Japan Alps Traverse & Mount Fuji Guided Trek

Trek Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Toyama

  Our adventure begins in the coastal city of Toyama, situated on Japan's beautiful Sea of Japan coastline.
  At 5:00 pm, we meet in the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing, where you'll have the opportunity to meet your guide and fellow trekkers. During the briefing, we'll talk through the itinerary, accommodation, meals, baggage transfer and everything you need to know before setting off into the mountains. There will also be plenty of time to ask any questions before the adventure begins.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite room, breakfast
  (Dinner not included.)

• Day 2: Toyama – Murodo – Mount Oyama

  This morning our journey into the Japanese Alps begins. Travelling by local train, funicular railway and mountain bus, we gradually leave the modern world behind before arriving at the spectacular Murodo Plateau at 2,400 metres.

  Our main luggage will be forwarded to Matsumoto using Japan's famous Kuro Neko luggage delivery service, allowing us to enjoy the next five days with only our trekking essentials.

  After settling into our traditional mountain auberge and enjoying lunch, we head out for an afternoon acclimatisation walk, climbing Mount Oyama, one of Japan's famous 100 Great Mountains. Although the altitude may leave you a little short of breath, this short ascent helps prepare us for the days ahead and rewards us with magnificent views and a traditional mountain shrine on the summit.

  Back at the auberge, there's time to relax in a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring bath) before our first mountain dinner. This is also our last opportunity for a shower before beginning the mountain traverse.

  Daily stats:

  Transport: Local train, funicular & mountain bus
  Trek duration: 4 hours
  Distance: 6 km
  Ascent: +750m
  Descent: -750m

  Guide notes:

  Although this is only a short afternoon walk, the altitude can make it feel surprisingly demanding. Today's climb is all about acclimatisation, helping prepare you for the days ahead. As we're returning to the same accommodation, you can leave most of your gear behind and enjoy your last light pack until we reach Matsumoto. The summit shrine provides a wonderful introduction to Japan's mountain culture.

  Accommodation:

  Mountain Auberge with Onsen, twin room, dinner & breakfast

• Day 3: Murodo – Goshiki-ga-hara Sanso

  A gentle walk returns us to the centre of Murodo before our true mountain journey begins.

  Today's route crosses a series of beautiful alpine summits including Jodo-san, Ryuo-dake, Oni-dake and Shishi-dake, with superb panoramic views stretching back towards Mount Oyama and across the Northern Japanese Alps.

  The terrain is varied, with rocky paths, alpine boardwalks, a few short ladders and chains, but very little exposure. After descending to Zara-toge, our lowest point of the day, we make one final climb across an alpine plateau to reach Goshiki-ga-hara Sanso, our mountain refuge for the night.

  Although today is not especially long, it provides the perfect introduction to the terrain we'll experience throughout the week.

  Daily stats:

  Trek duration: 6–7 hours
  Distance: 7 km (4½ miles)
  Ascent: +750m
  Descent: -700m

  Guide notes:

  Today's walk is relatively short, giving everyone the chance to settle into the rhythm of the trek. There are some rocky sections, along with a few short ladders and chains, but nothing particularly exposed. It's worth pacing yourself today as the longer mountain days are still to come.

  Accommodation:

  Traditional Mountain Refuge, dormitory accommodation, dinner & breakfast

• Day 4: Goshiki-ga-hara Sanso – Yakushi-dake Sanso

  Today is one of the finest mountain days of the entire trek.

  Leaving the refuge behind, we follow the spectacular backbone of the Northern Japanese Alps, crossing a succession of peaks and mountain passes with magnificent views in every direction. Along the way we pass Mount Tobi-yama, Echuzawa-dake, Sugo-no-kashira, Mayama, Kita-Yakushi-dake, before finally reaching Mount Yakushi, one of Japan's celebrated 100 Great Mountains.

  The terrain today is generally straightforward, following broad alpine ridges through rocky mountain landscapes and creeping alpine pine. Although this is potentially our longest day on the trail, the scenery more than rewards the effort.

  Daily stats:

  Trek duration: 9–11 hours
  Distance: 12 km (7½ miles)
  Ascent: +1,350m
  Descent: -1,100m

  Guide notes:

  Potentially the longest day of the trek, but also one of the most rewarding. The terrain is generally straightforward, with long sweeping ridges and spectacular panoramic views throughout. Today's highlight is the ascent of Mount Yakushi, one of Japan's famous 100 Great Mountains.

  Accommodation:

  Traditional Mountain Refuge, dormitory accommodation, dinner & breakfast

• Day 5: Yakushi-dake Sanso – Kurobegoro Goya

  Today's journey begins with a descent through lush mountain forest before climbing once again onto the open ridges of the Northern Japanese Alps.

  Passing Tarodaira Goya, an ideal place to stop for a coffee, we continue over a series of rolling summits including Taroyama, Kitanomata-dake, Akagi-dake and Kurobegoro-dake before descending through woodland to Kurobegoro Goya.

  Although today's distance is slightly longer than previous days, the terrain is generally easier underfoot with gentle rolling ridges replacing the sustained mountain climbing of yesterday. This is also the most remote section of the entire traverse, offering a wonderful sense of wilderness and, if we're lucky, the chance to spot Japanese grouse.

  Daily stats:

  Trek duration: 7 hours
  Distance: 14 km
  Ascent: +900m
  Descent: -1,250m

  Guide notes:

  After an initially rough descent, today's terrain becomes much more forgiving, with rolling hills replacing sustained mountain climbs. This is the most remote part of the entire traverse, giving a real sense of wilderness. Keep an eye out for Japanese grouse, which are sometimes seen in this area.

