At a Glance
Route: Tokyo - Matsumoto - Kamikochi - Kiso Valley - Tsumago - Magome - Kiso-Fukushima - Takayama - Kyoto
A luxury journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, exploring the 'Alps' of Japan to discover pristine alpine towns filled with history and culture, walking the best sections of the old Nakasendo Trail, and venturing the remote mountainous highland valley Kamikochi. Over 11-days/10-nights, you'll fall under the spell of some of Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery and create memories to treasure. Soak in mountain-side onsens whilst enjoying breath-taking landscapes at every turn.
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 culture importance to the Japanese. In particular, the Japan Alps region offers stunning views of scenic alpine landscapes.
Starting from Tokyo, ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- English meet and greet at the airport and return private transfers to the airports
- Self-guide app and customised travel documentation
- Private guided Tokyo walking tour with an English speaking guide
- PASMO Transport Pass for local transportation in Tokyo with 1,500 JPY worth of credits (Note: Additional credits will be charged by our guides to cover transportation during guided days. You are free to further charge you card should you wish to make use of it during self-guided days).
- 7-Day Japan Rail Pass in ordinary class, activated on Day 310 nights luxury accommodation mixed with Japanese and Western styles on a twin share basis (single supplement available at addition expense)
- Enjoy delicious traditional cuisine of the Japanese countryside, with ingredients sourced from local and the surrounding lush mountains. 10x breakfasts, 1x lunch, 6x dinners
- Private guided Kyoto cycling tour with an English speaking guide
- Private guided Kamikochi walking tour with an English speaking guide
Itinerary
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Upon arrival to Tokyo's airport, you are greeted by our representative, who will assist you to have your private transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure. 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 discernable 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. Overnight in the Park Hotel Tokyo, a luxury 4 star hotel located in Shiodome Media Tower, in a flourishing center of business and culture. Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: Twin beds or Queen bed Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Palace Hotel Tokyo
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Full day private guided tour. We can also arrange other experiences for today's itinerary. Please see other options below. Meet up with your tour guide this morning at the hotel and head to Hamarikyu, a Japanese garden that once served as a private villa of a powerful feudal lord during the Edo period. Its wide collection of seasonal flowers makes it one of the most visited gardens in Tokyo. There is another most famous attraction is tea house, Nakajima-no-Ochaya. You will enjoy the tranquillity there with a cup of freshly made green tea while the guide shares interesting facts about sado (tea ceremony). From the park, take a scenic river cruise to Asakusa, a part of Tokyo's shitamachi or old town. Asakusa is the city's oldest Geisha district and also home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. The streets around Senso-ji feature many traditional shops and are a delight to wander through. Continue your tour to visit Meiji Jingu built in 1920, Tokyo's most famous Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Shinto has no founder, no concept of religion; it is a way of life in Japan; It focuses on harmony with nature, virtue and divine spirit. The shrine is surround by 100,000 trees that donated by people in Japan and overseas. They wished to honor the Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken for their virtues and divine soul. Meiji Jingu is a popular venue for Shinto weddings. Other Options for Today's Itinerary (Extra cost may apply): |
Palace Hotel TokyoBreakfast |
