Take a leap off the tourist track and discover the crisp mountain air and clear blue skies of Japan’s little known Alpine region, an area of outstanding natural beauty with walks and hikes for all abilities. Add to this stays in Tokyo, Kyoto and and you have a wonderfully varied journey to savour.
This fourteen night trip begins in the buzzing neon of Tokyo, the modern capital of Japan and a treasure trove of sights and experiences. From here travel to Kawaguchi-ko, one of the five lakes set in the shadow of Japan's most evocative image, Mt. Fuji. In summertime this famous landmark opens
to climbers - only the truly determined need apply!
Stroll alongside the crystal blue waters of the Azusa River in the Kamikochi National Park - a stunning plateau some 2000 metres above sea level - keeping an eye out for the native monkey population. There is also serious hiking here if you wish, along with more opportunities for hot spring relaxation - perhaps even afternoon tea in the luxurious Kamikochi Imperial Hotel.
Whether it's to fuel gentle strolls or strenuous hikes, you'll be wanting to try as much Japanese food as possible. To this end we have made sure that this itinerary is a gourmet's treat; numerous evening meals are included, often served in your room as is traditional.
In Matsumoto, you will step back in time whilst climbing the well worn wooden stairs of the imposing 'Black Crow' castle, whilst Takayama's charming old-world streets, sake breweries and thatched roof farmhouses give a glimpse of rural life.
Kyoto, famed for its World Heritage temples, gardens and shrines is also surrounded by mountains. A walk through the majestic temples of Mt. Hiei or the hundreds of vermillion red tori gates climbing the hills of Fushimi Inari shrine, are a wonderful addition to the classic sights of the glorious Golden Pavilion and the Zen gardens of Ryoanji temple.
This Self-Guided Adventure brings you to the heart of Japan - a delicate balance between natural beauty and the ancient culture and traditions of the Japanese nation.
Prices:
2012
Standard:
Twin: £2150 Single: £2700
Upgrade:
Twin: £3080 Single: £4230
Click for full details of pricing including extra nights
What's Included:
- 14 nights accommodation (6 nights Japanese-style)
- Breakfast each morning
- 5 evening meals
- Meet and Greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport
- Most transport between destinations including airport transfers
- Excursion day from Kyoto (using included Japan Rail Pass)
- Tokyo transport card with 2500 yen of credit
- 8 hours private guide service in Tokyo & Kyoto
- InsideJapan Tours Info-Pack
- International Flights
- Local transport (subways, taxis, local buses) except those covered by included transport passes
- Baggage handling - you will be expected to carry your own bags for the duration of the trip
- Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
WINTER OPTION
Snow monkeys in Yudanaka (instead of Kamikochi stay)
During the cold winter months (November through to mid April) heavy snow fall closes the Kamikochi National Park to visitors. Therefore, your adventure will take you from Matsumoto straight to Takayama with two nights in Yudanaka Onsen added after your stay in Kyoto. Here you can see the famous hot spring waters being enjoyed by the local Japanese macaque monkeys. The steaming pools with snow steeped all around, make for a unique sight and are an iconic image of Japan. The nearby village of Obuse with its traditional buildings is famous as having been home to Hokusai, the famous wood block print artist, and a visit to his museum is recommended.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The prices above are guaranteed for all bookings made at least four weeks prior to the start date of your package. Bookings made less than four weeks prior to the start date of your package are accepted on a case by case basis and there may be changes to the price.
Supplements
There is no seasonal supplement for this itinerary
Black Out Dates
Please note that during certain Japanese holiday periods, the prices detailed in the web-site & in the brochure are NOT valid for packages if any of the nights' accommodation fall within the following dates:
Snow monkeys in Yudanaka (instead of Kamikochi stay)
During the cold winter months (November through to mid April) heavy snow fall closes the Kamikochi National Park to visitors. Therefore, your adventure will take you from Matsumoto straight to Takayama with two nights in Yudanaka Onsen added after your stay in Kyoto. Here you can see the famous hot spring waters being enjoyed by the local Japanese macaque monkeys. The steaming pools with snow steeped all around, make for a unique sight and are an iconic image of Japan. The nearby village of Obuse with its traditional buildings is famous as having been home to Hokusai, the famous wood block print artist, and a visit to his museum is recommended.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The prices above are guaranteed for all bookings made at least four weeks prior to the start date of your package. Bookings made less than four weeks prior to the start date of your package are accepted on a case by case basis and there may be changes to the price.
