• Explore a famous Nagano mountain village with its forest shrines and temples, and renowned soba and bamboo-craft traditions

• Feel invigorated on winter day-hikes through the alpine foothills and on the caldera rim of an active volcano commanding dynamic vistas

• Unwind with a restorative soak at hot springs with mountain views

• Delve into the amazing prehistoric Jōmon culture, the origin of the Japanese culture

• Stay in historic traditional Japanese houses in charming towns and villages

 

The mountains of central Japan offer an immense variety of hiking opportunities to suit all tastes and fitness levels. Since prehistoric times, these mountains have sustained human existence through their rich, diverse natural environments, but they have also caused immense hardships through their terrain, climate and natural disasters. It is therefore not surprising that these mountains have long held spiritual significance for the local inhabitants. This tour features a series of day-hikes and walks in bracing winter conditions in the mountains and foothills of northeastern Nagano and northwestern Yamanashi prefectures. You will discover how these mountain environments nurtured one of the most enduring prehistoric cultures of the world, and deep spiritual and cultural connection with mountains that the Japanese have maintained throughout history.

 

Day1: Travel Nagano–Togakushi; Day 2: Togakushi Shrine and forest snow hike; Day 3: travel Togakushi–Komoro, onsen relaxation at Hishino-Onsen (Komoro); Day 4: Mt Asama volcanic rim snow hike and Nunohiki-Onsen (Komoro); Day 5: Komoro cliff-face temple, Hokkoku Highway historic town walk; Day 6: travel to Hokuto (Yamanashi), Yatsugatake foothills archaeology walk; Day 7: Yatsugatake foothills alpine vistas hike; Day 8: Yatsugatake foothills village and art walk, travel Hokuto–Shinjuku or your onward destination.

 

Accommodation: 4 nights mid-range ryokan (Japanese-style bedding, but Western-style bedding available on 2 nights; onsen bath on 2 nights); 2 nights traditional country house (private rental; Japanese-style bedding); 1 night upper-range guesthouse (Japanese architecture; Western-style bedding for 2, Japanese-style bedding for 2)

 

Major themes: HIKING, NATURE, VILLAGES, TEMPLES AND SHRINES, PREHISTORY AND HISTORY, FOOD, ART

 

Physical fitness requirement: HIGH

 

Cultural tolerance requirement: HIGH

 

Departure date: 10 December 2017

 

Bookings before: 26 October 2017

 

Cost: from AUD $5100­ per person

 

Maximum group size: 4 persons