JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.
Australian Wilderness & Outback Journeys
Private and luxury journeys to The Kimberley, Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Red Centre, Flinders Ranges, Lake Eyre...
Learn more
Greatest Rail Journeys in Australia
A luxury holiday of a life time on one of the great Australian rail journeys. Rail & Sail, Reef & Rail, Outback & Rail...
Items 71-76 of 76
An unforgettable winter adventure to mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture and explore some of the rugged beauty of winter season that Japan has to offer. Discover small alpine towns on foot and witness snow blanketing the roofs of beautifully preserved Edo period buildings in Takayama. Be inspired by traditional wooden architectures at the fairytale Shirakawa-go. Ride the Shinhotaka Ropeway for a thrilling snowshoeing. Enjoy “Yukimi-Buro” (soak in the open-air bath seeing snow) and immerse in the majestic vista of Japan's Northern Alps.
Your trip starts from Takayama station, which is easily accessed by train from Tokyo. Hida Takayama is one of the snowiest regions in all of Japan. You will enjoy a guided walk in Takayama, which has one of Japan's most atmospheric and authentic traditional Japanese villages, with Meiji-era inns, hillside shrines and a pretty riverside setting. Due to its well-preserved antiquity, it has earned the title of being Japan's "Little Kyoto".
Shirakawago in winter is a place right out of a fairy tale. You will walk to discover traditionally thatched houses in Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO's World Heritage Site. The steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The specific shapes of roofs are designed to withstand the large amounts of snow that fall in the region during winter.
Enjoy the pampered comfort of authentic Japanese ryokans, soak in Okuhida Onsen's famous hot spring bath amid the snow and taste the freshest ingredients prepared exquisitely for you.
The package includes four day guiding, return transfers to/from Takayama, boutique accommodation and all meals.
A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan in magical winter season, the Rural Japan Walking, Snowshoeing & Skiing tour is ideal for intrigued skiers and snowboaders looking for immersive and authentic Japanese experiences.
Departure Dates
Departs daily on request from December to March.
Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.
This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.
Venture to the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, hike the Japan Alps, visit the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village and cycle the rustic countryside of Hida Furukawa. This action-packed 4 day adventure allows you to travel down the paths less travelled, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty, amazing history, and enchanting culture of Japan. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience in Japan, this is the tour for you.
Your trip starts from Takayama station, which is easily accessed by train from Tokyo. You will enjoy a guided walk in Takayama, which has one of Japan's most atmospheric and authentic traditional Japanese villages, with Meiji-era inns, hillside shrines and a pretty riverside setting. Due to its well-preserved antiquity, it has earned the title of being Japan's "Little Kyoto".
You will walk to discover traditionally thatched houses in Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO's World Heritage Site.
No Japan Alps trip would be complete without hiking in Kamikochi, the crown jewel of the Japanese Alps and one of Japan’s most famous hiking destinations, where you'll enjoy clear skies, spectacular mountains, and bright blue river streams.
Enjoy a guided cycling tour exploring a rustic countryside that is blessed with lush greenery and a landscape dotted with farm houses and sprawling rice fields.
Enjoy the pampered comfort of authentic Japanese ryokans, soak in Okuhida Onsen's famous hot spring bath and taste the freshest ingredients prepared exquisitely for you.
The package includes four day guided cycling and walks, return transfers to/from Takayama, boutique accommodation and all meals. You'll also have an opportunity to visit the local market and mingle with locals.
A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, the Japan Alps & Villages Walk & Cycle tour is ideal for intrigued travellers looking for immersive and authentic Japanese experiences.
Departs daily on request
Pack Free Walk. Luggage transferred daily
In the footsteps of Emperors, hike inn to inn on enchanting sections of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route weaving through forested mountains and small villages towards the Grand Shrine of Hongu. Spend three nights at Japanese inns in Takahara, Nonaka and Yunomine Onsen areas, and enjoy home-cooked dinners featuring local seasonal ingredients. Your luggage will be transported each day to the next inn so that you can enjoy exploring the world-famous Kumano Kodo, Japan's ancient pilgrimage route on foot independently over 4 days.
The Kumano Kodo is the world's only UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage route besides the Camino de Santiago. Once a sacred pilgrimage reserved for emperors and samurai for over 1200 years, the world-class Kumano Kodo hiking route is today open to all walkers and natural wanderers.
The best accommodation along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is hand picked for this package, with three nights in Japanese style inns/boutique lodges. All rooms have ensuite (private toilet).
Most meals are included for the duration of the walk. You will enjoy authentic and delicious local cuisine.
Your luggage will be transported each day to the next accommodation so you only need to carry a daypack to enjoy your daily exploration.
This itinerary focuses on popular walks on the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo over 4 incredible days. Get ready for this unforgettable village-to-village trek.
Departure Dates:
Departs daily year round on request.
Add A Guide
You can choose to have a local guide for your first day. The local guide will explain this significant historical area as well as provide detailed information on the trail and general track advice. You are then well equipped to continue on your way for the remainder of your self-guided walk. Additional cost: $250 per person.
Orientation
The local staff will give you an orientation of the tour when you arrive at Kii-Tanabe station. The staff will supply you with maps, bus timetables and brief you on your itinerary. The staff will explain cultural elements such as how to use a bath and purchase bus tickets if need be as well as answer any last minute questions.
