The spectacular mountain ranges and highlands of the Japanese Alps are a world away from the bustling neon-lit coastal metropolises. For many this mountainous region is quintessential Japan and its location in central Honshu makes it easily accessible from the rest of the main island.
Starting in Tokyo, travel by train to Shibu Onsen, a historic and picturesque hot spring town in the Japanese Alps. Stay in a traditional ryokan before travelling to Nagano for further sightseeing. Continue to the castle town of Matsumoto and onwards to the Kiso Valley where you can experience the Nakasendo Trail, a three-hour hike through centuries-old towns and beautiful natural landscapes. End this largely self-guided tour in the fascinating and historic city of Kyoto.
Tokyo – Shibu Onsen – Nagano – Matsumoto – Kiso Valley – Kyoto
Trip Highlights
- Stay in a traditional ryokan in Shibu Onsen, a town known for its natural hot springs
- Whilst in Nagano, experience a Buddhist mediation at the revered Zenkoji Temple
- Witness the blue glacial waters and snow-capped mountains of Kamikochi in the Alps
- In Matsumoto, see the old merchant houses that line the streets to the famous castle
- Hike the Nakasendo Trail in the Kiso Valley famous for its traditional wooden homes
- A world of geishas and zen gardens, mystery and beauty, spend three nights in Kyoto
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK on the flight to Tokyo.
Day 2
Arrive Tokyo
On arrival in Tokyo you will be met by a representative and taken to the airport shuttle bus which will transfer you to your accommodation. Japan’s capital city has significantly grown from the small 16th century fishing village it once was to a sprawling metropolis with a futuristic skyline, dazzling neon advertisements and surging crowds. Reminders of this ancient past remain which, when coupled with the surrounding modern city, give Tokyo a unique, forward-thinking identity but one in touch with its past.
Park Hotel Tokyo
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
Day 3
Arrive Tokyo
Today enjoy a day of sightseeing with your guide. Visit the Meiji Shrine this morning, which is dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji and is Tokyo’s most iconic Shinto shrine which is steeped in spirituality and history. Pass through the impressive torii gates that lead to the shrine’s inner forest of over 100,00 trees. Continue to the tree-lined avenue of Omotesando before exploring Harajuku, a vibrant neighbourhood that offers a unique and eclectic atmosphere. After lunch visit the Koishikawa Korakuen Garden before continuing to the district of Asakusa which is home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple and Geisha district.
- Breakfast
Park Hotel Tokyo
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
Day 4
Tokyo to Shibu Onsen – by train
Today is a self-guided day. Today leave Tokyo and travel by train to Yudanaka Station via Nagano. On arrival take a complimentary shuttle bus to the traditional ryokan. Located on the Shibu Onsen ‘spa street’, this Japanese-style hotel has a 400-year history where the present owner is the 16th generation to run the establishment. The ryokan has six natural hot springs which are rich in minerals that are beneficial to muscles, joints and skin. This evening enjoy a kaiseki meal, a multi-course dinner that is made up of small seasonal dishes using the freshest local ingredients from Nagano.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Kokuya Ryokan Shibu Onsen
Day 5
Shibu Onsen to Nagano – by train
Today is a self-guided day. After a final soak in the onsen, take the train back to Nagano, the biggest city of the Japanese Alps and home to the Winter Olympics in 1998. On arrival you may wish to take the shuttle bus to Jigokudani Park, home to the famous ‘snow’ monkeys. Translated, Jigokudani means ‘hell’s valley’ and the geothermic hot springs are popular with visitors and the Japanese macaques alike. Whilst the monkeys are most numerous during the colder months from December to February, they reside here the year round. Once back in Nagano, visit Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most revered temples founded 1,400 years ago. Join a Buddhist meditation which focuses on breathing, posture and mindfulness, before witnessing the ‘Goma Prayer’ where a monk performs a fire ceremony which is believed to remove negative energies.
- Breakfast
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Day 6
Nagano – visit Kamikochi or Togakushi
Today is a self-guided day. You may wish to travel to Kamikochi by bus, a beautiful place of unspoilt nature hidden in the northern Japanese Alps. Be inspired as the blue glacial waters gush through the valley and the snow-capped mountains frame the emerald green forest. Enjoy a gentle hike that can be completed in around four hours including breaks, where you will cross numerous bridges that offer breathtaking panoramas across the natural landscapes. Alternatively, you may wish to visit Togakushi, a Shinto shrine located in the forested mountains of northwest Nagano.
