Kamikochi
A car-free river valley of larch and cedar, with boardwalks for easy days and steeper trails if you want a summit. It is one of the Alps’ most beautiful walking bases.
Visit the Japanese Alps, Japan
The Japanese Alps are a series of mountain ranges — the Hida, Kiso and Akaishi — which run along the spine of central Honshu. Thick pine forests, snow-tipped peaks and teal rivers are what you’ll find here; on an initial glance this might look like Switzerland. On closer inspection you’ll find tiered-roof castles and gassho-zukuri farmhouses with their traditional steeply slanted roofs. Our specialists can suggest the best way to explore the region, drawing on their experiences exploring first-hand.
Places to visit in the Japanese Alps
Matsumoto
A handsome castle town at the mountains’ edge, useful as a rail gateway and a night of urban comfort before or after higher villages.
Yudanaka
The snow monkeys of Jigokudani are the famous draw, but the onsen village itself is a reason to stay — especially in winter when steam hangs over the streets.
Tateyama
Part of the Alpine Route, Tateyama links toyama’s coast to the high snow walls of spring and a sequence of cable cars, buses and a ropeway.
Best time to visit The Japanese Alps
July to mid-September is the main walking season in Kamikochi. Autumn colour arrives earlier here than in Kyoto, and winter is for onsen, snow monkeys and skiing rather than high trails.
Suggested itineraries featuring The Japanese Alps
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in The Japanese Alps, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created around you.
Photos of The Japanese Alps
Our expert guides to exploring The Japanese Alps
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting The Japanese Alps, these guides will help you make the most of your time there.
Family holidays to Japan
A futuristic and vibrant country, Japan is a destination that appeals to family members of all ages. Safe, clean and with a good infrastructure, there are plenty of ways to explore. Japan specialist, Jake, talks us through how to get the most of your family holiday in Japan.
On foot in Japan: walking trails for all abilities
Exploring Japan on foot gives you access to hallowed pilgrimage trails, panoramic mountain passes and some of the oldest trees in the world. Our Japan specialists share their pick of the best, from gentle strolls to multi-day hikes.
Accommodation choices for The Japanese Alps
Aburaya Tousen
Yudanaka · First Class
Hotel Shirakabaso
Kamikochi · Deluxe
Kagetsu Hotel
Matsumoto · Medium
Kamikochi Imperial Hotel
Kamikochi · First Class
Kokuya Ryokan
Yudanaka · First Class
Ideas for experiencing The Japanese Alps
Kamikochi
Hiking in the northern Alps
There are walks of all grades and lengths possible using Kamikochi as a base, with the easiest keeping to the river valley and more strenuous options leading up to the summits of nearby peaks.
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