Japan Alps

Climbing Mount Fuji may be a dream for many, but Japan's real gem is the Japan Alps, a mountain range running along the centre of Honshu main island. Not only do the Japan Alps harbour superb ski resorts in the winter, but in the summer they offer hundreds of miles of beautiful scenery and superb hiking opportunities to rival anywhere in the world. From the stunning surroundings of Kamikochi to the great cedar-lined avenues of Togakushi, the Japan Alps certainly do not disappoint.

“I will never forget my first visit to this region, driving up into the mountains as dusk fell and the silhouetted peaks formed huge brooding shapes above me. When I finally arrived into the Kamikochi National Park it felt like I had entered another world. ”

Alastair Donnelly, Director

Neon lights, skyscrapers and crowded metropolises are what usually spring to mind when visitors think of Japan, so it surprises many to find there is an expanse of rocky landscape to discover for the more adventurous. More than 70% of Japan's landmass is mountainous and covered by forests, pushing much of the 127 million strong population to the well-populated coastal areas and creating a central wilderness within the country.

The Japan Alps cover a large area of central chubu, from Nagano in the north, to Shizuoka in the south. Although only two-thirds the scale of the European equivalent, the Japanese mountains have a greater variety of deciduous plants and trees, along with extinct volcanic cones. During the early autumn in late September and early October, the leaves turn to produce swathes of russet colours, attracting visitors who wish to view the Koyo or colourful leaves.

Throughout the winter months there are plentiful ski resorts for some of the best powder skiing in the world. You can choose between the Olympic resort of Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, the largest combined resort in Japan, or the smaller village-style Nozawa Onsen. All resorts offer fantastic skiing away from the crowded European resorts, a chance to experience true Japanese culture and of course the obligatory hot-spring onsen to relax the muscles for apr�s-ski.

Once the snow has melted however, the Alps are a haven for fresh, bracing air whilst the low-lying areas are sweltering away in the summer heat. During the summer, the highlands are carpeted with a vibrant palette of alpine flowers and together with the scent of the creeping pine, the buzzing of hoverflies and the chance of sighting Japanese wildlife, hiking in this area is definitely worthwhile. Whether you like a gentle stroll across rolling hillsides, picnicking under the soft green larch trees - or a full-blown scramble to the 3000m summits, staying in mountain huts and searching for the Asian black bear? There is a Japan Alps experience tailored just for you.

Recommended Accommodation in Japan Alps

The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Japan Alps.

Japan Alps

Hirayukan

Moderate

Experiences in Japan Alps

Japan Alps offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

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Weather in Japan Alps

The Climate Guide for Japan Alps, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	1	1	6	13	18	21	24	26	21	15	10	4
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	-9	-9	-5	1	6	11	16	17	13	5	-1	-6
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	5	5	6	6	7	5	5	6	4	5	5	5
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	10	11	12	13	14	15	14	14	12	11	10	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	None	None	None	Low	None	None	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	19	18	18	16	16	20	23	20	19	14	14	17
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	30	47	79	102	119	194	210	167	210	104	59	22
UV Index (Maximum)	2	4	5	7	9	10	11	10	8	5	3	2

Featured trips including Japan Alps

Self-Guided Adventure

Alpine Adventure: Family Driving Holiday (Classic)
- Tokyo
- Kanazawa
- Noto Peninsula
- Japan Alps
- Nagano
- Kusatsu
- Minakami
- Lake Chuzenji
- Tokyo
Pile into your rental car for an unforgettable family adventure around Japan, including the Japan Alps, and the outdoor adventure mecca of Minakami.

14 nights: from US$18127 (per family) Read more >

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Small Group Tour

Classic Japan (IJT Classic)
- Tokyo
- Hakone
- Osaka
- Kyoto
- Takayama
- Japan Alps
- Tokyo
Classic Japan is a two-week trip that promises to introduce you to Japan's most iconic destinations and experiences.

13 nights: US$6292 Read more >

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