Japanese Alps Route

Tokyo(Narita) – Nikko – Takayama – Matsumoto – Shirakawago – Noto Peninsula – Mt. Fuji

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Start at our Narita office. About 25-30 minutes from Narita Airport. If you’re arriving late at our office and too tired for a drive, there is a nearby auto campsite or others that we recommend.
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Arnomien Auto Campground
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Narita Yume Farm Auto Campsite

Day 1 - 2

From Rental Car Station to Nikko, it is approximately 200KM, around 3 to 4 hours of driving depending on traffic.
Nikko National Park
If you are not a fan of heights, but still want to enjoy the beauty of Nikko, Nikko National Park has a lot to offer. It is stunning destination for nature lovers and culture seekers alike. Explore the World Heritage shrines and temples that showcase the rich history and spirituality of Japan, such as the ornate Toshogu Shrine and the serene Rinnoji Temple. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the park in any season, from the snowy peaks and frozen lakes in winter to the colorful flowers and waterfalls in spring and summer.
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Nikko Daiyagawa Park Auto Camping Ground
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Roadside Station Nikko
Nakimushiyama
Nakimushiyama is a popular hiking course in Nikko. It is famous and attracts many climbers due to its easy access to the trailhead. If you are an experienced climber, searching for a thrill, head on to Mt. Nantai. A 30 mins drive from Nakimushiyama.
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If you are not into climbing, another way to enjoy the view in Nikko is to take the Akechidaira Ropeway. It is a viewing platform with vistas over Kegon Waterfall and Lake Chuzenjiko which can be accessed by ropeway or hiking. Opens at 8:40 – 15:30.
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Ropeway fare: Adult: One-way 600JPY | Roundtrip: 1,000JPY / Child: One-way 300JPY | Roundtrip: 500JPY

Day 2-3

After a tiring day 2, it's time to relax and cool down. Enjoy Nikko’s enchanting waterfalls.
Ryuzu Waterfall
Ryuzu Waterfall (竜頭ノ滝, Ryūzu no Taki) means "dragon head waterfall" in Japanese. The name comes from the shape of the falls, which resembles the head of a dragon. The waterfall is located on Yukawa River, shortly before the river discharges into Lake Chuzenji.
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Kegon Waterfall
Kegon waterfall is Nikko`s most famous waterfall, and was also listed as one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls. Kegon Waterfall can be seen from a free observation platform that is easily accessible on foot, as well as from a paid platform at the base of the falls. The paid platform is accessed via a 100-metre-deep elevator and offers more impressive views.
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Elevator to the lower observation deck:
8:00 to 17:00 (March to November) | 9:00 to 16:30 (December to February) | No closing days | Admission Fee: 570JPY
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Nikkoyumoto Camping Ground
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Roadside Station Nikko

Day 3-4

Japanese most popular monkey resort, the only place in the world where monkeys bathe in hot springs.
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Nozawa-onsen
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Sado Island by Ferry (Sado Kisen)

Day 4-5

Noto Peninsula
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Day 5-6

Shirakawago, Japanese one of most traditional village
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Takayama village
Historic streetscapes and a convenient base for alpine adventure in the Northern Alps. Takayama and the surrounding area boast traditional architecture, opulent festivals and a range of the best mountains and onsen in Japan
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Day 6-7

Kamikochi (上高地, Kamikōchi)
A popular resort in the Northern Japan Alps of Nagano Prefecture, offering some of Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery. It is open from April 17 until November 15 and shuts down during winter.
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Okuhida Onsen
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Day 7-8

Matsumoto , gateway to the Japan Alps and a destination in its own right. Apart from being home to Japan's oldest extant castle, it is also the birthplace of avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama.
Matsumoto
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Mount Fuji
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There is a lot to see and do around Mt.Fuji area. To make the best of it, we recommend you stay for 2 days at least.

For recommended campsite around Mt.Fuji
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Fumotoppara Campground
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PICA Fujisaiko Campground
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Narusawa Roadside Station
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KOUAN Campground
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Onsen - Fuji Yurari Hot Spring
There are a lot of things to do and see around Mt. Fuji area. Fujigoko is known as a lake resort area, where hiking, camping, fishing and snow sports are among the popular outdoor activities that can be enjoyed. There are also plenty of hot springs and museums found in the area. The famous Fujigoko consists of 5 lakes which are Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Yamanakako, Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko. The most accessible is Lake Kawaguchiko. The best views of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from the lake's northern shores and are particularly breathtaking during the cherry blossom season around mid-April and the autumn colors around the first half of November.

You may also want to visit Oshino Hakkai, it is a touristy set of eight ponds in Oshino, a small village in the Fuji Fike Lake region, located between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako.
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After visiting the lakes, you can head to Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (Traditional Japanese Village). It is also known as the “Healing Village” This village was reconstructed after it was damaged by a typhoon. Now, it consists of Japanese souvenirs shops, some are handmade. If you’re looking for more Japanese souvenir this is the place to go.
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After exploring the bodies of water around Mt.Fuji, it’s time to explore the Aokigahara Forest or most commonly known as ‘Suicide Forest’. If you already did some research about Japan before coming or have been watching some documentary stories, you might already be familiar with this forest. Entering the forest is akin to entering a fantasy world. There are clear paths that lead you through a comfortable hike but the surrounding trees and plant life are covered in moss and all of the roots intertwine with each other to create a fairytale aura with a ghostly twist. Walking further into the forests will entice you with crossroads. Usually, only one of the ongoing paths is left open for hikers and the other is taped off with an off-limits sign.
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If you think ‘SUICIDE FOREST’ is not a good option, you may want to skip it and just make your way to 2 of the most famous caves in Japan. Both Narusawa Ice cave and Fugaku Wind cave are an easy trail.
The Fugaku wind cave is surrounded by the rich greenery of Aokigahara Jukai. Even in summer, the temperature inside the cave remains at an average of 3 degrees Celsius. It was used as a natural refrigerator to store silkworm eggs until the early Showa period. It is now designated as a national natural monument. Once inside, you will be able to see icicles that do not even melt during summer.The Narusawa Ice cave is located at the eastern entrance of Aokigahara Jukai(the photo below). It is counted as one of the sightseeing spots of Fuji 5 Lakes throughout the year. Narusawa’s tree lava group is said to have one of the largest number of spiracles in the world.
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After a tiring day, you may choose to stay in our recommended Campgrounds, Hot springs or Roadside stations.

Day 8-9

For the last day, please make your way back to our Narita office. It is about 3-5 hours drive depending on which road you will take. You will pass through service areas where you may take some rest.

Check other travel itineraries we’ve prepared for you

Golden Route (7 Days)
TOKYO(NARITA) TO OSAKA
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Tohoku Route (15 Days)
NORTH OF MAIN  – ISLAND OF JAPAN
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Parking Tips Guide CTAOnsen Map Guide CTA
The Onsen webpage is Japanese language so , To use that is Press 機能(Function) button then 現在地(Location) button then OK button then choose any Onsen icon near you and press GP button to open Google Maps.