11-Day Japanese Alps & Nakasendo Tour: Culture, Trails & Onsen
Lush nature that refreshes your mind
The Best of the Japanese Alps – Personalized Japan Tour
Explore the heart of Japan on this immersive 11-day journey, combining historic trails, alpine scenery, traditional villages, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
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 town, experience the warmth of local hospitality, and discover a side of Japan far removed from the bustling cityscapes.
Price
From USD 4,800 per person – excl. flights
(double occupancy)
When to visit
April-May | Mid-September ~ Late November
Length of stay
Ideally 10 Nights
Tour Highlights
- Walk the historic Nakasendo Trail, connecting preserved post towns like Tsumago
- Visit UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses
- Experience authentic onsen stays, local cuisine, and regional traditions
- Explore cultural gems including Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Nagano
Perfect for
- Exploring Japan’s breathtaking rural and alpine destinations like a local with your own private guide.
- Discovering the heart and soul of Japan’s rural mountain culture through curated experiences.
- Stepping into a unique rural alpine world and culture that fascinates many—including remote villages and ancient traditions.
What’s included
- A tailor-made itinerary crafted personally for you
- English-Speaking resident tour director and local guides
- A curated collection of stays
- Large choice of tours & experiences
- Airport Meet and Greet with private transfers
- Internet access
- Thoughtful customer service
- And more !
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.
Day 2 – Tokyo
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…
Explore Tokyo at your own pace with a private guide who will adapt the itinerary to your interests, uncovering both iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
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.
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!
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.
Don’t miss the chance to see works by renowned artist Yayoi Kusama at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art.
Day 6 – Matsumoto / Kamikochi / Takayama
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.
Good hikers can challenge themselves to the summit of Mount Yake, one of central Japan’s most active volcanoes, whose name literally and appropriately translates to burning mountain.
Day 7 – Takayama
Explore Takayama, the “Little Kyoto” of the Japanese Alps, renowned for its Edo period architecture, vibrant festivals, and delicious Hida bee.
Takayama offers a captivating journey through its three main streets of Sanmachi Suji, with local merchants selling Japanese sweet, traditional crafts, or local specialties such as ‘mitarashi dango’ rice ball snacks and skewered Hida beef. This district is the closest you’ll get to the Edo period outside of a historical TV drama.
Don’t forget the Takayama Jinya, which served as the Daikansho, the former government building during the Edo period, and the Hida Folk Village, once a mountain farming village and featuring over 30 relocated and restored buildings, including gassho-style farmhouses with distinctive thatched roofs.
Day 8 – Takayama / Shirakawago / Gokayama / Kanazawa
Explore the World Heritage sites of Gokayama and Shirakawa-go, three remote villages which offer a glimpse into Japan’s rural past.
These villages are over 250 years old and famous for their Gassho-style farmhouses. The Gassho architectural is characterized by a steep thatched roof that resembles two hands joined in prayer. The roofs, made without nails, were designed to prevent heavy snowfall from accumulating on top.
Some of the houses in Gokayama are still lived in, and along with small museums and artistic workshops, they provide further insight into the traditional lifestyle and culture of this remote area.
After dark explore Kanazawa Geisha districts, and hear the tales of what actually went on in this district during the Edo period.
Day 9 – Kanazawa / Kaga Onsen
Experience the captivating blend blend of history, art, and traditional crafts in Kanazawa !
Kanazawa’s importance grew in the 15th century and served as the seat of the Maeda clan, the second most powerful clan after the Tokugawa in terms of rice production and fief size. Accordingly, Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements, rivaling Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).
Unlike Kyoto, which can sometimes feel overrun with tourists, Kanazawa offers a more intimate and authentic experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture.
Relax with an overnight stay in Kaga Onsen, one of Japan’s most prestigious hot spring resorts, known for its therapeutic waters, traditional crafts, scenic beauty, and tranquil atmosphere.
Day 10 – Kanazawa / Nagano / Jigakudani
Board a shinkansen to Nagano.
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.
And 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.
Day 11 – Final Day – Nagano / Tokyo & Departure
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.
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