Into the Japanese Alps:
Castles, Mountain Trails & Timeless Villages
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Traditional farmhouses in Shirakawago
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Rickshaw ride in the historic district of Takayama
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Historic district of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
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Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture
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Kuromon Gate of Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture
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View from Kappabashi Bridge, Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture
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Traditional farmhouses in Shirakawago
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Traditional farmhouses in Shirakawago
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Trip Intro
My trip started in Tokyo, from where I travelled to Matsumoto to begin this journey through the Japanese mountains. Start with Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture, then put on your walking shoes and explore the beautiful valley of Kamikochi. The contrast between the black castle, clear rivers and surrounding mountains is amazing. Continue through Hirayu Onsen to Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, where old wooden houses, small shops and delicious local food are waiting for you. From there, take a bus to the famous village of Shirakawago and discover its traditional farmhouses. For me, this combination of nature, history and rural scenery is what makes the journey so special. Plan 4 to 5 days overall so you have time for the transfers and do not have to rush through the places. A night in a traditional ryokan, or even a farmhouse in Shirakawago, would be a beautiful way to complete the experience.
Your travel itinerary
- Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture (half a day)
- Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture (1 day hiking)
- Takayama in Gifu Prefecture (1 day)
- Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture (half a day)
Suggested sightseeing time, excluding transfers. Allow 4 to 5 days overall.
1Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Prefecture
Matsumoto Castle is a beautiful starting point for this journey through the Japanese Alps. Its black exterior gave it the nickname Crow Castle, and the contrast with the surrounding moat and mountains makes it a wonderful photo spot. The castle is listed as a National Treasure of Japan and is one of my must see castle recommendations, together with Himeji Castle. What looks like five floors from the outside actually contains six levels inside. Take your time exploring the original wooden interior and the spacious grounds. Another interesting feature is the moon viewing pavilion connected to the main tower. If you visit during cherry blossom season, the atmosphere around the castle is especially beautiful. Allow half a day here before continuing your journey towards Kamikochi. Find out more >
My tips for local activities
How about exploring the fascinating Matsumoto Castle with a local guide. Check out this page for more details about this tour.
2Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture
The beautiful highland valley of Kamikochi lies around 1500m above sea level within the Chubu Sangaku National Park. The clear water of the Azusa River, surrounded by the peaks of the Northern Alps, creates some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Japan. My recommendation is to start at Kappabashi Bridge and take your time enjoying the view. From here, you can follow the walking paths towards Myojin Pond or explore the scenery around Taisho Pond and Tashiro Pond. Have your camera ready, because beautiful views are waiting around every corner. You might even spot wild monkeys along the way. Give yourself a full day for walking and enjoying nature, rather than trying to squeeze the valley into a short stop. Good to know: this is a seasonal destination, and private cars are not allowed to enter. Find out more >
3Takayama in Gifu Prefecture
Takayama is also called Little Kyoto, and a walk through its beautifully preserved old town makes it easy to understand why. The wooden houses and small streets of the Sanno Machi historic district give you a glimpse of a different side of Japan. I enjoyed taking my time here, looking at the buildings and discovering the local food. One of my favourite memories is a bowl of ramen that was simply oishii! Do not miss Hida Kokubunji Temple and its pagoda, which you can see in my photographs. Takayama is also a convenient base for the next part of this trip, a visit to Shirakawago. Spend at least one full day exploring the town, and consider staying overnight so you can enjoy it without rushing for the next bus. Find out more >
My tips for local activities
How about exploring the highlights and hidden gems of the fascinating town Takayama with a local guide. Check out this page for more details.
4Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture
A visit to Shirakawago was an unforgettable experience for me and a perfect day trip from Takayama. The village is famous for its traditional farmhouses with steep thatched roofs, a style known as gassho zukuri. The name refers to hands joined in prayer and describes the shape of the roofs, which were designed to cope with the heavy snowfalls in this mountain region. The historic villages of Shirakawago and nearby Gokayama became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Start with a walk through Ogimachi and explore some of the houses that are open to visitors, including Wada House and Nagase House. The outdoor museum Gassho Zukuri Minkaen is another interesting stop if you would like to learn more about life in these farmhouses. Half a day gives you an introduction to the village, but if you have the chance, stay one night in a farmhouse. This would be a very special way to end your journey. Find out more >
Location
Matsumoto, the starting point of this trip, is located in Nagano Prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu. The route continues through Kamikochi to Takayama and Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture.
How to get around?
- Start your trip in Matsumoto. From Shinjuku in Tokyo, you can reach the city by JR limited express train. Matsumoto Castle is around a 20min walk from the station.
- From Matsumoto, take the Kamikochi Line to Shin Shimashima Station and change to a bus for Kamikochi. Check the current connections and reservation requirements before travelling.
- After exploring Kamikochi, take a bus to Hirayu Onsen and change there for Takayama. Check the last departures carefully so you have enough time for your mountain walk.
- From Takayama Nohi Bus Center, continue by bus to Shirakawago. Some services require a reservation. Check the current Nohi Bus timetable and arrange your return journey before setting off.
- If you travel by rental car, leave it at Sawando or Hirayu and use a bus or taxi to enter Kamikochi. The valley is closed during winter.
