At a Glance
Route: Tokyo - Matsumoto - Kamikochi - Tateyama Alpine Route - Kanazawa - Takayama - Tokyo
Discover Japan's wild side and hike the spectacular Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This is an incredible journey through sacred mountains, wilderness, forests, impressive tunnels, high peaks, onsens, and Japan's highest dam. Over 9-days/8-nights, you'll fall under the spell of some of Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery and create memories to treasure. It surely is a hiker's delight!
A train journey from Tokyo to Matsumoto starts your adventure in Japan's Alps. Japan is a country of mountains. With over seventy-percent of the country being mountainous terrain, it’s no wonder that mountains have religious and cultural importance to the Japanese. In particular, the Japan Alps region offers stunning views of scenic alpine landscapes.
Spend 2 days hiking along ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Private guided Mt. Norikura hike
- Private guided Tateyama Alpine Route walk
- Private guided Shirakawago tour
- Dinner with traditional entertainment in Tokyo
- Private guided Kamikochi National Park walk
- English meet and greet at the airport and return private transfers to the airports
- 8 nights hand-picked deluxe accommodation mixed with Japanese and Western styles (4-5) star on a twin share basis (single supplement available at addition expense)
- Enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine, with ingredients sourced from local and the surrounding lush mountains. 8x breakfasts, 3x lunches, 6x dinners
- All luggage transfers during the trip. Maximum 1 suitcase per person. Extra luggages can be transferred at additional cost
- All transportations required during the trip including private taxis, cable car, ropeway and train tickets
Itinerary
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Upon arrival to Tokyo's airport, you will be greeted by our local representative, who will assist you to have your private transfer to your accommodation. Tokyo is a city of contrasts with a reputation of "City Never Goes to Sleep". It mixes with history, culture and modern technology. This front-line capital famous for its pioneering modernity, iconic landscapes of neon and soaring skyscrapers is dotted with peaceful parklands, shrines, temples and adored gardens. Despite its mania for anime pop culture, fashion, digital trends and discernible consumption, the city embraces an ancient heritage evident in the temples and shrines scattered amongst the vast skyrises. The Imperial Palace provides a palpable link to the city's incredible heritage even with the explosion of commercial emporia. The rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening, your driver will pick you up at your accommodation and will take you to SUIGIAN, a unique exclusive venue with a performance space offering traditional entertainment while you enjoy exquisite Japanese food. Transported back in time, you are served delicious foods, sake wine, Japanese tea, and sweets from the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho periods while authentic traditional performing arts are presented on stage. Treat yourself to a never-before experienced banquet of fresh new sensations to savor with the five senses. SUIGIAN presents Noh drama, Kyogen drama, Nihonbuyo (dancing), and various other traditional arts performances daily. Which one you are witness to will be a surprise on the day, and is sure to show you a side of Japanese traditions that you never knew. Overnight in the luxury Palace Hotel Tokyo, an iconic luxurious hotel situated at the heart of Marunouchi, the business district adjacent to the much-loved natural splendor. Just opposite the Imperial Palace gardens, the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is a haven of hospitality - serene and refined, and imbued with understated luxury throughout. Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: King/twin bed Bath: Indoor bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Palace Hotel Tokyo (5 star)
Dinner |
Today you will head to Matsumoto, tucked away in the Japan Alps. A private car will meet you at your accommodation and you will be driven to Shinjuku Station in time to catch your limited express train to Matsumoto. Journey duration is approx. 3 hours. Matsumoto has flourished as a castle town since the 16th century. In addition to its historical and cultural heritage, Matsumoto is surrounded by mountains and is acclaimed for its beautiful views. Hiking and climbing locations in the mountains are easily accessible by public transportation. To the west the Japan Alps rise to heights of 3,000 meters, and are known as "The Roof of Japan". Upon arrival at Matsumoto, a private car will pick you up and will take you to your accommodation. The rest of the day is at your leisure. We recommend that you make the time to explore Matsumoto Castle this afternoon. Your accommodation tonight is at KAI Matsumoto surrounded by the breathtaking Japanese Alps in Nagano prefecture. Your accommodation offers a luxurious multi-feature onsen bath fed by the waters of Asama Hot Spring, which was popular with feudal lords who once occupied nearby Matsumoto Castle. Reflecting Matsumoto's thriving music scene, concerts are held nightly in the ryokan lobby, where regional wines are also served. A delicious Japanese meal is included at your accommodation Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Bath: Private bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
