Day 1: Arrival in TOKYO
Flight to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda). Upon arrival, take a private transfer to your Hotel in Tokyo.
Accommodation Tokyo
Day 2: TOKYO – ASHIKAGA – NIKKO ONSEN
Train transfer from Tokyo to Ashikaga. Ashikaga Flower Park is a paradise and is the only Japanese location nominated in the dream destinations for 2014 by CNN Travel. The park offers gorgeous flowers throughout the year, but you must not miss the spectacular wisterias that bloom during April to May.
Nikko has been one of the mountains that are the objects of faith for people believing in Shinto or Buddhism. The first Edo Shogun, Ieyasu Toyotomi also loved this area, and he asked his children or his retainers to build a shrine in Nikko to worship him as a god.
Shinkyo Bridge is a beautiful red color bridge which in the entrance of World Heritage “Shrines and Temples of Nikko.”
Nikko Toshogu Shrine is a mausoleum in honour of eyasu Tokugawa. Filled with many masterworks by top-class skilled workers of the day, the exquisiteness of these works of art is sure to impress.
The Kegon Falls deep in the mountain of Nikko at a height of 97m, is ranked in the three great falls of Japan. Near the falls, there is an observation platform. You can experience the power of gushing water at the observation platform.
Accommodation Nikko Onsen (Tochigi Prefecture)
Day 3: NIKKO ONSEN – KARUIZAWA – KUSATSU ONSEN
In the morning, we will head to Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture. This area has an interesting history, we can experience the combination of Japanese nature and Western culture. Karuizawa was a post town during the Edo era, and after that, people from European countries or the US came to this highland for summer vacations or holiday homes. You can visit Western architecture of the 19th century within the rich greenery nature. Groundwater spills over the arch of Shiraito Falls in hundreds of delicate white strands. A natural oasis in the heart of Karuizawa’s woods.
After that, we’ll transfer to Kusatsu Onsen village by express bus. Kusatu Onsen has a so long history, and many artists such as poets or literary masters have visited this Onsen and have described it in their works. At Netsu-no-Yu traditional bathhouse, visitors can see demonstrations of yumomi and traditional dance done to a local folk song.
Sai-no-Kawar outdoor bath (Gunma) which is the largest outdoor bath in Kusatsu is complemented by its rustic atmosphere. The 434ml bath is so large that water temperature varitation naturally occurs.
Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma) is regarded as Japan’s No 1 hot spring with Yubatake being the symbol of Kusatsu Onsen.
Accommodation Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma Prefecture)
Day 4: KUSATSU ONSEN – NAGANO – YUDANAKA ONSEN
We’ll visit Nagano City in the morning. One of Japan’s oldest and largest wooden temples, Zenkoji (Nagano) is a National Treasure and the heart of Nagano city. It is known throughout Japan as a temple that everyone should visit at least once in their lives.
It also houses the first Buddhist icon brought to Japan from India. Moreover, Obuse Towns Hokusai Museum displays the works of the famed ukiyo-e woodblock print artist Hokusai.
Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Snow Monkey Park -Nagano) has been popularly known as the place where we can see wild monkeys enjoy onsen in winter.
Accommodation Yudanaka Onsen (Nagano Prefecture)
Day 5: YUDANAKA ONSEN – KAMIKOCHI – MATSUMOTO
Today, we are going to visit Matsumoto City in Nagano. Matsumoto prospered as a castle town during the Edo era, and now local Japanese people are visiting and moving to this city. Historical townscape and the beauty of nature in the countryside are the top interest among Japanese. Crown jewel of the Japanese Alps (Kamikochi) offers unparalleled views of its mountains, forests and waters as you bask in the beauty of nature.
Matsumoto Castle has stood for over 400 years and you can enter the castle to admire its construction and learn more about its history.
Accommodation Matsumoto
Day 6: MATSUMOTO -KAWAGUCHIKO ONSEN
We will visit Mt. Fuji and the nature around the mountain today. Asakurayama Sengen Park (Yamanashi) one of the most magnificent viewpoints in Fujiyoshida city where you can see the landscape of Mt Fuji and Churei Tower.
Around Lake Kawaguchiko, you can see the beautiful scene of Mt. Fuji reflected in the lake. The north side of the lake is admired as an onsen town. People enjoy the view of MT. Fuji soaking in the natural hot spring.
Accommodation Kawaguchiko Onsen (Yamanashi)
Day 7: KAWAGUCHIKO ONSEN – TOKYO
Transfer back to Tokyo by express bus.