Dual Pilgrim
This walk is qualified for "Dual Pilgrim". We provide official Dual Pilgrim Credential - a type of passport for pilgrims. It is used to collect stamps along the trail as a record of the walk. There are two sides, one for the Kumano Kodo and one for the Way of St. James.Please read the details in the section of Dual Pilgrim at the bottom of this page.
Why Choose Us
- We provide official English map (the best map).
- We provide official Dual Pilgrim Credential.
- We offer a pre-walk briefing at our local representative’s office.
- Unlike other operators using traditional Japanese inns/guesthouses that have communal bathrooms and toilets, we offer the best accommodation along the trail. All our rooms have private toilets.
- We arrange daily luggage transfer. Your luggage will be transferred to the next accommodation. You only need to carry a daypack for the walk.
Enjoy a short break that epitomizes the Kamikochi and Japan's Alps experience. With clear skies, spectacular mountains, and bright blue river streams, this 2-day walk offers you some of the best hikes in Japan.
Kamikochi is the crown jewel of the Japanese Alps and one of Japan’s most famous hiking destinations. This high mountain valley is located in the Northern Japan Alps in Chubu Sangaku National Park. The surrounding mountains reach 3,190 m, which creates a stunningly magnificent background with the beautiful aquamarine Azusa River in the foreground. Open only from April to November, the valley is flocked to by nature lovers and hikers.
The crafted two day package incorporates one day walking in Kamikochi valley and one day mountain hiking. Your experienced guide will tailor the walking program to suit your fitness levels. The walking courses cover many scenic spots of Kamikochi and you can take in its unique beauty and stark contrasts.
The package includes two day private guided walks, return transfers to/from Matsumoto, boutique accommodation and all meals.
With stunning mountain views, crystal clear waters, and boutique accommodation, Best of Kamikochi & Alps Walk offers one of the best Japanese Alps hiking experiences.
Departs daily from May to October on request.
Route: Osaka - Beppu - Mt Kuju - Kurokawa Onsen - Mt Aso - Takachiho Gorge - Gokanosho - Kagoshima - Ibusuki
A ultimate journey from Osaka through the Seto Inland Sea to Kyushu. Traverse the majestic volcanic wonderland of Kyushu from volcano ridgeline to Takachiho Gorge, venture into hidden mountain villages where the first Samurai clan warriors lived secluded, you'll witness some of the world's rarest natural spectacles and enjoy the unique black volcanic sand bathing as well as witness Yokagura folklore dances at the sacred Takachiho shrine. Dine and relax each night at the best hotels/ryokans hand-picked along the route. Exotic scenery, fantastic geothermal wonders, gourmet food, and luxurious accommodation are all in one place on this incredible nine day luxury adventure.
Start your journey from the vibrant neon city of Osaka, ride an overnight ferry through the Inland Sea to Kyushu Island. Our local guide will meet and greet you at the ferry terminal and take you on a remarkable private tour to explore the mighty land of Kyushu. The hand-crafted itinerary incorporates some of the best hikes on Kyushu including:
- Hiking Mt Kuju - one of Japan's "100 famous mountains" and also the highest peak on the island of Kyushu;
- Mt Aso loop walk - Japan's most active volcano and one of the world’s largest caldera volcanoes;
- Takachiho Gorge - walk to its famous waterfall, as well as overhanging rocks and sheer walls, formed over 120,000 years ago by a double volcanic eruption;
- Hiking around Onamiike - the highest crater lake in Japan;
- and trekking in the hidden wooded mountains where some of the "Heike" (the first Samurai clan) lived secluded from the outside world.
You'll have plenty of opportunity to explore the history and culture of the island full of myths and transitions. Watch the sacred Yokagura dances at Takachiho shrine, and visit Japanese houses and mountain villages to mingle with the locals. You'll also have a unique opportunity to enjoy a behind-the-scene exclusive visit of Moritaka Hamono, a world-famous Japanese kitchen knife workshop, who normally doesn’t allow any visitors.
The majestic volcanic wonderland of Kyushu not only creates dramatic landscapes and sceneries, but also offers many high quality onsen hot springs for you to relax after each day's adventure. You'll enjoy relaxing dips in their soothing waters, as well as the unique sensory experience of hot sand bathing where you are buried in black volcanic sand.
The luxurious accommodation is hand picked for this package, including some of the best 5 star hotels and boutique Japanese ryokans. You'll be impressive by the natural settings of each accommodation.
Most meals are included for the duration of the tour. You will enjoy authentic and delicious local cuisine. Please refer to the itinerary for the meal inclusion.
The tour includes 8 nights accommodation, ferry from Osaka to Kyushu, meals as mentioned in the itinerary, an English speaking private guide, return transfers to the airports, private car touring on Kyushu island, and all tickets.
This is the ultimate luxury discovery of Kyushu and you will be inspired by its scale, natural beauty and depth of history. You'll return invigorated and inspired with memories that will last a lifetime.
Luggage Transfers
This is a private guided tour from Beppu. Your luggages will be transferred by private car once you arrive at Beppu ferry terminal.
Pack Free. Best Accommodation
In the footsteps of Emperors, hike inn to inn with a local professional guide on enchanting sections of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route weaving through forested mountains and small villages towards the Grand Shrine of Hongu. Spend three nights at Japanese inns in Takahara, Nonaka and Yunomine Onsen areas, and enjoy home-cooked dinners featuring local seasonal ingredients.