  Accommodation:

  Traditional Mountain Refuge, dormitory accommodation, dinner & breakfast.

• Day 6: Kurobegoro Goya – Yarigatake Sanso

  oday's objective is visible almost from the moment we leave the refuge. Throughout the day, the distinctive spear-shaped summit of Mount Yarigatake gradually grows closer as we continue our journey across the spectacular Northern Japanese Alps.

  A steady climb through silver birch woodland brings us onto the high ridges, crossing Mitsumatarenge-dake, Maruyama, Momisawa-dake and Hidarimata-dake before joining the impressive Nishikama Ridge. Along the way we'll pass Sugoroku Goya, an ideal place to pause for refreshments before continuing towards one of Japan's most iconic mountains.

  The final approach to Yarigatake Sanso follows a series of well-constructed zigzags beneath the towering summit. For those who still have plenty of energy, there is the opportunity after dinner to make the short, optional ascent of Mount Yarigatake itself. Often referred to as the "Matterhorn of Japan", this famous summit is protected by chains and ladders and provides an exhilarating finale to one of the finest mountain days of the trip.

  Daily stats:

  Trek duration: 9 hours
  Distance: 12 km (7½ miles)
  Ascent: +1,365m
  Descent: -625m

  Guide notes:

  Today's objective, Mount Yarigatake, dominates the skyline for much of the day as we gradually make our way towards its distinctive summit. There are a few short sections with chains and ladders, together with some airy ridge walking, but much of the route follows well-defined mountain trails. If conditions allow and energy levels are good, there's the opportunity to make the optional summit ascent after dinner.

  Accommodation:

  Traditional Mountain Refuge, breakfast & evening meal

• Day 7: Yarigatake Sanso – Kamikōchi – Matsumoto

  Our final day in the mountains is almost entirely downhill as we descend from the high alpine environment through changing landscapes of rocky slopes, alpine shrubs and ancient forests.

  The trail follows the beautiful Yarisawa Valley, passing a series of traditional mountain lodges before eventually emerging into the famous mountain resort of Kamikōchi, one of Japan's most spectacular alpine valleys.
  After several days in the mountains, there may even be time to enjoy an ice cream or a well-earned cold drink before boarding the bus and train to Matsumoto, where comfortable hotel accommodation, modern facilities and a proper bath await.

  Keep an eye out for the Japanese macaques that inhabit the forests around Kamikōchi—just remember to admire them from a distance!

  Daily stats:

  Trek duration: 7 hours
  Distance: 18 km (10½ miles)
  Ascent: 0m
  Descent: -1,700m

  Guide notes:

  It's almost all downhill today as we leave the high mountains behind and return to civilisation. The trail changes dramatically, from rocky alpine slopes to dense forest before reaching the busy trails of Kamikōchi. Keep an eye out for the local Japanese macaques, but please admire them from a distance and never feed them.

  Accommodation:

  Hotel, private room, breakfast

• Day 8: Matsumoto – Fujiyoshida

  After several days immersed in Japan's mountains, today offers the perfect opportunity to experience another side of Japanese culture.

  The morning is free to visit the magnificent Matsumoto Castle, affectionately known as the Crow Castle because of its striking black exterior. Designated a National Treasure of Japan, it is one of only twelve original castles remaining in the country and is widely regarded as one of Japan's finest historic buildings.

  Later in the afternoon, we travel by rail to Fujiyoshida, located at the foot of Mount Fuji, where we prepare for tomorrow's summit attempt.

  Daily stats:

  Travel by rail

  Guide notes:

  Today is an opportunity to slow the pace and experience a different side of Japan. We recommend visiting the magnificent Matsumoto Castle before travelling to Fujiyoshida in preparation for tomorrow's ascent of Mount Fuji.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite room, breakfast
  (Dinner not included.)

• Day 9: Mount Fuji Summit

  The grand finale of our Japanese adventure.

  After a short shuttle transfer, we begin our ascent from the 5th Station, following the well-maintained mountain trail towards the summit of Mount Fuji (3,776m), Japan's highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  Unlike the rugged terrain of the Northern Japanese Alps, today's trail follows a series of steady zigzags climbing high above the tree line across Fuji's volcanic slopes. Although the path is technically straightforward, the altitude and sustained ascent provide a rewarding final challenge.

  Standing on the summit of one of the world's most recognisable mountains is a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable journey through Japan.

  Should severe weather prevent an ascent of Mount Fuji, an alternative trek to Mount Kuro-dake will be offered, providing magnificent views of Fuji from across the valley.

  Daily stats:

  Trek duration: 7 hours
  Distance: 15 km (9½ miles)
  Ascent: +1,500m
  Descent: -1,500m

  Guide notes:

  Although Mount Fuji is higher than anything we've climbed so far, we've already spent several days above 3,000 metres, so the altitude should feel familiar. The trail is technically the easiest of the trip, following well-constructed zigzags almost entirely above the tree line. The volcanic rock can be surprisingly sharp underfoot, so sturdy boots remain essential.

  Accommodation:

  3* Hotel, private en-suite room, breakfast
  (Dinner not included.)

• Day 10: Departure

  After breakfast, our Japanese adventure comes to an end.

  Depending on weather conditions, today also provides a contingency opportunity for a second attempt on Mount Fuji should conditions have prevented the previous day's ascent.

  Otherwise, you'll return to Tokyo or continue your onward travels, taking with you unforgettable memories of Japan's spectacular mountains, rich culture and warm hospitality.