Self-guided day. After breakfast, you are heading to Matsumoto from Tokyo (around 3 hours train ride). You will see rice fields, vineyards, wasabi farms in the fertile valley during the train ride. This mountain city Matsumoto, the second largest city in Nagono prefecture, is the stepping stone on your way to the magnificent northern Alps. Visit Matsumoto Castle known as "Crow Castle", one of the only twelve remaining original castles in Japan. It is well-distinguished for its black exterior, red arch bridge and a view of Japan’s Alps in the background. The castle was first built more than 400 years ago, and the five-storied castle keep is one of the oldest still extant. Right outside the castle grounds is Nakamachi-dori, a fun place for a stroll. It's a historical merchant district line with well-preserved old buildings with striking contrast of white walls with black eaves on the traditional storehouses hearken of an earlier age. Overnight in Matsumoto. Your hotel tonight is Tobira Onsen Myojinkan situated in the heart of the Northern Alps. It offers you beautiful scenery and tranquil forests. You will enjoy the hot spring with an open view of nature that can be appreciated all year round. It also offers you the refined dinning experience of Kaiseki-style food which is a marvellous balance of textures, flavours and colours. Room Style: Western/Japanese Style Bed Type: Twin beds/Futon Bath: Indoor/Outdoor onsen Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Tobira Onsen MyojinkanBreakfast, Dinner |
Private guided day. Easy to moderate walk approx. 4-6 hours Your guide will pick up from your accommodation in the morning and transfer you to Kamikochi. Kamikochi is a remote mountainous highland valley within the Hida Mountains range and is the crown jewel of the Japanese Alps. This is a very popular place for mountain trekking. Option 1 walking distance: approx. 4.2 km, 1.5 hours Each course will take you to some of the best scenic spots in Kamikochi and you can fully appreciate nature. Your journey starts from Taisho-ike Pond, with its mirror-like waters reflecting the Hotaka Mountain Range and Mt. Yake-dake, an active volcano that stands at 2,455 meters above sea level. Just nearby is Kappa-bashi Bridge, one of the places in Kamikochi that offers the most picturesque views of the area. From this point, another hour of trekking heads to Myojin-bashi Bridge, the gateway to Hotaka-jinja Shrine and Myojin-ike Pond. The trail from Myojin area back to the opposite side of Kappa-bashi is nature trekking that feel free to wander through the serene woods of this well-protected national park. Drop off at your accommodation in Matsumoto. |
Tobira Onsen MyojinkanBreakfast, Dinner |
Self-guided day. Private guided option is available. Please enquiry for the additional cost. Start your journey through Nakasendo in Kiso Valley, one of the five routes that branched off the former capital of Japan. The short bullet train ride from Kyoto to Nagoya is then followed by the scenic journey on the limited ex-press train Wide View. Upon arrival at Nagiso Station, ride a local bus to Tsumago, a well-preserved post town. Tsumago was in its Golden Era during the time when merchants and other noble and prominent people frequently passed through for trade and other formal appointments. In the latter part of 1970, this small town was classified as a Nationally Designated Architectural Preservation Site, thanks to the collective ef-fort of its locals to preserve most of the remaining historical buildings. Overnight in Tsumago. Tsumago is located in the southern part of the Kiso Valley. Your accommodation tonight is at Daikichi, an authentic Japanese inn where you can enjoy the beautiful seasonal sceneries and totally relax. Daikichi offers original Japanese dinner and breakfast with several courses, including soba noodles a la Chirashi Sushi, traditional tempura, seasonal mountain vegetables, and a glass of local wine. Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Bed Type:Shared Bath Toilet: Shared Toilet |
Onyado DaikichiBreakfast, Dinner |
Self-guided walk. Private guided option is available. Please enquiry for the additional cost. Walking distance: 8.3km / 5.2 miles. Elevation gain: 326m / 1069 feet of ascent and 430m / 1410 feet of descent. Time required: About 3 hours Today start your journey to Magome, one of the post towns that flourished in the Edo Period. Walk over Magome Pass to Tsumago, one of the best-preserved and most evocative of the Nakasendo post-towns. After concluding the trail, ride a bus to Nakatsugawa, then a train to Kiso-Fukushima. Check in to Komanoyu one of the Nakasendo Trail tradition ryokans. This elegant accommodation offers you comfort and serenity with gorgeous outdoor onsen experience. Overnight in Kiso-Fukushima. Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Bed Type: Ensuite Bath Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
KomanoyuBreakfast, Dinner |
Self-guided day. After an early breakfast, head out to Takayama, a small town nestled high in the Hida Alpine region of Gifu Prefecture. Stroll in Takayama's shitamachi, where the streets are lined with century-old merchants' homes and sake breweries. Stop by one of the breweries for a taste of the local drop or queue for the famous Hida beef sushi in one of the special food stalls. You move on to another 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. Room Style: Japanese Style Bed Type: Futon Bed Type: Indoor/Outdoor onsen Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Hidatei HanaougiBreakfast, Dinner |
