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Route: Tokyo - Matsumoto - Kamikochi - Kiso Valley - Tsumago - Magome - Kiso-Fukushima - Takayama - Kyoto
A delightful journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, walking the best sections of the old Nakasendo Trail, exploring the famous Japan Alps region, venturing the remote mountainous highland valley Kamikochi. Over 11-days/10-nights, you'll fall under the spell of some of Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery and create memories to treasure.
Japan is a country of mountains. With over seventy-percent of the country being mountainous terrain, it’s no wonder that mountains have religious and culture importance to the Japanese. In particular, the Japan Alps region offers stunning views of scenic alpine landscapes.
Starting from Tokyo, you'll walk on the best section of the old Nakasendo Trail for 3 days passing the picturesque Kiso Valley. The village ...
Starting from Tokyo, you'll walk on the best section of the old Nakasendo Trail for 3 days passing the picturesque Kiso Valley. The village to village walk allows you to visit the exquisitely-preserved villages of Magome and Tsumago, and stay at some of the best hand-picked traditional Japanese inns. Venture into Kamikochi and explore the beautiful highland on foot along Azusa River surrounded by stunning peaks and seasonal foliage. You'll also have opportunity to visit Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
The package also includes one day private guide walk in Tokyo and one day private guided cycling tour in Kyoto.
The classic accommodation is hand picked for this package, including some of the best 4 star hotels and comfortable traditional Japanese inns.
Most meals are included for the duration of the tour. You will enjoy authentic and delicious local cuisine. Please refer the itinerary for the meal inclusion.
The tour includes 10 nights accommodation, meals as mentioned in the itinerary, English meet and greet at the airport and return transfers to the airport, transport pass, guided tour in Kyoto and Tokyo and customised travel document.
This is the classic discovery of Japan Alps replete with natural beauty and rich history. You'll return invigorated and inspired with memories that will last a lifetime.
Departure Dates
Departs daily on request
Luggage Forwarding
Baggage handling is not included in the tour cost, but Japan has a fabulous luggage forwarding service which you can use to send your luggage to your next destination. It will take between 24 and 72 hours to get the luggage to the next point so we recommend preparing an overnight bag when using this service. Luggage can be sent between any two points in Japan and the bell desks or receptions at your hotel will be happy to assist you with arranging this luggage transfer. We can assist you to arrange luggage transfers.
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.
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Upon arrival to Tokyo's airport, you are greeted by our representative, who will assist you to have your private transfer to your accommodation.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Tokyo is a city of contrasts with a reputation of "city never goes to sleep". It mixes with history, culture and modern technology. This front-line capital famous for its pioneering modernity, iconic landscapes of neon and soaring skyscrapers is dotted with peaceful parklands, shrines, temples and adored gardens. Despite its mania for anime pop culture, fashion, digital trends and discernable consumption, the city embraces an ancient heritage evident in the temples and shrines scattered amongst the vast skyrises. The Imperial Palace provides a palpable link to the city's incredible heritage even with the explosion of commercial emporia.
Overnight in the Park Hotel Tokyo, a luxury 4 star hotel located in Shiodome Media Tower, in a flourishing center of business and culture.
Room Style: Western Style
Bed Type: Twin beds or Queen bed
Toilet: Ensuite Western style
Full day private guided tour. We can also arrange other experiences for today's itinerary. Please see other options below.
Meet up with your tour guide this morning at the hotel and head to Hamarikyu, a Japanese garden that once served as a private villa of a powerful feudal lord during the Edo period. Its wide collection of seasonal flowers makes it one of the most visited gardens in Tokyo. There is another most famous attraction is tea house, Nakajima-no-Ochaya. You will enjoy the tranquillity there with a cup of freshly made green tea while the guide shares interesting facts about sado (tea ceremony).
From the park, take a scenic river cruise to Asakusa, a part of Tokyo's shitamachi or old town. Asakusa is the city's oldest Geisha district and also home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. The streets around Senso-ji feature many traditional shops and are a delight to wander through.
Continue your tour to visit Meiji Jingu built in 1920, Tokyo's most famous Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji. Shinto has no founder, no concept of religion; it is a way of life in Japan; It focuses on harmony with nature, virtue and divine spirit. The shrine is surround by 100,000 trees that donated by people in Japan and overseas. They wished to honor the Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken for their virtues and divine soul. Meiji Jingu is a popular venue for Shinto weddings.
Other Options for Today's Itinerary (Extra cost may apply):- Private guided Mt Takao hiking full day- Private guided Mt Fuji hiking full day- Private guided Mt Fuji hiking 2D1N with one night in a mountain hut- We have many other tour options. Please contact us for more information.
Self-guided day.
