Japan Alps Winter Self Guided

You will travel on your own to Tokyo, and check into the hotel. No meals are included.

Travel: TBD

After breakfast you will travel by Shinkansen and express train to Matsumoto. From the moment you step off the train and hear the announcement “Matsumotooooo” you will recognize that you are some place special. We would suggest first visiting the famous Matsumoto Castle. This beautiful castle is also known as Crow Castle because of its stark black walls. The castle was first built in 1504 and remodeled into its current form at the turn of the 17th century. From the top of the main tower you will have a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding mountains. After touring Matsumoto Castle you will travel to the town of Hirayu in Okuhida. Okuhida is famous for its hot springs, and especially for its rotemburo (outdoor baths) with views of the surrounding Northern Japan Alps. Hirayu is the oldest and largest of Okuhida’s onsen towns, and is said to have been discovered in the 1560s by Takeda Shingen. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the onsens after checking into the ryokan.

Travel: 4 1/2 Hours

Today is a free day to explore Hirayu and the Okuhida region. You can take this day to go skiing, take a snowshoe tour, or venture up the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway. The Shin-Hotaka Ropeway is one of Japan’s most unique ropeways with one of the largest elevation gains in the country (over 1,000 meters). It climbs up the side of the Hotaka Mountain Range, which includes Oku-Hotakedake, Japan’s third highest peak. The ropeway’s most distinguishing feature is its double decker gondola cars, the first of their kind in Japan, which offer excellent views of the Okuhida Region.

Travel: N/A

After breakfast at the ryokan you will travel to the nearby town of Takayama. Takayama, in the middle of the Japan Alps, with its traditional inns, shops, and sake breweries, has managed to retain its traditional charm. We recommend starting your visit to Takayama by strolling through the farmer’s markets as you sample the numerous options from vegetable stands and stalls selling herbs, pickles, and souvenirs. Next, you can tour the Takayama-jinya which has been the governing office of Takayama and the surrounding area since the early 17th century. Later, you can visit the Sanmachi-suji district consisting of merchant homes dating back to the 16th century, visit the many temples, shrines and museums, rummage through antique shops, or relax at one of the sake breweries.

Travel: 1 Hour

After breakfast you will take a public highway bus to the valley of Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is the home of many Gassho-zukuri (Praying Hand) style homes which have been moved here from the surrounding area. These homes were first used as long ago as the 18th century and are still being used today. They are built to withstand the tremendous amounts of snow this area of Japan receives. You will stop for a short time to explore some of these traditional farmhouses. You will then catch another public bus to the city of Kanazawa. Kanazawa, located on the northern coast of Japan, was once controlled by one of the wealthiest families in Japan, the Maeda Clan. They were admirers and sponsors of many traditional arts, and these arts flourished under their sponsorship. Many of these arts are still being practiced today in Kanazawa.

Travel: 2 1/2 Hours

After breakfast we suggest touring the Kenrokuen Garden. This garden is considered to be one of the three best gardens in Japan, and was initially constructed in the 17th century. After enjoying the garden we will tour the Kanazawa Handicrafts Museum to learn how the local Kanazawa handicrafts are made. Later on we recommend touring the Naga-machi Samurai District. This area of Kanazawa, located at the foot of Kanazawa Castle, was the residential district for the samurai serving the castle. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes, and water canals. You can also visit the Nomura House where the Nomura family, a high-ranking retainer for the Maeda family, resided. After touring Kanazawa you will travel to Yudanaka Onsen where you will spend the night.

Travel: 2 1/2 Hours

After breakfast you will travel to the Snow Monkey Park. Here, at the Jigoku-dani (Hell Valley), you will delight in the world famous “snow monkeys” of Japan. The Red-Faced “snow monkeys” are only found in Japan, and enjoy using the thermally-heated mineral water baths all year long. After visiting the snow monkeys you will return to Tokyo by express train and Shinkansen.

Travel: 3 1/2 Hours

It’s time to say goodbye. You will find your own way to the airport or to your next destination.

Travel: TBD Hours