Japan is an archipelago of “folded” geography, where the modern city and the ancient wild exist in a constant, vibrating tension. This is an Active Journey. We have designed it for those who want to feel the texture of the country beneath their feet and the gear-shift of a bicycle.
You should expect a trip defined by Immersion. In the cities, we avoid the coach-tour crowds in favor of “off-beat” paths—cycling through artisan districts and walking along buried rivers. In the North Alps, the hikes are honest and, at times, demanding. You will encounter steep ladders, shifting granite scree, and the thin, sharp air of the high-country. This is not a passive holiday; it is a physical narrative. You will return home with the scent of sulfur and pine in your memory and the quiet satisfaction of having seen a side of Japan that few ever reach.
This is a journey of contrasts, and our shelters reflect that. We stay primarily in Sanctuaries of Understated Luxury—from the riverside-chic of the Genji Kyoto to the heavy-timbered grandeur of the Kamikochi Imperial and the 1920’s converted bank in Tokyo the K5.
However, the “heart” of this trip includes an optional night at the Yarigatake Sanso. This is a traditional mountain hut—a sturdy, communal refuge at 3,000 meters where the luxury is the sunrise, not the thread-count.
The Alternative: We understand that the “high-hut” life isn’t for everyone. If you prefer to skip the overnight ascent, you will remain in the valley-bottom luxury of the Imperial Hotel. On these days, we will provide alternative “lower-altitude” immersions—gentle, moss-heavy walks along the Azusa River and forest-bathing sessions that capture the mountain’s spirit without the vertical strain.
Our journey commences in the translucent, riverside stillness of Genji Kyoto on Day 1. While arriving via Tokyo is an option, the most rhythmic and effortless entry into the old capital is via Osaka.
From Kansai International Airport (KIX): The most graceful approach is via the JR Haruka Limited Express. This is a direct, 75-minute “stitch” through the Japanese landscape, delivering you straight to Kyoto Station. For those seeking “luggage-free” simplicity, the Airport Limousine Bus is a sturdy alternative, reaching Kyoto Station in approximately 90 minutes.
From Osaka Itami Airport (ITM): If your arrival is via a domestic flight, the Airport Limousine Bus is your most reliable ally. With departures every 30 minutes, it bridges the gap to Kyoto Station in just under an hour.
The Final Mile: Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, the transition to the river is brief. Hail a taxi from the main stand; it is a short, 5-minute journey to the Gojo-Kawaramachi district. Request the driver take you to “Genji Kyoto, near the Kamo River.” You will find the hotel tucked away from the station’s neon hum, positioned where the city’s ancient pulse meets the water’s edge.
Japan is a landscape in transition; while once a bastion of paper currency, the digital tide has turned. For the “Active Elite” traveler, navigating the financial geography of the archipelago is now a seamless affair.
The Plastic Path: Credit cards are now accepted nearly everywhere—from the minimalist boutiques of Kyoto to the high-design sanctuary of K5 in Tokyo. You will find that your primary cards (Visa, Mastercard, and Amex) are welcomed at all our hotels and the majority of urban restaurants.
The Alpine Exception: While the cities are digital, the mountains remain tactile. At the Yarigatake Sanso and smaller mountain-trail huts, cash is the true “climber’s fuel.” We recommend carrying a reserve of Japanese Yen for these high-altitude stops where satellite connections for card machines can be as thin as the air.
The ATM & The Airport: Upon your arrival at Kansai (KIX) or Itami (ITM), you will find several currency exchange bureaus (Ryogaeko) immediately after clearing customs. However, for the best “rhythm” of exchange, we suggest using the 7-Bank ATMs found in almost every 7-Eleven convenience store. these are ubiquitous, reliable, and offer excellent exchange rates for international debit cards.
While the majority of your culinary experiences are curated and included, there are moments designed for individual discovery. You will need to budget for 3 Dinners and 6 Lunches where you are free to explore the “back-alley” gems of Kyoto and Tokyo or the quiet bistros of the valley.
