Discover Kamikochi and Mount Hotaka in Japan's Northern Alps, and Mt Fuji in the South, on this private luxury journey from Matsumoto to Tokyo

Launch exclusive
Private transfer on arrival into Tokyo or Osaka to first hotel (conditions apply)
Japan
From $2,787 pp The amount shown is based on today's live exchange rate, which may change by the time that you complete your purchase. Your payment will be processed in the default currency.
4 Day Private Walk
Kamikochi, Mt Hotaka & Mt Fuji
Chubu-Sangaku NP & Fuji-Hakone-Izu NP
1Overview
Overview

Starting in Matsumoto, your journey to the Northern Alps commences with a 90 minute transfer to Mount Hotaka, where you will ascend via the Ropeway to 2200 metres to enjoy panoramic views from the two observation decks at the top. During the summer months, there's an opportunity for a guided hike to Nishiho Sanso mountain hut and Maruyama Viewpoint, which at 2400 metres offers a spectacular view to the summit of Mt Hotaka and the surrounding peaks. Later you'll continue to Kamikochi, an alpine village in the heart of Chubu-Sangaku National Park, for an overnight stay. Enjoy the views from Kappa Bridge after the crowds leave the park for the day, and walk the Kamikochi valley floor on the scenic loop walks following the crystal-clear Azusa River to Myojin or Taisho Pond. Your journey to Mt Fuji and the Fujikawaguchiko (Five Lakes) area commences after lunch on day two, and you have two nights to look forward to at luxury hotel, Fufu Kawaguchiko. With Fufu as your base, you will explore the sacred shrines, historic trails and wonderful vistas of Mt Fuji’s Fifth Station with a private guide, returning to the hotel for an afternoon relaxing in the Onsen or at the Spa. Views of Japan’s highest peak are everywhere at Fufu, offering the best chance to capture the perfect Mt Fuji snap when the clouds clear. Your private transfer to Tokyo concludes your Alps journey after breakfast on day four.

Shin Hotaka Ropeway Autumn
Fufu Kawaguchiko Outdoor Terrace Evening View
View Gallery
2Inclusions
Inclusions
  • One night boutique accommodation at Gosenjaku Hotel Kamikochi, including breakfast and dinner
  • Two nights of luxury accommodation at Fufu Kawaguchiko, including daily breakfast and dinner
  • Shin-Hotaka Ropeway ride to observation decks (with optional hike to Mount Hotaka viewpoint from the top of the ropeway)
  • Kamikochi Valley self-guided hiking (the trailhead is on your hotel doorstep)
  • Private transfer from Matsumoto to Mount Hotaka and Kamikochi
  • Private transfer from Kamikochi to Mt Fuji
  • Private transfer from Mt Fuji to Tokyo
  • Mt Fuji private tour including Kitaguchi Shrine, Okuniwa Nature Park and Ochudo pilgrim trail, and Fuji 5th Station
  • Hot Spring Onsen baths at each property

Optional:

  • From the top of Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, add a guided alpine hike to Nishiho hut and Maruyama Viewpoint (2400 metres). This is a moderately challenging hike, available from June to September.
3Location
Location & Access

This walk commences in Matsumoto and concludes in Tokyo. Private road transfers are included from Matsumoto Train Station or your Matsumoto Hotel on day one. On day four you will be dropped to your chosen Tokyo city hotel or Haneda or Narita Airport. Please speak to your journey designer for rail or car transfer options to Matsumoto.

WIL MAP JAPAN Japan with Honshu Zoom
5Itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Enjoy the scenic 90-minute transfer from Matsumoto to Mount Hotaka in the Northern Japanese Alps. The Shin-Hotaka Ropeway lifts you to nearly 2,200 metres, offering breathtaking alpine views. From the top, enjoy a guided hike through coniferous forests to the Nishiho Sanso mountain hut, then continue for 15-20 minutes over rocky terrain to see the stunning Maruyama viewpoint where you can see the summit of Mt. Nishi-Hotaka-dake. Enjoy lunch on the mountain, before descending on foot and by ropeway back down the mountain. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you to Kamikochi, where you will stay right by the famous Kappa Bridge at Gosenjaku Hotel. Staying here offers prime access to the Kamikochi Valley trails and early-morning views of the famous bridge before the crowds arrive. Tonight, enjoy fusion French-inspired dining showcasing local ingredients at Gosenjaku.

