8 DAYS RURAL CHARMS OF JAPANESE ALPS
Kiso Valley, Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Takayama, Shirakawa-Go & Kanazawa
Family Travel, Outdoor & Adventure, History & Culture
Discover Central Japan’s mountainous interior, where traditional Japanese culture and panoramic scenery still reign supreme.
Walk the historical Nakasendo trail, hop on a rickshaw tour of Takayama, get acquainted with Nagamachi Samurai district and a tea with Geisha entertainment in Kanazawa. Your journey will be dotted with fantastic alpine scenery of Kamikochi, the rural farmhouses of Shirakawa-go and canoeing experience across Lake Ontake.
We have also selected option to stay in authentic ryokans, for those who would like to immerse even deeper in luxury Japanese living.
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 16th 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.
Hotel Fuki no Mori in Kiso Valley • Hotel Kagetsu in Matsumoto • Gosenjaku Hotel in Kamikochi • Oyado Koto no Yume in Takayama • Hyatt Centric in Kanazawa
Kiso Valley
A small boutique Japanese-styled hotel set between Nagiso town and Iida city with views of the lush forest and access to natural hot spring from your cypress bathtub.
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Matsumoto
Adorned with tasteful Mingei furnishings, high ceilings and clean white décor amidst peaceful atmosphere, this hotel offers both Japanese and Western-styled rooms.
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Kamikochi
A small heritage hotel from 1918 beautifully restored with modern comfort. Set right at the centre of Kamikochi on a protected National Park area by the Kappa Bridge with seasonal view of Mount Hotaka, it is within walking distance to Taisho pond, Myojin pond and Azusa riverbanks.
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Takayama
Stay in traditional Japanese rooms fitted with tatami mats, traditional futon beds and hot spring bath facility, with strategic location just 2 minutes’ walk from Takayama station.
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Kanazawa
Delightful international-standard hotel with modern amenities and clean contemporary design, just a walk away from Kanazawa station.
View MoreZENAGI Wellness & Expedition Hotel in Kiso Valley • Hoshino Resorts KAI in Matsumoto • Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel • Wanosato Ryokan in Takayama • Kayotei in Kanazawa
Kiso Valley
An all-inclusive luxury hotel converted from historical farmhouse, you will enjoy sumptuous Kiso slow food courtesy of Michelin-starred chefs and great outdoor explorations tailored to you.
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Matsumoto
An upscale ryokan with tatami mats, paper-sliding doors and regional Japanese crafts, with hot spring fed by the same Asama Hot Spring waters once used by the feudal lords of Matsumoto Castle.
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Kamikochi
A deluxe mountain resort famed for its bold Kamikochi French cuisine utilizing local seasonal ingredients and large baths fed from 100% natural hot spring.
Takayama
Tucked in a secluded lichen-covered forest close to Hida-Takayama, this luxury hideaway is part of the Ryokan Collection and features centuries-old minka furnishings tributing back to its heritage past.
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Kaga
Part of the Ryokan Collection, this luxury ryokan occupies a quaint scenic area in Kaga which feels like it has remained untouched by times. This all-suite, tatami-matted property is arranged in traditional sukiya style of a tea ceremony pavilion.
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Call us at +852 2885 2181 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.com to start planning for a holiday that is completely tailored to your preferences.
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