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Kamikochi, Nagano, Japan

Japan Alps

Japan's captivating alpine backbone

Tailor-made holidays to the Japanese Alps

Introduction

Japan's alpine backbone is all forested mountains and steaming onsen (hot springs) extending across much of central Honshu, a landscape that is particularly captivating in autumn when the koyo (colourful leaves) turn to shades of russet and gold. Our experts have years of Japan travel experience between them – call today on 020 7590 0775 to start planning your Japanese Alps holiday.

Historic castles

Journey into the three ranges of the Japanese Alps from Tokyo and its surrounds, where snow-capped mountains dot historic towns. Perhaps start with the five curved tiers of Matsumoto’s wooden castle before moving onto rickshaw-trammelled Takayama’s Folk Village and luxurious ryokans. Then, there’s unesco-listed Shirakawago’s 18th-century thatched farmhouses tucked away among the Hida Mountains. Lastly, Kanazawa is the ideal introduction into the geisha world of Japanese gardens.  

Shirakawago, Gokayama

Natural splendours

Skiing can be enjoyed in winter and hiking in summer, in a region that provides a wonderful natural antidote to the neon lights and populated cities elsewhere in Japan. The Japan Alps are also famed for the pink-faced macaques - also known as snow monkeys - which congregate in rotemburo (outdoor hot pools) during the winter months to keep warm, the steam rising all around them and ice clinging to their grey beards and exposed fur.

Snow monkey

 

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Holiday ideas in the Japanese Alps

Mt Fuji, Japan

Best of Japan

14-day tailor-made holiday from £6,545 pp incl. flights

With a rail pass and a host of included tours and traditional ryokan stays, this is your chance to experience the best Japan has to offer as you explore the country's hi-tech cities, ancient temples and spectacular national parks.

Hakone, Japan

Tokyo, Hakone and the Japanese Alps

16-day tailor-made holiday from £6,705 pp incl. flights

Stepping out from Japan's capital, you'll explore an alpine world of ancient shrines and samurai, ride the mighty bullet train and stay in traditional ryokan inns surrounded by a sublime natural world.

Places to stay in the Japanese Alps

Gassho Zukuri Farmhouses, Ogimachi

Gassho Zukuri Farmhouses, Ogimachi

Traditional lodge

Stay in a 250-year-old farmhouse in a UNESCO World Heritage Site to experience the rural Asian ideal at its most traditional.

Where to go in Japan Alps

Kanazawa

Slightly off the beaten track, Kanazawa is a small city close to the coast. It was for a time Japan's fourth largest city, known for rice production, weaving and gold leaf, but was somewhat left behind when industrialisation took over.

Takayama

In the heart of the Hida Mountains lies the beautifully preserved market town of Takayama, a place of narrow streets and shops and teahouses with overhanging roofs and latticed windows.

Nagano

Winter sports are a popular activity in the area around Nagano, a compact provincial city that hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998; an excellent public transport system and assorted Olympic buildings are the legacy of the Games.

Yudanaka Onsen

As many as 200 snow monkeys live in the proximity of Yudanaka Onsen, one of a string of onsen villages in the mountainous north of Nagano Prefecture.

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Meet our Japan Alps experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0689

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0689 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

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  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
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