The Japan Alps

Arrival at Tokyo Airport (Narita NRT or Haneda HND).

Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ！

Reception at customs exit by our airport assistant, who will give you all your travel documents and your Pocket WiFi.

Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo.

This transfer is by shared shuttle bus with other customers going to the same hotel or a hotel near yours. These transfers depart between 1.5 and 3 hours after your flight's scheduled arrival, and stops may be made before your hotel.

If you would like a private transfer, with no stops and directly after your flight's actual arrival, please choose the "Private taxi from the airport" option.

For your first day in Tokyo, we recommend visiting:

• Harajuku, the trendy district for young people
• Meiji Jingu, the grand imperial shrine
• Takeshita-dori, Tokyo's must-see street
• Omotesando, Tokyo's "Champs-Élysées"
• Shibuya and its famous intersection

For your second day of sightseeing, we suggest visiting:

• Ginza, the chic district
• Tsukiji, the food market
• Hama-rikyu, a Japanese garden nestled between skyscrapers
• Asakusa, the traditional district of the capital
• The Buddhist temple Senso-ji

• Tokyo Skytree, the panoramic tower

   

In the morning, send your luggage to your hotel in Matsumoto (details in your travel diary) so that you can travel light for your night in Kawaguchiko.

Go to Shinjuku station and board on an express highway bus for Kawaguchiko (1h45min journey, details in your travel guide, included in your package). The bus leaves the Japanese megalopolis and gradually winds its way through the valleys of the Mount Fuji region. You will arrive in Kawaguchiko in the late morning.

Upon arrival, stash your bags at your hotel, conveniently located near the station. Then, it's finally time to delve into the wonders of the Five Lakes region!

• Capture Mount Fuji framed by the iconic Chureito Pagoda and be prepared for a rewarding climb - the view is worth every step
• Next, embark on a scenic lake hopping adventure. Each glistening lake reflects Mount Fuji's majestic peak, offering countless opportunities for stunning photos
• Take the Kachi Kachi Ropeway for a breathtaking panorama of both the lake and Mount Fuji.

Consider renting a bike for a half-day adventure around scenic Lake Kawaguchiko, capturing stunning views of Mount Fuji along the way!

Start with breakfast at the hotel before spending the morning admiring the beauty of Kawaguchiko and its surroundings.

Then, in the afternoon, embark on a scenic train journey to Matsumoto, a city nestled in the heart of the majestic Japanese Alps.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel, ideally located in the city center between the train station and the castle.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Steeped in history, Matsumoto has preserved many traces of its prosperity during the feudal era. However, the city's real treasure is its imposing castle, nicknamed the "Crow" because of its spectacular black exterior. This magnificent structure, the oldest in Japan, offers breathtaking panoramic views throughout the year.

Beyond its historical charm, Matsumoto has flourished as an industrial and commercial center. Even today, the Nakamichi district retains a unique collection of workshops that have been in operation since the Meiji era, offering a glimpse into the city's vibrant past.

Discover the secrets of Matsumoto with a half-day private tour and explore the city's rich history, including its iconic feudal castle and charming historic districts. This experience allows you to delve deeper into the past, and perhaps even step into the shoes of a samurai for a morning with our expert guide.

As part of your tour, you will also have the opportunity to participate in our exclusive activity: making your own soba noodles.

Second night in Matsumoto.

Breakfast at the hotel.

You have several options for this day. You can choose to continue exploring Matsumoto, notably its famous ukiyo-e Japanese woodblock print museum. Another possibility is to discover a wasabi farm in the surrounding area.

You can also opt for a day trip to the Nagano region (1-hour train ride, included in your offer), where you can visit the renowned Zenkō-ji temple or the Jigokudani Monkey Park, famous for its monkeys bathing in the hot springs.

Finally, if the season allows, Kamikochi will provide you with a refreshing and invigorating breath of fresh air in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Last night in your hotel in Matsumoto.

In the morning, take the bus from Matsumoto to Takayama. Enjoy the charm of the city at your own pace, with its century-old houses, temples, and museums.

