Japan's Cuisine

Japanese cuisine has taken the world by storm. And whilst sushi bars revolve their way around eateries in cities across the globe, the original home of this deliciously fresh and seasonal delicacy is a culinary force to be reckoned with. With its humble beginnings in street food, sushi has earned its stripes in haute cuisine and now claims many a Michelin star in decadent eateries across Japan and further afield. You only have to watch a sushi master chef in action in Japan to see why. Japanese food is an art form, it is an intrinsic part of the country’s cultural identity and motivation enough to visit.

A Guide to Ryokans

Found across Japan, ryokans are traditional Japanese guesthouses which offer the perfect glimpse into Japanese history and culture. Most predominantly located near onsen towns, they are the perfect place to rest travel weary legs along the Nakasendo Way or as an addition to your itinerary on a tour of Japan’s highlights.

Cherry blossom in Japan

In the early part of the year, for a few fleeting weeks, Japan is cloaked in a dusky pink as its cherry trees flourish with blossom or sakura. Marking the beginning of spring, the blossom is of huge cultural significance in Japan and nationwide celebrations sweep across the country in its honour. Thought to be reminiscent of the beauty and brevity of life, this precious and revered flower is a reminder of Japan’s dramatically contrasting seasons and exquisite natural beauty. So, whether you choose to map the path of the blossom by bullet train or simply witness the incredible colours from the comfort of your ryokan, the cherry blossom is a must-see on any springtime Japan itinerary.

Unique experiences in Japan

Japan is abundant in unique experiences. From learning the art of the samurai sword, sushi or sumo, to dressing up as a geisha, discovering the world of anime, visiting a sake brewery or trying your hand at calligraphy, there are so many activities to squeeze into your Japan itinerary.

Walking in Japan

Hiking in Japan is one of the world’s best kept secrets. Whether its paving the way from village to village in the Japanese Alps, traversing the Big Snow Mountain of Hokkaido, climbing the volcanoes of Kyushu or simply walking in the hills of Kyoto, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We’ve compiled our favourite walking destinations in Japan, ideal for seasoned walkers and wanderers alike.

Japanese Alps

Expect high snow-capped peaks, picturesque villages and rolling hills in The Japanese Alps, a series of mountain ranges that include Akasishi, Kiso and Hida. This is rural Japan at its best with idyllic agricultural plots, paddy fields, tracks of forest and traditional houses. The region can easily be explored on foot, by bicycle or by train.

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A must for anyone that wishes to explore Japan’s quieter and more bucolic landscape, a visit to the The Japanese Alps is often a highlight for many visiting Japan. With famous trekking routes, such as The Nakesendo Highway along with picturesque historic towns and villages such as Takayama, Matsumoto and Shirakawago, The Japanese Alps offer a true contrast to Japan’s huge metropolitan cities. The Nakesendo Highway, once a series of postal towns between Kyoto and Tokyo, is now an incredibly scenic trekking route offering the opportunity to trek for two or three days staying in local ryokans in preserved Edo era villages along the way. Yudanaka and Obuse are also not far away and act as the entry point to see the famous macaques, otherwise known as snow monkeys, that regularly take a dip in bubbling hot springs.

Here are some of our highlights in The Japanese Alps:

Takayama

Arguably one of Japan’s most atmospheric towns with tiny streets home to Edo period architecture, museums, craft shops and galleries.

Shirakawago

Shirakawago is just under an hour from Takayama and just over an hour from Kanazawa. UNESCO protected, it is an extraordinary town home to Gassho style houses with steeply pitched thatched roofs that are one of a kind in Japan.

Tsumago and Magome

Tsmago and Magome sit in the Kiso Valley along the Nakesendo Walking Trail. The route between Tsmago and Magome is one of the finest along the entire trail and offers a chance to stay in brilliantly preserved Edo period villages. Tsmago is one of our favourite villages in Japan and a stay in a local ryokan is definitely a highlight here.

Yudanaka and Obuse

Yudanaka is a popular hot spring town and offers the closest accommodation to the Snow Monkey Park, an area with multiple hot springs where local macaques warm up in winter. The monkeys can be seen year round, but they are most appealing in the winter months when the valley is covered in snow and up to 100 monkeys can be seen bathing in the hot spring water. Nearby is charming Obuse, home to the Hokkusai Museum, home to original block prints such as the world famous, Wave. The whole area can explored by train or by bicycle from village to village.


To start planning your tailor-made holiday, call us on (646) 934-8916

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Yudanaka, Japan

Featuring smart guestrooms with private open-air baths alongside public baths with panoramic views, Aburaya Tousen is a luxurious ryokan in Shinshu that offers a wonderful base for exploring the delights of the mountains.

Aburaya Tousen

Takayama, Japan

For a convenient location and comfortable stay, the Best Western Takayama is a good choice. Based in the centre of Takayama within walking distance of all the major tourist attractions, shopping malls, the bus station and train station.

