Japan Alps Traverse & Mount Fuji Guided Trek

Trek Itinerary

• 

  Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

  Welcome to Japan! Our adventure begins in Tokyo, one of the world's most fascinating cities and the perfect place to start our journey.

  Make your way to our centrally located hotel and settle in after your journey. There are no planned activities today, allowing flexibility for different international arrival times and time to relax and recover from your journey.

  Accommodation:

  Accommodation: Hotel, private en-suite rooms, breakfast

• 

  Day 2: Tokyo – Culture & City Tour

  Today we spend a full day discovering Tokyo and experiencing our first taste of Japanese culture.
  Accompanied by a local guide, we'll explore a fascinating mixture of traditional and modern Tokyo. Our day will include some of the city's most interesting districts, temples and shrines, giving us an introduction to Japanese history, customs and everyday life.

  It's also an opportunity to learn more about Japanese etiquette and traditions before we head into the mountains.
  This evening we'll enjoy a welcome dinner together and look ahead to the adventure to come.

  Guide notes:

  Today is deliberately relaxed, giving you time to recover from your journey while enjoying your first introduction to Japan and its fascinating culture. Expect a reasonable amount of walking as we explore the city, so comfortable footwear is recommended. It's also a great opportunity to get to know the group before we leave Tokyo and head towards the mountains.

  Accommodation:

  Quality hotel, private en-suite rooms. Breakfast & welcome dinner

• 

  Day 3: Tokyo to Toyama

  After breakfast we leave the bright lights of Tokyo behind and travel by Shinkansen – Japan's famous bullet train – to Toyama on the Sea of Japan coast. Toyama is our gateway to the Northern Japanese Alps and the starting point for the mountain section of our journey.

  After checking into our hotel, there will be time to explore before meeting Tom and Kiyoko, who join us here for our trek through the Japanese Alps.

  We'll have our trek briefing and make final preparations for the days ahead. Our main luggage will be forwarded directly to Matsumoto, allowing us to travel through the mountains carrying only what we need for the traverse.

  Daily stats:

  Travel: Tokyo to Toyama
  Journey time: approx. 2 hrs 10 mins
  Transport: Shinkansen (bullet train)

  Guide notes:

  Today is a change of pace as we leave Tokyo behind and journey towards the mountains. Travelling on Japan's famous Shinkansen is an experience in itself, with the scenery becoming increasingly mountainous as we approach Toyama. This is also our final opportunity to organise kit and luggage before heading into the Japanese Alps, so make sure everything you need for the traverse is packed into your trekking bag.

  Accommodation:

  Quality hotel, private en-suite rooms, breakfast

• 

  Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: Kurobegoro Goya – Yarigatake Sanso

  Today'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 9: 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
  Travel time: approx. 2 hrs

  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:

  Quality hotel, private en-suite rooms, breakfast

• 

  Day 10: Matsumoto - Rest Day - Fuji Five Lakes

  After a leisurely breakfast, we spend the morning discovering Matsumoto, one of Japan's most attractive historic cities and home to magnificent Matsumoto Castle, one of the country's finest surviving original castles.

  There will be time to visit the castle and wander through the traditional streets of the old town before we leave Matsumoto and travel towards the Fuji Five Lakes.

  As we approach the region, the landscape changes once again and, weather permitting, we'll catch our first views of Mount Fuji rising above the surrounding countryside.

  We settle into our accommodation for the next two nights, with time to relax and enjoy a traditional Japanese onsen.

  Daily stats:

  Travel time: approx. 2.5–3 hrs

  Guide notes:

  Today combines culture with our onward journey, giving tired legs a break without losing the momentum of the trip. We spend the morning exploring Matsumoto and its magnificent castle before travelling to the Fuji Five Lakes. Weather permitting, we may catch our first views of Mount Fuji as we approach the region. This evening there will be time to relax, enjoy the onsen and experience a traditional Japanese dinner before our final walking day.

  Accommodation:

  Quality Japanese hotel/ryokan, evening meal & breakfast

• 

  Day 11: Mount Kuro-dake – Views of Mount Fuji

  For our final walking day we head into the mountains surrounding the Fuji Five Lakes.
  Our objective is Mount Kuro-dake, a beautiful forested mountain overlooking Lake Kawaguchiko and the surrounding landscape.

  The ascent takes us away from the busy tourist areas and back onto quiet mountain trails. As we gain height, magnificent views open towards Mount Fuji, rising dramatically beyond the lakes below.
  Rather than standing on Fuji itself, today gives us the opportunity to appreciate the mountain within the landscape for which it is so famous.

  The exact route will be selected according to conditions, allowing us to make the most of the day and the best available views.

  After our walk we return to our accommodation for our final evening together and the opportunity for another relaxing soak in the onsen.

  Daily stats:

  Distance: approx. 7 km
  Ascent: +700m
  Descent: -700m
  Walking time: approx. 5 hrs
  Highest point: 1,793m

  Guide notes:

  Our final walk offers a wonderful contrast to the high mountains of the Northern Alps. The trails are generally less technical, but there is still a good amount of ascent and some steep sections through the forest. The real reward comes as we gain height, with superb views across Lake Kawaguchiko towards Mount Fuji. As always, mountain views are weather dependent, but on a clear day this should provide a spectacular finale to our Japanese adventure.

  Accommodation:

  Quality Japanese hotel/ryokan, breakfast

• Day 12: Departure & Onward Travel

  After breakfast our Japanese adventure comes to an end.

  We leave the Fuji region and make our onward journey towards Tokyo, with convenient connections for those flying home or extending their stay elsewhere in Japan.

  For those with more time, Japan offers endless possibilities, Tokyo, Kyoto and many other destinations can easily be added independently before or after the trek.