Dynamic and fascinating Japan 14 Days
Tokyo, Nagano, Kurobe Alpine Route, Kanazawa and Omi-Hachiman
| Duration | 13 nights and 14 days |
| Departs | Daily |
| Price | From $2,760 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. In the early spring, the lingering snow sets an amazing scene as you walk along the snow corridor! In Summer, the new green is stunning and there are plenty of hiking opportunities to make the most of the nature.
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 small 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, wander the narrow alleys and the old stone paths of the geisha district in Kagurazaka and discover a new face of Tokyo.
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 temple town Nagano. Visit Zenkoji Temple, then meet the wild, cheeky snow monkeys at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Before returning to Matsumoto, wander around the pretty town of Obuse, famous for its local arts and crafts.
Day 6: Matsumoto – Kamikochi – Matsumoto
Venture to Kamikochi for the day and trek through its spectacular mountain scenery. The contrasting greenery 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, gateway of the Kurobe Alpine Route. Through the Alps, marvel at the amazing modes of transportation and be fascinated by the dynamic natural beauty.
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. Head 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:
– Modern city Tokyo
– Snow monkeys in Nagano & castle town Matsumoto
– Spectacular nature and amazing transportation in Kurobe Alpine Route
– Old historic samurai towns Kanazawa and Omi-Hachiman
Package Details:
| Duration | 13 nights and 14 days (travel order can be changed, length of tour can be extended or decreased) |
| Departure Dates | Available all year round (Alpine route, Kurobe Gorge Train not open during winter) |
| Route | Tokyo, Nagano, Matsumoto, Kurobe Alpine Route, Toyama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Hikone, Omi-Hachiman |
| Tour Type | Self guided package: pick up/drop off service is not available |
| Price (land fee) | Twin share from $2,760 per person Triple share from $2,510 per person Single from $3,430 per person |
| *Seasonal fee may apply (arriving in April, May, June July, August, September and October) | |
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 – Hotel Buena Vista or similar
・ 1 night in Toyama – Toyama Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar
・ 3 nights in Kanazawa – Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa or similar
・ 3 nights in Nagoya – Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nagoya Shinkansenguchi or similar
– Japan Rail Pass 14-day (Ordinary)
– Transport card loaded with JPY1,500 credit (Suica/Pasmo etc)
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 and/or mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– 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.
*The monkeys at the Jigokudani Monkey Park get through the winter by soaking in hot springs. During the warmer months (May to October), they do not soak in hot springs. Due to weather conditions, seasonal changes or the monkey’s behaviour, the monkeys may not be seen, even during the park’s business hours, and especially from September to November when their activity is irregular. Also, it takes approximately 30 minutes to walk the 1.6 km stretch from the bus parking lot to the Snow Monkey Park.
