8 DAYS RURAL CHARMS OF JAPANESE ALPS

Arriving into Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport, you will then be transferred using private vehicle to Kiso Valley area.

Follow the ancient Nakasendo trail (1-2h) across quaint villages and valleys from Tsumago-juku to Nagiso Town Museum. Continue Lake Ontake for canoeing experience and 1.5h Ontake Waterfall Trail loop, which feels like stepping into another realm with pilgrims’ ritual chanting.

After your private transfer to Matsumoto, enjoy a 3-hour guided tour visiting the 16^th century Matsumoto Castle and Nakamachi street with its traditional black-and-white kura storehouses.

You will be transferred on private vehicle for Kamikochi National Park trekking (5-6h, opens between Apr-Nov). There is a diverse range of alpine flora, monkeys and birds which you may be able to spot. The park is especially beautiful during autumn foliage season which peaks around mid-Oct.

Meet your private driver and head to Japan’s inland mountain cultural hub in Takayama. Enjoy a rickshaw tour of Sanmachi Historical Street followed by a visit to the Edo period Takayama Jin’ya. Conclude with sake tasting at Harada Sake Brewery before returning to your hotel.

En route via Shirakawa-go (UNESCO) with a visit to the open-air museum (2h) for a closer look at the traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses with distinctive triangle roofs built to resemble the hands of praying Buddhist monks. Thereafter, we transfer to your accommodation.

We devote the entire day to explore Kanazawa’s bustling culture aboard taxi. Start the morning at Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most scenic landscaped gardens. Continue to Edo-period Omicho Fresh Food Market and you may want to try Kaisendon sashimi assortment (own expense) before visiting Nagamachi Samurai district and Nomura Samurai House with its ancient artefact displays. Thereafter, we stop at Higashiyama Geisha district which preserves its 1820 feudal heritage and wooden latticework. We will visit Kaikaro teahouse to experience the traditional Chaya where Geisha still entertain their guests.

Today, you will be transferred to Komatsu Airport or Nagoya’s Chubu Centrair International Airport for your flight home.