Itinerary
Highlights
~ Admire the Ice Waterfalls of Norikura
~ Trek through the pristine, snow-blanketed valley of Kamikochi
~ Walk the ancient path to Togakushi Shrine, where towering cryptomeria trees line the paths
~ Witness the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani as they soak in natural onsen
~ Enjoy natural spring water onsens at Nakanoyu Onsen and Pinokio Lodge
~ Learn the techniques of snowshoe trekking from an experienced mountain guide
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo – Nagano
At Tokyo Station, board the shinkansen train to Nagano, to meet your local Hiking Guide.
You will be whisked away through snow-draped landscapes to the tranquil Nakanoyu Onsen. Nestled in the mountains, this rustic hot spring retreat offers the perfect respite. Unwind in the soothing, mineral-rich waters of the onsen as the crisp alpine air nips at your cheeks.
After dinner, rest early for the upcoming snow adventure!
Meal: Dinner
Stay: Onsen Ryokan
Day 2 Norikura Snowshoe Trek
Head to Norikura for an immersive snowshoe training session. Glide effortlessly over powdery snow as the guide teaches you the rhythms of winter trekking.
Venture deeper into the frozen wilderness to discover glittering ice waterfalls, their crystalline formations shimmering like sculpted glass. Spend 4-5 hours exploring this ethereal landscape before returning to Nakanoyu Onsen.
Another blissful soak in the onsen awaits, followed by a hearty dinner to replenish your energy.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Onsen Ryokan
Day 3 Kamikochi Snowshoe Trek
Fuel up with breakfast before embarking on a breathtaking 5 to 6 hours snowshoe trek to Kamikochi. This pristine valley, blanketed in snow, transforms into a silent, dreamlike paradise. Towering peaks frame your path as you traverse frozen rivers and untouched meadows.
Enjoy a delicious bento lunch amidst the alpine serenity before a drive up to Pinokio Lodge, your cozy mountain haven.
Relax by the fire with a homemade dinner, sharing stories of the day’s adventures.
Meal: Breakfast, (packed) Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Lodge
Day 4 Kagami Ike & Togakushi’s Ancient Trail Snowshoe Trek
Today’s journey leads to the mesmerising Kagami Ike (Mirror Pond), its frozen surface reflecting the surrounding snow-laden trees like a scene from a painting. Then follow the historic Togakushi Old Trail, where towering cryptomeria trees stand as silent sentinels of time.
Warm up with a steaming bowl of Togakushi soba, a local speciality made from buckwheat grown in these sacred highlands.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Lodge
Day 5 Nagano – Tokyo
Visit the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani, where wild Japanese macaques soak blissfully in natural hot springs. Their playful antics make for a delightful farewell to Nagano’s wonders.
Transfer to Nagano Station by 1.00 PM for the Shinkansen train back to Tokyo station and the tour ends.
Meal: Breakfast
Inclusions
~ 4 nights’ accommodation in a mixture of ryokan and lodge;
~ 4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners;
~ one-way airport bus from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station;
~ two-way Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station;
~ transportation as per itinerary;
~ entrance tickets as per itinerary;
~ snowshoes rental and gaiters;
~ TW hiking t-shirt;
~ service of an English-speaking local guide;
~ supported by a bilingual (English/Mandarin-speaking) Travel Wander Trip Facilitator.
Exclusions
~ flights to Tokyo, Japan;
~ transportation to Tokyo Station;
~ tourist visa (if required);
~ comprehensive travel insurance;
~ lunch on day 1, 2 and 5;
~ any expenses of personal nature;
~ tipping for local driver-guide.
Price
Twin-share Occupancy: SGD 2,928 per person
Single Occupancy: SGD 3,128 per person (not applicable to days 3 & 4)
< WBWG Rate Applicable >
Important Notes
~ A non-refundable deposit of SGD 300 is required at the time of booking.
~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.
~ Only book your air ticket to Tokyo, Japan when you have been informed to do so.
~ This trip requires minimum 7 hikers to depart and the maximum group size is 10 hikers.
~ Should you require a visa to enter Japan, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.
~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.
~ Important Winter Hiking Advisory: winter hiking is essentially dependent on weather conditions and safety regulations. Please be advised that the planned itinerary may be adjusted in real-time to provide the most suitable trail based on current conditions. Hiking routes, national parks, and specific mountains mentioned in this itinerary are subject to change on short notice due to snow forecasts, weather events, or access restrictions imposed by the National Park authorities. By booking this trip, you acknowledge and accept that last-minute changes may be necessary for your safety. We reserve the right to make such adjustments as required. In the event that you choose to terminate the trip due to these changes, no refund will be issued, and any additional arrangements made thereafter will be at your own expense.
~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases the local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.
~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.
~ As you prepare for the hiking vacation, we recommend one hour of exercise 2 times per week (this can be hiking, running or walking). At least once a week, you should hike at least 10 KM.
~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore, the inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited) to bad weather, local conditions, accommodation bookout, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary, and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip.
~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it may not be suitable for hikers with chronic and/or acute diseases. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike.
~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.
~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.