Supplements
There is no seasonal supplement for this itinerary
Black Out Dates
Please note that during certain Japanese holiday periods, the prices detailed in the web-site & in the brochure are NOT valid for packages if any of the nights' accommodation fall within the following dates:
New Year - 29th December to 4th January
Golden Week - 29th April to 5th May
Obon Festival - 9th August to 17th August
Please contact us for pricing if your trip falls within any of these periods.
Included evening meals are in Kawaguchi-ko (2), Kamikochi or Yudanaka (2) and Takayama (1).
BACK TO TOP
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 Tokyo
Meals: None
Upon arrival at customs you will be met by one of our local representatives who will help you with any queries you may have and provide you with express train tickets straight to the exciting district of Shinjuku where you will be staying. Your hotel is ideally located between the towering skyscrapers and the buzzing entertainment neighbourhood, giving you the perfect location for sightseeing in the immediate area as well as the ideal base for navigating the capital.
Day 2 Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
Today you have eight hours with one of our excellent local guides, who will meet you at your hotel and show you the highlights and hidden sights of what this captivating city has to offer. The itinerary is at your disposal, so feel free to use your guide to discover those areas which have always fascinated you, or just sit back and allow them to exhibit their wealth of knowledge. You will be using the world-class public transport system, travelling as the Tokyoites do and getting close up to the city, with your guide on hand to answer all those inevitable questions! In the evening you can explore the vicinity of your hotel; from cheap and tasty street noodle stalls to exquisitely presented kaiseki meals.
Day 3 Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
With a city the size of Tokyo, there is something for everyone and today you have a full free day to explore. Your included Tokyo Transport pass allows you to easily travel around without having to buy individual tickets. You may like to get going early with a visit to the hectic Tsukiji Fish Market and its frantic tuna auction before sampling a fresh sushi breakfast. Afterwards, you could head to the historical quarter of Asakusa with its atmospheric market stalls and magnificent Sensoji Temple. Or visit the contrast of the distinctive fashions of Harajuku with the nearby peaceful Meiji Shrine. And if at the end of the day you fancy some nightlife before heading out into the wilderness, you are in the perfect place!
Day 4 Kawaguchiko
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
It’s time to leave behind the lights and drama of the metropolis to head out on the highway to Lake Kawaguchiko, a perfect viewing place for the remarkable apparition of Fuji-san. The scenic Fuji Five Lakes area is home to dramatic scenery as well as Japan’s most sacred mountain; from here you can take the iconic picture of Mount Fuji, soaring over the picturesque Lake Kawaguchi. For those who are feeling particularly energetic there is the opportunity to climb the volcano during the summer months – only for the truly determined!
Day 5 Kawaguchiko
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Depending on what thrills you are after, there is the option for a relaxing lake-side walk, simply taking in the atmosphere of the surroundings – or if you like a physical challenge, then during July and August you can attack the 3776m of Mount Fuji. The dormant volcano can be scaled at night to reach the summit in time for the spectacular sunrise (weather dependent!), or alternatively, a day time climb gives stunning views of the surrounding cities, countryside and coastline. Other options include the Fuji-Q Highland theme park, which is packed with exhilarating rides, or you may prefer the less hair-raising Fuji Safari Park where you can get close to native and exotic animals alike.
Day 6 Matsumoto
Meals: Breakfast
The express train will take you on to Matsumoto and back to the Sengoku era, as the imposing ‘Black Crow’ castle dominates this hot spring town in the foothills of the Japanese Alps. One of the most complete and beautiful among Japan's original castles, it will transport you back in time as you climb the well worn wooden stairs and wander around the original stone walls. You can enjoy the famous soba noodles of Matsumoto for your dinner tonight, the local delicacy of wasabi, or if you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can sample the raw horse meat and bee larvae!
