SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Shinhotaka Onsen (hot spring) is located in the deepest part of Okuhida Onsen Hot Springs, a hot spring paradise even in Japan that to the abundance of hot water, the number of outdoor baths, and its prime location in the foothills of the Northern Alps. Hida beef and hobayaki (magnolia leaf-grilled dishes) and popular choices.

Ride Japan's only 2-story gondola to Nishihotaka Station at an altitude of 2156 meters. The observatory's extraordinary space provides a look at the area's unspoiled nature and outstanding mountain views.

Kamikochi is a well-known scenic spot in Chubusangaku National Park. The 3,000 m-class Hotaka mountain range dominates the landscape, while the Azusa River, with snowmelt as its source, wends its way through the terrain. In Kamikochi, accommodation options include hotels, lodges, mountain villas and campsites.

Explore Kamikochi with a guided tour. Enjoy the beautiful morning scenery, bird-watching, and forest-bathing. During the hour-long tour, a knowledgeable guide will lead you to interesting places around Kappa Bridge, discussing plants, wild birds, mountains and the region’s history as you stroll through the area. The tour is held four times per day.

If time permits, visit the Kamikochi Visitor Center, where you can learn about the nature and history of Kamikochi
through a wide variety of exhibits. If you’re curious about exploring Kamikochi, please consult with center staff (English help available). In addition to joining guided tours, you can also enjoy various trekking courses depending on the season and schedule. Possible trekking routes include Mt. Yakedake, an active volcano (8 hours, round trip); Tokugotoge Pass, where you can follow in the footsteps of Walter Weston, an important figure in the history of recreational mountaineering in Japan (5 hours, round trip); Dakesawa Marsh, a glacial landform (5 hours, round trip); Hotaka Shrine and Myojin Pond (2.5 hours, round trip); and Taisho Pond (2 hours, round trip).

Time-permitting, visit Matsumoto Castle or shop along Nakamachi Street and Nawate Street after arriving at Matsumoto Station.

Extending over the eastern foothills of Mt. Norikura, Norikura Kogen Highlands boasts diverse hot springs and various seasonal activities. The large, graceful form of Mt. Norikura, the pastoral landscapes of Ichinose Garden, waterfalls cascading from the tip of the lava plateau, and the rich diversity of flora and fauna, including wild birds, draw enthusiasts from across the country.

Climb a crystal-clear mountain stream flowing through a forest of Maries’ fir and Hondo spruce at 1600 meters above sea level. The snowmelt on Mt. Norikura, cold even at the height of summer, provides instant refreshment. Enjoy special water activities that can only be done in summer.

A variety of lodging options are available in Norikura Kogen, including Japanese-style inns, Western-style accommodation, and guesthouses. Guests have the option of eating off -site. There are several different hot spring sources in Norikura Kogen to enjoy.

A special bus is available at certain times of the year to view the sunrise from the top of Mt. Norikura. Relish the sight of the sun emerging from behind the mountains and sea of clouds.

Tatamidaira is the highest point in Japan that can be reached by car. It is cool even in summer, and you can enjoy the sunrise and flowerbeds. You may even encounter grouse in the area!

Weather permitting, give this 3-hour round-trip hike to approximately 3000 m above sea level a try. The reward at the top is panoramic views of Japan’s mountain ridges, including the Northern Alps.

Lunch options are available, from light meals to Hida beef. The jitensha teishoku (“bicycle set meals”) are popular with cyclists.

An early morning means an early end to the day’s scheduled activities so you can slow down and relax at Hirayu Onsen Hot Spring. There are also higaeri onsen (day-trip Hot Spring) facilities and restaurants. Those with energy to spare can visit Hirayu Otaki Waterfall and other places on foot. Hirayu Campground is another lodging option. There are several restaurants at Hirayu Onsen Hot Spring that serve dinner.

The Goshikigahara Forest spreads out over the eastern foothills of Mt. Norikura. Enjoy strolling through the woods while listening to the guide’s explanations, and relish the refreshing coolness of the shade and the bubbling brooks while admiring the large waterfalls that cascade from the tip of the Mt. Norikura lava plateau. This is an area that is rare even in Japan, and you cannot enter without a guide to accompany you. Bento box lunches can be arranged.

Shinhotaka Onsen (hot spring) is located in the deepest part of Okuhida Onsen Hot Springs, a hot spring paradise even in Japan that to the abundance of hot water, the number of outdoor baths, and its prime location in the foothills of the Northern Alps. Hida beef and hobayaki (magnolia leaf-grilled dishes) and popular choices.

Ride Japan's only 2-story gondola to Nishihotaka Station at an altitude of 2156 meters. The observatory's extraordinary space provides a look at the area's unspoiled nature and outstanding mountain views.

