5 Days｜MMS-05｜Japan Alps, Starry Sky & Onsen Journey
Overview
5 Days 4 Nights | Tokyo Departure
Tokyo → Karuizawa → Nagano → Kamikochi → Shinhotaka → Matsumoto → Narai-juku → Hirugami Onsen → Achi Village → Lake Kawaguchi → Tokyo
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Central Japan on this unforgettable 5-Day, 4-Night Japan Alps, Starry Sky & Onsen Journey from Tokyo.
Designed for travellers seeking an experience beyond Japan's classic Golden Route, this carefully curated adventure combines spectacular alpine scenery, historic landmarks, traditional hot springs, and one of Japan's most renowned stargazing destinations.
Travel through the elegant mountain resort town of Karuizawa, visit the historic Zenkoji Temple, and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Kamikochi, where crystal-clear rivers, lush forests, and towering peaks showcase the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps.
Experience the spectacular Shinhotaka Ropeway, Japan's only double-decker ropeway. Ascend to over 2,150 metres above sea level and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the magnificent Northern Japan Alps.
Continue to the historic city of Matsumoto, home to one of Japan's finest original castles and a designated National Treasure, before stepping back in time at Narai-juku, one of the best-preserved Edo-period post towns along the historic Nakasendo Trail.
Unwind at a traditional onsen ryokan in Hirugami Onsen, then spend an unforgettable evening beneath the dazzling night sky of Achi Star Village, officially recognised as one of the best places for stargazing in Japan.
Your journey concludes at Lake Kawaguchi and Oishi Park, where, weather permitting, you can admire spectacular views of the iconic Mount Fuji, providing the perfect finale to this extraordinary adventure.
Travel in comfort with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide, enjoying a relaxed pace, comfortable accommodations, scenic drives, and an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, hot springs, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Inclusion & Exclusion
- Hotel pickup in Tokyo (selected areas)
- Transportation by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver-guide
- 4 nights hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Highway tolls, fuel, and parking fees
- Luggage transportation during the tour
- Admission fees and Optional Activities
- Lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Driver & Guide gratuities
What To Expect
- Day 1Tokyo → Karuizawa → Nagano
Begin your journey from Tokyo and travel into the beautiful highlands of Central Japan. Discover the elegant mountain resort town of Karuizawa, famous for its charming atmosphere, seasonal scenery, and relaxing ambience. After exploring this picturesque destination, continue to Nagano and settle into your hotel, preparing for the adventures awaiting in the Japanese Alps.
- Day 2Nagano → Zenkoji Temple → Kamikochi → Matsumoto
Start the day with a visit to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples. Continue into the heart of the Japanese Alps to explore Kamikochi, where crystal-clear rivers, towering mountains, and peaceful walking trails create one of Japan’s most spectacular natural landscapes. In the evening, arrive in Matsumoto for a relaxing two-night stay.
- Day 3Shinhotaka Ropeway → Matsumoto
Today’s highlight is the spectacular Shinhotaka Ropeway, Japan’s only double-decker ropeway. Ascend to over 2,150 metres above sea level and admire breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps. After enjoying one of Japan’s most impressive alpine landscapes, return to Matsumoto and spend a relaxing evening exploring the city at your own pace.
- Day 4Matsumoto Castle → Narai-juku → Hirugami Onsen → Achi Star Village
Visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s finest original National Treasure castles, before travelling to Narai-juku, a beautifully preserved Edo-period post town along the historic Nakasendo Trail. In the afternoon, arrive at Hirugami Onsen and enjoy a traditional Japanese hot spring ryokan with a relaxing kaiseki dinner. As night falls, experience the unforgettable star-filled sky of Achi Star Village, renowned as one of Japan’s premier stargazing destinations.
- Day 5Lake Kawaguchi → Oishi Park → Tokyo
After breakfast, depart for Lake Kawaguchi and visit Oishi Park, one of the best locations to admire the iconic beauty of Mount Fuji. Weather permitting, capture unforgettable photographs of Japan’s most famous mountain before returning comfortably to Tokyo, concluding an extraordinary five-day journey through the Japanese Alps, historic towns, traditional hot springs, and spectacular natural scenery.
Additional info
Highlights
- Experience the ultimate 5-day Japan Alps adventure from Tokyo.
- Explore the elegant mountain resort town of Karuizawa.
- Visit the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples.
- Discover the breathtaking alpine scenery of Kamikochi.
- Ride Japan’s only double-decker Shinhotaka Ropeway and enjoy spectacular 360° panoramic views from over 2,150 metres above sea level.
- Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s few original National Treasure castles.
- Walk through Narai-juku, one of Japan’s best-preserved Edo-period post towns.
- Enjoy a traditional onsen ryokan stay with a relaxing Japanese hot spring experience.
- Experience the spectacular night sky at Achi Star Village, one of Japan’s best stargazing destinations.
- Capture iconic views of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi.
- Stay one night in Nagano, two nights in Matsumoto, and one night at Hirugami Onsen, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed journey.
- Travel in a small group with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide.
- Perfect for travellers seeking an immersive experience of the Japanese Alps, combining nature, culture, hot springs, and unforgettable scenery.
Cancellation policy
- Free cancellation up to 8 days before departure.
- 25% cancellation fee for cancellations made 7 to 4 days before departure.
- 50% cancellation fee for cancellations made 3 to 1 day before departure.
- No refund for cancellations made on the departure date, after the tour has commenced, in the event of a no-show, or if the guest voluntarily leaves the tour before completion.
- Any applicable bank charges, payment gateway fees, and currency exchange differences may be deducted from the refundable amount.