Autumn Leaves Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route 14 Days
Tokyo, Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Gorge and Kanazawa
| Duration | 13 nights and 14 days |
| Departs | Daily mid-September to mid-October |
| Price | From $2,564 per person (based on twin share) |
This package will provide a new and unique experience for seasoned visitors to Japan. Be captivated by the dynamic nature of Mt Tateyama as you venture across the scenic Kurobe Alpine Route. Once through the Alps, visit the fascinating historic castle towns of Kanazawa, Hikone and Omi-Hachiman. The Alpine Route is only open from spring to autumn, and it is one of the most stunning autumn leaves viewing places in Japan.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Tokyo
Upon arrival in Tokyo, discover some new places around the city. Try strolling around the Yanaka, Nezu area, known for its numerous temples, a sloping maze of streets and narrow alleys, and unique museums and galleries.
Accommodation: Tokyo – 3 nights
Day 2: Tokyo
At leisure in the morning, take a walk and enjoy the seasonal vista at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. After lunch, join the Edo Kagurazaka Afternoon Walking Tour (2pm – 4.30pm).
Day 3: Tokyo – Kawagoe – Tokyo
Take a day trip to the town called ‘Little Edo’, Kawagoe. Wander around streets lined with traditional clay-walled warehouses and see, and hear, the symbol of Kawagoe – the bell tower.
Day 4: Tokyo – Matsumoto
Take a train to Matsumoto. Visit Japan’s oldest castle tower and wander through the Old Kaichi School, Japan’s first school and now an educational museum. Take a stroll around Nakamachi Street and see the traditional warehouse-style buildings.
Accommodation: Matsumoto – 3 nights
Day 5: Matsumoto – Nagano – Matsumoto
Take a day trip to the temple town of Nagano. Visit Zenkoji Temple, then wander around the pretty town of Obuse, famous for its local arts and crafts before returning to Matsumoto.
Day 6: Matsumoto – Kamikochi – Matsumoto
Venture to Kamikochi for the day and trek through its spectacular mountain scenery. The contrast of gorgeous coloured leaves with the crystal clear rivers and lakes, along with snow-capped mountain peaks is stunning.
Day 7: Matsumoto – Kurobe Alpine Route – Toyama
Early departure for Ogisawa, the gateway to the Kurobe Alpine Route. Through the Alps, marvel at the amazing modes of transportation and be fascinated by the dynamic natural beauty and exquisite scenery of the coloured red or yellow autumn leaves.
Accommodation: Toyama – 1 night
Day 8: Toyama – Kurobe Gorge – Kanazawa
Enjoy the Kurobe Gorge train ride. Kurobe Gorge is Japan’s deepest gorge – a hidden scenic spot. Stunning autumn leaves, fresh greenery in summer and natural hot springs (you can dig down to find the springs!) will captivate your heart. Travel to Kanazawa from here.
Accommodation: Kanazawa – 3 nights
Day 9: Kanazawa
Commence your exploration of Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Garden, Nagamachi samurai district, Higashi Chayagai geisha district, Teramachi and more.
Day 10: Kanazawa
Continue to discover Kanazawa and learn about Kanazawa’s local cultures – Kutaniyaki pottery, Kaga-yuzen dyeing, Kanazawa-haku, gold leaf craftwork and other traditional arts and craft.
Day 11: Kanazawa – Nagoya
Arrive in Nagoya and absorb yourself in the samurai history at Nagoya Castle. Learn about the history of the Toyota Motor Company (originally a textile company) and the technology of their cars at the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
Accommodation: Nagoya – 3 nights
Day 12: Nagoya – Ise Shima – Nagoya
Visit Ise Jingu Grand Shrine, an important Shinto shrine complex containing Shinto’s most sacred shrines – Geku and Naiku. Stroll around Oharaimachi district, lined with many traditional style buildings, and Okageyokocho Street where you can try local food and sweets. If time and energy permits, head out to the coast to view the ‘wedded rocks’, Meoto Iwa on the way back to Nagoya.
Day 13: Nagoya – Hikone & Omi-Hachiman – Nagoya
Take an excursion to the shore of Lake Biwa. Visit Hikone Castle, one of only 4 castles in Japan designated as national treasures, and one of only 12 with the original keep. Then catch a train along the scenic route to Omi-Hachiman, an historic old samurai town. Stroll around streets lined with old style merchant storehouses and prestigious homes. Take a calming tour of the canals in a non-motorised boat.
Day 14: Nagoya – Chubu/Kansai/Narita International Airport
Depart Japan or head to your next destination.
*The order of the tour can be changed and the length increased or decreased to match your requirements.
Highlights:
– Castle town Matsumoto
– stunning mountain scenery in Kamikochi
– Spectacular nature and amazing transportation in Kurobe Alpine Route
– Old historic samurai towns Kanazawa and Omi-Hachiman
– Kurobe Gorge train ride
– Ise-Shima National Park
Package Details:
| Duration | 13 nights and 14 days (travel order can be changed, length of tour can be extended or decreased) |
| Departure Dates | During autumn leaves season (mid-September to mid-October) *Please note that autumn leaves viewing is not guaranteed due to Mother Nature. Coloured leaves are dependant on the weather. |
| Route | Tokyo, Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Gorge, Kanazawa and Nagoya |
| Tour Type | Self guided package: pick up/drop off service is not available |
| Price (land fee) | Twin share from $2,564 per person Triple share from $2,250 per person Single from $2,908 per person |
Package inclusions:
– 13 nights accommodation in a standard room in 3-4 star hotels
・ 3 nights in Tokyo – Shiba Park Hotel or similar
・ 3 nights in Matsumoto – Matsumoto Tokyu REI Hotel or similar
・ 1 night in Toyama – Toyama Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar
・ 3 nights in Kanazawa – Kanazawa Miyako Hotel, Hotel Kanazawa or similar
・ 3 nights in Nagoya – Meitetsu Grand Hotel or similar
– Edo Kagurazaka Afternoon Walking Tour with local English-speaking guide
Package exclusions:
– Flights: We can assist with your flights to match your itinerary.
*If you have already booked your flight, please provide us with your flight details or send us copies of e-tickets when you book/enquire.
– Travel expenses (unless covered by the Japan Rail Pass).
– Meals: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Activities or tours: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
*You can add any day tours or activities you like, we can arrange this for you.
– Admission fees: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Personal expenses
– Travel insurance
Notes:
*Non-smoking rooms may be available on request. We book non-smoking rooms when available.
*Please read our term and conditions.
*Package inclusions are subject to availability.
*Prices are subject to currency fluctuations.