We suggest the following as a comfortable guide for a high-quality meal (excluding alcohol):
For Dinners (approx. 3 meals): Budget approximately US$53 per person. This allows for a sophisticated, multi-course experience in the city or a premium meal at the Imperial.
For Lunches (approx. 6 meals): Budget approximately US$20 per person. This is ideal for a vibrant shun-based lunch set, a steaming bowl of high-grade ramen, or a refined bento to be enjoyed by the river.
Note: Conversions are based on current market fluctuations and are intended as a practical compass rather than a fixed rate.
Waterproofs
Rain gear can vary from $20 to $1000 for a jacket alone. There is no need to spend silly amounts of money, but if you’re looking to invest for future trips as well, it is highly recommended to get good quality, breathable and windproof rain gear! We suggest any brand of waterproof breathable textile, over a plastic or nylon laminated type that won’t breathe or be as durable. But as said, there’s no need to go overboard with anything too expensive if you only plan to use it this one trip.
Personal First Aid kit
You should bring and carry with you a small personal first aid kit. This kit should be designed to take care of the small maintenance-type things that most people will need to address during a long trek. This includes items such as blister dressings, bandaids (plasters), tube compression bandage (or knee/ankle brace if you’re prone to joint problems), sunscreen, lip balm, throat lozenges, antiseptic cream, etc. Your guide will be carrying an expedition first aid kit that is designed to handle any accidents or emergencies we encounter, therefore your personal kit doesn’t need to be over the top!
Pack weight
As this is a staycation, we will normally only be carrying a day pack for hikes. If you stay overnight in the mountain hut, your pack will be a little heavier as you will need to take what you need for that night.
Personal Items
Footwear
Clothing
Head and hands
Health and hygiene
Trekking gear
Note: If you have any questions regarding the above list or any other items that you want to ask about please do not hesitate to contact us. We can provide you with additional information at any time.
Our Japanese Alps Lux Journey is guided by one of our well trained, engaging and informative local guides. He or she will give you a greater appreciation of the landscape you are walking through, provide a historical context at certain sites and point out culturally significant areas as well.
Our guides are also great companions, ensuring that your welfare is taken care of. They will ensure that trekking conditions are safe, provide alternatives if need be, understand the weather and the terrain and how they interact and generally make sure you have a safe and rewarding journey.
Without a guide you are only seeing and understanding a fraction of the significance of Japan, its landscape and its culture. With a guide you will not only be safe, but you will have all your questions answered.
Note: That’s TOMO in the picture above, one of our Japanese Guides. He loves the outdoors and showing Japan to visitors. But the mountain, that’s not Japan, we thought we would point that out.
The Japan Alps Lux Journey is considered on our own expedition scale as a High Heart Rate Holiday. Whether you are pushing up a mountain or doing other physical activities, this holiday is primarily focused on challenging yourself physically. There are sections that will certainly get your heart rate going and other sections that are quite easy. Balance this with well-maintained trails and excellent food and this trek fits perfectly into an active holiday category. You need to be of average to high fitness for this expedition or willing to commit to training to take part. Call us if you are unsure of your fitness level and we talk you through what you need to do to be ready.
Physical: For this trek, you will require an above-average level of fitness. We cover on average about 10-13 kilometres each day, with some days having large altitude gains or losses. Like any trip, the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy it!
Mental: Mental preparation is as important as physical preparation. For this trip, you must be aware of the terrain and height challenges! Ideally, you will be fairly confident on your feet, and be able to judge when to slow down and concentrate.
We have tried hard to provide you with a greater insight into this expedition but we ain’t perfect!
If you do have further questions please contact our expert team members through one of the below channels.
No Roads Expeditions Support Hub
Australia HQ: +61 (03) 95988581
Email: info@noroads.com.au
