Alpine Wonders of Central JapanSpring-Only Spectacle: Tateyama Snow Wall - April & May 2027
Tour Route
Your journey through Japan's most iconic destinations
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About This Tour
This nature course lasts about 1 month and lets you experience Snow Wall, a highlight of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in spring. You will travel through famous landscapes like Mount Fuji, Kamikochi, and the Japanese Alps. The journey ends with a stunning experience: walking through a snow wall several meters high. This itinerary combines the exciting mountainous areas with the calm beauty of lakes and highlands, plus the relaxation of hot springs. You can fully enjoy the unique aspects of Japan that spring offers. This is an excellent Alpine Route experience for those who want to feel the scale and power of nature during this season. *The Tateyama Snow Wall is a seasonal landscape visible for about one month, typically from April to May each year.
Tour Highlights
- The Tateyama Snow Wall Walk: A lovely path tucked between impressive, towering walls of snow.
- Lake Kawaguchi offers beautiful views of Mount Fuji and the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine.
- Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure, stands proudly in its historic castle town.
- In Chubu Sangaku National Park, you can explore the clear streams and mountain landscapes of Kamikochi.
- Visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses
- Experience the stunning mountains by taking the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
What Makes This Tour Special
Experience the best of Japan's cultural heritage through this carefully crafted journey that combines iconic destinations with authentic local experiences.
Our expertly designed itinerary ensures you witness the perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation that defines Japan's unique character.
Day 1 - Welcome to Japan- Arrival in Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Our staff will be waiting for you at Haneda or Narita Airport. We will provide you with everything you need for this trip and escort you to the taxi/bus stand or train station. Hotel Check-in
Day 2 - Tradition and Modern Life in Tokyo
Breakfast at the Hotel This vibrant city beautifully blends traditional Japanese culture with the latest trends. The best way to experience all that Tokyo has to offer is by exploring on foot, so put on your walking shoes and get ready for an adventure! <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Asakusa: This traditional downtown area preserves old-world charm and features iconic sites such as the Kaminarimon Gate and Sensoji Temple. - Tokyo Skytree®: A popular destination that offers panoramic views of Tokyo from its observation deck. - The Imperial Palace: A serene location surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic buildings. - Shibuya Scramble Crossing: A bustling symbol of Tokyo, filled with people. - Harajuku: An area where youth culture and unique fashion come together.
Day 3 - Mount Fuji Views & Lakeside Relaxation
Breakfast at the Hotel After breakfast, check out and send your large luggage to Matsumoto. You can explore Mount Fuji and Ustukushigahara at your leisure. Take the chartered taxi to Mount Fuji. Enjoy the beautiful views of Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has shaped Japanese culture. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine: This scenic spot represents Japan and offers great views of the five-story pagoda and Mount Fuji. - Lake Kawaguchi: This popular spot lets you see Mount Fuji's changing beauty throughout the seasons from the lakeshore. - Oshino Hakkai: This site has eight spring pools fed by Mount Fuji, each with its own unique water scenery. After sightseeing, take the chartered taxi to Isawa Onsen. Hotel Check-in Isawa Onsen is one of the largest hot spring resorts in Yamanashi, located near the Mount Fuji area. Relax and enjoy the hotel's hot springs. Dinner at the Hotel
Day 4 - Sacred Shrines & Scenic Highlands of Nagano
