PRODUCTS
Guided Tour
JPY 280,000 ~
★★★
Tour Dates and Programs
This tour starts from Matsumoto Castle on the Shinshu side, crosses Mt. Norikura, one of the Japan Alps, and heads for the old townscape of Takayama as its destination. Along the trail, you may experience diverse highlights such as the attitude of the people in Matsumoto and Takayama living in awe and reverence of nature, Kamikochi as one of Japan’s leading mountain scenic spots, onsens that are the blessings of the volcano, and a culinary culture that makes the most of the region’s natural bounty. Each day, you walk around 10 km, and there is no serious mountain traversing involved, so even those who are not particularly fit can enjoy themselves. With an authorized vehicle, you can enter into Kamikochi and Mt.Norikura and enjoy the spectacular views of the Japan Alps. There are also lectures on how to enjoy onsens and about onsen culture by a onsen sommelier. This tour is for casual hikers.
DAY 01
Starting at Matsumoto Castle, we walk to Alps Park and admire the great view from there. After experiencing Matsumoto's candy culture and tasting sake at Daishinshu Brewery, we take a chartered vehicle to Kamikochi.
DAY 02
Beginning with soaking in a quiet and beautiful early morning stroll through Kamikochi, we have lunch there.
We head to Joyful Walks Norikura in Norikura Kogen. Depending on your physical condition, you can explore waterfalls or stroll through the beautiful grasslands of Ichinose Meadow. After enjoying a local cafe, we take the onsen lecture and head to the famous Shirahone Onsen.
DAY 03
From Shirahone Onsen, we take the Norikura Raicho Route, Japan's highest paved road, in an authorized vehicle (due to private car restrictions) to Mt.Norikura Tatamidaira at an elevation of 2700 m.
Those with good fitness level can hike up 100 m to Mt.Fujimi (Norikura area). We might get a chance to observe Japanese rock ptarmigans designated as a National Natural Monument and as endangered species.
We cross the border between Shinshu and Hida and head to Okuhida Onsengo for lunch. Then we travel to Nakao Kogen, the foot of Nakao Pass, known as the icon of Shinpi Trail. After that, we walk about 5 km through a village famous for onsens and Japanese pepper, and savor onsens at a traditional onsen inn.
DAY 04
After relaxing at a onsen inn, we enjoy a morning short walk in the limited-access area of Goshikigahara Forest, which can only be entered with a guided tour. We visit the stunning Nunobiki Waterfall.
Having lunch in Nyukawa or Hirayu, we visit the Hida Great Limestone Cave and a local tomato farm known for specialty produce in Nyukawa area for a harvest experience. Then we return to your accommodation in Nyukawa.
DAY 05
The route heads towards the city with views of the satoyama (rural mountain foothill landscape) spreading on Nyugawa along the Kohachiga Stream.
Entering Takayama, we meet a world-class tourist destination with a traditional townscape. We reach the end of the Shipi Trail at the trailhead on the Hida side and take a guided walk through the old town. In the evening, a dinner featuring local products from Takayama is served.
Accommodation
ex. Kamikochi Hotel Shirakabaso
ex. Yumoto Saito Ryokan
ex. KAKUREAN HIDAJI
ex. JINEN
Included
Not Included
Note ※Customizations available: itinerary adjustments (shorten/extend), E-Bike options, add-on cultural experiences.