Note: The moderately-challenging hike to Nishiho Hut and Maruyama Viewpoint is only available from June to September when snow on the ground has cleared. If travelling outside of this time or if hiking conditions are deemed unsafe by your mountain guide, you will ride the gondola to the top of Shin-Hotaka and enjoy the panoramic views for the two observation decks.

Walk distance: 4km return from the top of the ropeway; approximately 4 hours

Included: D

Shin Hotaka Ropeway Autumn

Day 2

For the best chance to capture a photo of Kappa Bridge, head out around 7 am to enjoy the peaceful morning light before the crowds arrive. Kamikochi is perfect for nature lovers, with scenic valley walks along the Azusa River, and this morning is your chance to get amongst it. Enjoy a 2-3 hour self-guided loop walk to Myojin Pond after breakfast, with views of the surrounding peaks and mirror-like pools sure to impress. Next meet your driver for the transfer toward Japan's Southern Alps, arriving at your accommodation in the Fuji 'Five Lakes' area mid-afternoon after a short stop at a Mt Fuji viewing point. Upon arrival at Fufu Kawaguchiko, settle into your spacious suite which features a private Onsen hot spring bath made with volcanic stone from Mount Fuji, and floor-to-ceiling windows inviting in the Mt Fuji view. Tonight's kaiseki-style dinner is inspired by the surrounding forests and mountains and features seasonal dishes prepared using wood, fire, and volcanic stone.

Walk distance: 7km; approximately 2-3 hours

Included: B - D

Hike to Alta Canyon

Day 3

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast featuring regional specialties such as rice cooked in a wood-fired stove, hearty soups, and local Jiyoran eggs, providing a special start to the day. Today you'll enjoy a four-hour private guided tour of Mount Fuji's 5th Station and the significant pilgrim history of Japan's highest peak. The journey begins with a visit to the ancient Kitaguchi Hongu Shrine, thought to have its origins in 100AD and dedicated to halting the frequent eruptions of Mt. Fuji. The shrine is at the Yoshida trailhead, the traditional approach to Mt Fuji for pilgrims. Continue from here to Mount Fuji, where you will enjoy a peaceful walk through Okuniwa Nature Park or Okiwa on the Ochudo trail, both of which incorporate lush alpine meadows, volcanic rock formations and ancient forests with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji summit. Your experience culminates with a visit to Mount Fuji's 5th Station which is at an elevation of 2300 metres. On return to your hotel, unwind in the open-air hot spring bath or indulge in a soothing treatment at the onsite Spa by Sisley before another wonderful dinner tonight.

Walk distance: Short walks are enjoyed during your morning touring; approximately 1-hour hiking

Included: B - D

Mt Fuji Hakone Izu Ochudo Trail JNTO

Day 4

After breakfast, be sure to take the time this morning for tea in the guest lounge, or on the outdoor terrace, to take in that Fuji view one more time before departing the hotel. Depending on your onward travel plans, your driver will drop you off at your chosen Tokyo hotel or Tokyo airport where your journey concludes.

Included: B

Fufu Kawaguchiko Outdoor Terrace
6Departure Dates
Season & Departure Dates

Recommended mid-April to early-November, or June to September if you'd like to include the alpine hike at Mount Hotaka. Kamikochi is closed from mid-November to mid-April.

This journey is available, excluding Kamikochi, with modifications in the off-season. Crampons may be required in some cases when snow is on the ground. Speak to your Journey Designer for personalised advice based on your travel dates.