Hida Takayama & Shirakawa-go Alpine Adventure with Panorama Ginza Ridge Trek – 7 Days ATS-006

Your alpine adventure begins in Hida Takayama, a beautifully preserved Edo-period town nestled in the Northern Japan Alps. This historic merchant town, with its traditional ryokan inns and sake breweries, serves as the perfect launching point for your mountain journey. After settling into your accommodation, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring the region’s local specialties.

Accommodation: Hotel Wood Takayama – A comfortable base in the heart of this historic alpine town.

*  Individual check-in at Hotel Wood, meet in lobby for briefing

*  Welcome dinner at local restaurant featuring local specialties

Accommodation: Hotel Wood Takayama

 

Journey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall. From the observation deck, capture stunning views of this living museum village set against mountain backdrops. Continue to Kamikochi, Japan’s most celebrated alpine resort at 1,500m elevation, where crystal-clear rivers flow through pristine valleys surrounded by towering peaks. Walk along the famous Azusa River to either Myojin or Tokusawa, traditional mountain lodges that have welcomed alpine enthusiasts for generations.

Accommodation: Myojin-kan or Tokusawa-en – Historic mountain lodges in the heart of Kamikochi’s pristine wilderness.

*  Breakfast at hotel

*  Depart by chartered bus

*  Shirakawa-go observation deck visit

*  Continue to Hirayu Bus Terminal

*  -Free time lunch at Hirayu

*  Transfer to Kamikochi Bus Terminal

*  Arrival briefing and equipment check

*  Begin riverside walk to mountain lodge

*   Arrive at Myojin-kan or Tokusawa-en

Accommodation: Myojin-kan or Tokusawa-en

Begin your legendary Panorama Ginza traverse with an early start from the valley floor. The trail ascends through ancient forests before emerging above treeline onto alpine meadows. As you climb higher, the views become increasingly spectacular, with the Hodaka peaks and Yarigatake spear dominating the horizon. Reach Chogatake Hut (2,677m), perched dramatically on the ridge with commanding 360-degree views. This is where the famous “Panorama Ginza” begins – a high-altitude ridge walk considered one of Japan’s most beautiful mountain experiences.

Accommodation: Chogatake Hut – A mountain refuge offering spectacular alpine sunrise and sunset views from 2,677m elevation.

*  Early breakfast at mountain lodge

*  Begin ascent to Chogatake (600 min including breaks)

*  Arrive at Chogatake Hut

Accommodation: Chogatake Hut

 

Experience the crown jewel of Japanese alpine hiking along the Panorama Ginza ridge. This spectacular high-altitude traverse offers continuous panoramic views across the Japan Alps, with the trail following knife-edge ridges and gentle alpine slopes. The route to Jonen-dake provides some of the most photographed mountain scenery in Japan, with views stretching from the Hodaka peaks to distant Mount Fuji on clear days. The constant elevation above 2,500m offers an exhilarating sense of being on top of the world.

Accommodation: Jonen Hut – Located at 2,524m with stunning views of the surrounding alpine landscape.

*  Mountain hut breakfast

*  Ridge walk along Panorama Ginza (540 min)

*  Arrive at Jonen Hut

Accommodation: Jonen Hut

Complete your Panorama Ginza traverse with a visit to Otensho before the final stretch to Tsubakuro-dake area and Enzanso Hut. From here, enjoy your last mountain sunrise before beginning the descent back to the valley. The contrast between the high alpine world you’ve inhabited and the return to lower elevations provides a poignant conclusion to your ridge walk adventure.

Accommodation: Enzanso Hut – Your final mountain hut experience with panoramic alpine views.

*  Mountain hut breakfast

*  Continue ridge traverse to Otensho

*  Lunch break at Otensho

*  Final stretch to Enzanso

*  Arrive at Enzanso Hut

Accommodation: Enzanso Hut

Descend from your mountain world back to the valley floor, completing your alpine circuit at Nakabusa Onsen trailhead. After days in the high mountains, relax in natural hot springs before transferring to historic Matsumoto. This castle town, dominated by one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles, provides the perfect cultural conclusion to your mountain adventure. Celebrate your achievement with a farewell dinner featuring local Shinshu cuisine and sake.

Accommodation: Onyado Nono Matsumoto or Hotel Kagetsu – Comfortable accommodations in historic Matsumoto.

*  Final mountain breakfast

*  Descent to Nakabusa Onsen trailhead

*  Arrive at trailhead

*  Hot spring bath and lunch at Ariakeso

*  Transfer to Matsumoto by chartered bus

*   Check-in at hotel

*  Farewell dinner at Wa-dining Kurasuwa

Accommodation: Onyado Nono Matsumoto or Hotel Kagetsu

Conclude your alpine adventure with a visit to Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s twelve original castles and a designated National Treasure. This “Crow Castle,” with its distinctive black exterior, represents the perfect blend of defensive architecture and aesthetic beauty. After exploring the castle grounds and learning about samurai history, gather for final group photos before departing with memories of an unforgettable journey through Japan’s alpine heartland.

*  Hotel breakfast

*  Walking transfer to Matsumoto Castle

*  Castle visit and exploration

*  Final group photos and departure