After breakfast, you are heading to Matsumoto from Tokyo (around 3 hours train ride). You will see rice fields, vineyards, wasabi farms in the fertile valley during the train ride. This mountain city Matsumoto, the second largest city in Nagono prefecture, is the stepping stone on your way to the magnificent northern Alps.
Visit Matsumoto Castle known as "Crow Castle", one of the only twelve remaining original castles in Japan. It is well-distinguished for its black exterior, red arch bridge and a view of Japan’s Alps in the background. The castle was first built more than 400 years ago, and the five-storied castle keep is one of the oldest still extant.
Right outside the castle grounds is Nakamachi-dori, a fun place for a stroll. It's a historical merchant district line with well-preserved old buildings with striking contrast of white walls with black eaves on the traditional storehouses hearken of an earlier age.
Overnight in Matsumoto. Your hotel tonight is at Hotel Buena Vista offering beautiful views of the Japan Alps from its top-floor French restaurant.
Dinner tonight is at your arrangement.
Bed Type: Twin beds
Accommodation upgrade to Tobira Onsen Myojinkan is available at additional cost
Private guided walking. Easy to moderate walk approx. 4 hours or more.
Your guide will pick up from your accomodation in the morning and transfer you to Kamikochi. Kamikochi is a remote mountainous highland valley within the Hida Mountains range and is the crown jewel of the Japanese Alps. This is a very popular place for mountain trekking.
Your journey starts from Taisho-ike Pond, with its mirror-like waters reflecting the Hotaka Mountain Range and Mt. Yake-dake, an active volcano that stands at 2,455 meters above sea level.
Just nearby is Kappa-bashi Bridge, one of the places in Kamikochi that offers the most picturesque views of the area. From this point, another hour of trekking heads to Myojin-bashi Bridge, the gateway to Hotaka-jinja Shrine and Myojin-ike Pond.
The trail from Myojin area back to the opposite side of Kappa-bashi is nature trekking that feel free to wander through the serene woods of this well-protected national park.
Drop off at your accommodation in Matsumoto.
Self-guided Nakasendo Walk. Private guided option is available. Please enquiry for the additional cost.
Start your journey through Nakasendo in Kiso Valley, one of the five routes that branched off the former capital of Japan.
Take a train to Nagiso from Matsumoto (1hr). Upon arrival at Nagiso Station, self guided walk from Nagiso to Tsumago, 3.7km (approx. 1 hr) walking.
Tsumago is a well-preserved post town. During its Golden Era, merchants and other noble and prominent people frequently passed through for trade and other formal appointments. In the latter part of 1970, this small town was classified as a Nationally Designated Architectural Preservation Site, thanks to the collective effort of its locals to preserve most of the remaining historical buildings.
Overnight in Tsumago. Tsumago is located in the southern part of the Kiso Valley. Your accommodation tonight is at Daikichi (or Hotel Fukinomori), an authentic Japanese inn where you can enjoy the beautiful seasonal sceneries and totally relax. Daikichi offers original Japanese dinner and breakfast with several courses, including soba noodles a la Chirashi Sushi, traditional tempura, seasonal mountain vegetables, and a glass of local wine. If Daikichi is not available, we arrange to stay at Hotel Fukinomori - a ryokan set in the woods with mountain views.
Room Style: Japanese Style
Bed Type: Futon or Western Style Beds
Self-guided Nakasendo walk from Tsumago to Magome. Private guided option is available. Please enquiry for the additional cost.
Walking distance: 8.3km / 5.2 miles. Elevation gain: 326m / 1069 feet of ascent and 430m / 1410 feet of descent. Time required: About 3 hours
Today start your walk today from Tsumago, climb over Magome Pass, and arrive at Magome, one of the best-preserved and most evocative of the Nakasendo post-towns.
After concluding the trail, ride a bus to Nakatsugawa, then a train to Kiso-Fukushima.
Overnight in Kiso-Fukushima.
Bed Type: Futon
Bed Type: Ensuite Bath
After an early breakfast, head out to Takayama, a small town nestled high in the Hida Alpine region of Gifu Prefecture.
Stroll in Takayama's shitamachi, where the streets are lined with century-old merchants' homes and sake breweries. Stop by one of the breweries for a taste of the local drop or queue for the famous Hida beef sushi in one of the special food stalls.
Self guided day tour to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Private guided option is available. If you wish not to visit Shirakawago, we can also arrange half day guided cycling tour in Hida. Please enquiry for the additional cost.
Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer," which is represented through the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs. This architectural style developed over many generations – the roofs were constructed without any nails and are intricately designed to withstand large amounts of snow.
These houses are private homes of the locals but some are open to the public, such as Wada House, a legacy left behind by the Wada Family who used to be the richest family and village leader in Ogimachi.
Return your accommodation in Takayama.