- Breakfast
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Day 7
Nagano to Matsumoto – by train
Today is a self-guided day. This morning travel to Matsumoto by train as you wind through the mountains of the Japanese Alps. This ancient castle town with its pretty streets and relaxed atmosphere is surrounded by 3,000 meter peaks, known locally as the ‘roof of Japan’, and, unsurprisingly, the views are spectacular. Later visit the 16th century Matsumoto Castle – one of the most complete and beautiful citadels in Japan.
- Breakfast
Hotel Buena Vista, Matsumoto
Day 8
Matsumoto to Kiso Valley – by train
Today is a self-guided day. Take the train from Matsumoto to the Kiso Valley this morning, a short but beautiful journey. The Kiso Valley is a beautiful and historic region located in Japan’s Central Alps which is renowned for its well-preserved traditional towns.
- Breakfast
Urara Tsutaya
Day 9
Kiso Valley – Nakasendo Trail
Today is a self-guided day where you can hike the Nakasendo Trail, an ancient highway that connected Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period. Travel to Tsumago, a Nationally Designated Architectural Preservation Site famous for its traditional wooden houses and old inns, to start the trail. The valley is surrounded by lush forests, towering mountains, and scenic rivers, creating a serene atmosphere where you can explore the old road, hiking along picturesque trails that pass waterfalls, and centuries-old post towns, offering a glimpse into Japan's rich history and culture. The trail can be completed in three hours including some quick breaks and will conclude in Magome, where you can then return to your ryokan for an onsen soak.
- Breakfast
Urara Tsutaya
Day 10
Kiso Valley to Kyoto – by train
Today is a self-guided day. This morning say goodbye to the Japanese Alps and take the train to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital. Home to an astonishing 2,000 shrines and temples, including seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sights, Kyoto became capital of Japan in 794 AD remaining so until 1868. A highlight of any visit to Japan, roughly one out of four of the country’s national treasures can be found in the city. This afternoon you may wish to visit a restored wooden house and take part in a ‘Tea Ceremony’ – a quintessential part of Japanese culture. Other options include a cookery class, sake tasting or an evening food tour.
- Breakfast
Dhawa Yura Kyoto
The Thousand Kyoto
Day 11
Kyoto
Today explore Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites by bike with a local guide. Start the morning with a visit to the early 17th century Nijo Castle, which features Momoyama architecture and stunning gardens. Next head to one of the Kyoto’s most famous temples, the Golden Pavilion temple, Kinkakuji. From here visit the 15th century Daitoku-ji Zen temple complex, home to one of Japan’s best Zen rock gardens, then the beautiful Kiyomizu Temple for fabulous views over the city. Explore the old wooden buildings and atmospheric lanes of Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district and learn about the authentic Geisha culture still present in the city. Finish the tour by pedalling to scenic Arashiyama, which is famous for its beautiful bamboo forest.
- Breakfast
Dhawa Yura Kyoto
The Thousand Kyoto
Day 12
Kyoto - visit Nara
Today is a self-guided day. We would recommend visiting the beautiful and serene city of Nara which is a short 45 minute train journey from Kyoto. For approximately eighty years during the 8th century Nara was Japan’s capital and many of the temples and shrines built at that time still remain. Highlights include the Todaiji temple complex – site the world’s largest wooden building and home to Japan’s largest Buddha – and the Kofuku Temple which was moved to Nara from Kyoto in 710 AD. You will also have time to wander through Nara Park, home to herds of tame deer.
- Breakfast
Dhawa Yura Kyoto
The Thousand Kyoto
Day 13
Kyoto to the UK
This morning take the airport shuttle bus Osaka airport to take your flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Energetic and full of life, Osaka is a fun-loving city and considered the food capital of Japan. Although there are a number of historic sites, including Osaka Castle, the real highlight of the city is its cuisine. Head to Dotonbori to try takoyaki and visit one of the many izakayas.
Hiroshima is synonymous with the tragic events of 1945 when it was the first place to be targeted in a nuclear attack. Today this rebuilt city stands as a symbol of peace and resilience with places of interest including Peace Memorial Park and UNESCO listed Atomic Bomb Dome.
Sacred Miyajima Island can easily be combined with Hiroshima. Located in the waters of the Seto Inland Sea, Miyajima’s most iconic landmark is the floating torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which appears to hover above the water during high tide.
