Japanese Alps & Kyoto

From Tokyo to Kyoto via the Japanese Alps, this Premium journey pairs big-city ease with ryokan serenity. Start in Tokyo, then head to Matsumoto and Kamikōchi for river walks beneath the Hotaka range, onward to Takayama’s old town, the stone-paved Nakasendō from Magome to Tsumago, and a temple-rich finale in Kyoto. Expect private guiding on hallmark hikes, luggage forwarding so you trek light, and boutique/ryokan stays with kaiseki dinners and soothing onsen. It’s the sweet spot: scenic trail days, beautiful nights, and friction-free logistics from arrival to KIX departure.

Highlights:
- Alpine core, culture wrap: Kamikōchi trails + stone-paved Nakasendō, capped with temple days in Kyoto.
- Real hiking, smart pacing: Private guiding on the key routes; luggage forwarded so you carry a daypack.
- Ryokan + boutique mix: Onsen and kaiseki where it matters; modern comfort in the cities.
- Clean routing: Tokyo in, Kyoto out (KIX). No backtracking, just steady southbound flow.
Hotels:
Seasonal Temperatures:
- Japanese Alps (Matsumoto / Kamikōchi / Takayama): Cool–mild days 50s–70s°F (10–24°C), crisp nights 40s–50s°F (4–13°C).
- Kiso Valley: Similar to the Alps, a touch warmer—days 60s–70s°F (16–24°C).
- Kyoto / Osaka: Spring–fall comfortable 60s–80s°F (18–27°C); summer is hot/humid high 80s–mid 90s°F (31–35°C).
- Rule of thumb: higher = cooler; pack a light shell for evenings.
Best For:
- - Adventure & Active
  - Nature & Landscapes
  - Culture & History
  - Luxury & Style

DAY 1 : Arrive Tokyo (HND/NRT)

Private transfer. Reset with a neighborhood walk; ramen/izakaya dinner.

DAY 2 : Tokyo Private Highlights

Private guide for first timers (Meiji Jingu, Omotesandō, Asakusa)

DAY 3 : Tokyo → Matsumoto

Limited Express Azusa (~2.5–3h). Tour Matsumoto Castle, stroll Nakamachi kura lanes, soba dinner.

DAY 4 : Matsumoto → Kamikōchi (Japanese Alps)

Bus via Shin-Shimashima into the car-free valley (Taishō Pond → Kappa Bridge loop). Onsen + alpine kaiseki.

DAY 5 : Kamikōchi Hiking (Private Guide)

Choose level: Myojin Pond riverside trails (easy) or Dakesawa valley lookout (moderate, more vertical). Soak, kaiseki.

DAY 6 : Kamikōchi → Takayama

Bus via Hirayu Onsen, onward to Takayama. Old Town (sanmachi), sake tastings, Hida beef.

DAY 7 : Takayama

Morning markets; Higashiyama walking course (temples & quiet lanes) or side trip to Shirakawa-go (thatched gasshō hamlets).

DAY 8 : Takayama → Kiso Valley (Tsumago/Magome)

Rail via Nagoya/Nakatsugawa or bus/rail combo into Tsumago. Cedar-beam ryokan; hearth-side dinner. Forward main bags to Kyoto; carry a daypack for Kiso.

DAY 9 : Nakasendō Hike: Magome → Tsumago (Private Guide)

Stone paths, forest lanes, teahouse stops—classic ~8 km stage with flexible add-ons. PM transfer to Kiso-Fukushima.

DAY 10 : Kiso Valley → Kyoto

Local to Nagoya, Shinkansen to Kyoto. Evening Gion wander—lantern alleys, tucked izakaya.

DAY 11 : Kyoto East + Fushimi Inari Ridge (Private Guide)

Kiyomizu-dera → Sannenzaka lanes → Fushimi Inari summit loop (skip first-torii crush; do the ridge).

DAY 12 : Kyoto North: Kurama → Kibune Hike & Onsen

Train to Kurama; cedar-ridge hike via Kurama-dera to Kibune (2–3h gentle-moderate). Onsen soak; riverside lunch. Late Arashiyama (bamboo at off-peak).

DAY 13 : Kyoto Flex Day

Options: Daimonji viewpoint walk, Philosopher’s Path + Ginkaku-ji, tea ceremony, Nishiki food crawl, or cycle along the Kamo River. Counter-style kaiseki dinner.