Travel site for foreigners visiting Japan

Travel site for foreigners visiting Japan Lumina Travel

【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）

Tokyo / Matsumoto / Kamikochi / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka - With Private Vehicle & English-Speaking Guide

Discover Japan’s most scenic mountain valley, surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Northern Alps. A peaceful base for nature walks, photography, and slow travel — contrasting beautifully with Kyoto’s cultural elegance later in the journey.

  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）

Seasonal Hightlights

  • Spring (May–June): Fresh green leaves, snow-capped peaks reflected in the Azusa River, and peaceful walking trails before summer crowds.
  • Summer (July–August): Alpine flowers in full bloom, clear rivers perfect for leisurely riverside strolls, cool climate around 1,500m elevation.
  • Autumn (September–October): Brilliant foliage along the Taisho and Myojin Ponds, golden larch forests, crisp air and stunning reflections in the river.

Travel Itinerary

DAY City／Area Highlight Details & Experiences Accomodation Style Photo
DAY1 Tokyo Welcome to Japan’s lively capital – tonight contrasts nostalgic lanes with a futuristic skyline.
  • Airport meet & greet → hotel transfer (1 h)
  • Asakusa – old-town alleys & Senso-ji Temple; Tokyo Skytree – panoramic views.
  • **End the day at your hotel in Tokyo.** (with private guide & vehicle)
 Luxury hotel in central Tokyo Tokyo
DAY2 Tokyo Explore Tokyo’s serene shrines, lush gardens, and chic boulevards with stories of past and present.
  • Imperial Palace Outer Garden – calm paths; Meiji Shrine – forested Shinto sanctuary; Harajyuku/Omotesando – designer-lined avenue; Shibuya crossing-busy intersection in Tokyo where many people cross at once
  • **End the day at your hotel in Tokyo.** (with private guide & vehicle)
 Luxury hotel in central Tokyo Tokyo
DAY3 Tokyo / Kamakura Sea breezes and Buddhist heritage, an easy coastal escape pairing Enoshima and Kamakura.
  • Tokyo → Enoshima (1.5 h)
  • Enoshima – island shrines & ocean views; Hase Temple – gardens & Kannon statue; Kotokuin Temple(Great Buddha) – iconic bronze; Komachi Street – cafés & shops. Return to Tokyo (1.5 h)
  • **End the day at your hotel in Tokyo.** (with private guide & vehicle)
 Luxury hotel in central Tokyo Tokyo / Kamakura
DAY4 Matsumoto Gateway to the Japanese Alps, famous for Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s original castles. Surrounded by the Japanese Alps, it offers rich history, culture, and outdoor activities
  • Tokyo → Matsumoto by Shinkansen/express (3 h)
  • Matsumoto Castle – black-and-white fortress,one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles.Nakamachi & Nawate Streets – Walk through historic streets with traditional houses, cafés, and souvenir shops.
  • **End the day at your hotel in Matsumoto.** (with private guide & vehicle)
 Luxury hotel in central Matsumoto or Traditional Japanese onsen ryokan Matsumoto
DAY5 Matsumoto/ Kamikochi Enter Kamikochi’s alpine valley of crystal rivers and soaring peaks.
  • Matsumoto → Kamikochi by private car (1.5 h)
  • Azusa River Walk – clear waters & forests; Kappa Bridge – classic Hotaka views.
  • **End the day at your hotel in Kamikochi.** (with private guide & vehicle*depending on the season)
 A refined mountain resort in Kamikochi Matsumoto/ Kamikochi
DAY6 Kamikochi Savor dawn stillness and gentle trails; night skies glitter over untouched mountains.
  • Taisho Pond – tranquil reflections; Myojin Pond & Hotaka Shrine – A peaceful spot surrounded by nature and spirituality.
  • Enjpoy Relaxing Atmosphere – Stay at a mountain lodge or riverside café and enjoy the fresh alpine air. optional easy hikes **(short local transfers)**.
  • **End the day at your hotel in Kamikochi**
 A refined mountain resort in Kamikochi Kamikochi
DAY7 Takayama Mountain passes lead to Edo-era streets, stroll through beautifully preserved Edo-era streets lined with traditional wooden houses, sake breweries, and shops.
  • Kamikochi → Takayama by private car (3 h); Sanmachi Suji (Old Town);Takayama Jinya-historic Edo-period government office
  • **End the day at your hotel in Takayama.** (with private guide & vehicle)
 Hotel in Takayama Takayama
DAY8 Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa Wake up to the peaceful morning atmosphere of Takayama and start the day with a taste of local life. After it, Make your way to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site of timeless beauty.
  • Miyagawa Morning Market:-Explore the lively riverside market where farmers and artisans sell fresh produce, snacks, and crafts.
  • Try local street foods such as gohei mochi or mitarashi dango.
  • Takayama → Shirakawa-go (1 h); Gassho Houses – steep thatched roofs
  • Shirakawa-go → Kanazawa (1.5 h); evening at leisure.
  • **End the day at your hotel in Kanazawa.** (with private guide & vehicle)
 Luxury hotel in central Kanazawa orTraditional Japanese onsen ryokan Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa
DAY9 Kanazawa Elegant gardens, geisha alleys, and samurai heritage in a well‑preserved castle town.
  • Kenrokuen Garden /Kanazawa Castle Park– seasonal artistry; Higashi Chaya – teahouses & crafts; Samurai Quarter – warrior residences
  • **End the day at your hotel in Kanazawa.** (with private guide & vehicle)
 Luxury hotel in central Kanazawa orTraditional Japanese onsen ryokan Kanazawa
DAY10 Kanazawa / Kyoto Arrive in Japan’s ancient capital for iconic shrines and lantern‑lit lanes.
  • Kanazawa → Kyoto by Bullet Train/Thunderbird (2.5 h)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine – thousands of vermilion torii; Gion – historic geisha quarter. )
  • **End the day at your hotel in Kyoto.** (with private guide & vehicle)
 Luxury hotel in central Kyoto Kanazawa / Kyoto
DAY11 Kyoto Kyoto’s classic highlights: golden pavilions, Zen gardens, shogun palaces, and lively markets.
  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – gold‑leaf icon; Ryoan‑ji – Zen rock garden; Nijo Castle – shogun residence; Sanjusangendo– 1,001 Buddhas; Nishiki Market – food arcade
  • **End the day at your hotel in Kyoto.** (with private guide & vehicle)
 Luxury hotel in central Kyoto Kyoto
DAY12 Nara / Osaka Ancient temple groves, friendly deer, and Osaka’s neon food streets.
  • Kyoto → Nara (1 h); Todai‑ji – Great Buddha; Kasuga Shrine – lantern paths; Nara Deer Park – roaming deer; Nara → Osaka (1 h);
  • **End the day at your hotel in Osaka.** (with private guide & vehicle)
 Luxury hotel in central Osaka Nara / Osaka
DAY13 Osaka A celebratory finale of castles, canals, and flavors before departure.
  • Osaka Castle – historic keep & gardens; Dotonbori – bright signs & street food;
  • **End the day at your hotel in Osaka.** (Airport transfer **45–60 min** if departing tonight.) (with private guide & vehicle)
 - Osaka

