Visit the Japanese Alps, Japan
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The Japanese Alps are a series of mountain ranges, the Hida, Kiso and Akaishi, which run along the spine of central Honshu. Thick pine forests, snow-tipped peaks and teal rivers are what you’ll find here — on an initial glance this might look like Switzerland. On closer inspection you’ll find tiered-roof castles and gassho-zukuri-style farmhouses with their traditional steeply slanted roofs. Our specialists can suggest the best way to explore the region, drawing on their experiences exploring first-hand.
Only two hours from Tokyo, this is a retreat to escape the heat of the city in summer, when you can tackle some of the hiking trails that lace the mountains around Kamikochi, or simply glide up on a cable car from Tateyama. In winter, you can take to the slopes and try some of the 2018 Winter Olympic ski routes or relax in a steaming onsen surrounded by snow. The hub for the region is the town of Matsumoto, with an old merchants’ district that’s now full of teahouses, craft shops and museums.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to the Japanese Alps by calling one of our Japan specialists on 01993 838 210
Places to visit in the Japanese Alps
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting the Japanese Alps, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travellers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Suggested itineraries featuring the Japanese Alps
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in the Japanese Alps, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Map of the Japanese Alps
Places & hotels on the map
Places in and around the Japanese Alps
- Hakuba The Japanese Alps
- Kamikochi The Japanese Alps
- Matsumoto The Japanese Alps
- Tateyama The Japanese Alps
- Yudanaka The Japanese Alps
- Takayama 49 miles away
- Shirakawago 63 miles away
- Tsumago 68 miles away
- Kanazawa 75 miles away
- Noto Peninsula 80 miles away
- Nikko 97 miles away
- Hakone & Mount Fuji 106 miles away
- Tokyo 114 miles away
- Kamakura 120 miles away
- Izu Peninsula 124 miles away
- Kyoto 162 miles away
- Nara 177 miles away
- Dewa-sanzan 179 miles away
- Osaka 188 miles away
- Kinosaki Onsen 188 miles away
- Mount Koya 209 miles away
- Matsushima 213 miles away
- Tottori 222 miles away
- Tohoku 231 miles away
- Kakunodate 256 miles away
- Tokushima 257 miles away
- Tazawako 266 miles away
- Naoshima 266 miles away
- Takamatsu 268 miles away
- Nyuto Onsen 272 miles away
- Kurashiki 280 miles away
- Matsue 285 miles away
- Iya Valley 286 miles away
Photos of the Japanese Alps
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![Japanese macaque, Yudanaka]()
Japanese macaque, Yudanaka -
![Matsumoto Castle, Japan]()
Matsumoto Castle, Japan -
![Mount Tateyama]()
Mount Tateyama -
![Kamikochi National Park]()
Kamikochi National Park -
![Snow Monkey, Shibu Onsen, Yudanaka, Japan]()
Snow Monkey, Shibu Onsen, Yudanaka, Japan -
![Crow Castle, Matsumoto, Japan]()
Crow Castle, Matsumoto, Japan -
![Japan Alps]()
Japan Alps -
![Japanese snow monkeys, Kamikochi]()
Japanese snow monkeys, Kamikochi
Accommodation choices for the Japanese Alps
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit the Japanese Alps. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
Buena Vista Hotel
The Buena Vista is a large hotel in central Matsumoto, and is just a short walk from the station and the city's main sites.
Hotel Tateyama
Located in Murodo and close to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine route, Hotel Tateyama gives you a great access point for short walks around Murodo or further a-field into the Alps.
Shimaya Ryokan
The Shimaya is a simple ryokan with just 12 Japanese-style rooms, nine of which have their own private bath and toilet.
Hotel Tsubakino
Hotel Tsubakino offers both modern convenience, with all rooms having en suite bathrooms and a traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Aburaya Tousen
One of the more luxurious ryokans in Yudanaka, the Aburaya Tousen Ryokan is a great place to unwind after a day of walking and exploring.