Iiyama: Nostalgic "Satoyama"
Joined 2018
How about exploring Japan's countryside "satoyama", where people live in harmony with nature? A trip to Iiyama would be an unforgettable experience for you. The lake Hokuryu is a heart-shaped serene lake in a deep forest. You'll enjoy taxi driving along the Chikuma river, where you'll find many photogenic landscapes. Visiting a doll museum or some temples in Iiyama will also soothe your mind.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Iiyama Station
- Your guide will meet you at the Shinkansen gate. We rent an e-bike if weather is fine.
Shojuan Temple and others
Iiyama has many Buddhist temples. We visit some of them and feel their serene atmosphere.
Lunch
Guide recommends the best restaurant you'll like. Would you like to try grilled eel rice or bamboo leaf sushi?
Takahashi Mayumi Doll Museum
You will encounter cute dolls, all of which reflect local people's everyday life. You must be impressed with their comical expressions, clothes and lifestyles. All are peaceful and nostalgic.
MIchinoeki Chikumagawa and "satoyama" scenery along the Chikuma River
Stopping by at the roadside station must be interesting. You will see various fresh products from nearby farms. Riding an e-bike to the roadside station along the Chikuma river must be also exciting.
Returning to Iiyama Station by e-bike or by local train
We head for Iiyama Station, enjoying beautiful satoyama landscapes.
Iiyama Station
Your guide sees you off at the Shinkansen gate.
Ending Point
Iiyama Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, Guide transportation fee (between Nagano and Iiyama)
E-bike rental fee (your group and your guide) ¥2,500/person, Takahashi Mayumi Doll Museum (your group) ¥650/person, Lunch
Tour Important Information
E-bike rental fee (you and your guide) ¥2,500/person, Takahashi Mayumi Doll Museum (your group) ¥650/person
Please buy overseas travel insurance in case of emergency.
Important message from the supplier
Basically, I am available on weekdays. But if you are planning to have a long tour including the weekend, please let me know. I think that I can be flexible. In addition to the guide fee, you are requested to pay my transportation to the meeting spot. Thank you for your understanding.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2018
About Tour Guide Emi F.
Nice to meet you. I am a national government certified guide interpreter, Emi. I just started this business under the COVID-19 pandemic. Before that, I had worked for more than 30 years as a teacher. Nagano is a cozy city surrounded by a beautiful mountain range. I enjoy strolling around its center, driving in the countryside, visiting some beautiful spots such as Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi highlands, Matsumoto Castle and so on. I also enjoy local dishes with fresh ingredients. I'd like to introduce our lifestyle to you as well as historical places and nature. According to your expectations, I will make your tour tailor-made, not ready-made!
Reviews
“Absolutely fantastic ”
Emi was an amazing tour guide. Zenkoji temple was our main point but she showed us so much more on the way there and back from our hotel. She was extremely knowledgeable and upbeat. We would pick her as a tour guide for every prefecture we're visiting of we could.
Emi F.
Thank you for choosing me as your guide in Nagano. Even though it was a cold day, your cheerful attitude and genuine curiosity about Japanese culture made the tour so enjoyable. I truly appreciate your kindness and cooperation. Spending time with you and your family was such a delightful experience for me. Thank you again for a wonderful day!
“Matsumoto Castle & Town Tour”
We were very fortunate to have Emi as our guide. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. We wanted to spend a day in Matsumoto with a focus on Matsumoto Castle. She prepared a itinerary for the day that was gave us plenty of time at the castle and Matsumoto town. Emi was extremely knowledgeable and shared information that only a local would know. She help translate information that was only in Japanese as well as help read inscriptions that were on many actual items. We never felt rushed during the time we spent with her. She was very helpful in communicating with shopkeepers which gave us more insight as to the background of their crafts or foods. One of the highlights was taking us up to the observation deck in the City Hall so we could view the castle grounds from above (we would have never done that on our own). The day we spend with Emi was one of the best days we had during our trip. Even before the tour day, Emi communicated with us giving us updates and answering our questions so we were prepared for our trip to the Nagano area. We highly recommend Emi and would definitely hire her again when we return to the Nagano area.
Emi F.
I am truly grateful for your heartfelt review. It was a pleasure to explore the castle together and take our time to appreciate its history. I was so glad you were interested in Matsumoto's crafts and folk art, and I really enjoyed rediscovering the cultural charm of the area as we strolled through the historic streets and visited local shops. I look forward to welcoming you back to Japan one day. Until then, take care! 
“Nozawa Onsen Quaint Peaceful and Abundant Charms ”
Emi F. Is endearing, knowledgeable and professional. She meticulously created an itinerary for our visit. Every activity was well planned and performed with accuracy. We were lucky to have Emi as our guide.
Emi F.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed Nozawa Onsen Village. It’s one of my favorite places, and I’ve always dreamed of sharing it with guests from abroad—thank you for making that dream come true. The peaceful countryside views we enjoyed together were truly unforgettable. Wishing you and your wonderful son and daughter a very happy New Year ahead.
$387/ per group
More tours by Emi F.
Matsumoto Castle and its Surroundings
Matsumoto Castle was built about 400 years ago. It has one of the oldest castle towers in Japan, designated as a national treasure. The black and white contrast of the castle with a backdrop of the Japan's northern Alps is really photogenic!! When you stroll the castle town, you come across rows of old houses and also fresh spring waters in every corner.
Snow Monkey Park & Local Train
Jigokutani Yaen Koen, so-called the Snow Monkey Park, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nagano. If you are lucky, you will see some monkeys bathing in the hot spring. In winter, the natural trail is often frozen and slippery. From spring to autumn, trekking to the park is easier than in winter. How about enjoying a local train ride and encountering wild monkeys in natural settings?
Togakushi: Sacred Forests & Shrines
Togakushi is a sacred place where mountain worship once flourished. You'll see some shinto shrines in the deep forests guarded by sacred mountains. Unbeaten natural beauty will also make you feel refreshed.
Obuse: Chestnuts and Hokusai's Works
A world-famous ukiyoe painter Hokusai (1760-1849) stayed in Obuse and made his works in his later years. In Obuse Hokusai Museum, you'll encounter not only his ukiyoe woodblock printings but also his original handwritings you cannot see elsewhere. Akso, Obuse is well-known for its chestnuts. There are many chestnut trees and a variety of foods with chestnuts. Why don't you try one of them?
Other Popular Off the Beaten Path Tours in Nagano
Togakushi: Sacred Forests & Shrines
Togakushi is a sacred place where mountain worship once flourished. You'll see some shinto shrines in the deep forests guarded by sacred mountains. Unbeaten natural beauty will also make you feel refreshed.
Togakushi Pilgrimage Trail Walking Tour
Togakushi area is considered as one of the most important places for the Esoteric Buddhism. Togakushi Kodo is a path which has been used by mountainous ascetics since ancient times. On this tour, we are going to walk the pilgrimage trail and visit the five Togakushi shrines. Let's explore the mysterious culture and abundant nature of Togakushi area!
