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Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps

Resort:Mt Fuji & the Japanese Alps
Operator: Exodus
Destination: Asia, Far East Asia, Japan
Price From: Contact for latest offers

Overview


Rewarding hikes, impressive mountain scenery and cultural treasures in Japan

Mt Fuji and Mt Yarigatake are the most famous Japanese mountains, and on this
trip we ascend both of these iconic peaks whilst also taking in Japan’s
intriguing blend of ancient traditions and modern culture. As well as
climbing Yarigatake, the ‘Japanese Matterhorn’, and the classic volcanic cone
of Fuji, we stay in Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, with its peaceful Zen
gardens and Shinto temples, spend a day in futuristic Tokyo, and take a short
walk on the Nakasendo Way – an ancient trading route.

Highlights

* Hike up Mt Fuji for sunrise over the Japanese Alps
* Explore the beautiful and fascinating Kyoto
* Climb the Japanese Matterhorn, Mt Yarigatake
* Sleep in a traditional Japanese Ryokan
* Free time to explore the delights of Tokyo

Itinerary

Day 1
Depart London

The group flights depart London this evening.

Day 2
Arrive Kansai International Airport in Osaka; transfer to Kyoto

Those on the group flight usually arrives at Kansai Airport this evening, and
will be transferred to Kyoto.With about 2000 temples, shrines and
gardens, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japan’s cultural heritage and remains
undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. Unlike many other
Japanese cities it escaped the ravages of both the Second World War and
modern urban development, thereby keeping intact much of the spirit and
architecture of traditional Japan.

*Kyoto Tower Hotel or similar*

Day 3
Free day to explore the delights of Kyoto, one of Japan’s ancient capitals

Today we have the chance to explore this extraordinary city, perhaps visiting
the famous Golden Temple of Kinkakuji, built in 1397 as a summer villa for
the shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga and immortalised in Mishima Yukio’s novel,
‘The Golden Pavilion’. There will be time in the afternoon/evening for
further sightseeing including a tour of Gion, Kyoto’s entertainment area, for
Geisha-spotting, or resting back at the hotel.

*Kyoto Tower Hotel or similar*

Day 4
Transfer by train to Nakasendo; walk a section of the ancient Nakasendo Way

We speed our way, by train, out of Kyoto to Nagoya. From Nagoya we transfer
by local train/bus to Nagiso and on to Tsumago. Tsumago is situated on the
Nakasendo (Central Mountain) Way, and is the best preserved of the many
staging posts. This route was used during the Edo period – 1603-1868 – as a
main trading route through the mountainous inland area, between the main
centres of Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto. Today it is not possible to walk the
whole route, but some sections have been conserved. We will trek a short
5-mile stretch from the village of Magome, down the Kiso Valley, to
Tsumago.

*Maruya Ryokan or similar*

Day 5
Transfer to Kamikochi via Matsumoto; afternoon walk to Yarisawa

Using the highly efficient Japanese transport system we transfer by road and
rail to picturesque Kamikochi, via the city of Matsumoto. Our main luggage
will be transported in the morning from Tsumago to the hotel in Matsumoto
where we are staying after the Yarigatake hike. Kamikochi (1500m) lies in the
Chubu Sangaku National Park, and is an excellent base for explorations into
the North Japanese Alps. We set out for the Yarisawa mountain hut, a gentle
afternoon walk (about 4 hours in duration) starting along the valley floor,
through pine and birch forest, before crossing the river and climbing the
Yarisawa Valley at which point the trail becomes steeper and rougher. Through
the forest we may be lucky enough to glimpse a sight of some of the resident
Japanese macaques. For those not wanting or unable to partake in the
Yarigatake Trek, your leader can help organise accommodation in a river lodge
or in Matsumoto (at extra expense). The Yarigatake Trek should only be
attempted by those in good shape, with strong legs and knees.*
*

*Yarisawa Lodge (Mountain Hut)*

Day 6
Climb Mt Yari (3180m) and descend to Yarigatake Mountain Hut

Continuing up the increasingly steep and rocky Yarisawa Valley we ascend to
the Yarigatake mountain hut, before the final pull up onto the summit of the
Japanese Matterhorn – Mt. Yarigatake (Japan’s fifth highest peak – 3180m).
Although this is not technical, there are sections where you will need to
scramble over boulders and rocks and there are snowfields that we may need to
cross. The short final leg up to the summit is a very steep and challenging
scramble using chains and ladders with some exposure to a steep drop – this
last stretch is entirely optional and we only recommend experienced
scramblers attempt it. This is a popular spot for local hikers with (on a
clear day) spectacular views, including Mt Fuji to the southeast. About 6-8
hours challenging hiking.

