Japanese Alps Adventure

Did you know we can tailor any tour?
James Noyes
Senior Travel Consultant
020 7808 6786
Japanese Alps Adventure
Itinerary
Fly to Tokyo
(N)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals
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)
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)
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)
Kanazawa
Morning departure by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kanazawa. Stay 2 nights at Hotel Nikko. (B)
Kanazawa
Visit Kanazawa castle park and the Kenroku-en garden on a self-guided sightseeing tour.
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)
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)
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)
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Other tailor-made holidays you may like in Japan
Japanese Alps Adventure
17 days 15 nights
From £6,030
Discover the Japanese Alps on this 15-night itinerary, with many mountains, valleys, forests and scenic trails to explore
Japan Self-Guided Adventure
10 days 8 nights
From £5,070
Combine privately guided excursions with self-guided touring so you can get the most from your visit while avoiding the high costs often incurred with private travel in Japan
Essential Japan
11 days 10 nights
From £3,980
This tour of Japan is an ideal introduction for first-time visitors, taking in key sites and attractions in Tokyo, Hakone National Park and Kyoto
Japan in Style
10 days 8 nights
From £8,700
Discover the best of Japan on this luxurious private journey from Tokyo to Osaka