Minimum Guests
2 Person
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1 Nights/ 2 DaysTrip Highlights
A Gentle Introduction to Japan’s Northern Alps
This 2-day, 1-night itinerary offers an immersive yet approachable way to experience Japan’s Northern Alps without technical hiking or summit climbing. Carefully designed for first-time alpine walkers, mature travelers, and overseas guests, the route focuses on scenery, comfort, and safety.
Kamikochi: Forest Valleys & Crystal Rivers
Walk through Kamikochi’s pristine forest trails, following the Azusa River from the iconic Kappa Bridge toward Myojin and Tokusawa. Surrounded by the dramatic Hotaka mountain range, this area showcases Japan’s most celebrated alpine landscapes at a relaxed pace.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: A World-Class Mountain Journey
Experience one of Japan’s most spectacular mountain routes, combining cable cars, ropeways, and mountain transport. Reach the high-altitude Murodo Plateau (2,450m) and enjoy easy boardwalk hiking to Mikurigaike, a vivid volcanic crater lake unique to this region.
No Climbing, No Stress – Just Nature
All hiking routes are well-maintained, clearly marked, and low-impact, allowing travelers to enjoy highland scenery without demanding physical strain.
Recommended Travel Season
Late June – Early October
Late June – July: Remaining snowfields contrast beautifully with fresh alpine greenery
August: Best season for alpine flowers and stable weather
Late September – Early October: Autumn foliage season (timing depends on yearly climate conditions)
Note: Tateyama Alpine Route is closed during winter months and operates seasonally.
Hiking & Travel Notes
Hiking Distance & Difficulty
Kamikochi: approx. 8–11 km, gentle elevation gain (±200m)
Murodo Plateau: approx. 4–6 km, mostly flat boardwalk trails
What to Wear & Bring
Non-slip hiking shoes or waterproof sports shoes
Rain jacket (mountain weather can change quickly)
Warm layers (even in summer, temperatures at Murodo can be low)
Sun hat, sunscreen, and personal water bottle
Transportation Notes
Mountain areas have limited public transport options
Private vehicle is highly recommended for flexibility and comfort
Tour Timeline
If you need to increase or reduce the number of travellers, please contact us for customised arrangements.
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Woodland Stream Hike | Kamikochi → Tateyama Area
After arriving in Kamikochi, begin the hike from Kappa Bridge and follow the Azusa River toward the Myojin and Tokusawa areas. The route is a well-maintained, mostly flat forest trail with high safety standards and open views, offering close-up scenery of the Hotaka mountain range and pristine old-growth forests. The hike covers approximately 8–11 km with a total elevation gain/loss of around ±200 meters and takes about 3.5–4.5 hours. With low physical demands, it is ideal as a first day of alpine hiking to help acclimatize. In the afternoon, after completing the hike, travel by vehicle to the Tateyama area and check in to a local hotel or traditional hot spring ryokan for the night.
Overnight near Tateyama / Toyama
- None
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Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Wander the Highland Plateaus
After breakfast, begin your day by traveling along the world-renowned Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, one of Japan’s most spectacular mountain journeys. Using a series of official alpine transportation methods—including cable car and highland bus—you will ascend deep into the heart of the Northern Japanese Alps and arrive at Murodo Plateau, located at an elevation of 2,450 meters above sea level.
Upon arrival, enjoy a gentle hiking experience around the Murodo area. Walk along well-maintained boardwalks and open alpine trails, surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes and expansive highland scenery. Continue on to Mikurigaike, a striking volcanic crater lake known for its deep blue waters, offering one of the most iconic views in the Tateyama region. The route is flat and easy, suitable for beginners and travelers seeking a relaxed introduction to high-altitude walking.
The reference hiking data is as follows: distance of approximately 4–6 kilometers, cumulative elevation gain/loss of ±150 meters, and hiking time of about 2–3 hours.
In the afternoon, descend from the alpine zone and continue your journey toward your next destination.
- Breakfast
Accommodation
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.
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