Day 7 Kamikochi
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
After a short train journey out of Matsumoto, you will take a scenic bus ride high up in to the Alps along dramatic gorges, with steam rising from the bubbling springs that lie all around, before cutting straight through a mountain and into the national park. When you emerge, a stunning river valley awaits you, surrounded on all sides by the towering mountain peaks. Without doubt one of the most magical places to visit in all Japan, a stay in Kamikochi is a chance to lose yourself in the beauty of an unspoilt natural landscape. With accommodation on the banks of the river this is sure to be a real trip highlight.
Day 8 Kamikochi
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Get an early start this morning and you can tackle one of the many hiking trails to be found up to the peaks, rewarding you with amazing views and cool fresh air. At the centre of Kamikochi, straddling the Azusa River, lies Kappa-bashi bridge. The much-photographed view from this bridge is particularly beautiful when the larch trees along the river banks display their autumn colours. From here you can take various hiking routes ranging from easy strolls up to tough full day treks. You may also spot some of the resident population of monkeys who make this area their home!
Day 9 Takayama
Meals: Breakfast/Dinner
Today you will head to the historic town of Takayama, situated on the lower reaches of the Japan Alps and surrounded by jagged peaks. It is perhaps due to the town's isolated location that a remarkable number of old traditions have been preserved. Within San-machi Suji and other parts of the town there are a large number of museums devoted to crafts, old lifestyles and other local traditions. This afternoon you can head up to the Hida Folk Village; the ‘praying hands’ thatched roof houses here give you a sense of what life was like in days gone by for Japanese farmers and craftsmen in what was once a very inaccessible rural region of Japan.
Day 10 Takayama
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast head out to the morning farmers’ markets and try some of the local produce brought in from all over the region There are many sightseeing options including the museum housing floats from Takayama’s famous festival, some impressive merchants’ houses and the former local government offices. For lunch try some of the delicious Hida beef along with some locally farmed vegetables, perhaps followed by a visit to some of the sake breweries for a taste of the local tipple!
Day 11 Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
From the highlands to the lowlands today; it’s back to the city by express train and shinkansen to the ancient capital of Japan. Kyoto is an essential stop for any trip to this country, packed with hidden shrines, grand temples and atmospheric back streets. Your first view will be of the ultra-modern glass and steel train station building, which announces your arrival to this diverse city where you will be staying in a central hotel, ideally located for sightseeing, shops and nightlife. After your stint in the countryside, it is time to discover the other side of Japanese culture in the busy shopping streets and bustling markets of Kyoto.
Day 12 Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Today you once again have the services of one of our excellent local guides, who will show you the sights and sounds of what this captivating city has to offer. The itinerary is once again up to you, so feel free to use your guide to discover those areas which have always fascinated you, or just sit back and allow them to guide you through the maze of shrines, temples and cobbled streets. There are almost limitless attractions in Japan’s capital of history and culture, with ancient temples hidden around every corner and glimpses of Geisha tottering gracefully along picturesque backstreets.
Day 13 Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Today you can either spend more time exploring Kyoto or if you prefer, make a day trip to one of the nearby places of interest. Nara lies just 40 minutes south of Kyoto and is always a popular choice, with the rambling parkland filled with cheeky deer surrounding the Todaiji Temple which houses a huge 30m bronze statue of Buddha. The poignant Second World War city of Hiroshima is only a couple of hours away on the ‘bullet train’, and you can stop in on Himeji Castle on your way – so much to do, you just have to make the choice!
Day 14 Tokyo
Meals: Breakfast
The bright lights of Tokyo will be waiting for you as you head back to the energetic capital today for your final night. It’s the perfect chance to catch up on anything you may have missed first time round and perhaps fit in some last minute shopping before you leave! You can use this time to fill up on delicious excellent value seafood or warble away to your favourite tunes at Karaoke. Whatever you want to do on your last day, you will be sure to find it in Tokyo.
Day 15 Depart
Meals: Breakfast
Unfortunately it is time to head back to the real world and board your plane home. You will take the Airport Limousine Bus to Narita Airport ready for your flight.