Stay in charming Takayama and explore the well-preserved Edo-period streets of the old town. A visit can also be made to see the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawa-go. UNESCO protected, many of the exquisite thatched-roof houses are over 250 years old.
Guide to Price
13 days from £3990 - £5690 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Train travel as specified
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- English speaking guides where specified
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £3990 - £5690
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways, Japan Airlines, ANA and Virgin Atlantic all offer direct flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo, the Japanese capital. Indirect flights are available from most major UK airports to Tokyo and other Japanese cities including Osaka and Nagoya with flights connecting in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Hong Kong and other main Asian cities.
Flying Times From UK
Flight times from the UK to Japan range from 12 to 14 hours for direct flights. Connecting flights with stopovers can take considerably longer.
Time Zone
Japan is +9 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
UK citizens do not require a visa before arrival in Japan as long as the visit lasts less than 90 days and does not include periods of paid work. Those wishing to stay longer will need to obtain a visa prior to travel.
Do’s & Don’ts
Japanese culture is complex and often confusing for foreign visitors to get to grips with However, it is well worth diving in to and the locals will appreciate any effort you make.
Remember to bow in almost any social situation, from saying hello to taking leave and saying thank you. Bow with hands at the sides and with a deep nod of the head. Japanese people are, on the whole, very polite so while they might not outright chastise tourists for forgetting to bow, you can be sure they will respect you more if you do!
Japanese matted flooring does not work well with muddy shoes – most people will expect you to take shoes off in their private housing, in traditional ryokan hotels and even in some public areas like restaurants and temples.
When drinking from a shared bottle, usually rice wine or sake, pour for others and wait for someone to pour for you as pouring for yourself is considered impolite.
The Japanese people value privacy and are generally reserved in public so noisy phone calls or shouting is frowned upon.
Money
The currency of Japan is the Yen. Yen comes in notes or coins, in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 denominations for coins and 1,000, 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 notes. Japan has been making efforts to move away from cash as a system but in rural areas or traditional places they may not accept credit or debit cards. Currency exchange in Japan is easy and reliable ATM machines are found throughout the country.
Tipping
Tipping is not a custom in Japan and if you leave a tip do not be surprised to see someone run out after to return your money or refuse with a polite bow. A guideline for tipping your drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Japanese cuisine has a long tradition and is renowned the world over – since 2001 Japan has had the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world. Japanese food usually centres on rice, noodles, fish and vegetables with many kinds of broths and soups. Japan is also famous for its excellent sushi bars which have since been exported in various forms around the world. The Japanese love to drink green tea which is consumed in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. A widely consumed alcoholic beverage is a rice wine called sake, beer is also common and Japanese whisky has become more popular, and respected, in recent years.
Accommodation
In all main Japanese cities the range of accommodation is extensive and there will always be a wide-range of different options. All major internationally recognised hotel companies are present in Japan and many of their flagship properties can be found in Tokyo. Further afield, in provincial towns and cities, accommodation is usually in smaller, independent, Japanese owned hotels. In nearly all cases hotels will be very modern in both style and design. To fully experience the culture and hospitality no visit to Japan is complete without a stay in a ryokan – a Japanese-style inn. Found throughout the country, ryokans vary greatly in quality and style but all will have a special Japanese atmosphere with tatami floors, futon beds, traditional cuisine and hot spring ‘onsen’ baths.
Shopping
Shopping in Japanese cities is a hectic and busy experience but one you will not forget. You will find crowded streets and a huge variation of shops from high end fashion stores to teenage manga comic book emporiums and everything in between – all splashed with bright neon lights. Tokyo is world renowned for its street-wear and style scene, so for the latest fashions head to the districts of Harajuku and Shibuya. In contrast for the latest technology, Ginza is the place to visit. Outside major cities, shopping is more traditional, with many markets and locally made goods.
Suggested Reading
A recommended book is ‘Gateway to Japan’, published by Kodansha, although there are many other detailed guides available, including ‘The Donald Richie Reader: 50 Years of Writing on Japan’, by a westerner who has lived in Tokyo for over 50 years. Good works of fiction about Japan include anything by Haruki Murakami, David Mitchell's ‘Number9dream’ and ‘Who is Mr Satoshi?’ by Jonathan Lee.
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Japan the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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