JAPAN ALPINE ROUTE

After breakfast at your hotel, your Tokyo discovery begins in the historic Asakusa district, home to the magnificent Senso-ji Temple - Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Wander through the lively Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with stalls selling traditional Japanese snacks and souvenirs. After lunch at a local restaurant, ascend Tokyo Skytree - at 634m, the world's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower - for panoramic views stretching to Mt. Fuji on clear days. Next, Photo stop at Imperial Palace East Gardens. Later immerse yourself in teamLab Borderless, a groundbreaking digital art museum where flowers bloom across walls and waterfalls part at your touch. Conclude your day at the electrifying Shibuya Crossing. Later proceed for dinner. Post dinner proceed to hotel.

After breakfast check out and, depart for Japan's most iconic landmark - the breathtaking Mt. Fuji. Ascend to the 5th Station (weather permitting), where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the volcanic peak and surrounding landscapes. Following lunch, enjoy a leisurely cruise on Lake Ashi, a picturesque crater lake formed by volcanic activity, with possible mirror-like reflections of Mt. Fuji on clear days. The excitement continues as you board the Hakone Ropeway, gliding above the volcanic valley for spectacular views of Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley). Here, witness active sulfur vents and steam vents while sampling the famous black sulfur eggs, said to add seven years to your life! After this unforgettable experience, Evening transfer to Matsumoto. Upon arrival dinner at restaurant and check in at hotel.

Post breakfast check out and procced for Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a unique and spectacular route through the Northern Japan Alps. The main attraction of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is the magnificent scenery of the Tateyama Mountain Range, part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park located at an altitude of over 3000 meters. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is known as the “Roof of Japan”. The route passes through the dynamic scenery of Mt. Tateyama in the Japan Alps. The Alpine Route is literally ‘carved through’ the snow. There are no other sites that can give this experience. Many people from all over the world are deeply impressed by the 18 meter high snow wall. Blue skies can be seen above the bus and white snowcapped peaks are visible between the walls of snow. When walking on the snow fields around Murodo you may be able to see a white ptarmigan (a medium-sized bird). In Tateyama, the Alpine ptarmigan are sometimes referred to as “messengers from God”. The birds will bring happiness to those who see them. This alpine sightseeing route runs for roughly 90 kilometers eastward through the North Japan Alps. The route passes through a succession of breathtaking scenes as it winds upwards through the dramatically varying topography of Mt. Tateyama’s foothills. In under an hour, a combination of transportation methods will take you from a primeval forest with trees aged over a thousand years, to vast wetlands where rare alpine plants grow wildly. One of the highlights of the Alpine Route is the iconic “Snow Walls” of Murodo. Certain sections of the Alpine Route can be traveled by ropeway or cable car, allowing for some breathtaking elevated views of the mountain scenery. The Alpine Route ends in Toyama,, after passing through the foothills of Mt. Akazawa which roughly mark the border between Toyama and Nagano Prefectures.

After breakfast at hotel, check out and proceed to Shirakawago. The Shirakawa-go region line the Shogawa River Valley in the mountains that span from Gifu to Toyama Prefectures. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, they are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms. Shirakawago makes a good destination for a day trip. Post lunch transfer to Takayama old city and Jinya. Takayama is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Takayama retains a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town. Takayama gained importance as a source of high-quality timber and highly skilled carpenters during the feudal ages. For these important resources, the city was put under direct control of the shogun and enjoyed quite a bit of prosperity considering its remote mountain location. Takayama's old town has been beautifully preserved with many buildings and whole streets of houses dating back to the feudal ages, when the city thrived as a wealthy merchant town. Evening transfer to Gifu. Upon arrival dinner at restaurant and check in at hotel.

Depart early for Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital. Begin at the Samurai & Ninja Museum, where you can see traditional Japanese weapons and share fascinating insights into Japan's warrior culture. Next, find tranquility in the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo stalks create a magical atmosphere. After lunch, visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its seemingly endless path of vermilion torri gates winding up the mountainside. Return to Osaka to explore the bustling Shinsaibashi Shopping District, a paradise for foodies and shoppers alike. Proceed for dinner and back to hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, experience Japan's famous Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima. Visit the profoundly moving Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where the Atomic Bomb Dome stands as a powerful UNESCO World Heritage Site reminding visitors of the tragedies of war. The Peace Memorial Museum offers poignant exhibits about the 1945 atomic bombing. After lunch, return to Osaka via bullet train and stop at the majestic Osaka Castle (Photo stop), surrounded by beautiful gardens. Proceed for dinner and back to hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to Kansai Airport for your flight back home, carrying unforgettable memories from Japan.