At a Glance
Venture to the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, hike the Japan Alps, visit the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village and cycle the rustic countryside of Hida Furukawa. This action-packed 4 day adventure allows you to travel down the paths less travelled, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty, amazing history, and enchanting culture of Japan. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience in Japan, this is the tour for you.
Your trip starts from Takayama station, which is easily accessed by train from Tokyo. You will enjoy a guided walk in Takayama, which has one of Japan's most atmospheric and authentic traditional Japanese villages, with Meiji-era inns, hillside shrines and a pretty riverside setting. Due to its well-preserved antiquity, it has earned the title of being Japan's "Little Kyoto".
You will walk ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 3 nights hand-picked accommodation in traditional Japanese ryokans with Japanese/Western styles rooms on a twin share basis (single supplement available at additional expense)
- Return transfer to/from Takayama station. We can arrange pickup from other places at additional cost
- Guided Takayama walk, Guided walk in Kamikochi and Guided tour in Shirakawago
- Guided cycling in Hida Furukawa with mountain bike, helmet, and rain gear provided
- 3x breakfasts, 3x lunches, 3x dinnersLuggage transfers
Itinerary
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The guide will pick you up from Takayama Station and take you to the beautiful village of Shirakawa-Go by private taxi (around 50 mins). 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 may have lunch at a local restaurant and sample Shirakawago's specialty - soba noodles (at your own expense). After lunch, you will continue onwards to Takayama and your guide will drop you off at your Takayama accommodation. Hanaougi Bettei Iiyama, an old folk house-style inn built using traditional construction methods, is the most luxurious Japanese inn at Hida Takayama. The secluded ryokan has 17 guest rooms. Each room is distinctive including a room with an open air bath on the open terrace where you can experience one of Hida Takayama's four seasons. The hot spring water helps beautify the skin. Room Style: Western/Japanese Style Bed Type: Twin beds/Futon Bath: Private Onsen Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Hanaougi Bettei Iiyama
Dinner |
Cycling and walking distance: approx. 22 km, 3.5 hours cycling: 2 km walking Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring the Park Hashi miso, a specialty of Hida Takayama that puts miso, green onion, mushrooms, etc on top of Park leaves. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Hida Furukawa by private car to start your guided cycling today. The 3.5 hour guided cycling tour takes you to explore a rustic countryside that is blessed with lush greenery and a landscape dotted with farm houses and sprawling rice fields. You'll also have an opportunity to visit the local market and mingle with locals. Return to Hida Furukawa for lunch at a local restaurant. Then you'll head off to explore the charming town on foot. Furukawa has lots of traditional townhouses standing in a row. You will visit a local sake brewery which the town is famous for. Return to your accommodation and enjoy gourmet Japanese cuisine sourced from local seasonal fresh produce. |
Hanaougi Bettei IiyamaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking distance: 2 - 4 km Relax and enjoy breakfast. Our guide will pick you up and take you for a leisurely walk in Takayama. 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 place and the 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. Takayama morning market is one of the biggest morning markets in Japan. 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. You can see the old houses with latticed bay windows standing in a row. The inns, shops and taverns here 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. After exploring Takayama, you will be transferred to Okuhida Onsen. Okuhida Onsen village is famous for its hot springs, and offers the largest number of open-air baths in Japan, with views of the surrounding Northern Japan Alps. Your accommodation tonight is at Katsuragi no Sato, Okuhida Onsen, set in a traditional 150-year old Japanese house. Enjoy a Japanese dinner at Katsuragi no Sato. Your dinner tonight is local special dining experience set by irori fireplace, which has been enjoyed since ancient times in Okuhida. Taste the delicious charcoal-grilled Hida beef, which is famous in Japan. Your room has a private hot spring bath, so you can soak and relax this evening. Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Bath: Indoor/outdoor Onsen Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Katsuragi no SatoBreakfast, Lunch, 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 Bridgeare 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. At the end of the walk, your guide will drop you off at Matsumoto or Takayama downtown or train station. You can catch a train to the next destination. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & 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 Takayama Station
- The finishing point is Takayama Station
How to travel between Takayama and Tokyo
By train: take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya about 1.5 - 2 hours (several train per hour), and and transfer to the JR Hida limited express train to Takayama about 2 hours (one train per hour). The entire one way trip takes about 4.5 hours.
By highway bus: there are six daytime highway bus round trips per day between Tokyo (Shinjuku Bus Terminal) and Takayama operated by Keio and Nohi Bus. The one way trip takes 5.5 hours.
Day 1: Leisure walk at Shirakawago
Day 2: Approx. 22 km, 3.5 hours cycling; approx. 2 km walking
Day 3: Takayama town walk approx. 2 - 4 km
Day 4: Kamikochi walk, approx. 4 - 14 km, 2 - 6 hours. 3 options available to suite your fitness levels
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.
