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James Noyes

Senior Travel Consultant

020 7808 6786

020 7808 6786

Lead Price
From £6030pp
Duration
17 days & 15 nights
Itinerary Type
Tailor Made
Holiday Type
General Interest
Tour Highlights

Japanese Alps Adventure

Discover the Japanese Alps on this 15-night itinerary, with many mountains, valleys, forests and scenic trails to explore. Visit the alpine region of Kamikochi; journey into the Kiso valley; walk the famed Nakasendo Way; and see the historic Unesco-listed site of Shirakawago village, set beneath the peaks of the Hida mountains. Visits are also included to the temples of Kyoto and the busy metropolis of Tokyo, with a hike up Mount Takao nearby, to escape the busy city.

Itinerary

YEAR:
DAY 1: Fly to Tokyo
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Fly to Tokyo

(N)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals

DAY 2: Tokyo
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Tokyo

Arrive and transfer to The Park Hotel in Tokyo for a 3-night stay, located close to the Shiodome subway station and only a 10-minute walk from the peaceful Hamarikyu gardens. (N)

DAY 3: Tokyo
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Tokyo

Full-day private guided city tour using public transport, visiting the Asakusa Kannon temple, Tokyo National Museum’s Japanese gallery, the Imperial East Garden and the tranquil Meiji shrine. (B)

DAY 4: Hike on Mount Takao
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Hike on Mount Takao

Today we recommend a self-guided excursion to sacred Mount Takao, part of a range of wooded mountains an hour’s journey from Tokyo. Here there are numerous clearly marked hiking trails up to the summit, taking 2-3 hours. On a clear day you can also enjoy views of Mount Fuji. (B)

DAY 5: Kanazawa
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Kanazawa

Morning departure by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa. Stay 2 nights at Hotel Nikko. (B)

DAY 6: Kanazawa
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Kanazawa

Visit Kanazawa castle park and the Kenroku-en garden on a self-guided sightseeing tour.

DAY 7: Shirakawago - Takayama
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Shirakawago - Takayama

Take the bus to Shirakawago to see the Unesco-listed gassho-zukuri houses and their unique architectural style. After some time to explore the area, continue by bus to Takayama. Stay for 2 nights at the traditional Tanabe Ryokan, where the owners Mr & Mrs Tanabe are gracious hosts and will do their very best to ensure you have a fabulous stay. (B, D)

DAY 8: Takayama
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Takayama

This morning you will be escorted on a food and culture walk around Takayama, an ideal opportunity to sample some of the region’s famed Hida beef, various hoba miso-based products, and the delicious mitarashi dango – rice balls dipped in soy sauce and roasted on skewers. End the morning with a visit to the Harada Sake Brewery and browse the lively Miyakawa Morning Market. (B, D)

DAY 9: Kamikochi
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Kamikochi

Travel by bus through the Japanese Alps to Kamikochi, a remote valley carved by the Azusa river with some of Japan’s highest peaks rising on up on either side. Stay 2 nights at the Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, a European-style mountain lodge that has been welcoming guests since 1933. (B)

DAY 10: Kamikochi
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Kamikochi

Spend the day walking in the surrounding mountains, which offer numerous walking trails ranging from easy rambles along the valley to more challenging hikes to the tops of the nearest peaks, with the chance to spot a range of flora, birds and monkeys along the way.

DAY 11: Matsumoto
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Matsumoto

Travel by bus and train to Matsumoto, which is home to a fine feudal castle with the oldest existing donjon (keep) in Japan, as well as an outstanding woodblock-print museum. Stay overnight at the Hotel Buena Vista Matsumoto. (B)

DAY 12: Into the Kiso Valley
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Into the Kiso Valley

Travel by train into the Kiso Valley, an area known for its mountains, forests, hot springs and hiking trails, and also for its position on the historic Nakasendo Way, an ancient highway that once linked Kyoto with Tokyo. Stay 2 nights at Komanoyu, a ryokan-style hotel with its own hot spring baths, known as onsen. (B, D)

DAY 13: Hiking the Nakasendo Way
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Hiking the Nakasendo Way

Travel by train and bus to the small town of Magome, from where you will begin a gentle hike of 8km along the Nakasendo Way, to Tsumago. The trail is well-signposted and passes through some beautiful countryside. In Tsumago you will have some time to explore the town and wander the flagstone streets lined with traditional buildings, before being met and driven back to your hotel. (B, D)

DAY 14: Kyoto
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Kyoto

Take the train to Nagoya, then continue by shinkansen (bullet train), to Kyoto. Stay at The Celestine for 3 nights. This evening, you will be escorted by a local guide through the Gion, Kyoto’s famous Geisha district. (B)

DAY 15: Kyoto
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Kyoto

Full-day private guided city tour using public transport. Recommendations include the Ryoanji temple with its famous zen rock garden and Kinkakuji temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion.

DAY 16: Kyoto
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Kyoto

Day is at leisure – a trip to the Arashiyama district in the north-west of the city is recommended, a peaceful area of gardens, quiet backstreets and bamboo forests.

DAY 17: Fly home
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Fly home

Take a shuttle bus from your hotel to Kansai airport, located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, then board your flight home. (B)

Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

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The Cox & Kings signature experiences

  • Hike in the scenic Japanese Alps near Kamikochi
  • Visit Tokyo & climb nearby Mount Takao
  • Walk the historic Nakasendo Way in the Kiso Valley
  • Discover the temples of Kyoto & the gardens of Kanazawa
  • Stay in 4- star accommodation
Low Season
From £6,030 per person
High Season
From £7,240 per person

What's included

  • International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
  • UK departure and overseas airport taxes
  • Accommodation, itinerary & meal basis as described
  • Local Transfers in a private chauffeur-driven vehicle
  • The support (if required) of an English speaking local representative
  • Local guides and entrance fees where applicable

Important information

Superior tour
This tour is based in 4-star accommodation.
Tailor-made travel
For a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
Guideline prices
Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£), based on two people sharing a twin/double-room. Single supplement available on request. Pricing is indicative and may be subject to change due to external factors such as variable flight prices.
Meal basis
As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
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