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Matsumoto・Takayama

Kita Alps Traverse Route

Trip: Shinshu, Matsumoto to Hida and Takayama

Forging the Future of
the Kita Alps Traverse Route,
Between Travelers and Residents

The Kita Alps Traverse Route runs between two cities east to west in a straight line for approximately 80 km with an elevation difference of about 2,400m, taking travelers through the extraordinary nature of the Northern Alps and its history and culture nurtured by the people who call it home.

There is so much to see and do: from the 3,000m class, high Yarigatake and Hotaka mountain ranges to the highlands, including Kamikochi and Norikura Kogen; hot springs such as Shirahone Onsen and Okuhida Onsenkyo; historical sites such as Matsumoto Castle; and the Takayama townscape at the foot of the mountain.

As you interact with the people, you will learn about the history of the Japanese people’s symbiosis with nature and discover the secrets to an enriched and unique way of life. We are committed to preserving our homeland of the Kita Alps Traverse Route as an incredible travel destination and protecting our future society and environment with its visitors.

Commitment and challenges

Creating a Walking Travel Destination
for Inquisitive Minds

The Kita Alps Traverse Route is one of the highest elevations in Japan and the birthplace of Japanese alpinism. As the dividing line of Japan’s east and west, it has a diverse history and culture born from the intermingling of humans and nature. We are proud of this.

We hope to continue to be a place that travelers can make new discoveries, experiences, and surprises and unleash their inner explorer wherever and whenever they go. Our culture emanates from reverence for nature, and living close to the four seasons, the steep mountains and their bounty.

While preserving this culture, we will continue to change with the times and create new attractions with everyone involved with the Kita Alps Traverse Route.

Good Cycle

The natural resources of the Northern Alps, such as the forests, hot springs, and water play a major role in the development of the two cities of Matsumoto and Takayama.
Economic activity generated by people staying in the town, experiencing the culture, and enjoying nature help fund efforts to preserve the surrounding beauty.

We hope visitors to the area will care for it and envision its future with us. We will continue this cycle to ensure a sustainable Kita Alps Traverse Route.

When you buy travel goods on this platform, a portion of the purchase price is returned to you in coupons. The coupons can be received as local currency that you decide how you spend.

For example, they can be used to save money when taking a guided nature tour or eating local food in the Kita Alps Traverse Route area. You can also use them to support the area’s nature and environment conservation activities or pass them forward as a gift to a future traveler. This is one of the services we offer to make your stay more enriching.

To receive the coupons through local currency, ALPSCITY pay

One and Only Location and Route

Kita Alps
Traverse Route

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Kita Alps Traverse
Route Alpine 7 DAYS
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-Climbing, Mountain Lodge, Onsen, Life and Culture-

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Kita Alps Traverse
Route Experience of Japanese Mountain Culture

resource circulation, resource regeneration and regeneration of humanity

For “Kita Alps Traverse Route” Travelers

The Northern Alps Traverse Route,
the backstory of its charm

Chubu Sangaku National Park | the Northern Alps(of Japan)

Chubu-Sangaku National Park, which covers the entire Northern Alps, was established in 1934 and was one of the first national parks in Japan.

It is one of Japan's representative mountain areas and consists of 3,000-meter-high peaks such as the Hodaka mountain range, which includes Mount Yarigatake, and Mount Norikura, which rises in the southernmost part of the park.

The area has been climbed as an object of worship since ancient times, but it was named the "Japanese Alps" by the British in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and widely introduced to the world, which triggered many climbers to visit.

The complex topography is the result of tectonic movements, severe erosion, and volcanic activity, and visitors can encounter a variety of mountain landscapes, such as large sheer rock walls, deep and steep valleys, alpine flower fields, snow-covered valleys that remain until summer, U-shaped valleys carved by glaciers, lakes and lava plateaus created by volcanoes, and more.

The area is also characterized by easy access by public transportation to mountain trailheads such as Kamikochi and Tatamidaira on Mt.

Shinshu and Matsumoto

Centered around Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure, Matsumoto City in Nagano boasts a townscape that embraces new culture while honoring over 400 years of history. In this famous craft town, you will also encounter various handicrafts.

You can also stroll around town and sample the spring water that originates in the surrounding mountains that the Japanese Government has registered as one of Japan’s remarkable waters, the taste of which varies by location.

Typical local dishes include grilled chicken thighs called sanzokuyaki, pickles, and Shinshu miso. We also recommend trying the seasonal fruit and regional sake.

Other popular spots include the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, with its exhibits from Yayoi Kusama—a native of the city—the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, and the Matsumoto Folk Art Museum. Nakamachi- Doori is also full of character, namely its rows of Namako wall earthen storehouses called dozo.

A host of traditional accommodation options are available, including onsen ryokan, and classical inns with Matsumoto folk craft furniture.

Hida and Takayama

With a bountiful timber supply, Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture is home to carpenters called takumi, whose skills and sensibilities have been passed down there since ancient times.

Four hundred years ago, the place was the flourishing center of northern Gifu Prefecture. On the east side of the Miya River that flows through the city center, the old streets, traditional merchant houses, temples, and other buildings remain. As you stroll through the town, you will encounter a variety of beautiful wooden architecture and furniture and quaint, rustic handicrafts.

Every fall, the city holds its Takayama Festival, designated as one of Japan’s most beautiful festivals, the highlight of which is the magnificent market stalls.

Local dishes incorporating the natural bounty, such as river fish and mountain vegetables, Hida beef, haoba miso, and Takayama Ramen, all offer a taste of the local culture of careful food preservation.

Guests can choose accommodation according to their traveling style, from old private houses called kominka to onsen ryokan and modern guest houses.