The central Japan Alps region is one of the most beautiful in the country. From May to October walking, hiking and outdoor activities can be enjoyed, whilst the winter brings ample opportunity for skiing and snowboarding.
Day 01: Arrive in Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo! You will be greeted and escorted to your hotel by our representative and checked in for three nights. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 02: Tokyo
Full day guided sightseeing tour including visits to Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando, Ginza, Imperial Palace East Garden, Asakusa Kannon Temple (Sensoji) and Nakamise Shopping Arcade. Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 03: Tokyo – Nikko - Tokyo
Full day excursion to Nikko National Park in Tochigi Prefecture and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Toshogu-shrine complex. Meet your guide on arrival at the station and visit some the of numerous temples and shrines. Overnight in Tokyo.
Day 04: Tokyo - Yudanaka
After a relaxed breakfast, head on to Yudanaka Onsen via Nagano. Here you'll be checked into a ryokan (traditional Japanese guest house). Yudanaka is famous among foreign tourists for its wild snow monkeys that bathe in the natural hot springs. There are 9 hot springs in the area and the town retains its traditional Japanese atmosphere. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, you can enjoy the picturesque national park and countryside. You are sure to see some unspoilt scenery.
Day 05: Yudanaka
Explore Yudanaka's hot springs and watch the snow monkey's bathing in the warm waters. Later take the train to the artisan town of Obuse to see the Hokkusai paintings. Return back to Yudanaka for overnight stay.
Day 06: Yudanaka - Kamikochi
Travel by private line train, JR train and bus to Kamikochi, a popular resort in the Northern Japan Alps of Nagano Prefecture; a long but scenic journey through the mountains to the heart of the Alps region. Check into your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 07: Kamikochi
Take a full day to enjoy the glorious scenery and hike the trails along Azusa River from Taisho Pond to Myojin Bridge. Overnight in Kamikochi.
Day 08: Kamikochi - Matsumoto
Travel to Matsumoto by bus and train and on arrival check into your Hotel. Spend the afternoon looking around the city and the Crow Castle, one of the oldest remaining in Japan dating back to the 1500s. Overnight in Matsomoto.
Day 09: Matsumoto - Murodo
Take the train north to Shinano-Omachi, where you can begin your traverse across the mountains towards Kanazawa. Walk in the Murodo area in the afternoon. Overnight in Murodo.
Day 10: Murodo - Kanazawa
Take the morning to do some more light walking in the area and taking in the picturesque surroundings. Then continue on to Kanazawa at your leisure. Check into your Hotel on arrival. Overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 11: Kanazawa
Kanazawa's array of cultural attractions makes it the drawcard of the Hokuriku region. Best known for Kenroku-en, a castle garden dating from the 17th century, it also boasts beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, attractive temples, a wealth of museums and a wonderful market. Visit the beautiful Kenroku-en garden this morning, one of Japan's top three gardens. Later there's time to explore some more of this interesting and artisan city. Overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 12: Kanazawa
Kanazawa's array of cultural attractions makes it the drawcard of the Hokuriku region. Best known for Kenroku-en, a castle garden dating from the 17th century, it also boasts beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, attractive temples, a wealth of museums and a wonderful market. Visit the beautiful Kenroku-en garden this morning, one of Japan's top three gardens. Later there's time to explore some more of this interesting and artisan city. Overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 13: Kanazawa - Kyoto
Take the limited express train to Kyoto, Japan's cultural heartland. After checking into your hotel you are collected by a guide and taken to a local home to try your hand at a cultural pastime of your choice, such as tea ceremony or calligraphy. Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 14: Kyoto
Take in the temples, shrines and gardens of Kyoto at your own pace today. In the evening visit the Geisha Gion district with a private guide. Overnight in Kyoto.
Day 15: Kyoto
Just north of Kyoto is the secluded temples of Enryaku-ji, nestled amongst the hills. Take a local train here and spend some time hiking amongst the temples. Return back to Kyoto for overnight.
Day 16: Kyoto - Tokyo
The day is at leusure to explore Kyoto on your own. Return back to Tokyo for overnight.
Day 17: Depart Tokyo
Take the limousine bus to the airport for your flight back home.