Tsumago Post Town and Nakasendo Road Hike

The Nakasendo Road connected Kyoto and Edo during the Edo Period and was frequented by traders, travelers and government officials. 69 post-towns were built along the road to support their journeys. You can see many of these towns today, and the most well-preserved section of the road runs between Magome and Tsumago post towns at the southern edge of the Kiso Valley.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto's namesake castle is the oldest existing castle in Japan and is recognized as a National Treasure. The contrasting black and white plaster of the exterior stands out boldly against the magnificent backdrop of the Japanese Alps.

Kamikochi

Surrounded by mountains towering over 3,000 meter heights, the emerald green forests and crystal clear rivers of Kamikochi remain largely untouched by man. The vivid colors of nature and the magnificent peaks of the Japanese Alps come together to form one of the most beautiful scenic locations in all of the country.

Shirahone Onsen

Shirahone Onsen, or “White Bone Hot Spring,” is a secluded hot spring area known for its milky blue waters with powerful healing properties. There are many hot spring hotels and traditional Japanese ryokan inns where you can relax the night away. The peaceful surroundings and healing waters will be a memorable and rejuvenating experience.

Hakuba Mountain Harbor

Enjoy incredible mountain scenery at Hakuba Iwatake’s newly opened Hakuba Mountain Harbor. Floating above the forest below at 1,289m high, the 320-meter-square terrace directly faces Hakuba’s Sanzan mountains: Shirouma, Shakushi, and Hakuba Yari.

Happo Pond

Happo Pond is a glittering gem nestled high in the Northern Japanese Alps. On a clear day, the pond reflects the near-3,000m peaks of the Hakuba Sanzan mountains in its waters. Despite its lofty location, the pond is a brisk 90-minute, 1.5km hike from the highest chair lift of Hakuba Happo One resort.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

The Alpine Route is a spectacular scenic passage over the Japanese Alps connecting Nagano Prefecture’s Omachi with Toyama Prefecture and the Sea of Japan. This is an area of immense snowfall, and when the road opens in mid May, it is surrounded on both sides by walls of snow 10 meters tall.