Central Japan With Japanese Alps Hiking (Mid-April to Mid-November)

Your Tokyo guide journey begins in Asakusa. Take advantage of the efficient public transportation to visit the historic Senso-ji Temple after crossing the lively Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with traditional stalls selling souvenirs, snacks, and local crafts.

Next, travel to Meiji Jingu, another place to take a rich glimpse into Tokyo's history and culture. Enjoy a peaceful walk through towering trees and golden ginkgo during your autumn visit, one of the best fall foliage spots to experience a striking contrast to Tokyo's urban bustle.

From Meiji Shrine, a short walk takes you to the Harajuku shopping district, an ideal place to immerse yourself in Tokyo's youth culture and vibrant street fashion from trendy boutiques, pop culture stores, and stylish cafés.

The day concludes at the iconic Shibuya Crossing, one of the world's busiest intersections. Consider going somewhere higher to catch the organized chaos of pedestrians and capture memorable photos of this famous landmark.

Today, your guide will meet you at Dentetsu-Toyama Station for a train to Tateyama Station together. Take the cable car to Bijodaira (approx. 7 minutes) from Tateyama, then continue by highland bus to Murodo (approx. 50 minutes) for your stunning mountain scenery hike.

For an easy walk, pick the Mikurigaike Loop (a 1.2 km circular trail that takes about 1 to 1.5 hours) around the emerald-green pond, reflecting the breathtaking views of the Tateyama mountain range.

For a more immersive natural experience, take the Raichozawa Walk (a 2.4 km out-and-back trail that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours) to wind through highland marshes and alpine meadows, where you may spot native wildlife such as the Japanese Rock Ptarmigan (raicho), and enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and rugged volcanic landscapes.

Your Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route journey continues at Murodo. When traveling during mid-April and mid-June, make the famous Yuki-no-Otani (Snow Corridor) your starting point to walk along the 500-meter-long, 10 to 20-meter-high snow walls and enjoy the surreal snowy landscape (an out-and-back trail that takes about 20 to 30 minutes).

Later, take the Electric Bus with your guide through the tunnel to Daikanbo (approx. 10 min) and let the cable car ropeway take you to Kurobeko. Take a short walk to Kurobe Dam (approx. 15 min). Don't miss the spectacular water release between early June and early October.

After sightseeing, your guide will lead you to Shinano-Ōmachi Station. Say goodbye to your guide and then continue to Matsumoto Station by train. Upon arrival, make your own way to your hotel for check-in.

Today, explore the scenic Nakasendo area around Narai at your own pace.

For those who prefer hiking, follow the classic 6 km Narai-juku to Yabuhara-juku trail (Torii Pass) through lush forests, small streams, and historic post town remnants (takes 2.5 to 3 hours to finish). After finishing at Yabuhara-juku, return to Narai-juku by train from Yabuhara Station (approx. 10 min).

If you are seeking a more relaxed day, just stay in Narai-juku, wandering the historic streets, visiting local museums or traditional houses, trying a hands-on experience such as chopstick-making, or simply enjoying a coffee at a local café.

From Narai-juku, walk about 15 minutes to Narai Station. Take the train to Shiojiri (approx. 25 min), then transfer to the Limited Express Train to Nagano (approx. 66 min) for the coming temple stay experience in Zenkoji (small group shared tour).

After meeting your guide at Nagano Station, sample a simple lunch of 'oyaki' at Ogawa-no-sho and sake tasting at Kantenpapa. Then, head to Zenkoji Temple, drop off your luggage at the 'shukubo', experience a "goma" prayer fire ceremony, and learn the rituals, symbolism, and art of the tea ceremony. After the guided tour, enjoy your shojin dinner and night at your Zenkoji Temple accommodation.