ITINERARY
Walk the Shinpi Trail and Experience the Nature and Culture of the Japanese Alps
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The Shinpi Trail opened in July 2025 within Chubusangaku National Park. This long trail of culture and nature follows historic routes once used by people traveling on foot between Matsumoto in Shinshu province and Takayama in Hida province, located on opposite sides of the Japanese Alps. Through a cross-Alps hiking tour from Matsumoto via Kamikochi, Mount Norikura, Okuhida Onsengo hot spring village, and on to Takayama, visitors can not only enjoy the walk itself, but also gain a firsthand sense of the local ways of life, culture, and historic mountain passes that continue on in both nature-rich areas today.
Itinerary Highlights
- Enjoy a hike visiting Kamikochi and Mount Norikura's Tatamidaira in the early morning when there are few tourists.
- Venture into the remote forests of Goshikigahara together with an experienced guide.
- Reach the end of the Shinpi Trail and explore the traditional streets of Takayama.
Experience traditional Japanese culture in the castle town of Matsumoto and take in the scenery of Kamikochi
Begin your journey at Matsumoto Castle, a designated National Treasure of Japan. First, walk to the Matsumoto City Alps Park to enjoy a scenic observation platform with sweeping views of the Northern Alps.
After lunch, savor a sake tasting at Daishinshu Sake Brewery, sampling sake brewed with meltwater from the Northern Alps. Then travel by car to Kamikochi. At the Kamikochi Visitor Center near the iconic Kappabashi Bridge, deepen your understanding of the area's natural environment.
Walk through Kamikochi in the early morning surrounded by crisp mountain air, and explore Mount Norikura's Tatamidaira at an elevation of 2,700 meters
Kamikochi is a popular destination, so an early-morning stroll, when there are fewer visitors, is highly recommended. Enjoy a special moment surrounded by crisp mountain air. For lunch, stop at the well-known Kamonjigoya restaurant, located at the entrance to Myojin Pond upstream from Kappabashi Bridge, and savor iwana (char) grilled over a traditional hearth.
Afterward, head to Mount Norikura's Tatamidaira at an elevation of 2,700 meters. Enjoy a light hike while keeping an eye out for the Japanese rock ptarmigan, a designated Natural Monument of Japan. In the evening, stay at the Okuhida Onsengo hot spring village, where you can relax in hot springs nestled among the Northern Alps.
Enjoy a short walk in the remote Goshikigahara wilderness, accessible only on a guided tour
Depart Okuhida Onsen and join a morning guided tour of Goshikigahara Forest. In this special, remote area where entry is permitted only with a guide, you will enjoy a short walk of about three hours. Led by an experienced guide, get up close to the beautiful and powerful Nunobiki Falls.
After lunch, visit the Great Limestone Cave of Hida and participate in a hands-on harvest experience at a local tomato farm. End your activity-filled day by spending the night at a private rental home in Nyukawa.
Walk toward the end of the Shinpi Trail through Hida's satoyama countryside
After departing your accommodation, walk toward the end point of the Shinpi Trail while enjoying the countryside landscapes along the Nyukawa River.
In the afternoon, explore Takayama's traditional townscape with a guide. Take in atmospheric sights such as Miyamae Bridge over the Miyagawa River and the grand torii gate of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine nearby. After savoring a dinner featuring Takayama's local specialties, the tour concludes on site.