ChatGPt has suggested the itinerary below – I am not sure if I have missed anything nice. I prefer nature a lot and culture as well.
Please suggest any other nice place i should check out and also not sure if i should take train or bus since the bus is so much cheaper.
Day 1: Arrival in Matsumoto
Morning:
- Take Willer Bus from Tokyo to Matsumoto bus station
- Arrival in Matsumoto: Take a bus to Matsumoto from your previous location.
- Check-in at your hotel.
Afternoon:
- Take bus to Fukushima-juku
(10:20 AM – 11:51 AM (1 hr 31 min)  Shinonoi Line   10:20 AM from Matsumoto Station Â¥990 1h 10 min)
Evening:
- Dinner: Enjoy local cuisine such as soba noodles, a Matsumoto specialty.
- Relax at the hotel: Prepare for an early start the next day.
Day 2: Day Trip to Kamikochi
Early Morning:
- Bus to Kamikochi: Take the bus from Matsumoto Bus Terminal to Kamikochi (around 1.5 hours).
Morning to Afternoon:
- Kappa Bridge & Taisho Pond: Walk along the scenic trails and enjoy the stunning views of the Japanese Alps.
- Tashiro Pond & Myojin Pond: Explore these serene spots, perfect for photography and nature appreciation.
- Lunch: Pack a lunch or eat at one of the local cafes in Kamikochi.
Late Afternoon:
- Return to Matsumoto: Take the bus back to Matsumoto.
- Relax at the hotel or explore any nearby areas you may have missed.
Evening:
- Dinner: Try another local dish or revisit a favorite spot.
Day 3: Travel to Nagano
Morning:
- Check out of your Matsumoto hotel.
- Matsumoto Castle: Explore one of Japan's most famous castles, known for its unique black exterior and beautiful surroundings.
- Nawate Street & Nakamachi Street: Stroll through these historical streets filled with traditional shops, cafes, and local crafts.
- Bus to Nagano: Take a direct bus from Matsumoto to Nagano (approximately 1.5-2 hours).
- Check-in at your hotel in Nagano.
Afternoon:
- Zenko-ji Temple: Visit one of Japan's most important temples, with over 1,400 years of history.
- Patio Daimon: Explore this shopping and dining area near the temple, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Evening:
- Dinner in Nagano: Enjoy Nagano’s local cuisine, such as Oyaki or Togakushi soba.
Day 4: Togakushi Shrine and Ninja Village
Morning:
- Bus to Togakushi Shrine: Take a bus from Nagano to Togakushi (around 1 hour).
- Togakushi Shrine: Visit this historic shrine complex surrounded by cedar trees, including the Okusha (Upper Shrine).
Afternoon:
- Togakushi Ninja Village: Explore this family-friendly attraction with ninja-themed activities and a ninja museum.
- Lunch: Try the famous Togakushi soba.
Evening:
- Return to Nagano: Take the bus back to Nagano.
- Dinner and relax at your hotel.
Day 5: Day Hike: Togakushi Nature Trail
Morning:
- Travel to Togakushi
- Bus from Nagano Station: Take an early morning bus to Togakushi (about 1 hour).
- Start at Togakushi-Hokosha Shrine: Begin your hike at this lower shrine.
- Hike to Togakushi-Chusha Shrine
- Trail: A gentle 2 km (1.2 miles) forest trail lined with ancient cedar trees.
- Visit Chusha Shrine: A historical shrine dedicated to the deity of war.
- Continue to Togakushi-Okusha Shrine
- Trail: A slightly steeper 2.5 km (1.5 miles) trail.
- Visit Okusha Shrine: Located at the base of Mount Togakushi, surrounded by tranquil nature.
- Return to Nagano and enjoy a quiet evening.
Day 6: Day Trip to Obuse and Suzaka
Morning:
- Bus to Obuse: Take a bus or train to the small town of Obuse (around 40 minutes).
- Hokusai Museum: Visit the museum dedicated to the famous ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai.
- Chestnut Delicacies: Try Obuse's famous chestnut sweets.
Afternoon:
- Suzaka: Explore the nearby town of Suzaka, known for its Edo-period buildings and peaceful atmosphere.
- Lunch: Enjoy a local meal in Suzaka.
Evening:
- Return to Nagano and prepare for your departure.
Day 7: Departure
- Check out of your hotel in Nagano and return back to Tokyo
by Sunflowerath