Into The Snow Wall: Japan's Famous Alpine Route

DAY 01 MAY 19 MANILA / NAGOYA

Welcome to Nagoya! Our adventure starts with a visit to Osu Kannon Temple which is the popular Buddhist temple in the city, built during the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). Continue the city tour by driving by their downtown district in Sakae where we will see Oasis 21 and the Nagoya TV Tower.

DAY 02 MAY 20 NAGOYA - GUJO HACHIMAN - TAKAYAMA

Before we leave Nagoya, we step inside the Nagoya Castle which was once a military facility during the Edo period. It is also Japan’s first castle to be designated a national treasure. Then we transfer to Gujo Hachiman, Japan’s “Little Kyoto”. Stroll along this town to see Sogisui Source, Igawa and Yanaka Lane which are their famous water sources/canals and if you’re lucky, see some Koi fishes swimming along the streams. Get a chance to try this food replica making experience – certified enjoyable!

DAY 03 MAY 21 TAKAYAMA - SHIRAKAWAGO - TOYAMA

Visit Takayama Old Town which has been beautifully preserved with old houses and streets dating back to the Edo Period. Here, we will see the biggest morning market in Japan that sells fresh local produce and other Japanese wares. Lastly, we enter Shirakawago Gassho Village. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its thatched and steep roof houses built to withstand the heavy snow. We arrive Toyama in the afternoon for overnight.

DAY 04  MAY 22 TOYAMA - ALPINE ROUTE - AZUMINO

We have come to the highlight of our trip. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a unique and spectacular route through the Northen Japan Alps. Completed in 1971, the route connects Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. In spring, accumulated snow, especially around the upper sections of Midagahara and Murodo, form a majestic snow corridor whose snow walls reach up to 20 meters high. Our tour date is the perfect time to see this. Walk and admire this magnificent wonder then we travel to Azumino for overnight.

DAY 05 MAY 23 AZUMINO - MATSUMOTO - LAKE MOTOSU - LAKE KAWAGUCHI

Learn how Japan’s most famous spice is harvested as we go to Daio Wasabi Farm. After that, we drive to Matsumoto to see one of the grandest castles in Japan – the Matsumoto Castle. It is also the oldest surviving castle in the nation. After lunch, we go to Lake Motosu to witness the Fuji Shibazakura Festival. Approximately 800,000 stalks of shibazakura of five varieties are on display, producing delightful fields of pink, white and purple colors in different hues. Festival stalls selling pots of pink moss, shibazakura-themed souvenirs, food and local produce complete the experience. Last stop will be Lake Kawaguchi where we will spend the night.

DAY 06 MAY 24 LAKE KAWAGUCHI - OSHINO HAKKAI - GOTEMBA OUTLET - TOKYO

This morning we enter the quaint village of Oshino Hakkai where on a clear day, you get to see Mt. Fuji. More shopping awaits as we go to Gotemba Premium Outlets where you can find premium brands at discounted costs. Then we proceed to Tokyo, our last stop where we will spend our last 2 nights.

DAY 07 MAY 25 TOKYO CITY TOUR

After breakfast visit Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street where one can buy Japanese handcraft souvenirs. Climb up the world’s tallest tower as we enter Tokyo Sky Tree. At 634m high, you will get to see a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Free time at Shibuya District where we will see the famous Hachiko Statue, the busiest pedestrian crosswalk and of course, more shopping!

DAY 08 MAY 26 TOKYO / MANILA