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Imagine Asia  >  Destinations  >  Japan  >  Japanese Alps
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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

When to go

J F M A M J J A S O N D

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.

Fly to Niseko in the far north for some of the most reliable powder in the world, or follow the Tokyo kids on the bullet train to Hakuba with 200 runs and as many bars!


Kate Hall
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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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Tokyo, Yudanaka, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hakone

Brilliantly designed with families in mind, this journey really keeps the kids entertained. From Snow Monkeys to Anime and from cycling adventures to dressing like a geisha, this trip really packs a punch and is sure to impress.

12 nights from $5427 per person Family, Highlights, Imagine Favourites

Family Friendly Japan

Tokyo, Nakasendo, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Tokyo

The perfect itinerary for those wanting to combine Kyoto and Tokyo with some of Japan's more authentic destinations. Trek along the ancient Nakasendo Walking Trail for two nights along with visiting Kanazawa, one of Japan's more historic cities.

11 nights from $6368 per person Highlights, Off the beaten track, Spa

Authentic Japan

Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto

This is a fantastic option for first time travellers to Japan, wanting both highlights and variety. Enjoy the neon lights of Tokyo, the ancient gardens and geisha districts in Kyoto, the samurai quarter in Kanazawa as well as idyllic Takayama.

10 nights from $4597 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Imagine Favourites

Classic Japan

Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Kyoto

For those wanting to get under the skin of Japan and explore the country in a bit of depth, this journey takes in the best of both urban and rural Japan without rushing. Explore Tokyo, Kyoto and Mt Fuji, as well as coastal Kanazawa and historic Takayama.

13 nights from $6592 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Honeymoon

Japan in Depth

Tokyo, Yudanaka, Kyoto, Mt Koya, Osaka

Brilliantly varied and at times getting truly off the beaten track, this journey is a wonderful option for those wanting to see a the more authentic and Buddhist side to Japan, without missing out on Japan's highlights such as Kyoto and Tokyo.

10 nights from $6173 per person Culture & history, Spectacular scenery, Food & Drink

Zen Japan

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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

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)

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

A fun and distinctive tour in Takayama’s old historical hub, visiting a sake brewery, followed by a Japanese tapas class, where you can eat what you have made and enjoy delicious sake afterwards.

Takayama Sake Brewery Visit and Japanese Tapas Cooking Experience

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

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

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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Japan's Cuisine

A Guide to Ryokans

Cherry blossom in Japan

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