Travel Itinerary

DAY1

City / Area
Tokyo
Highlight
Welcome to Japan’s lively capital – tonight contrasts nostalgic lanes with a futuristic skyline.
Details & Experiences
  • Airport meet & greet → hotel transfer (1 h)
  • Asakusa – old-town alleys & Senso-ji Temple; Tokyo Skytree – panoramic views.
  • **End the day at your hotel in Tokyo.** (with private guide & vehicle)
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Tokyo
Photo
Tokyo

DAY2

City / Area
Tokyo
Highlight
Explore Tokyo’s serene shrines, lush gardens, and chic boulevards with stories of past and present.
Details & Experiences
  • Imperial Palace Outer Garden – calm paths; Meiji Shrine – forested Shinto sanctuary; Harajyuku/Omotesando – designer-lined avenue; Shibuya crossing-busy intersection in Tokyo where many people cross at once
  • **End the day at your hotel in Tokyo.** (with private guide & vehicle)
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Tokyo
Photo
Tokyo

DAY3

City / Area
Tokyo / Kamakura
Highlight
Sea breezes and Buddhist heritage, an easy coastal escape pairing Enoshima and Kamakura.
Details & Experiences
  • Tokyo → Enoshima (1.5 h)
  • Enoshima – island shrines & ocean views; Hase Temple – gardens & Kannon statue; Kotokuin Temple(Great Buddha) – iconic bronze; Komachi Street – cafés & shops. Return to Tokyo (1.5 h)
  • **End the day at your hotel in Tokyo.** (with private guide & vehicle)
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Tokyo
Photo
Tokyo / Kamakura

DAY4

City / Area
Matsumoto
Highlight
Gateway to the Japanese Alps, famous for Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s original castles. Surrounded by the Japanese Alps, it offers rich history, culture, and outdoor activities
Details & Experiences
  • Tokyo → Matsumoto by Shinkansen/express (3 h)
  • Matsumoto Castle – black-and-white fortress,one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles.Nakamachi & Nawate Streets – Walk through historic streets with traditional houses, cafés, and souvenir shops.
  • **End the day at your hotel in Matsumoto.** (with private guide & vehicle)
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Matsumoto or Traditional Japanese onsen ryokan
Photo
Matsumoto