*Yarigatake Sansou (Mountain Hut)*

Day 7
Descend to Kamikochi, and transfer to Matsumoto. Here we can relax in a local
hot spring or explore the magnificent Black Castle

We begin the long and steep descent from the Yarigatake mountain hut, back
down to Kamikochi (approx. 8-10 hours hiking). This early morning descent can
be cold and begins very steep over broken ground but the views of verdant
valleys are spectacular. From Kamikochi we transfer to Matsumoto.

*Dormy Inn or similar*

Day 8
Transfer from Matsumoto to Kawaguchi, at the base of Mt Fuji

In the morning there is an opportunity, for those who wish, to visit the
impressive Matsumoto Castle (optional). Founded in 1504, this castle,
otherwise known as ‘Crow Castle’ due to its black colour, is one of the two
best preserved in Japan, most others having been destroyed following the
Meiji Restoration. Its imposing six story donjon has been designated a
national treasure. Moving on from Matsumoto we transfer to the town of
Fujiyoshida, situated near Lake Kawaguchi, one of the five lakes of Mt Fuji.
Mt Fuji (or Fuji-san) is Japan’s highest peak at 3776m and attracts people
from all over Japan and the world, to climb it. Its near perfect volcanic
cone has been celebrated by artists and photographers alike over many
centuries, with perhaps the most famous representations coming in the form of
Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘Thirty Six views of Mount Fuji’. Although not a tourist
town, Fujiyoshida provides a great stopping off point for climbs of Mt Fuji,
and gives those on a short visit to Japan a great insight into Japanese
tourist culture.

*Koryu Hotel or similar*

Day 9
Transfer to Station Five on Mt Fuji; climb slowly to Honhachigome – close to
the summit of Mt Fuji

We transfer by road to Station Five (Go-gome), from where we start our trek,
on a well-marked track up to Station Eight (Hachi-gome). The walk takes about
4-5 hours, but is hard work as you cross steep volcanic scree and cinder that
shifts underfoot as you ascend.*
*

*Fujisan Hotel (Mountain Hut)*

Day 10
An early start for sunrise at Japan’s highest point (3776m); descend and
transfer to the nearby Lake Kawaguchi

An early morning start, as we set off before sunrise, for the summit of Mt
Fuji. It is only in the last hundred years that people have been regularly
climbing Mt Fuji; previously the mountain was considered so sacred that only
pilgrims and priests were allowed to climb. The summit is not a single point,
but a circular crater rim, and in ‘traditional’ Japanese style the top
features a shrine, weather station, post office, and a noodle bar! After
experiencing sunrise, we descend back down to our hotel in Fujiyoshida.*
*

*Koryu Hotel or similar*

Day 11
Free day to relax and explore; optional hike toMitsutoge

A free day to explore and relax around the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes area. It
is possible to visit Lake Sai, perhaps the quietest and least visited of the
Five Lakes, or to take a short trip to Tenjo-zan where you often get a
fabulous view of Lake Kawaguchi with Mt Fuji behind. Those who want to enjoy
more walking can join the tour leader for an additional optional hiketo
Mitsutoge, a peak standing at 1786m which offers great views of Mt Fuji and
Tokyo on a clear day.

*Koryu Hotel or similar*

Day 12
Morning transfer to Tokyo

No visit to Japan would be complete without a trip to Tokyo. From Fujiyoshida
we travel by bus, arriving around lunchtime in the capital. Situated on the
banks of the Sumida River, by Tokyo Bay, Tokyo grew up out of the fishing
village of Edo, becoming the centre of power in 1590. This afternoon is free
to explore.*
*

*Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar*

Day 13
Time to explore Tokyo, one of the world’s most spectacular capital cities

Today we have a free day to explore the delights of Tokyo. Making use of the
city’s highly efficient metro system it is possible to visit many of the
citie’s top sites, including Asakusa’s lively temple of Senso-ji. The
possibilities for evening entertainment are almost limitless with Tokyo’s
nightlife as exciting as anywhere in Asia.

*Shinjuku Washington Hotel or similar*

Day 14
Depart Tokyo

Those on the group flights to London will be transferred to Tokyo Airport
either this afternoon or early evening (depending on flight schedule) for the
flight back to London, which arrives back in the UK the following day.

Day 15
Arrive London

The group flights arrive in London this afternoon.