A rare opportunity to join a hike guided by Tony himself, YamaTrips' Founder.
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Dates: August 24ā29, 2025 (6 days, 5 nights)
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Dates: October 5ā10, 2025 (6 days, 5 nights)
š¾ Areas: Tokyo, Yamanashi, Nagano, Toyama
š„ Group Size: 6ļ½8 participants
š„¾ Beginner-friendly hikes with optional intermediate routes
šµ $3,480 USD per person (all-inclusive)
Join us for a six-day adventure through Mt. Fuji, Yatsugatake, and the Japan Alps, where highland forests and alpine landscapes create breathtaking, almost otherworldly views. This trip is for those who want to go beyond the usual tourist pathsāto experience Japan through its landscapes, its people, and its deep-rooted connection to nature.
But this journey isnāt just about the scenery; itās about the people who call these mountains home. You'll meet locals who will share their way of life, revealing how their communities work with nature rather than against it.
In Yamanashi, weāll stay in traditional kominka homesācozy countryside houses with wooden beams, tatami floors, and a timeless warmth. Each evening, weāll share seasonal meals made with fresh ingredients from local markets, embracing the flavors and traditions of the region.
As we venture into the Japan Alps along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, weāll ascend to breathtaking heights, staying above the clouds in a mountain lodge. Here, youāll soak in natural hot springs while watching the sunrise and sunset paint the sky in brilliant huesāa truly unforgettable experience.
Our journey concludes in Toyama, where weāll celebrate our achievement with a feast of fresh seafood caught straight from the Japan Sea, a perfect way to end this immersive adventure.
Our adventure kicks off in Shinjuku, Tokyo, where weāll meet up and hop on our private charter bus to Yamanashi. On the way, Iāll take you to one of my favorite hidden spots near Lake Yamanaka, where weāll get a stunning, lesser-known view of Mt. Fujiāthe perfect way to start our journey!
Before heading to our accommodation, weāll stop by a local supermarket and farmers' market to pick up fresh, seasonal ingredients for our meals over the next few days. Itās a great way to experience everyday life in Japan while getting a taste of local produce.
Tonight, we stay at Yatsugatake Fujiyama Terrace, a cozy traditional kominka (Japanese farmhouse) with warm wooden beams and tatami floorsāour home for the next two nights.
Today is all about immersing ourselves in nature and local culture! Weāll travel by private bus through the beautiful Yatsugatake region, stopping at Moegi Village, where weāll meet Kaneko Jun, a local sustainability expert. Heāll guide us through the area, sharing insights into how the community harmonizes daily life with nature, from eco-friendly building materials to a deep-rooted focus on local, organic produce.
Next, weāll step into the serene Kiyosato Forest for a barefoot walk, feeling the earth beneath our feet and reconnecting with nature in a way that shoes never could.
Afterward, weāll visit local farms, where weāll directly source fresh, seasonal ingredients just like the locals doālog-grown shiitake mushrooms, freshly harvested rice, wild game meat, crisp lettuce, and other vegetables, along with handcrafted miso and soy sauce.
With baskets full of local flavors, weāll head back to our traditional kominka stay, unwind, and cook together, preparing a meal that truly reflects the essence of the region.
Time to head into the Japan Alps! Weāll board our private bus to Ogizawa, where weāll start the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Routeāone of the most spectacular journeys in Japan. Weāll ride a cable car through dramatic alpine scenery, passing through lush valleys and rugged peaks, with plenty of chances to snap some incredible photos.
By evening, we arrive at Raichoso Lodge, a mountain lodge perched above the clouds, where we can soak in the natural hot springs while enjoying the crisp mountain air. Watching the stars from the open-air onsen here is a truly magical experience!
Weāll start our day with a sunrise hike, catching the first light of day as it spills over the stunning Murodo alpine plains. After breakfast, weāll spend the day exploringātaking in the dramatic peaks, endless skies, and sweeping highland trails.
For those up for a challenge, Iāll guide an optional intermediate hike to one of the higher peaks nearbyāan amazing chance to experience the Japan Alps from a new perspective. But if youād rather take it easy, there are plenty of gentler trails and scenic spots to explore at your own pace.
Weāll spend another night at Raichoso Lodge, enjoying a relaxing soak in the onsen before calling it a day.
After one last morning in the mountains, we begin our descent down the Alpine Route to Tateyama Station. From there, weāll hop on a train to Toyama City, leaving the high peaks behind as we make our way to the coast.
Weāll check into Toyama Onyado Nono, a comfortable hotel featuring natural hot springs, perfect for one final soak before we wrap up the trip.
To celebrate our adventure, weāll gather for a farewell feast in a private izakaya booth, where weāll indulge in a huge spread of fresh seafood from the Japan Sea. Itās the perfect way to toast our time together and share our favorite moments from the trip!
On our last morning, weāll enjoy a laid-back breakfast at the hotel, taking one final moment to soak in the experience. After warm farewells, weāll all part ways, heading home with unforgettable memories of Japanās breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and the incredible people we met along the way.
A YamaTrips guide throughout the trip
Accommodation
Transportation
MealsĀ
Exclusive local experiences
YamaTrips Original Souvenir
Personal snacks and drinksĀ
Flights to Japan
Travel insurance
Transportation to Shinjuku Station and after farewell from Toyama Station
1ļøā£ Send us a DM on Instagram at @yamatrips_japantours. Let us know which trip dates you're interested in and any questions you have!
2ļøā£ Weāll get back to you with availability, trip details, and the next steps to secure your spot.
Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.