DAY5

City / Area
Matsumoto/ Kamikochi
Highlight
Enter Kamikochi’s alpine valley of crystal rivers and soaring peaks.
Details & Experiences
  • Matsumoto → Kamikochi by private car (1.5 h)
  • Azusa River Walk – clear waters & forests; Kappa Bridge – classic Hotaka views.
  • **End the day at your hotel in Kamikochi.** (with private guide & vehicle*depending on the season)
Accomodation Style
A refined mountain resort in Kamikochi
Photo
Matsumoto/ Kamikochi

DAY6

City / Area
Kamikochi
Highlight
Savor dawn stillness and gentle trails; night skies glitter over untouched mountains.
Details & Experiences
  • Taisho Pond – tranquil reflections; Myojin Pond & Hotaka Shrine – A peaceful spot surrounded by nature and spirituality.
  • Enjpoy Relaxing Atmosphere – Stay at a mountain lodge or riverside café and enjoy the fresh alpine air. optional easy hikes **(short local transfers)**.
  • **End the day at your hotel in Kamikochi**
Accomodation Style
A refined mountain resort in Kamikochi
Photo
Kamikochi

DAY7

City / Area
Takayama
Highlight
Mountain passes lead to Edo-era streets, stroll through beautifully preserved Edo-era streets lined with traditional wooden houses, sake breweries, and shops.
Details & Experiences
  • Kamikochi → Takayama by private car (3 h); Sanmachi Suji (Old Town);Takayama Jinya-historic Edo-period government office
  • **End the day at your hotel in Takayama.** (with private guide & vehicle)
Accomodation Style
Hotel in Takayama
Photo
Takayama

DAY8

City / Area
Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa
Highlight
Wake up to the peaceful morning atmosphere of Takayama and start the day with a taste of local life. After it, Make your way to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site of timeless beauty.
Details & Experiences
  • Miyagawa Morning Market:-Explore the lively riverside market where farmers and artisans sell fresh produce, snacks, and crafts.
  • Try local street foods such as gohei mochi or mitarashi dango.
  • Takayama → Shirakawa-go (1 h); Gassho Houses – steep thatched roofs
  • Shirakawa-go → Kanazawa (1.5 h); evening at leisure.
  • **End the day at your hotel in Kanazawa.** (with private guide & vehicle)
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Kanazawa orTraditional Japanese onsen ryokan
Photo
Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa

DAY9

City / Area
Kanazawa
Highlight
Elegant gardens, geisha alleys, and samurai heritage in a well‑preserved castle town.
Details & Experiences
  • Kenrokuen Garden /Kanazawa Castle Park– seasonal artistry; Higashi Chaya – teahouses & crafts; Samurai Quarter – warrior residences
  • **End the day at your hotel in Kanazawa.** (with private guide & vehicle)
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Kanazawa orTraditional Japanese onsen ryokan
Photo
Kanazawa

DAY10

City / Area
Kanazawa / Kyoto
Highlight
Arrive in Japan’s ancient capital for iconic shrines and lantern‑lit lanes.
Details & Experiences
  • Kanazawa → Kyoto by Bullet Train/Thunderbird (2.5 h)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine – thousands of vermilion torii; Gion – historic geisha quarter. )
  • **End the day at your hotel in Kyoto.** (with private guide & vehicle)
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Kyoto
Photo
Kanazawa / Kyoto

DAY11

City / Area
Kyoto
Highlight
Kyoto’s classic highlights: golden pavilions, Zen gardens, shogun palaces, and lively markets.
Details & Experiences
  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – gold‑leaf icon; Ryoan‑ji – Zen rock garden; Nijo Castle – shogun residence; Sanjusangendo– 1,001 Buddhas; Nishiki Market – food arcade
  • **End the day at your hotel in Kyoto.** (with private guide & vehicle)
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Kyoto
Photo
Kyoto

DAY12

City / Area
Nara / Osaka
Highlight
Ancient temple groves, friendly deer, and Osaka’s neon food streets.
Details & Experiences
  • Kyoto → Nara (1 h); Todai‑ji – Great Buddha; Kasuga Shrine – lantern paths; Nara Deer Park – roaming deer; Nara → Osaka (1 h);
  • **End the day at your hotel in Osaka.** (with private guide & vehicle)
Accomodation Style
Luxury hotel in central Osaka
Photo
Nara / Osaka

