful climate ideal for relaxed strolls and nature exploration.

From late September through late October, the mountains gradually transition to vibrant autumn hues, offering spectacular views throughout the valley.

Typical Autumn Foliage Season:

Mid-October to Late October

Important Information

• Guests may disembark at Taisho Pond, in front of Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, or Kamikochi Bus Terminal. Return boarding is available only at Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
• The walking trail between Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge may occasionally be closed. In such cases, disembarkation at Taisho Pond will not be possible. We appreciate your understanding.

Relax at Hirugami Onsen, Famous for Its Skin-Beautifying Waters

Yumoto Hotel Achikawa
Departure Dates: Jul 19, 24, 25, 30; Aug 5, 11, 13, 15, 18, 22, 24, 27; Sep 1, 3, 5, 11, 12, 16, 19, 22; Oct 11, 15, 17, 23, 31; Nov 1, 3, 7, 9

Indulge in the silky, mineral-rich waters of Hirugami Onsen, widely regarded as one of Japan’s top hot springs for enhancing skin beauty. The smooth, soothing waters are believed to leave skin feeling revitalized and rejuvenated. Guests can enjoy a variety of bathing options, including a spacious open-air bath and a distinctive cave-style bath.

For dinner, relish a traditional Shinshu-style Japanese kaiseki meal made with seasonal ingredients sourced from the Nagano region.

Meals

• Dinner: Japanese Kaiseki Course
• Breakfast: Japanese Set Meal

Room Type

• Room assignment is not guaranteed (Japanese-style room or Japanese-Western room; assigned on the day of arrival)
• Private toilet included
• Guest rooms do not feature a private bath; public hot spring facilities should be utilized

Notes

• The cave bath and sauna may be temporarily unavailable without prior notice due to operational circumstances.
• All guest rooms are designated as smoking rooms; deodorizing treatment will be performed before your stay.

Hotel Information

Yumoto Hotel Achikawa
Address: 503-115 Chisato, Achi Village, Shimoina District, Nagano
Tel: +81-265-43-2800
Official Website: http://www.hotel-achigawa.jp/

Tour Operator Information

Name: H.I.S. Co.,Ltd.
Address: 11F, Sumitomo Fudosan Shinjuku Central Park Building, 6-13-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Registration number: No.724 by Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency

Tour Information

• Place of departure and destination: from TOKYO to NAGANO
• Number of days of travel: 2 Days
• Means of transportation: Chartered bus
• Name of bus company: Yamato Kanko
• Meals: Breakfast x1, Dinner x1
• Minimum number of passengers to operate: 25 People
• Number of GUIDE(s): 1

Tour Operator Information

Company Name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd.
Department Name: Inbound Travel Division DMC Department Kanto Team
Address: 11F, Sumitomo Fudosan Shinjuku Central Park Building, 6-13-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Registration No.: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency
Membership: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

Contact Information

Department Name: Inbound Travel Division DMC Department Kanto Team
Address: 11F, Sumitomo Fudosan Shinjuku Central Park Building, 6-13-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Tel: +81- 80-9410-9390
Opening hours: 10:00~18:00
(Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays)

Tour Operations Manager: Nagamine Kenji

• The Tour Operations Manager oversees transactions related to your travel at the sales office managing your travel arrangements. If you have any inquiries or concerns regarding the explanations provided by the staff about this travel contract, please feel free to reach out to the aforementioned Tour Operations Manager.

Please read and understand the Terms and conditions below.

• Travel Terms and Conditions: Domestic Package Tours
• Travel Agency Terms and Conditions: Section of Package Tour Contract

Highlights

• Achi Village Starry Sky Night Tour – Visit Japan’s most well-known location for stargazing, famous for its exceptionally clear and stunning night skies.
• Explore Kamikochi at 1,500m Elevation – Experience one of Japan’s top mountain resorts, enveloped by breathtaking alpine landscapes and untouched nature.
• Stay at Hirugami Onsen – Unwind in the healing waters of Nagano’s famous hot spring resort, known for its skin-enhancing benefits.
• Overnight at Yumoto Hotel Achikawa – Relish a cozy stay at a traditional hot spring hotel located in the center of Hirugami Onsen.

Itinerary

• Shinjuku (Departure 10:40) *Departures on July 19, August 11~15, September 19~23, October 11, and November 1 & 3 will be 20 minutes earlier, at 10:20.
• Michi-no-Eki Minami-Shinshu Toyooka Marche (Shopping / Approx. 20 minutes) *For departures on September 1, Michi-no-Eki Minami-Shinshu Toyooka Marche will be closed, so we will stop at Komagane Kogen Suzuran House instead.
• Hirugami Onsen Yumoto Hotel Achigawa or Yurui no Yado Keizan ★After an early dinner, depart from the hotel★
• Heavens Sonohara - Base Station + + Summit Station (Stargazing time / approx. 90 minutes)
• + Base Station
• Overnight stay at Yumoto Hotel Achigawa or Yurui no Yado Keizan (arriving around 22:30)
• Depart from Hotel
• Kamikochi (Stroll through the refreshing mountain resort - lunch on your own / approx. 3 hours)
• Shinjuku (arriving around 21:00)

Price Details

Included

• Accommodation
• Admission fee
• Air-conditioned bus
• Round-trip transportation
• Admission fee
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Japanese guide
• Enlish / Chinese - Speaking assistant

Not included

• Expenses not mentioned

Important Information

• 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.

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.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 21 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 20 day(s) before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 2 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• 1 day(s) before the activity date: 40% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 50% cancellation fee