KAI MatsumotoBreakfast, Dinner |
After breakfast head to Kamikochi by private car. Kamikochi is a remote mountainous highland valley within the Hida Mountain range and is the crown jewel of the Japanese Alps. This is a very popular place for mountain trekking. You have three walking options to choose to fit your fitness levels. Option 1 walking distance: approx. 4.2 km, 1.5 hours. Route: Taisho Pond - Tashiro Marsh Wetland - Hotaka and Tashiro Bridge - Azusa River - Kappa Bridge Option 2 walking distance: approx. 10.5 km, 3 - 4 hours. Route: Taisho pond - Tashiro Marsh Wetland - Hotaka and Tashiro Bridge - Azusa River - Myojin Bridge - Myojin Pond- Dakesawa Marshland - Kappa Bridge Option 3 walking distance: approx. 13.3 km, 5 - 6 hours. Route: Kappa bridge - Furu Pond - Tokusawa - Myojin/Myojin Pond - Nature Tour Track - Dakasawa Marshaland Each course will take you to some of the best scenic spots in Kamikochi and you can fully appreciate nature. Main Scenic Spots: Taisho Pond is one of the most popular scenic points in Kamikochi. It was formed in 1915 when the volcano Yakedake (still active) erupted and formed a natural dam on the Kamikochi River. The reflections of Mt. Hotaka and Yakedake beautifully appear on the surface of pond against clear sky. Passing Taisho Pond and following hiking trail in the deep forest for a short distance, Tashiro Pond suddenly appears. One of Kamikochi's most scenic spots, it is a small water way surrounded by marshland. Clear water reflects beautiful sky and towering mountains. Various wild flowers cover the edge of the pond in every season. Tashiro Bridge & Hotaka Bridge are both well-designed and environmentally-friendly bridges, made of Japanese larch and cypress. The magnificent view of Yakedake and Hotakadake can be seen from the shoal of Azusa River between Tashiro and Hotaka Bridges. Kappa Bridge is a wooden suspension bridge and known as a symbolic presence of Kamikochi situated in the center of Kamikochi. A perfect observation deck where you can overlook the stunning Japanese Alps including summits of Nishihotakadake, Okuhotakadake and Myojindake. Walk along Azusa River from Kappa Bridge for about one hour, and you will reach Myojin Pond. The crystal clear water is always springing out from under ground and has great significance to the Shinto religion which holds nature as a central object of worship. The scenery of Myojin Pond is a reminder of a Japanese Zen garden with Hotaka Shrine Inner Alter located by the pond, bamboo bush along the lakeside, and the reflection of Mt. Myojindake and natural rocks spotted on the lake. After conclude the walk, your guide will drop you off at Hotel Shirakabaso. Your accommodation is by the famous Kappabashi-bridge. Your Japanese/western style room offers spectacular view of the Hotaka mountain. Enjoy the traditional multi-course dinner featuring fresh fish and mountain vegetables from the mountain area. Room Style: Western/Japanese Style Bed Type: Twin beds/Futon Bath: Indoor bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Hotel ShirakabasoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to Mt. Norikura. Today, you will enjoy the magnificent Japanese Alps. Mt. Norikura, a range of 23 peaks in the Japanese Alps, provides hiking trails for all abilities. Kengamine is the highest peak (3,026 meters) of the range and a great day hike. Your experienced guide will tailor the walking program to suit your fitness levels. Mt. Norikura is the third tallest volcano located on the borders of Gifu and Nagano prefectures in Japan. It is popular scenic spots with beautiful mountain vistas, lush forests, cascading waterfalls and attractive hiking trails. Today's hike is about five hours. The starting point is Tatmindaira, where you will hike up to Katanokoya mountain hut. This section is easy. Along the way, the view of Alps is magnificent. Once reach the peak of Norikura, you will be rewarded with the spectacular view from all directions, to the north the Kita (Northern) Alps and to the southeast are the Chuo (Middle) Alps and Minami (Southern) Alps. Also about 20 km south is Mt. Ontake. Next, you walk down the hill back to Katanokoya mountain hut and walk through alpine meadow for couple of hours. Your guide will drop you off at KAI Matsumoto. Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Bath: Private bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
