HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Orchard Gourmet Tour in Nagano
Fruit picking, cider-themed visits, and an alfresco dining experience in the middle of an orchard nestled in the Japanese Alps
Minami Shinshu Matsukawa Tourism Center
Embraced on two sides by the Japanese Alps, the idyllic orchard town of Matsukawa in Nagano Prefecture provides the stage for this two-day tour.
Matsukawa has a fruit farming tradition that goes back over 100 years. From June to November, there is always some fruit ripening on the tree branches, be it apples, cherries, peaches, plums, grapes, or pears.
By joining this gastronomy tour, you can delve deep into rural life, meet local farmers and brewers, and feast on gourmet dishes and fine ciders, all while admiring the scenery of our time-honored orchards.
The tour starts at the local hot spring inn, where you will spend the night. Meet your guide here and hop into a private taxi together. You’ll start by visiting Matsukawa’s three breweries for a foray into cider making and a tasting with mountain views.
Dinner is served under a canopy in the middle of an orchard surrounded by fruit trees.
Explore the grounds with the orchard owner, sip cider while watching the sunset paint the sky, then enjoy an atmospheric alfresco dinner. Over 95% of the fusion course meal is prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
The second day, wake up to a special breakfast featuring plenty of local fruit.
How to get there
From Nagoya Station's Sakuradori Exit, it's just a short walk to the Meitetsu Bus Center. Take the highway bus toward Komagane, getting off at the Matsukawa bus stop (about 2 hours).
A free shuttle service between the Matsukawa bus stop and the tour meeting point is available by reservation and takes about 10 minutes.
2784-1 Ojima, Matsukawa-machi, Shimoina-gun, Nagano-ken