Breakfast at the Hotel Hotel Check-out After you check out, you will take the chartered taxi along the Venus Line to Utsukushigahara Onsen. The Suwa area is known for beautiful Lake Suwa, historic shrines, and scenic mountain landscapes. From here, the Venus Line winds through the highlands toward Utsukushigahara, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. ＜Recommended Sightseeing Spots＞ - Suwa Taisha Shrine: One of Japan's oldest shrines, consisting of four sacred sites around the Lake Suwa area. - Lake Suwa: The largest lake in Nagano Prefecture, offering beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains. - Utsukushigahara Highland Museum of Art: This museum displays contemporary sculptures in a natural setting. - Utsukigahara Highlands: A large plateau at about 2,000 meters high. Here, you can enjoy 360-degree views and fresh air. Utsukushigahara Onsen is a hot spring resort on a hill overlooking Matsumoto city. You can unwind in a peaceful atmosphere while enjoying views of the Northern Alps. After sightseeing, take the chartered taxi to Utsukushigahara Onsen. Hotel Check-in Dinner at the Hotel
Day 5 - Matsumoto Castle & Traditional Streets
Breakfast at the Hotel Today, let's enjoy sightseeing in Matsumoto. Matsumoto is a town known for its castle and is surrounded by mountains. The main attraction is Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure that represents the town. This area offers a mix of history, culture, nature, and city walks. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Matsumoto Castle: A beautiful castle with a black lacquered keep, symbolizing the town. - Nakamachi Street: A street with white-walled storehouses, cafes, and craft shops. - Former Kaichi School: This building is a National Treasure and an Important Cultural Property from the Meiji era. It shows the history of modern education in Japan. Hotel Check-in
Day 6 - Kamikochi: The Heart of the Japanese Alps
Breakfast at the Hotel After checking out, take the chartered taxi to Kamikochi and start your hike to Myojin Pond. This beautiful area is one of Japan's top mountain destinations, surrounded by the Northern Alps. It is part of Chubu Sangaku National Park and recognized as a national cultural property. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Kappa Bridge: This suspension bridge is the entrance to Kamikochi and gives a great view of the Hotaka mountain range and the Azusa River. - Azusa River Walking Path: Enjoy an easy, flat path along the crystal-clear stream and beautiful riverbanks. - Myojin Pond: This sacred pond reflects the mountains in its clear surface and is the highlight of your visit to Kamikochi. After visiting Myojin Pond, take the chartered taxi to the Shinhotaka Ropeway. - Shinhotaka Ropeway: This is Japan’s only double-decker ropeway. At the top, you’ll find an observation deck where you can enjoy stunning views of the Northern Alps. It’s a different mountain experience from the hike you did the previous day. After getting off the ropeway, take the chartered taxi to Takayama. Hotel Check-in
Day 7 - Shirakawa-go: Thatched Roof Villages
Breakfast at the Hotel Take the chartered taxi to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This traditional farming village showcases Gassho-zukuri thatched houses designed for harsh winters, preserving ancestral wisdom. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Gassho-zukuri Village: Steep roofs shed heavy snow, creating unique regional landscapes. - Wada House: Large farmhouse displaying sericulture and traditional mountain life. - Shirakawa-go Observatory: Panoramic village views revealing nature-human harmony. After sightseeing, take the chartered taxi to Takayama.
Day 8 - From Mountain Towns to the Sea of Japan
Breakfast at the Hotel After breakfast, check out and send your large luggage to Tokyo. You can explore Toyama and Yudanaka at your leisure. Enjoy a morning in Takayama before departure. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Miyagawa Asaichi: Lively morning market with local specialties and crafts, where you can buy fresh foods. After your visit, take the limited express train to Toyama. Toyama is a beautiful city surrounded by the Sea of Japan and the Northern Alps. You can easily take day trips from the city center to the mountains, the sea, and historic towns. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Toyama City Museum of Glass: This museum, located in central Toyama City, features modern architecture and beautiful glass art. - Hisui Coast: This beach has unusual pebbles, and if you're lucky, you might find natural jade. - Takaoka Area: This area offers several attractions, including the Takaoka Daibutsu (Great Buddha), known as Japan's most handsome Buddha, and the national treasure Kokozan Zuiryuji Temple. Hotel Check-in