Self guided day tour to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Private guided option is available. If you wish not to visit Shirakawago, we can also arrange half day guided cycling tour in Hida. Please enquiry for the additional cost. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer," which is represented through the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs. This architectural style developed over many generations – the roofs were constructed without any nails and are intricately designed to withstand large amounts of snow. These houses are private homes of the locals but some are open to the public, such as Wada House, a legacy left behind by the Wada Family who used to be the richest family and village leader in Ogimachi. Return your accommodation in Takayama. Optional Tour: Hida Cycling Tour |
Hidatei HanaougiBreakfast, Dinner |
Self-guided day. Today you are heading to Japan's cultural capital, Kyoto via train. This is a must-see destination in Japan. Kyoto is the nation's former capital and was the residence ofthe emperor from 794 until 1868. It is Japan's seventh largest metropolis with a population of around 1.4 million and a city of culture that offers a plethora of temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures that still survive today. With 2,000 religious buildings, including 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, as well as palaces, gardens and associated architecture, it is one of the best-preserved cities in Japan and has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Kyoto represents the "Japan of old" and beyond the high-rise skyscrapers built as a monument to progress, the real monument to Japan's historical and cultural past can be found in the city's narrow alleyways where tea houses abound and kimono-clad geisha hurry from elegant function to function. CCheck in to the Hyatt Regency Kyoto with the iconic bamboo entrance in Higashiyama Shichijo. The rest of the day is at leisure. Hyatt Regency is one of the reputable luxury hotels in Kyoto. Room's are tastefully decorated with modern and tradition. Antique kimono fragments and the soft light of paper lamps are part of the highlight in your room. Room Style: Western Style Bed Type: King/Twin Share Bath: Ensuite indoor Toilet: Ensuite Western style |
Hyatt Regency KyotoBreakfast |
Full day private guided cycling tour. If you don't wish to do the cycling tour, we can also arrange you to do other tours. Please see other options below. After breakfast, you head towards the designated meeting point in Kyoto to meet up with the guide and biking fitting. Start with a visit to Nishi Honga-ji Temple, one of the largest temple in the city just nearby the main train station. Cycle towards Nijo Castle, one of the few remaining original castles in Japan well-known for its Momoyama-style architecture, decorated sliding doors, and "chirping nightingale" floors. After a quick lunch, continue onwards to Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Originally built as a retirement villa of a shogun, it was later reopened as a Zen Buddhist temple. Right next to Kinkaku-ji is another Zen Buddhist temple called Ryoan-ji, which is famous for its amazing rock garden. Finish the tour in the scenic Arashiyama, famous for its serene bamboo forest, massive temples and vi-brant dining and shopping alleys. Return to your accommodation. Other Options for Today's Itinerary (Extra cost may apply): |
Hyatt Regency KyotoBreakfast, Lunch |
The rest of the day is free at leisure. Enjoy a private transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) to meet your departing flight. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Daily departure on request. Group discount is available for 4 or people. 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 Kyoto
Day 1: Arrived in Tokyo
Day 2: Full day guided Tokyo highlights walk
Day 3: Tokyo - Matsumoto, self-guided Matsumoto exploring
Day 4: Private guided Kamikochi walk, approx. 4 - 6 hours
Day 5: Matsumoto - Tsumago, self guided walk in Tsumago post town
Day 6: Self-guided Nakasendo trail walk to Magome. Approx. 8.3km / 5.2 miles, 3 hours
Day 7: Self exploring Takayama
Day 8: Self guided day tour to Shirakawago
Day 9: Train from Takayama to Kyoto
Day 10: Guided full day cycling in Kyoto
Day 11: Depart in Kyoto
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.
