Embark on the journey from Tokyo to the Japanese Northern Alps and Kanazawa.

This 10-day journey will take us to visit the most popular natural and cultural attractions in Tokyo and Nagano. We will also embark on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, crossing the Japanese Northern Alps, known as "the roof of Japan", to capture the breathtaking alpine natural scenery. Meanwhile, our travel route connects three historical and cultural cities, Narai-juku, Suwa and Matsumoto, as well as the World-class tourism town Karuizawa, forming a travel plan that is both rich in content and diverse in layers.

If you are seeking a deep travel in Japan, this meticulous customized private tour is definitely worth your serious consideration. Certainly, you can adjust the pace of this Japanese exploration journey.

Itinerary Sketch

Tour Highlights

1. Visit the iconic landmark of Japan - Mount Fuji.

2. Meander around the nicely preserved old town of Narai-juku.

3. Admire national treasure-level ancient castles、shrines and Temples.

4. Follow the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Stand on the summit of Japanese Alps !

5. Enjoy your leisure time in Karuizawa.

Itinerary Overview

This is a personalized custom itinerary for a deep trip to Japan. Enjoy a private driver and guide throughout your personalized journey in Japan, with each day's sightseeing itinerary tailored to your needs. The trip starts from Tokyo, reaches the Japanese Northern Alps and the world-class tourism town Karuizawa, offering you a rich experience of Japanese history and culture, unparalleled opportunities to enjoy the natural scenery, as well as high-quality leisure and entertainment.

Day 1:   Tokyo Arrival

When you arrive at the Airport, marking the beginning of your trip to Japan, enjoy our seamless and personalized private transfer service. Upon your arrival, your dedicated driver will greet you and take you to your hotel in Tokyo in a comfortable manner.

Day 2:  Tokyo Highlights.

Start your tour of this charming city with a dedicated guide. Today, you will visit three main places: Meiji Shrine, Sensoji temple and Nakamise Shopping Street, Imperial Palace East Garden, and Tokyo Tower.

The tour begins with a visit to Meiji Shrine, which is hidden in the forest in the heart of the city and has a serene environment. This shrine houses the spirit of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, and nowadays is a popular venue for traditional Japanese weddings.

Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo. The Nakamise Shopping Street in front of the temple is one of the oldest commercial streets in Japan and is very lively. Now it offers a variety of traditional snacks and interesting souvenirs to people who come here.

Imperial Palace remains the residence of the Emperor of Japan and his family to this day. We can only visit the East Garden, which are open to the public. Neighboring to the bustling Tokyo Station, it's a miracle that as soon as you enter the garden, the hectic atmosphere of the metropolis vanishes instantly.  

Right beside the Hamarikyu Onshi Teien is one of Tokyo's landmarks - the Tokyo Tower. Taking a good photo at the foot of the tower and framing it makes for the best souvenir of your trip.

All these four places are in the city center and are not far from each other. Our private car service can save you a lot of time and energy on urban transportation.

Day 3:  Approaching to Mount Fuji. 

The second stop of this trip is Fujiyoshida, Mount Fuji.

It takes only 1.5 hours by car from Tokyo to reach Lake Kawaguchiko, which is the first of the Five Fuji Lakes to be developed for tourism and the most accessible. There are many picturesque spots along the lake, and the northern shore is ideal for photographing the majestic Mount Fuji.

Arakurayama Sengen Park is one of the best spots to enjoy Mount Fuji. At the highest point of the park, you can capture the perfect shot of the mountain. During the cherry blossom season, you can take pictures of the three iconic symbols of Japan at the same time.

Oshino Hakkai vallige is famous for its beautiful rural scenery. The shimmering lake water blends perfectly with the reflection of the magnificent Mount Fuji, creating a breathtaking view. Many photographers come here to capture the natural beauty of the mountain and the well-preserved village.

We'll spend the night in Fujiyoshida City tonight and enjoy the famous hot springs.

Day 4:  Mt. Fuji to Matsumoto, via Suwa.

Today we set off in the early morning and drive for about two hours to Suwa, where we visit Suwa Shrine. After lunch, we continue northward to Matsumoto.

The Suwa Taisha Shrine is composed of four independent shrines, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Among them, Kamisha Hongu retains a large number of historical structures and is well worth a visit.

Matsumoto Castle, which was built in 1504, is one of the four national treasure-level ancient castles designated by the Japanese government. From the observation deck on the top floor, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the entire city and the Northern Alps.

Day 5:  Narai-juku, walk untouched rural Japan.

The Kiso Valley ( Kisoji ) runs alongside the mountains of the Central Alps with nicely preserved post towns. Narai-juku is the largest one of them, with its main street stretching for 1 kilometer.

After centuries, it has remarkably preserved its original appearance. It welcomes visitors today with the same spirit as it did for travelers along the Nakasendo Route so many years ago. Among the stone roads and wooden buildings of a bygone era, it is worth spending a whole day exploring and listening to those little-known historical stories.

Day 6:  Follow the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Stand on the summit of Japanese Northern Alps !

Sightseeing along the Alpine Route begins in the Ogizawa Station. Park with the charter bus here, which will proceed to Tateyama Station.

Kurobeko Station is a funicular station located nearby the Lake Kurobe and the dam. At 186 meters high and 492 meters long, the Kurobe Dam is the largest dam in Japan.

Keep going up and we will reach Daikanbo.

There is a rooftop observation point with a terrace above the clouds, where you can relax in a chair and look out across a vast panorama including Lake Kurobe and the Ushiro-tateyama Ranges.

Keep going forward and reach Murodo at 2450 m, this is the highest point on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Towering 3000 meter-tall mountains including Mt. Tsurugi, the most distinctive peak of Japan Alps, and Mt. Tateyama are visible from this spot.

Kurobe-daira is the transfer station between the Tateyama Ropeway and Kurobe cable car. The station offers a restaurant, souvenir shop and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 7:  Matsumoto to Nagano.

Today, embark on the journey to Nagano City. In the morning, visit Zengokudera Temple, and In the afternoon, head to the Yudanaka Onsen Town and the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Zenkoji Temple is said to have been founded in 644 and is one of the oldest temples in Japan. This temple is a non-sectarian temple that does not belong to any specific sect and is a sacred place deeply revered by the Japanese people.

Yudanaka Onsen Town has a long history of hot springs. Jigokudani Monkey Park in the mountain behind the town is one of the habitats of Japanese macaques. It takes about 30 minutes to walk through the forest to reach the hot spring occupied by wild bathing monkeys.

After visiting the “Snow Monkeys”, return to a traditional Yudanaka Onsen inn, put on a yukata, have a drink, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and exquisite Japanese dinner.

Day 8:  A Free day in Karuizawa.

Karuizawa is a world-class cultural and tourism town, known as "Tokyo's Backyard". It not only boasts beautiful scenery but also offers various outdoor activities, such as tennis, hiking, cycling, and there are ample shopping opportunities.

Day 9:  A Free day in Karuizawa.

Relax and enjoy your leisure time in Karuizawa!

Day 10  Tokyo Departure.

As your time in Japan is coming to an end, we will be dedicated to arranging your departure with meticulous and considerate service. Our team has carefully arranged a private transfer service to ensure your journey from the hotel to the airport is smooth and comfortable.