Optional Tour: Hida Cycling TourHida Furukawa is a small, quiet farm village in Gifu Prefecture, located 15 minutes away from Takayama. With an impressive view of the surrounding Japan Alps, it is also well-known for the traditional architectural design of its old buildings and machiya-style houses built by experienced craftsmen centuries ago. Explore the streets and outskirts of Hida Furukawa on a bicycle together with a local guide. Spend half a day cycling around this mountain village, passing by rice paddies and old houses, and have a closer look at the lifestyle in this rural region.
Take one last soak in the onsen in Takayama before heading to Japan's cultural capital, Kyoto via train.
This is a must-see destination in Japan. Kyoto is the nation's former capital and was the residence ofthe emperor from 794 until 1868. It is Japan's seventh largest metropolis with a population of around 1.4 million and a city of culture that offers a plethora of temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures that still survive today. With 2,000 religious buildings, including 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, as well as palaces, gardens and associated architecture, it is one of the best-preserved cities in Japan and has 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Kyoto represents the "Japan of old" and beyond the high-rise skyscrapers built as a monument to progress, the real monument to Japan's historical and cultural past can be found in the city's narrow alleyways where tea houses abound and kimono-clad geisha hurry from elegant function to function.
Check in your Hotel Granvia. The rest of the day is at leisure. Hotel Granvia Kyoto is an integral part of the JR Kyoto Station Building Complex. The visually striking architectural masterpiece includes a department store, museum, musical theater, and a vast underground shopping mall. From this convenient location, hotel guests have direct and easy access to and from Kansai International Airport and major metropolitan destinations across Japan.
Bed Type: Double/Twin beds
Bath: Ensuite indoor
Your private guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to explore the secret of Kyoto's mountains. Arrive at Kuruma, a rural town with temple and hot spring. Kurama's main attraction, Kurama-dera, is a Buddhist temple located along the steep wooded mountainside above the town. Ascending Mt. Kuruma and walk to the quaint mountain village of Kibune, a small town in a forested valley. Visit the sacred Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the god of water and rain and believed to be the protector of those at sea. You will enjoy a lunch at a tranquil, Kyoto-inspired riverfront restaurant featuring multi-course meals and waterfall views.
Your private guide will drop you off back to your accommodation.
If you wish to spend more time in Kyoto, we can extend your trip and (additional charge applies). Other customised tours can be also added to your extended itinerary.
The rest of the day is free at leisure. Enjoy an express train rider from Kyoto Station to Kansai International Airport (KIX) to meet your departing flight (tickets included).
Daily departure on request. Group discount is available for 4 or people. Please contact us to book if you have a group of more than 12 people.
- The departure point is Tokyo- The finishing point is Kyoto
Day 1: Arrived in TokyoDay 2: Full day guided Tokyo highlights walkDay 3: Tokyo - Matsumoto, self-guided Matsumoto exploringDay 4: Self-guided Kamikochi walk, approx. 4 hoursDay 5: Matsumoto - Tsumago, self guided walk in Tsumago post townDay 6: Self-guided Nakasendo trail walk to Magome. Approx. 8.3km / 5.2 miles, 3 hoursDay 7: Self exploring TakayamaDay 8: Self guided day tour to ShirakawagoDay 9: Train from Takayama to KyotoDay 10: Guided full day cycling in KyotoDay 11: Depart in Kyoto
Japan's weather and climate features four distinct seasons.Spring is from March to May. It's perhaps one of the very best times to visit Japan as temperatures are pleasantly warm without being too hot, with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 26°C. The country is ablaze with beautiful white and pink cherry blossom and plenty festivals to enjoy.Summer is from June to August and the country experiences a three to four-week rainy season. It is hot and humid during this time and temperatures are often in the high 30’s. If you plan on visiting Japan during the summer weather, northern areas such as Hokkaido or the mountains of Tohoku or Chubu are the most comfortable places to escape the heat.Autumn is from September to November and is characterised by light breezes and cooler temperatures of around 8-10°C. It is also a wonderful time to visit Japan. The country turns into a haven of red and scarlet leaves which contrast strikingly against the deep blue clear skies and almost as impressive as the stunning cherry blossoms.Winter is from December to February. It is a magical time to visit as the landscape is turned white with snow. It's the perfect time to go skiing or check out the hot springs, especially venture to the ski slopes of Hokkaido or Nagano. It's Okinawa is a great place to visit during the winter as it is not quite as cold as the rest of Japan’s weather.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.Payment DetailAll pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 60 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 60 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.Single SupplementAll accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.General Cancellation Policies- Outside of 60 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee- Within 60 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurancePlease Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.LiabilityThe participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.Child PolicyPlease consult travel consultant on age limit.Changes to ItinerariesLocal conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.Changes in PricesWhile we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age LimitsYou need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.Cancellation by The Tour OperatorThe walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.Force Majeure'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.EvacuationsIn rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.Travel InsuranceIn view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.