Alpine Routes & Cultural JapanSpring-Only Spectacle: Tateyama Snow Wall - April & May 2027
Tour Route
Your journey through Japan's most iconic destinations
Loading map…
About This Tour
This tour combines nature and culture. It features a scenic mountain route through the Japanese Alps and visits historic cities in the Hokuriku and Kansai regions. The main attraction is the "Snow Wall" on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, which you can only see in spring. Walking between snow walls over ten meters tall is a unique experience and the highlight of this trip. You will travel from Tokyo through Nagano, crossing the Alpine Route and enjoying beautiful views at Murodo and Mikurigaike. You can also explore Japan's cultural cities: Toyama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. This spring-only route lets you experience the impressive snow wall and stunning mountain scenery, along with gardens, temples, shrines, and city strolls. It offers a perfect mix of nature and urban life.
Tour Highlights
- Experience the stunning mountains by taking the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
- Walking between snow walls over ten meters tall at their peak is a unique experience and the highlight of this trip.
- Visit High-altitude highlights such as Murodo and Mikurigaike Pond
- Explore Toyama and Kanazawa freely in the Hokuriku region.
- Walk through the temples, shrines, and streets of Kyoto and Osaka at your own pace.
- Enjoy a route that combines the beauty of Japan's Alps with famous city sights.
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/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 - The adventure kicks off in vibrant 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 - Matsumoto Castle & Traditional Streets
Breakfast at the Hotel After breakfast, check out and send your large luggage to Kanazawa. You can explore Matsumoto and Toyama at your leisure. In the morning, travel from Shinjuku to Matsumoto by limited express train. 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 4 - Walk the Snow Walls: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Breakfast at the Hotel Hotel Check-out In the morning, travel from Matsumoto to Shinano-Omachi by local train, and started the sightseeing route in 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> - Kurobe Dam: This is one of Japan's largest arch dams. Visitors can walk across the dam. - Daikanbo: You can reach this viewpoint by ropeway. It offers a great view of the Tateyama mountain range. - 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. From the final destination of Tateyama, take the local train to Dentetsu Toyama. Hotel Check-in
Day 5 - Exploring the Hokuriku cities- Toyama & Kanazawa
Breakfast at the Hotel Hotel Check-out 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. After sightseeing at your own pace in Toyama, travel from Toyama to Kanazawa by Shinkansen. Hotel Check-in Kanazawa is a city that keeps the feel of an Edo-period castle town while also featuring modern art and architecture. If you have extra time, explore more of Kanazawa. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Kanazawa> - Higashi Chaya District: Enjoy a magical atmosphere in the evening. It’s a great place for a stroll. - Korinbo/Katamachi Area: This lively district is perfect for dining. Try local dishes like seafood and oden.
Day 6 - Kanazawa: Gardens, Arts & Samurai Heritage
Breakfast at the Hotel Let’s continue sightseeing in Kanazawa. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Omi-cho Market: Visit this market to enjoy local food, especially fresh seafood. - Kenroku-en Garden: Explore one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, which offers beautiful views in every season. - Kanazawa Castle Park: This park, next to Kenroku-en, has castle ruins and a large area to walk around. - 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: Check out this museum that showcases contemporary art, making it a great stop during your city walk. Optional chartered taxi tour to Shirakawa-go (gassho-style village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is available from Kanazawa for an additional charge. Maximum 3 passengers per vehicle. Advance reservation is required.
Day 7 - Exploring Kyoto’s Historic Streets
Breakfast at the Hotel After breakfast, check out and send your large luggage to Osaka. You can explore Kyoto at your leisure. In the morning, travel from Kanazawa to Tsuruga by Shinkansen, then transfer to Kyoto by limited express train. Kyoto is the heart of Japanese culture, filled with historic temples, shrines, and beautiful streets. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka: Visit this World Heritage temple and explore the souvenir shops and tea houses along the slopes. - Gion and Yasaka Shrine: Walk through the charming streets of Gion. You might see a maiko (apprentice geisha) while you’re there. - Stroll along the Kamo River: This is a great place for an evening walk. Enjoy a break at a riverside cafe. Hotel Check-in
Day 8 - Kyoto Icons: Timeless Sights of the Ancient Capital
Breakfast at the Hotel Today, we will take a longer trip to explore Kyoto’s famous sights. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Kinkaku-ji Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is beautifully gold-plated. - Arashiyama: A popular tourist spot known for its bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge. You can also enjoy a rickshaw ride here. - Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine: A popular place for photos, featuring thousands of red torii gates. - Nishiki Market & Kawaramachi: An area where you can try Kyoto’s food and do some shopping.
Day 9 - Timeless Nara, Dynamic Osaka
Breakfast at the Hotel Hotel Check-out After check-out, visit Nara, a city that has an even older history than Kyoto. Nara is Japan's oldest capital and has many historic temples and beautiful nature. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Todai-ji Temple: The Daibutsuden Hall, home to the Great Buddha, is an impressive sight where you can experience the history and religious culture of Japan. - Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Characterized by its vermilion-colored structures and more than a thousand stone lanterns. - Kofuku-ji Temple: A historic temple featuring a graceful five-story pagoda. - Nara Park: A vast park blending serene scenery with historic landmarks. Take a moment to interact with and feed the gentle deer that inhabit this unique area. After you finish sightseeing, travel from Nara to Osaka at your own pace. Hotel Check-in Osaka is lively, with busy neighborhoods and a rich food culture. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi: Enjoy bright signs and street food like takoyaki. - Umeda Sky Building: Visit the observatory for a 360-degree view of Osaka, especially beautiful at night.
Day 10 - Free Exploration of Vibrant Osaka
Breakfast at the Hotel Let’s continue sightseeing in Osaka! <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Tennoji & Abeno Harukas: Visit Japan's tallest building for stunning views, shopping, and museums. - Nakanoshima Area: Enjoy cultural sites along the river, perfect for art lovers and peaceful walks. - Osaka Castle: Take in great views of Osaka from the castle tower. - Shinsekai: Experience this retro district at Tsutenkaku Tower and try local foods like doteyaki and kushikatsu.
Day 11 - Sayonara – Until We Meet Again in Japan!
Breakfast at the Hotel The tour ends at hotel check-out. Thank you for joining our 11-day tour. We look forward to seeing you again.
Accommodation
HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel
2 nightsTokyo Shinjuku
2 beds
HOTEL BUENA VISTA
1 nightMatsumoto
2 beds
DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama
1 nightToyama
2 beds
ANA CROWNE PLAZA KANAZAWA or similar
2 nightsKanazawa
2 beds
KYOTO TOKYU HOTEL or similar
2 nightsKyoto
2 beds
SHERATON Miyako Hotel Osaka or similar
2 nightsOsaka-Uehommachi
2 beds
Day 1 - Tokyo
Day 2 - Tokyo
Hotel Breakfast
Day 3 - Matsumoto
Hotel Breakfast
Day 4 - Toyama
Hotel Breakfast
Day 5 - Kanazawa
Hotel Breakfast
Day 6 - Kanazawa
Hotel Breakfast
Day 7 - Kyoto
Hotel Breakfast
Day 8 - Kyoto
Hotel Breakfast
Day 9 - Osaka
Hotel Breakfast
Day 10 - Osaka
Hotel Breakfast
Day 11 - Osaka
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$3,000 ~ US$4,000
From
US$3,000 ~ US$4,000