Optional Tours

DAY City / Area Highlight Details & Experiences Accomodation Style Photo
DAY5 Matsumoto →
Toyama (via Alpine Route)		 Cross the Japanese Alps in one day, combining dramatic scenery, guided walks, hot springs, and local flavors.
  • Matsumoto → Ogizawa (1.5 h) – Transfer from castle town into the mountains.
  • Enter Alpine Route:
  • Kurobe Dam-Japan’s largest arch dam, with observation deck and small museum on its dramatic construction.
  • Trolley bus & ropeway – Unique mountain transport offering panoramic views.
  • Murodo Plateau (2,450m) – Short guided walk to Mikurigaike crater lake (alpine blue water), Jigokudani geothermal valley, or the seasonal Snow Wall in spring.
  • Mountain hut lunch – Simple but hearty dishes like soba noodles or alpine curry.
  • Descent route-Alpine bus to Bijopdaira(50min),cable car to Tateyama Station(7min)
  • Private vehicle to Toyama City(1 h) – Comfortable transfer to the city.
  • **End the dat at your hotel in Toyama** (with private guide & vehicle).
  • Option:
    -soak in a local onsen near Tateyama after descending.
  • -enjoy local specialties such as Toyama Bay sushi and white shrimp.
 Luxury Class): international-standard hotel or boutique retreat with hot springs. Matsumoto →<br> Toyama (via Alpine Route)
DAY6 Toyama →
Takayama		 Morning in Toyama for culture, architecture, and gastronomy, then transfer to Takayama.
  • Guided visit to Toyama Glass Art Museum((architect Kengo Kuma) Contemporary glass artworks inside a building
  • Toyama Castle Park-Reconstructed castle keep surrounded by gardens, showcasing the city’s history.
  • Stroll a local seafood market with tastings of seasonal catch.
  • Lunch: masu-sushi bento or fresh sushi at a local restaurant.
  • Afternoon ransfer to Takayama (2.5 h) – Scenic drive through mountain valleys.
  • **End the dat at your hotel in Toyama** (with private guide & vehicle).
  • Option:
    Sake tasting – Sample local brews in Takayama’s Edo-style old town.
 - Toyama →<br> Takayama

Optional Tours

DAY5

City / Area
Matsumoto →
Toyama (via Alpine Route)
Highlight
Cross the Japanese Alps in one day, combining dramatic scenery, guided walks, hot springs, and local flavors.
Details & Experiences
  • Matsumoto → Ogizawa (1.5 h) – Transfer from castle town into the mountains.
  • Enter Alpine Route:
  • Kurobe Dam-Japan’s largest arch dam, with observation deck and small museum on its dramatic construction.
  • Trolley bus & ropeway – Unique mountain transport offering panoramic views.
  • Murodo Plateau (2,450m) – Short guided walk to Mikurigaike crater lake (alpine blue water), Jigokudani geothermal valley, or the seasonal Snow Wall in spring.
  • Mountain hut lunch – Simple but hearty dishes like soba noodles or alpine curry.
  • Descent route-Alpine bus to Bijopdaira(50min),cable car to Tateyama Station(7min)
  • Private vehicle to Toyama City(1 h) – Comfortable transfer to the city.
  • **End the dat at your hotel in Toyama** (with private guide & vehicle).
  • Option:
    -soak in a local onsen near Tateyama after descending.
  • -enjoy local specialties such as Toyama Bay sushi and white shrimp.
Accomodation Style
Luxury Class): international-standard hotel or boutique retreat with hot springs.
Photo
Matsumoto →<br> Toyama (via Alpine Route)

DAY6

City / Area
Highlight
Morning in Toyama for culture, architecture, and gastronomy, then transfer to Takayama.
Details & Experiences
  • Guided visit to Toyama Glass Art Museum((architect Kengo Kuma) Contemporary glass artworks inside a building
  • Toyama Castle Park-Reconstructed castle keep surrounded by gardens, showcasing the city’s history.
  • Stroll a local seafood market with tastings of seasonal catch.
  • Lunch: masu-sushi bento or fresh sushi at a local restaurant.
  • Afternoon ransfer to Takayama (2.5 h) – Scenic drive through mountain valleys.
  • **End the dat at your hotel in Toyama** (with private guide & vehicle).
  • Option:
    Sake tasting – Sample local brews in Takayama’s Edo-style old town.
Accomodation Style
-
Photo
Toyama →<br> Takayama

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  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）
  • 【Japan Alps & Heritage Towns】Discover Japan’s Essence（13 Days / 12 Nights）

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