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Snow Monkeys, Nagano, Japan
Home Destinations North and Central Asia Japan Japanese Alps

Japanese Alps

Located in the heart of Japan between Tokyo and Kyoto and stretching to shores of the Sea of Japan, the Japanese Alps offers a scenically stunning area with several mountains over 3,000 metres.

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The Japanese Alps hide traditional villages, world-class skiing, wildlife and hot springs, much of which is linked by the convenient and super-efficient rail network. Initially known as the Hida Range, it was first referred to as the Japanese Alps in the late 19th century.

Shirakawago Village, near Takayama, Japan
Shirakawago in winter

Highlights of the Alps

The mountain city of Takayama is a beautifully preserved old town with many original buildings including the Floating Festival Museum. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawago offers a glimpse into rural Japanese life and is famous for its old farmhouses, built to withstand huge snowfall during winter. Elsewhere, the mountain city of Kanazawa boasts one of Japans top three gardens and Matsumoto is home to the famous snow monkeys which bathe in the hot springs during winter months.

Narrow paved street heading downhill between traditional Japanese houses.
Magome town on the Nakasendo trail
Hida Wideview Train
Hida Wideview train

By Rail or on Foot

The public transport network within the Japanese Alps is excellent, making it a stress free and relaxing way to explore. A bullet train links Tokyo and Kanazawa and the Hida Wideview train follows a wonderfully scenic route. Alternatively, follow a slower pace traversing a section of the Nakasendo trail, an ancient pedestrian highway used by lords and samurai.

Experiences

Below are a selection of experiences you could consider including in your holiday to the Japanese Alps.

Kenrokuen Gardens, Kanazawa, Japan
 

Kenroku-en Gardens

Visit Kenroku-en gardens in Kanazawa, ranked as one of the top three gardens in Japan.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Snow Monkeys, Nagano, Japan
 

Snow Monkeys

See snow monkeys bathing in hot springs, a particularly photogenic spectacle especially during the winter months.

Suggested Holiday Idea

A bridge along the Nakasendo Trail
 

Walk the Nakasendo Trail

Follow in the footsteps of samurais and lords as you hike the old Nakasendo trail in the Japanese Alps.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Bullet Train, Japan
 

Bullet Train

Travel on the world famous Shinkansen bullet train reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Private onsen in a ryokan in the Japanese Alps with a woodland garden beyond.
 

Mountain Ryokan

Stay in a mountainside ryokan; a traditional Japanese Inn, with your own private onsen and woodland views.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Onsen, Japan
 

Soak in an Onsen

Partake in a national pastime and relax in an onsen, a Japanese hot spring bath.

Suggested Holiday Idea

A Frame Houses, Shirakawago, Japanese Alps, Japan
 

Shirakawago

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawago, a rural village famed for its traditional thatched farmhouses.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Takayama Float Museum
 

Takayama Float Museum

Visit this mountain town and learn about its legendary craftsmanship at the Floating Festival Museum, home to decorative floats dating back hundreds of years.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Hida Wideview Train
 

Hida Wideview Train

Follow a wonderfully scenic route through the Japanese Alps travelling by bullet train and the Hida Wideview train, offering panoramic views.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Idea
Japan
Japan Holiday By Train
Travel through Japan by train, combining the iconic cities of Tokyo and Kyoto with time in the Japanese Alps, bursting with beautiful scenery, traditional villages, hidden valleys and wonderful wildlife.
10 days from £4,370pp
Two women walking away through a square archway of orange pillars.
View Holiday Idea
Idea
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Highlights of Japan Holiday
This classic Japan holiday includes many of the iconic highlights conjured up when one thinks of Japan. Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji coupled with food, geisha and gardens – perfect for a first time visitor.
11 days from £4,890pp
Mountain Fuji
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Holiday to Japan including Tokyo, Kyoto and Shikoku
This holiday idea is perfect for a first-time traveller to Japan who wishes to take in some of the country’s iconic sites as well as experience the less visited and scenically stunning island of Shikoku. Four days self-driving allows for relaxed and…
11 days from £3,855pp
Deep green river with solitary kayaker, shore on right and forest on left.
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Family Holiday to Japan
Japan is a captivating destination for families where the ultra modern meets the deeply traditional. Journey by train from cutting-edge Tokyo to the ancient cultures of Kyoto discovering some fabulously quirky, fun and fascinating pastimes along the way.
14 days from £3,985pp
Streets at night, Tokyo, Japan
View Holiday Idea

Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our Japan holiday ideas.

Our Japan experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea
Japan
Japan Holiday By Train
Travel through Japan by train, combining the iconic cities of Tokyo and Kyoto with time in the Japanese Alps, bursting with beautiful scenery, traditional villages, hidden valleys and wonderful wildlife.
10 days from £4,370pp
Two women walking away through a square archway of orange pillars.
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Japan
Highlights of Japan Holiday
This classic Japan holiday includes many of the iconic highlights conjured up when one thinks of Japan. Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji coupled with food, geisha and gardens – perfect for a first time visitor.
11 days from £4,890pp
Mountain Fuji
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Japan
Holiday to Japan including Tokyo, Kyoto and Shikoku
This holiday idea is perfect for a first-time traveller to Japan who wishes to take in some of the country’s iconic sites as well as experience the less visited and scenically stunning island of Shikoku. Four days self-driving allows for…
11 days from £3,855pp
Deep green river with solitary kayaker, shore on right and forest on left.
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Japan
Family Holiday to Japan
Japan is a captivating destination for families where the ultra modern meets the deeply traditional. Journey by train from cutting-edge Tokyo to the ancient cultures of Kyoto discovering some fabulously quirky, fun and fascinating pastimes along the way.
14 days from £3,985pp
Streets at night, Tokyo, Japan
View Holiday Idea
View all holiday ideas

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