JJapan Trips

9 Days Nagoya → Kiso Valley → Matsumoto → Tokyo Itinerary (WFH) – Feedback & advice

  • February 16, 2026

Hi everyone, I’m planning a trip to Japan in late May 2026 and would really appreciate feedback on my itinerary.

I prefer smaller towns, scenic walks, and a slower pace over big-city sightseeing. I’ll also be working remotely for two days during the trip, so I’ve tried to structure the plan around that.

Here’s my detailed draft so far:

Day 1 – Nagoya (arrival day)

• Arrive Nagoya around 2:30pm from Shanghai

• Check in near Nagoya Station

• Evening: explore Sakae area

• Oasis 21 + Hisaya Odori Park walk

Day 2 – Nagoya → Kiso-Fukushima

Morning in Nagoya:

• Visit Nagoya Castle + Honmaru Palace

• lunch near station

Afternoon:

• JR Chuo Line to Kiso-Fukushima (\\\~1.5 hrs)

• Check into ryokan

• Evening stroll along old Nakasendo streets

• Onsen + dinner at ryokan

Day 3 – Kiso Valley

• Morning walk through town

• Kiso Fukushima Barrier Station

• Train to Narai-juku (short ride) for half-day exploring

• Return to Kiso-Fukushima

• Relaxed evening

I chose Kiso-Fukushima as a quieter base.

Day 4 – Kiso-Fukushima → Matsumoto

• Morning train to Matsumoto (\\\~1.5 hrs)

• Check in near station

• Visit Matsumoto Castle

• Explore Nakamachi Street & Nawate Street

• Evening walk along Metoba River

Day 5 – Thu, May 28 – Matsumoto (WFH)

This is a full WFH day 9am–6pm

After work:

• Matsumoto City Museum of Art

• Dinner

• Asama Onsen

Day 6 – Matsumoto (WFH)

• Work 9am–6pm

• After work:

• Castle grounds at dusk

• explore residential streets

• dinner

Day 7 – Matsumoto → Tokyo

• Limited Express Azusa to Tokyo (\\\~2.5 hrs)

• Check in (considering Ueno or Kuramae)

• Afternoon: Asakusa / Sumida River walk

• Dinner in Ueno or Ginza

Day 8 – Sun, May 31 – Tokyo

(This will be my 5th time in Tokyo so it’s more of a touch & go kind of plan)

• Morning: Meiji Shrine + Harajuku

• Afternoon: Daikanyama / Nakameguro walk

• Evening: last shopping (looking to do some vintage/second hand shopping for watches Shibuya/Ginza)

Day 9 – Tokyo departure

• Light morning (cafe breakfast and last minute shopping for gifts at Daimaru departmental store)

• afternoon flight out

⸻

Questions:

  1. Does this route make sense geographically or should I consider another small town?
  2. Is 2 nights in Kiso-Fukushima appropriate, or would you recommend staying elsewhere in the Kiso Valley?
  3. Between Matsumoto and Tokyo, would it be worth adding a 1-night stop (e.g. Karuizawa or Kofu), or is it better to keep it simple?

Thank you all in advance for the advice & feedback!

by tomnathanlim