Exploring the Japanese Alps
Lush nature that refreshes your mind
11 Days / 10 Nights – Tokyo / Tsumago / Nakasendo / Matsumoto / Kamikochi / Takayama / Shirakawago / Kanazawa / Jigokudani
From USD700 per person per day
The Best of Japan Alps Tour
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Japanese Alps, where rugged mountains meet serene beauty.
Traverse trails that wind through forests and alpine meadows, leading to panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks.
Unwind in traditional onsen towns, experience the warmth of local hospitality, and discover a side of Japan far removed from the bustling cityscapes.
- A tailor-made itinerary crafted personally for you
- English-Speaking resident tour director and local guides
- Hand-Selected Luxury accommodations
- Large choice of exclusive experiences
- Airport Meet and Greet with private transfers
- Internet access
- Thoughtful customer service
- And more !
- Explore Japan’s destinations and travel highlights like a local with your own private tour guide.
- Explore the heart and soul of Japan through curated experiences and gain deeper insight into Japanese culture.
- Step into a world, a unique culture that fascinates many to which even some Japanese people have no access.
Perfect for
- First-time visitors to Japan
- Those who want to discover a less touristy, more unspoiled and traditional Japan
- An exquisite blend of relaxation, cultural depth, and gourmet experiences
Day 1 – Tokyo Arrival
Yokoso 日本へようこそ！– Welcome to Japan !
After clearing customs and immigration, transfer by private car to your ideally located hotel.
Then you’ll likely spend your first day in Japan just getting settled.
You might want to lock down some of the best food in Tokyo and enjoy a truly unique meal! A multi-course kaiseki, an omakase sushi experience…
Or follow the lead of our food-obsessed expert and spend an early evening hopping between Izakaya! and discover the delights of small-plate dining and sake.
Overnight at your hotel
Day 2 – Tokyo
After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel.
Tokyo is a huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis which brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone.
Most visitors to Tokyo will visit the most well-known sights – Asakusa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and the Meiji Shrine.
These are all of course worth visiting, but Tokyo also offer a multitude of choices for travelers looking for a less touristy and typical Japanese experience.
The real charm of Tokyo is more discreet. We can discover it in the maze of streets behind the main one, with a village atmosphere, miles away from urban life.
It is warm and simple, full of nice shops with clean design as well as charming cafes and small bars…
Overnight at your hotel
Day 3 – Tokyo / Magome / Tsumago
Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagoya and train to Nakatsugawa where a car will be waiting for you.
Your car will take you to Magome, a charming village with vintage eateries offering regional delicacies like gohei mochi and oyaki dumplings.
Savor these treats before embarking on a scenic walk to Tsumago, enjoying breathtaking mountain views along the way.
The old highway winds through quaint neighborhoods, old forests, along mountain streams and waterfalls as it makes its way to the historic city of Tsumago.
In Tsumago, step back in time as you explore this picturesque village with its 200-year-old homes, many still inhabited today.
Experience the atmosphere of Edo-era Japan in this beautifully preserved post-town.
Overnight at your ryokan
Day 4 – Tsugamo / Nakansendo / Matsumoto
Today’s adventure takes you off the beaten path!
Hike through enchanting cedar forests and bamboo groves, crossing charming wooden footbridges.
Reach Nagiso, a historic town with the beautiful Momosuke bridge and stunning Kiso River views.
Nagiso is a hidden gem nestled in the Kiso Valley. This charming town boasts a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Continue to Junikane Station for a train to Matsumoto, or to Nojiri for a longer trek. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of terraced rice fields and mossy forests – and don’t forget to ring the bear bells!
Overnight at your hotel
Day 5 – Matsumoto
Matsumoto offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty!
Explore the iconic black-and-white Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure renowned for its elegant black and white facade and stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Then wander down Nakamachi Street, lined with traditional wooden storehouses that now house quaint cafes, craft shops, and art galleries.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the world of wasabi at the Daio Wasabi Farm, one of Japan’s largest and most picturesque wasabi farms. Wasabi is notoriously difficult to grow, needing pristine conditions to flourish. At Daio Wasabi Farm, pure alpine water and expert care create the perfect environment for this unique plant to thrive.