Hirayu Onsen Hot Spring is the hot spring town with the longest history in Okuhida Onsen Hot Spring Village, and is famous for its naturally cloudy hot spring water. If you have time, you can stroll around Hirayu Otaki Waterfall, or stay at Hirayu Campground. It is possible to eat at restaurants outside your accommodation in Hirayu Onsen Hot Spring.

A special bus is available at certain times of the year to view the sunrise from the top of Mt. Norikura. Relish the sight of the sun emerging from behind the mountains and sea of clouds.

Tatamidaira is the highest point in Japan that can be reached by car. It is cool even in summer, and you can enjoy the sunrise and flowerbeds. You may even encounter grouse in the area!

Extending over the eastern foothills of Mt. Norikura, Norikura Kogen boasts diverse hot springs and various seasonal activities. The large, graceful form of Mt. Norikura, the pastoral landscapes of Ichinose Garden, waterfalls cascading from the tip of the lava plateau, and the rich diversity of fl ora and fauna, including wild birds, draw enthusiasts from across the country.

An easy guided tour of Norikura Kogen Highlands that includes a lecture on the basics of riding mountain bikes. Once well versed in technique, get into a cycling mood and hit the trails. Both women and children can easily attempt this.

Lunch in Norikura Kogen

Local lore says that the hot spring is so rich and efficacious that bathing here for three days will keep you cold-virus-free for three years. Famous from olden days as a spa in the heart of the mountains, Shirahone is beloved by many writers and artists, and still retains its original atmosphere. You can
also bathe in the public open-air hot spring bath along the mountain stream. Local lore says that the hot spring is so rich and efficacious that bathing here for three days will keep you cold-virus-free for three years. Famous from olden days as a spa in the heart of the mountains, Shirahone is beloved by many writers and artists, and still retains its original atmosphere. You can also bathe in the public open-air hot spring bath along the mountain stream.

Located deep in the lush nature of Chubusangaku National Park, our restaurant serves tasty alcoholic beverages made with nature’s bounty from the mountains and meals prepared with local ingredients. Experience a high-quality dinner outdoors while enjoying the warm hospitality of our local concierges who have spent their lives surrounded by nature. All the power necessary for the venue’s lighting and cooking equipment is generated using an electric vehicle, enabling us to offer a comfortable and luxurious space in the middle of nature where there is no electricity.

* Staying at Norikura Kogen Highlands is also possible.

On this guided walking tour, you can enjoy Kamikochi’s stunning scenery in the morning and star-watching at night, birdwatching, forest bathing, and more. During the 60-minute Nature Tour, held four times a day, a professional guide well-versed in plants, wild birds, mountains, history and the latest information will lead you to interesting places around Kappa Bridge.

Lunch in Kamikochi/Stroll

In the morning, it is possible to visit Matsumoto Castle or go shopping along Nakamachi Street and Nawate Street.

A plateau extending over the eastern foothills of Mt. Norikura, Norikura Kogen boasts a variety of hot springs with diff erent water qualities, and bustles with seasonal activities. There are higaeri onsen (day-trip hot spring) facilities for day-trippers, and yukimi (“snow viewing”) is possible while bathing. Popular sights here include the large, graceful form of Mt. Norikura, the pastoral landscapes of Ichinose Garden, waterfalls cascading from the tip of the lava plateau, and the rich diversity of flora and fauna, such as wild birds The area around Mt. Norikura boasts the finest powder snow, brought about by the high altitude and dry climate of inland Honshu. Admire the frozen Zengoro Falls and Sanbon Falls while in town, and should you arrive early, take advantage of the extra time by trying your hand at various snow activities and snow sports on Mt. Norikura’s ski slopes.

Zengoro Falls is one of Norikura’s Three Waterfalls. This 8m-wide waterfall with a 21.5 m plunge transforms into an icicle in winter. The magical sight of this icicle naturally formed by winter temperatures is enough to make anyone feel awe and wonder at its force. When the sky is clear, you can get a magical view of the starry sky and the moon. This is a nighttime adventure tour to a special place you can only access by snowshoe. (rentals available)

Snowshoe through winter’s stunning silver scenery with the Snowshoe Experience Tour in Hirayu Onsen Hot Spring. On clear days, travel to the mountaintop by ski lift. Enjoy the popular Kamoshika Slope course, elevation 1700 m, and visit the spectacular frozen Hirayu Otaki Falls. After snowshoeing, refresh body and soul in the cloudy waters of the Hirayu no Mori hot springs

Lunch and bath at Hirayu-no-Mori

If you arrive early at Takayama Station, it is possible to explore Takayama, or trravel towards Kanazawa and Nagoya.