Photos
Skyscrapers in Shinjuku's business district
The ultra-modern district of Shinjuku during a spring storm
A Traditional wedding at Tokyo's Meiji Shrine
Goths in Tokyo's famous Harajuku district
The stunning symetrical form of Fuji-san as seen from Lake Kawaguchi
Soba Noodles, a speciality of Matsumoto
The classic Kamikochi View from Kappa Bashi bridge
Low hanging clouds amongst the mountains of Kamikochi
The views from the surrounding peaks are spectacular
One of the large resident population of monkeys
Traditional crafts at Hida no Sato in Takayama
Kinkakuji, The Golden Pavilion - Kyoto
Pricing Information
| 2012 | |||
| Standard Price: | £2150 (Single Price: £2700) | ||
| Upgrade Price: | £3080 (Single Price: £4230) | ||
Extra Nights: |
|||
Standard Grade |
|||
| Start: Twin Share pp £65
Single pp £80
End: Twin Share pp £65 Single pp £80 |
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Superior Grade |
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| Start: Twin Share pp £115
Single pp £175
End: Twin Share pp £115 Single pp £175 |
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Accommodation
Shinjuku Sunroute Plaza
Tokyo
Moderate Hotel
The Shinjuku Sunroute Plaza is conveniently located on the south side of Shinjuku station and opened in late 2007. The building has a sleek and modern design throughout, from the spacious lobby area to the well-appointed guestrooms, which offer flatscreen TV with video-on-demand and spacious bathrooms. The hotel has its own restaurant and bar and also a guest lounge providing internet access and complimentary hot drinks. The hotel is in a fantastic location in the lively Shinjuku district of Tokyo, with an endless choice of shopping, dining and entertainment options within a few minutes' walk. The hotel is also just two minutes on foot from Shinjuku station, offering easy access to other areas of the city.
Yagisaki-en
Kawaguchiko
Minshuku (JP)
A friendly, family-run minshuku in a pleasant location near the southern shore of Lake Kawaguchi. The minshuku offers hearty home cooking, hot-spring baths (including an open-air bath) and even bicycle hire to help you explore the area. Mishuku pride themselves on their friendly welcome, so you are sure to be well looked after.
Richmond Hotel Matsumoto
Matsumoto
Business Hotel
Located in the centre of Matsumoto just a short walk from the station and 10 minutes stroll from the castle, the Richmond Hotel Matsumoto is an excellent business hotel. The rooms are large and many of the rooms on the higher floors offer views of the surrounding mountains. All of the rooms are en-suite and offer cable television and free high-speed internet as well as the usual facilities such as direct dial telephones and air conditioning. A restaurant is available on the ground floor and PCs with internet are available free of charge in the lobby.
Alps Sanso
Kamikochi
Ryokan (JP)
Located by the Azusa River, the Alps Sanso is Japanese style inn or ‘ryokan’ where you can enjoy Japanese hospitality and a traditional night’s stay on a futon on tatami flooring. Housed in a wooden building with its own bath house, the ryokan is a short walk from Kappa Bridge and is a great base from which to explore the scenic delights Kamikochi National Park.
Takayama Yamakyu
Takayama
Minshuku (JP)
The Yamakyu is a lovely traditional Japanese-style inn. The guestrooms are simple, but very authentic with tatami mat floors and thick futon bedding. Rooms have en-suite toilet and sink, but baths are shared in the traditional manner, with separate bathing areas for ladies and for gents. The Yamakyu prides itself on its cuisine, offering the best in home cooking with plenty of local influence. Staff are friendly, some English is spoken and they can assist with planning your Takayama sightseeing. Internet access is available in the lobby. The Yamakyu is situated on the edge of Takayama; around 15 minutes walk from the station, and within easy walking distance of the main sights of the town. A stay at the Yamakyu is a great way to get an authentic experience of traditional Japanese style accommodation.
Karasuma Kyoto Hotel
Kyoto
Moderate Hotel
The Karasuma Kyoto Hotel is located right in the centre of Kyoto and enjoys easy access to all of the city's main sights. There are also numerous shops and restaurants on the doorstep here. Rooms are moderately sized but clean and comfortable and fully en-suite. The hotel features its own restaurant, Starbucks coffee shop and bar. English speaking staff are usually available.
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