TOUR de JAPAN
TOUR DATES
7 JUNE - 14 JUNE 2026
(7 spots remain)
31 JULY - 7 AUGUST 2026
(1 spot remains)
PLEASE NOTE: The August tour window has now one spot remaining (due to cancellation).
If you wish to book for the August window, please select the August tour within the ‘shop’ deposit page.
TRAIL TYPE: Mountainous - Ridgelines - Pilgrimage
TOTAL DISTANCE: 90km (approx)
TOTAL ASCENT: approx 4000M ascent
HIGHLIGHTS: We will be exploring The Central Alps, also known as the Kiso Mountains, which are a mountain range in southern Nagano Prefecture, Japan. They are part of the broader Japanese Alps, along with the Northern and Southern Alps. The range stretches roughly 65 kms and is characterised by its steep, rocky terrain and diverse hiking opportunities.
Don’t let the total distance fool you, as it is a beefy, jam packed 90km. We explore different mountain ranges including Yarigatake, Yatsugatake and beautiful mountain towns including Takayama, Kamikochi and Matsumoto. Lots of stunning ridges, summitting the 3rd highest mountain in Japan for sunrise whilst also experiencing the beautifully preserved towns of Tsumago/Magome on the Nakasendo trail.
HIGHEST POINT: Mt Yarigatake 3180m **please note that the route is subject to change depending on weather.
DIFFICULTY: The terrain is steep and technical, and two days you will have a slightly heavier pack for an overnighter at a mountain hut. Distances will be between 15-25km (run when you can, hike fast when you can’t). Elevation on our big mountain days will be towards 2000m.
IMPORTANT*** There are many stunning ridgeline sections on this tour involving chains, multiple ladders and drop offs. You are of course safe if you are steady and slow on your feet BUT if you have any aversion or are scared of heights, please consider carefully!
TRIP DURATION TOTAL: 8days/7nights
ON TRAIL TOTAL: 6 days
ACCOMMODATION ON TRAIL: 3/4* Hotel Accommodation. Rooms will be twin share and include a private en-suite. One night at Yarigatake Sanso Hutte (3000m). Dormitory style basic hut accommodation. Single occupancy tariff is not available on this tour due to the limited accommodation.
FOOD: Breakfast and lunch are included in the tour price. Dinner, alcohol and extra drinks are to be paid by guest.
COSTS
AU$6000 twin share in hotel accommodation
*$1000 deposit taken at time of booking.
Remaining balance to be paid by 30th April 2026.
INCLUSIONS:
3/4* Hotel Accommodation
One night at Yarigatake Sanso Hutte (3000m). Full board.
Van/Bus Transfers to trail head
Train Fares for the duration of the tour.
National Park entry fees
Helmet Rental
2 x On Trail Guides
Emergency management (sat phone, first aid kit etc carried by guides)
Breakfasts and Lunch x 7
EXCLUSIONS:
Flights / transfers to Japan
Dinner
Alcohol
Extra drinks
Insurance
Souvenirs & extra activities
Toilet charges
RUNNER HANDBOOK DOWNLOAD
Available for download HERE once finalised
ADVENTURE ITINERARY
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ITINERARY IS INDICATIVE ONLY AND MAY CHANGE TO SUIT CONDITIONS, NEW INFORMATION OR REGULATIONS. THE FINAL RUNNING ROUTE WILL BE CONFIRMED CLOSER TO DEPARTURE (and indeed daily according to conditions).
ARRIVAL DAY / 07 JUNE
Your tour guides will meet you in the beautiful mountainous town of Takayama for coffee intro’s over lunch. Afternoon run around the city (5km approx.)
STAY: Takayama accommodation
RUN DAY 01 / 08 JUNE
Kamikochi - Yarigatake Sanso
21km 1651m+
STAY: Yarigatake Sanso Mountain Hutte
RUN DAY 02 / 09 JUNE
Yarigatake Sanso - Yarigatake Summit 3180 - Kamikochi
22km (mostly descending)
STAY: Takayama accommodation
RUN DAY 03 / 10 JUNE
Nagiso – Tsumago - Magome [NAKASENDO TRAIL]
12km 650m+
STAY: Tateshina accommodation
RUN DAY 04 / 11 JUNE
Loop - Minotoguchi Trailhead - Mt Aka - Mt Io
25km 1732m+
STAY: Tateshina accommodation
RUN DAY 05 / 12 JUNE
Loop - Kitayatsugatake Ropeway – Mt Chausu - Takamiishigoya Hut
14km 750m+
STAY: Matsumoto accommodation
RUN/EXPLORE DAY 06 / 13 JUNE
Team exploration Matsumoto / celebration day
TBC
STAY: Matsumoto accommodation
TRAVEL DAY / 14 JUNE
Breakfast in Matsumoto - Clients to depart from Matsumoto for onward travel plans.