Alpine Japan

11 Days, 10 Nights

Tokyo: Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Famous for its cutting edge modernity, neon-lit landscape and towering skyscrapers, it is also home to sprawling parkland, peaceful shrines and temples and lovingly tended gardens. Despite its love affair with manga pop culture, fashion, high-tech trends and conspicuous consumption, below the surface is a city that has its roots in an ancient heritage. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples stand close to skyscrapers as a reminder of a more contemplative time.

Matsumoto: Located 3 hours from Tokyo, Matsumoto has flourished as a castle town since the 16th century. In addition to its historical and cultural heritage Matsumoto is surrounded by mountains and is acclaimed for its beautiful views. Hiking and climbing locations in the mountains are readily accessible by local bus transportation. To the west the Japan Alps rise to heights of 10,000’, and are known as “The Roof of Japan”.

Takayama: Due to its previously inaccessible location nestled high in the mountainous Hida alpine region, this beautifully preserved old town was cut off from the rest of Japan, allowing it to develop its own unique culture.  Takayama is an intimate, leisurely place and even the very center of the town has a quiet, rustic charm. The surrounding forests provide fine timber for building traditional houses and for the simple utensils and lacquer ware that have been made in Takayama for hundreds of years.  The district called San-machi Suji, the traditional home of Takayama merchants and sake brewers, has been preserved in almost exactly the same state as 200 or 300 years ago. Here are inns, shops and taverns which trace their history back many generations. The Takayama Festival, which takes place in spring and autumn, is considered to be one of the three most impressive festivals in Japan.

Kyoto: This is a must see destination in Japan. Kyoto is the nation’s former capital and was the residence of the 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 been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. 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. This is a place to go back in time to Japan’s mysterious past where echoes of the court nobility resonate at the Imperial Palace and the search for contemplation can be found in Ryoanji’s Zen rock gardens.

Hakone:  is a natural nature wonderland and is famous for its hot springs, outdoor pursuits and the view of the nearby Mount Fuji. It is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is less than 60 miles from Tokyo, thereby providing a popular weekend destination for city residents keen to escape the frenzy of the capital. Beautiful Hakone has about everything a vacationer could wish for. Besides the towering mountains, lakes and views of Mount Fuji, it is also blessed with interesting historical sites. You can tour Hakone as a day trip if you leave early enough in the morning and limit your sightseeing to a few key attractions, but adding an overnight stay, including a soak in a hot-spring tub, is definitely recommended.

Highlights

• Explore Tokyo and four of Japan's prime scenic destinations
• Take scenic alpine journeys
• Stay at a Ryokan (Japanese Inn) with multi-course gourmet dinner and breakfast 
• Plenty of free time to explore as you prefer
• Opportunity to time your visit with the Spring or Fall festival in Takayama

Inclusions

• Tokyo meet, greet and arrival transfer
• 3 nights Tokyo accommodation (divided)
• Full day private guided Tokyo Highlights tour
• Seven day Japan Rail Pass, ordinary class
• 2 nights Matsumoto accommodation
• 2 nights Takayama accommodation
• Private half day tour of Takayama
• 2 nights Kyoto accommodation
• 1 night accommodation in Hakone Japanese Inn
• Two day Hakone Free Pass
• ​Private full day tour of Kyoto including entrance fees
• 10  breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Group Size

Minimum 2, solo travelers pay surcharge

Dates

Departs daily, year round

Price

From $3669 per person based on double occupancy*

Trip Terms

*Prices are quoted in USD and are ‘from’, per person, based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements apply.  Black-out dates and surcharges may apply Thu-Sat and during special events and Holidays. All pricing is strictly subject to availability and based on stays Sun-Wed. All prices, itineraries and routing are subject to change without notice. Please call for our current prices.  Prices are current at time of posting (6/29/22) and may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received and processed.  CA CST: 2076233-40 | WA ID: 601 684 531 | PC-1282498.

Terms and Conditions

Read our full Terms and Conditions here

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