We recommend visiting:

• The traditional Kusakabe and Yoshijima houses
• The Yatai Kaikan exhibition hall, where old religious festival floats are on display
• The picturesque Shôwa-kan, a museum about the 1940s to 1970s
• The old shopping district of Sannomachi
• The Fuji Folk Art Museum

About 15 minutes by train from the city of Takayama is the rustic and authentic village of Hida-Furukawa. Surrounding Hida-Furukawa is the Japanese countryside, where time seems to have stood still.

A bike ride is included: you will ride through farming villages and rural landscapes in the Hida countryside. This is an ideal activity for discovering another side of Japan and breathing in the fresh mountain air.

Departing from Takayama, we offer a day trip to a typical village in the Japanese Alps: Shirakawago!

Hop on a bus to Shirakawago and immerse yourself in this charming village nestled in the Japanese Alps. Stroll through the village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the traditional gassho style farms with their iconic thatched roofs.

Be sure to step inside a minka, a traditional Japanese house, to get a glimpse of the local way of life. For those seeking spiritual serenity, a visit to Myôzen-ji Temple, the village's Zen temple, is a must.

In the mid-afternoon, take the bus to Kanazawa. Once you arrive, settle into your traditional house! A Travel Angel will welcome you, show you some unusual details, and help you have an unforgettable stay in Kanazawa.

Kanazawa, a captivating city located between Japan's northern coast and the spectacular peaks of the Japanese Alps, offers a fascinating blend of cultural heritage and contemporary attractions.

Your exploration could include a visit to Kenroku-en, one of Japan's most famous landscaped gardens; or a journey through the modern art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art and its outdoor gallery.

You can also immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Omicho Market, where the freshest seafood from the Sea of Japan is on display, and take a trip back in time at Nomura House, the former residence of a samurai, located in Kanazawa's picturesque old town.

Overnight stay in your traditional house in Kanazawa.

Begin your journey in Hikone, a city dominated by the magnificent Hikone Castle, located in Shiga Prefecture.

This castle is not only one of the most beautiful and historically significant in Japan, but also one of only twelve original castles still standing. Historically, its strategic importance was immense, ensuring the protection of the city of Kyoto and control of traffic around Lake Biwa.

Stroll through the Genkyu-en Garden, a late 17th-century Chinese-style creation centered around a large ornamental pond with picturesque islands and nine bridges.

For panoramic views of the castle and a glimpse of tradition, visit the Hosho-dai tea house near the lake, where you can enjoy Japanese green tea. Nearby, you can also explore Rakuraku-en, the former villa of the influential Ii family.

Finally, enjoy a stroll along Lake Biwa, Japan's largest and oldest lake. A true natural pillar of the Kansai region, it has played a fundamental role in the economic, cultural, and strategic development of the area. Today, its shores offer superb panoramic views, especially at sunset, as well as a variety of water activities, making the lake a must-see for visitors.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, travel to Kyoto by train.

Start the afternoon with:

• Kiyomizu-dera, the great temple of water;
• The historic streets of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka;
• Kôdai-ji, the temple of maple trees and bamboo in Kyoto
• The Gion district.

End your day with a stroll and enjoy the sunset.

For your second day in Kyoto, we recommend the following itinerary:

• The Zen garden at Ryôan-ji;
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion);
• Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)
• The enchanting Philosopher's Walk;
• Nanzen-ji Temple.

One of our many experienced English-speaking guides can accompany you on your visit to these iconic sites (available as an option, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

A bike ride is included: you will ride through farming villages and rural landscapes in the Hida countryside. This is an ideal activity for discovering another side of Japan and breathing in the fresh mountain air.

Continue your discovery of Kyoto by venturing west to explore some of its unique cultural and natural attractions.

Start with

• A sensory immersion at the Nishiki Market, Kyoto's bustling culinary heart, where you can sample local specialties and admire the colorful stalls of fresh produce.
• The grandeur of Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the shogun
• The Arashiyama district, famous for its enchanting bamboo forest and monkey park, offering a refreshing contrast to the city's urban landscape.

Or discover Nara, the ancient capital of Japan established in the 700s, accessible by a short train ride.

For your last evening, don't forget to watch the sunset at Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kyoto's immense shrine with 10,000 torii gates.

Direct transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX).

If you prefer a private transfer directly to the airport with no stops along the way, select the "Private taxi to the airport" option.

Return flight to your home country, but feel free to extend your stay for a few days in Kansai or elsewhere... we'll be happy to help!