Day 9 - Walk the Snow Walls: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Breakfast at the Hotel After check out, travel from Dentetsu Toyama to Tateyama. This trip takes us through Chubu Sangaku National Park. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route connects Toyama and Nagano Prefectures. It is Japan's main mountain route. You can enjoy the beautiful Northern Alps by using different types of transportation, such as ropeways, cable cars, and buses. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Tateyama Snow Wall: This is a special spot to visit only in spring. You can see walls over ten meters high formed from the snow that builds up in winter and is cleared away. - Murodo: This is the highest point on the Alpine Route, at about 2,450 meters. Here, you can see alpine plants and volcanic land. - Mikurigaike Pond: This is a volcanic lake in the Murodo area. On clear days, you can see the mountains reflecting on the lake's surface. - Daikanbo: You can reach this viewpoint by ropeway. It offers a great view of the Tateyama mountain range. - Kurobe Dam: This is one of Japan's largest arch dams. Visitors can walk across the dam. After sightseeing, take the chertered taxi to Yudanaka Onsen. Hotel Check-in Dinner at the Hotel
Day 10 - Meet Japan’s Wild Monkeys in Nagano
Breakfast at the Hotel After check out, take the hotel shuttle bus to visit the Monkey Park. Jigokudani Monkey Park is a special place where you can see wild Japanese macaques. The park also has nature trails where you can enjoy seasonal plants, streams, and the forest's beauty. This makes it a great spot to connect with both wildlife and nature. After your visit, take the limited express train from Yudanaka to Nagano. You have two sightseeing options: Plan A and Plan B. [Plan A] When you arrive at Nagano, enjoy lunch before taking the Shinkansen. [Plan B] Enjoy approximately two hours of free time to explore Zenko-ji Temple. Zenko-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple dating back over 1,400 years. In the afternoon, travel from Nagano to Tokyo by limited express train, then transfer to Shinjuku by local train. Hotel Check-in
Day 11 - Have fun in the friendly and relaxed neighborhoods of Tokyo
Breakfast at the Hotel Ready to explore beyond Tokyo? Here are some great spots to check out. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Kamakura: A lovely historic town with beautiful coastlines. Don’t miss the Great Buddha and a stroll down Komachi Street! - Nikko: Perfect for nature and culture lovers, featuring the stunning Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls. Plus, there are exciting amusement and theme parks close by for some extra fun!
Day 12 - Sayonara, and can't wait to see you next time!
Breakfast at the Hotel The tour ends at hotel check-out. Thank you for spending the last 12 days with our tour. We hope to see you again!
Accommodation
Hotel Monterey La Soeur Ginza or similar
2 nightsTokyo Ginza
2 beds
Hotel Sekifu
1 nightIsawa Onsen
Japanese-style room with beds
Shoho
1 nightUtsukushigahara
Japanese-style room
HOTEL BUENA VISTA
1 nightMatsumoto
2 beds
MERCURE HOTEL Hida Takayama or similar
2 nightsTakayama
2 beds
TOYAMA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU
1 nightToyama
2 beds
Ryokan Biyunoyado
1 nightYudanaka Onsen
Japanese-style room
Hotel Monterey La Soeur Ginza or similar
2 nightsTokyo Ginza
2 beds
Day 1 - Tokyo
Day 2 - Tokyo
Hotel Breakfast
Day 3 - Isawa Onsen
Hotel Breakfast
Hotel Dinner
Day 4 - Utsukushigahara
Hotel Breakfast
Hotel Dinner
Day 5 - Matsumoto
Hotel Breakfast
Day 6 - Takayama
Hotel Breakfast
Day 7 - Takayama
Hotel Breakfast
Day 8 - Toyama
Hotel Breakfast
Day 9 - Yudanaka Onsen
Hotel Breakfast
Hotel Dinner
Day 10 - Tokyo
Hotel Breakfast
Day 11 - Tokyo
Hotel Breakfast
Day 12 - Tokyo
Hotel Breakfast
Accommodation
All accommodations are carefully selected 3-4 star hotels with excellent locations and amenities. Traditional ryokan experiences included where applicable.
Tour Price
US$5,200 ~ US$6,100
From
US$5,200 ~ US$6,100