KAI MatsumotoBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today you will head to the Tateyama Alpine Route. This is an interesting mountain route that cuts through the heart of the Japanese alps and spans Nagano and Toyama prefectures. The route is famous for its iconic "snow corridor" in spring as well as the multiple methods of transport that visitors can enjoy. Your guide will meet you at your accommodation after breakfast. Your guide will catch a local train with you to a small town called Shinano-Omachi. Journey time is around an hour and you can enjoy picturesque Japanese scenery as you go. From there, you will take a local bus to Ogizawa where the Tateyama Alpine Route begins around 40 mins. The Alpine Route can only be completed using public transport. First, you will board a tunnel bus for 5 mins to reach Kurobe Dam, the tallest dam in Japan at 186 metres and which supplies hydroelectricity to the Kansai region many mi les away. You and your guide will stroll along the dam and admire the mountainous views. The walk takes around 1 hour 50 mins. Next, you will take a cable car and a ropeway up to Daikanko, you’ll break at Kurobedaira for lunch. This is a spectacular part of the route, offering wonderful views of the mountains. In autumn, the views of the red leaves on the mountain are stunning. When you reach Daikanko, you'll take a trolley bus to Murodo where the snow corridor can be seen in Spring. The rest of the day you can enjoy some light hiking on one of the many trails in the area. You have options to climb Mt Tateyama or take the path around the pretty Mikurigaike Pond. Your guide will take you to your accommodation, located at the highest altitude of any hotel in Japan, giving you an unique opportunity to view the stunning Alps towering some 3,000 meters tall. Enjoy Japanese dinner tonight Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: Double/Twin bed Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Hotel TateyamaBreakfast, Dinner |
This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel bright and early and together you will continue along the Tateyama Alpine Route. You have options to catch bus from Murodo to Bijodaira, the gateway back down the mountain or you are up for an adventure, we recommend hiking from Murodo to Midagahara. First you will hike from Murodo to Tengudaira, a pretty, relatively flat hike of around 1 hour that crosses through beautiful meadows that burst into bloom in summer. You can also enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Tsurugidake. From Tengudaira you can descend down the mountain via an ancient pilgrimage route, allowing you to get a sense of the Alpine Route's spiritual history. This hike is around 2 hours 30 mins and is a little more challenging, but you are rewarded with the beautiful Midagahara, a wetland 2000 metres above sea level. There is a 40 minute walking loop around some beautiful boardwalks here which will allow you to enjoy beautiful flowers in summer and striking red shades in autumn. Keep an eye out for the wild Japanese Macaques that make their home here. At Midagahara, you will pick up the bus for the rest of the journey to Bijodaira. You will take a cable car down the mountain to Tateyama station, where you can board a local train to Dentetsu Toyama station, ending the route. |
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Your guide will escort you to nearby JR Toyama Station, catch train from Toyama to Kanazawa. During the Edo Period, Kanazawa served as the seat of the Maeda Clan, the second most powerful feudal clan after the Tokugawa in terms of rice production and fief size. Accordingly, Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements, rivalling Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo). During World War II, Kanazawa was Japan's second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. Consequently, parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived in good condition. Today, Kanazawa remains an important city in its region and serves as the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. The city boasts many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts, as well as modern museums. But Kanazawa's unchallenged main attraction is Kenrokuen, one of Japan's "three best landscape gardens". Tonight, you will check in to 30 storeys Nikko Hotel Kanazawa the tallest hotel in Hokuriku, within the walking distance from Kanazawa station. Dinner tonight is at your own arrangement and expense Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: Queen/Twin bed Bath: Ensuite bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Nikko Hotel KanazawaBreakfast |
This morning you will be picked up by a guide and driver for your journey to Takayama. Along the way, you will stop at the beautiful village of Shirakawa-Go. Your guide will show you around the village, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukkuri translates as ‘Praying Hands', as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer, and are designed to withstand the heavy snows which fall in the region. You’ll have the chance to step inside one of these to see how the Japanese of old lived. You will also have a chance to enjoy have lunch in a typical restaurant and have soba noodles, Shirakawago's specialty. |