Also don’t miss the chance to see works by renowned artist Yayoi Kusama at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art.
Overnight at your hotel
Day 6 – Matsumoto / Kamikochi / Takayama
After breakfast your private car will pick you up at your hotel.
Today, an easy Hike in Kamikochi – Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge
As you approach Kamikochi, the valley opens onto a row of towering mountains, with the Azusa River flowing through the middle of the valley.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Azusa River, perfect for all ages and fitness levels!
This 3.5 km (one-way) hike takes you from the serene Taisho Pond to the iconic Kappa Bridge, the symbol of Kamikochi.
The well-maintained path winds through lush forests, offering a peaceful escape and stunning views of Hotaka mountain range and Mount Yake on the opposite side.
Overnight at your ryokan
Day 7 – Takayama
Experience the captivating atmosphere of Takayama!
Step back in time in Takayama, known as Hida’s “Little Kyoto,” a beautifully preserved town in the Japanese Alps known for its Edo-era streets and traditional charm.
Start your day at the Takayama morning market, one of the biggest morning markets in Japan, then wander through the charming old town with its traditional houses and artisan shops.
Visit the historic Takayama Jinya and the fascinating Hida Folk Village, an open air museum exhibiting over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region.
And don’t miss the chance to sample local sake and savor delicious Hida beef.
Takayama offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, perfect for a memorable day.
Overnight at your ryokan
Day 8 – Takayama / Shirakawago / Gokayama / Kanazawa
After breakfast your private car will pick you up at your hotel to visit Gokayama and Shirakawa-go.
You will explore the Shirakawa-go and Gokayama regions, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in a remote mountain valley.
These villages are famous for their unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with steep thatched roofs resembling praying hands.
This distinctive style, designed to designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms.
In the evening explore Kanazawa’s Geisha district after dark, hear the tales of what actually went on in this district during the Edo period.
Overnight at your hotel
Day 9 – Kanazawa
Experience the captivating blend of history and art in Kanazawa!
Kanazawa, with its rich history and cultural heritage, is a hidden gem that truly shines.
You will begin your journey at Kenrokuen, justifiably classified as one of Japan’s “three most beautiful landscape gardens” alongside Mito’s Kairakuen and Okayama‘s Korakuen.
Then, you will explore the majestic Kanazawa Castle and immerse yourself in the samurai past. Then wander through the charming Higashi Chaya District with its Edo-era teahouses and the Nagamachi Samurai District.
For a modern twist, visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. The building was designed by SANAA, an internationally renowned architectural team of Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, who also designed the Louvre-Lens and the New Museum in New York.
Kanazawa offers a truly unforgettable experience.
Overnight at your hotel
Day 10 – Kanazawa / Nagano / Jigakudani
You may want to skip breakfast at your hotel and get one at Omicho Market which has been Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market since the Edo Period.
Then take a shinkansen for Nagano, where a car will be waiting for you.
Explore Zenkoji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, and home to the first known Buddhist statue to be brought to Japan. The original statue cannot be seen, but a copy of the statue is put on display every six years. The next time it can be seen will be in 2027.
Then travel to the Snow Monkey Park.
Jigokudani Monkey Park, nestled in the snowy mountains of Nagano, offers a unique experience: observing wild snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs.
It is located in the monkey’s natural habitat, in the forests of the Jigokudani valley in Yamanouchi, not far from the onsen towns of Shibu and Yudanaka.
Overnight at your ryokan
Day 11 – Nagano / Tokyo & International return flight
After breakfast your car will pick you up to drive you to the station, where you will board a shinkansen to Tokyo.
Depending on your departure time, you may want to stay one more night in Tokyo do some last shopping.
Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise with several famous shopping districts.
With world-class shopping districts found across Tokyo, ensure you head home with plenty of gifts alongside an unforgettable experience.
Transfer by private car to Haneda or Narita airport for your flight back home.
Customized sightseeing tours
Explore Japan’s destinations and travel highlights like a local with your own private tour guide.
Experience Japanese Culture
Explore the heart and soul of Japan through curated experiences and gain deeper insight into Japanese culture.
Curated Insights Japan
Step into a world, a unique culture that fascinates many to which even some Japanese people have no access.
Accommodations
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