Best Western Hotel Takayama

Yudanaka, Japan

Biyu No Yado is a friendly ryokan providing a comfortable stay amongst the mountains in Yamanouchi town. With traditional dining, a fun bar, and a range of onsen, Biyu No Yado is a great choice for social couples and families alike.

Biyu No Yado Ryokan Yudanaka

Matsumoto, Japan

The Hotel Buena Vista is a great choice for a convenient, comfortable overnight stay in Matsumoto. With a choice of rooms and a range of cuisine on offer, the hotel has something for everyone and is excellently placed for exploring this historic city.

Buena Vista Matsumoto

Tsumago, Japan

Fujioto is a simple traditional ryokan in the old Japanese post town of Tsumago in central Honshu. A stay at Fujioto, with its delightful owner and remarkable cuisine, takes you back to a forgotten Japan, and may well be the highlight of your travels.

Fujioto Ryokan Tsumago

Takayama, Japan

Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan is a wonderfully luxurious ryokan located in the heart of historic Takayama Old Town, just a short stroll from the Jinya morning market, with excellent hospitality, relaxing hot spring baths and delicious cuisine.

Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan Takayama

Takayama, Japan

Located in the heart of the Japanese Alps in the Takayama Hot Spring Village, the Hotel Associa Takayama is a resort hotel with fantastic views of the mountains and its own indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.

Hotel Associa Takayama

Yudanaka, Japan

Established in 1901, Jinpyokaku Honten has been a functioning onsen ryokan for over 110 years. This homely, welcoming guesthouse lies just behind the Kambayashi Onsen, close to the famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

Jinpyokaku Honten

Kiso Fukushima, Japan

Your second night on the Nakesendo Highway will be spent in a traditional Ryokan in Kiso Fukushima. A Ryokan is a very traditional inn that serves breakfast and a traditional Japanese dinner. A Japanese ryokan is one of the oldest types of accommodation.

Kiso Fukushima - Local Ryokan

Takayama, Japan

Tanabe Ryokan is a wonderfully authentic Japanese onsen ryokan in Takayama in Honshu’s spectacular mountains. Spend a few days at Tanabe and enjoy spectacular cuisine, hot baths, refined service and one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved towns.

Tanabe Ryokan Takayama

Tsumago, Japan

Your first night on the Nakesendo Highway will be spent in a local guest house in Tsumago, known as Minshuku. These small guest houses are clean, comfortable and full of character and are the perfect base on your trek.

Tsumago - Local Guest House

Takayama, Japan

Part of the Ryokan Collection, the old wooden and thatched buildings of the Wanosato Ryokan are tucked away in a peaceful forest close to Takayama, offering a serene hot spring retreat amongst nature.

Wanosato Ryokan

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Takayama, Japan

A half day tour of Takayama visiting the wonderful Matsuri no Mori museum to see the vibrant preserved floats, followed by a visit to the Higashiyama Temple area to explore the peaceful grounds.

Half Day Takayama Highlights

Takayama, Japan

A full day tour of Takayama, visiting the eclectic Miyagawa Market, the historical and charming San-machi Suji district, the old Takayama Jinya, and the Matsuri no Mori museum, with some sake tasting at a brewery.

Full Day Takayama Highlights Tour

Yudanaka, Japan

Yudanaka is an onsen town surrounded by the Shiga Kogan mountain range. This region is fantastic for walking, hiking, cycling, visiting the famous 'snow monkeys' as well as Obuse, a charming town full or art, museums and small boutiques.

Ideas for your free time - Yudanaka and Obuse

Japan Mountains, Japan

This full day tour is led by a local guide who will take you to the beautifully preserved ancient town of Takayama, and the spellbinding UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go village, before returning to Takayama.

Full Day Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour

Takayama, Japan

An unforgettable day cooking with an experienced home chef, learning about the local culture and traditions and enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings of this little town.

Takayama Rural Cooking Class Experience

Kiso Valley, Japan

This morning you'll be driven back to Kiso Fukushima where you will catch the train to Yabuhara for your final day of trekking. You'll trek over the Torii pass to Narai, an atmospheric village before continuing onto your next destination by train.

Day 3 - Nakasendo Highway (Yabuhara to Narai)

Kiso Valley, Japan

Your first day trekking along the Nakasendo Highway, an old postal route between Tokyo and Kyoto. Firstly arrive in Nakatsugawa before catching a local buy to Magome. From here trek one of the most beautiful routes of the Nakasendo, from Magome to Tsmago.

Day 1 - Nakasendo Highway (Magome to Tsmago)

Kiso Valley, Japan

Today's trek is beautiful and varied and includes a hike from Tsumago to Nojiri. The trail traces small valleys and moves into forests, often bamboo or cedar. Some of this is the least developed scenery on the trail.

Day 2 - Nakasendo Highway (Tsumago to Nojiri)

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