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After lunch, you will continue onwards to Takayama and your guide will take you to your accommodation. Due to its previously inaccessible location nestled high in the mountainous Hida alpine region, this beautifully preserved town was cut off from the rest of Japan, allowing it to develop its own unique culture. Takayama is an intimate, leisurely place and even the very center of the town has a quiet, rustic charm. As the main industry of Hida, the surrounding region, is agriculture, the freshly harvested vegetables and fruit are brought daily by local farmers to Takayama's lively morning market. The surrounding forests provide fine timber for building traditional houses and for the simple utensils and lacquer ware that have been made in Takayama for hundreds of years. The skilful carpenters of Hida are said to have built the Imperial Palace in Kyoto and many temples in that city, as well as in Nara. The district called San-machi Suji, the traditional home of Takayama merchants and sake brewers, has been preserved in almost exactly the same state as 200 or 300 years ago. Here are inns, shops and taverns which trace their histories back many generations. The Takayama Festival, which takes place biannually in spring and autumn, is considered to be one of the three most impressive festivals in Japan. You move on to the glamorous Japanese ryokan. This beautiful traditional accommodation is famous for its architecture features and Japanese timbers such as Jjindai keyaki Japanese Zelkova, Jindai sugi Japanese Cedar and Yoshino sugi Japanese Cedar. You will be surrounded by nature in your own comfort. You room features an open-air bath for you to relax. A Japanese dinner is included at your accommodation tonight and is sure to include some delicious local specialities. Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Bath: Outdoor onsen Toilet: Ensuite Western style
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Hidatei HanaougiBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today your trip comes full circle as you travel to Tokyo. We will arrange for a car to collect you at your accommodation this morning and drive you to Takayama Station. Your journey time is about 3 hours. At Nagoya, you will need to change to the Shinkansen. Please follow the signs showing you the way to the transfer gates. Nagoya is a large station but many people will be making this change, so simply follow the crowds and you will find where you need to go. The Shinkansen journey from Nagoya to Tokyo takes around 1.5 hour. Upon arrival at Tokyo Station, you will meet your driver and take you to your accommodation. The rest of your day is at your leisure. You will return to the luxury accommodation Palace Hotel Tokyo in Tokyo. Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: King/Twin beds Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Palace Hotel Tokyo (5 star)Breakfast |
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your driver will take you to airport in time for departure. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Please contact us to book if you have a group of more than 12 people.
More Info
- The departure point is Tokyo
- The finishing point is Tokyo
Day 1: Arrived in Tokyo, enjoy unique dining experience with traditional entertainment
Day 2: Tokyo - Matsumoto by train. Self guided Matsumoto exploration
Day 3: Full day Kamikochi guided walk. 4 - 13 km walking options available to suit your fitness level
Day 4: Full day Mt. Norikura guided hike
Day 5: Full day Tateyama Alpine Route guided walk
Day 6: Half day Tateyama Alpine Route guided walk. Train to Kanazawa. Self guided Kanazawa exploration
Day 7: Full day Takayama & Shirakawago guided tour
Day 8: Takayama - Tokyo by train
Day 9: Depart from Tokyo
Japan's weather and climate features four distinct seasons.
Spring is from March to May. It's perhaps one of the very best times to visit Japan as temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 26°C. The country is ablaze with beautiful white and pink cherry blossom and plenty festivals to enjoy.
Summer is from June to August and the country experiences a three to four-week rainy season. It is hot and humid during this time and temperatures are often in the high 30’s. If you plan on visiting Japan during the summer weather, northern areas such as Hokkaido or the mountains of Tohoku or Chubu are the most comfortable places to escape the heat.
Autumn is from September to November and is characterised by light breezes and cooler temperatures of around 8-10°C. It is also a wonderful time to visit Japan. The country turns into a haven of red and scarlet leaves which contrast strikingly against the deep blue clear skies and almost as impressive as the stunning cherry blossoms.
Winter is from December to February. It is a magical time to visit as the landscape is turned white with snow. It's the perfect time to go skiing or check out the hot springs, especially venture to the ski slopes of Hokkaido or Nagano. It's Okinawa is a great place to visit during the winter as it is not quite as cold as the rest of Japan’s weather.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
