Central Japan with Japanese Alps Hiking

Itinerary

• Day 1: Tokyo, Arrival

  Welcome to the dynamic Tokyo!

  Take a private transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to shake off any jet lag. Consider a stroll through the neon-lit streets to get your first taste of this vibrant metropolis.

  • Tokyo

• Day 2: Tokyo, Meiji Shrine & Senso-ji Temple

  Embark on your Tokyo odyssey at Meiji Shrine, an oasis of tranquility enveloped within verdant woods. Marvel at its majestic torii gates and meander through the serene trails lined with towering trees. You can also take part in typical Shinto activities there, such as making offerings at the main hall, buying amulets or writing out your wish on an ema.

  Next, admire the sprawling palace grounds and arching stone bridges while strolling the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace to over moat-ringed islets. Capture the Imperial Palace's timeless façade before moving on to the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's ancient heart. It's a mesmerizing maze of vivid hues, tempting aromas, lively crowds, and delectable street eats, with visitors posing for photos dressed in elegant kimonos.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 3: Pilgrimage to Mt. Fuji

  Commence your Fuji pilgrimage at Oshino Hakkai, a sublime pond complex graced by eight pristine springs. Behold breathtaking vistas of Mt. Fuji as you meander amongst crystalline waters, snapping Insta-worthy photos and sipping the purifying spring water.

  Ascend to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, a sacred sentinel perched atop a verdant hill with panoramic views of Lake Kawaguchiko and Fuji-san's majestic form.

  Embark on a serene cruise across Lake Kawaguchiko's tranquil turquoise expanse. Breathe the crisp alpine air and soak in the peaceful scenery as you sail past charming lakeside hamlets. Or ride the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway up to a summit observation deck and capture epic panoramic vistas of the iconic mountain against a backdrop of cascading clouds.

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  • Hakone

• Day 4: Hakone - Kyoto

  Have a leisurely morning to explore more of Hakone on your own before continuing to Kyoto, a living museum where Japan's imperial past and heritage thrive.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 5: Kyoto, Landmarks & Cultural Experience

  Commence your journey at the Kinkakuji Temple. The gleaming golden pavilion reflected on the placid lake is a sight to behold.

  Step into history at Nijo Castle, once home to the power-hungry shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Marvel at its lavishly decorated apartments adorned with paintings and gold leaf.

  Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine, a mesmerizing complex of vermilion torii gates climbing a forested mountainside. Traipse along the paths flanked by thousands of gates donated over centuries by Japanese devotees.

  As the late afternoon sun slants through the windows of the historic Gion district, prepare for a traditional Japanese experience. A Kimono is arranged and an attendant ties the obi sash. You are led to an authentic Japanese-style townhouse where you kneel on tatami mats and are served fragrant matcha tea. After the tea ceremony, sit at a low table for a kaiseki multi-course dinner.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 6: Kyoto - Kanazawa

  Have a free day to explore more of Kyoto on your own.

  You may stroll the vermilion pathways in front of Kiyomizu Temple and walk through the old but well-preserved temple grounds. Or make your way into the vast bamboo grove in Arashiyama to take in the natural beauty of the Oi River and discover heritage gems hidden in it.

  Late in the afternoon, get on a train a two-hour journey to Kanazawa.

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  • Kanazawa

• Day 7: Conjuring Kanazawa's Past

  Wander the vast Kenroku-en filled with ponds, gardens, and seasonal flowers and appreciate traditional Japanese garden aesthetics.

  Marvel at the panoramic views from the imposing Kanazawa Castle, once home to samurai warriors. Meander down narrow lanes of historic Higashi Chaya, an old merchant district and former geisha quarter, and duck into traditional teahouses hidden behind wooden gates.

  Stroll through the narrow lanes of Nagamachi Samurai District, which will give you a glimpse into Kanazawa's samurai past.

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  • Kanazawa

• Day 8: Kanazawa - Shirakawago - Takayama

  Journey to the ethereal villages of Shirakawago, nestled high in the mountains. In Ogimachi, the largest of these mountain settlements, behold scenes of thatch-roofed farmhouses from the panoramic observation deck.

  Within the meticulously preserved traditional gassho-style houses, the Wada-ke House and the Kanda-ke House, you'll gain glimpses of the ingenious structures that once sheltered the simple, peaceful lives of the villagers who called these magical abodes home.

  Later, transport will take you to Takayama.

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  • Takayama

• Day 9: Discovery of Takayama

  Discover the time-honored Takayama from the Miyagawa River Morning Market. Browse stalls along the meandering river and discover some unique local products.

  Absorb the timeless spirit of Takayama's past by strolling the atmospheric alleys of Old Township, where the Edo-Era's sake breweries, merchants' homes, and rows of latticed-window buildings stood for centuries. Make a photo stop at Nakabashi Bridge.

  Visit Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan, and Nikkoukan to marvel at the super woodworking skills the Hida people have been proud of for hundreds of years.

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  • Takayama

• Day 10: Takayama - Kamikochi - Matsumoto

  Transfer to Kamikochi for a scenic hike, around 1.5 hours.

  Your self-guided walk starts at beautiful Taisho Ike Pond, where you'll catch your first glimpse of the towering Yake volcano looming in the distance. As you meander beneath the towering ancient cypress and cedar trees, the pine-scented air fills your lungs with freshness.

  Reach the fast-flowing Azusa River, lined with verdant cypress forests. Follow the river downstream on thick carpets of fallen needles until arriving at the picturesque Kappa Bridge. Then, move on to Matsumoto for the night.

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  • Matsumoto

• Day 11: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

  It's a day scheduled to discover the magnificent beauty along Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. During the tour, you will take various transports, cable cars, ropeway, and trolley buses, to marvel at the Kurobe Dam - the tallest dam in Japan, and the roof of Japan - Mt Tate soaring up to 3,015 meters high. From April to June, visitors can also travel through the majestic Snow Walls, one of Japan's most iconic sights.

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  • Matsumoto

• Day 12: Matsumoto - Tokyo

  Have a free morning to explore the walkable city on your own.

  Matsumoto Castle opens her arms in welcome as you approach, golden towers glittering in the mist. Step through the gates into stilled corridors and climb battlements to greet the dawning day. If you are a fan of Matsumoto-born artist Yayoi Kusama, don't miss the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. The Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, with one of Japan's finest ukiyo-e collections, is also a place for artistic lovers.

  In the afternoon, hop on a train to Nagano, where you will change to a Shinkansen heading back to Tokyo. Arrive in about 3 hours and find the way to your hotel.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 13: Tokyo, Departure

  Today it's time to say sayonara.

  Fond memories of magical experiences, wonderous landscapes, and warm encounters will stay with you long after you've left the wonders of Japan behind.

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