Winter Wilderness Adventure in Japan

Arrive in Tokyo, one of the biggest and most exciting cities in the world. You’ll meet up with the group at the hotel in Shinjuku before heading out for dinner with your fellow adventurers. For those keen on a nightcap or two, the Robot Bar is a punchy introduction to popular Japanese culture.

Time to head out of the city today and into the wilds of the Alps. You’ll board a high-speed train for 2.5 hours, followed by a short transfer to the Sakuradaira Gate where the fun begins. Your destination is the mountain hut in Natsuzawa-Kosen (2060m), nestled deep in the Yastugatake Mountains and so remote that you may have to use a snow truck to get there. Once at the hut, you’ll get set up with your snowshoes and head out for a circular walk following the Natsuzawa Pass, checking out some of Japan's highest peaks above a sea of clouds as you go. Stomp back down in time for dinner, local wild boar hot pot and miso soup is the hut speciality.

Up bright and early to catch sunrise over the Alps with a cup of coffee and breakfast before strapping on your crampons and hitting the trail. Mt Neishi (2603m) is located in the centre of the Yatsugatake mountain range and the summit walk is non-technical making it an ideal introduction to winter trekking. The trail first takes you to Mt Mikaburi (2590m), then beyond the tree line to a likely windy and icy wide ridge and finally to the summit of Mt Neishi (2603m). On a clear day temperatures can be as low as -20°C but the 360° panorama from the top (and the promise of a steamy soak on return to the hut) make it all worthwhile.

Bidding your mountain hut goodbye, it’s time to head to Yudanaka, a town with a long 'onsen' history. A scenic hour-long drive followed by 3 hours on a train will see you arrive for lunchtime. You'll have the afternoon free to indulge in the many opportunities for a soak. The more traditional town of Shibu Onsen is a short walk away with no less than 9 public baths - legend has it that you'll receive eternal good luck if you manage a soak in them all, challenge on! Next, it's onto the 'ryokan', your overnight spot and your chance to sample a Kaiseki dinner, a traditional multi-course meal usually appreciated while donning your 'yukata '/ traditional robe and sipping a thimble of saké.

Up bright and early this morning to visit the Japanese macaques aka the ‘snow monkeys’, the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs. You’ll hit the forest trail into Jigokudani, translated as ‘Hell’s Valley’, due to the hot steam vents and volcanic activity bubbling underground. The monkeys tend to spend all day soaking in the hot pools to keep warm, and you'll have a couple of hours to hang out with them. Next up, a transfer to Norikura, stopping for a leg stretch and wander around the ancient town of Matsumoto. The 5-story castle dominates the skyline here, built in the 16th Century, its the oldest surviving castle in all of Japan and filled with gruesome tales of bygone warfare and strife. Back on a local bus towards Norikura, your wilderness base for the next few days, sitting deep within the Hida Mountains.

Having mastered how to hike in snowshoes earlier in the week, it’s time to make the most of them in the magical winter wonderland of Norikura. You’ll crunch through fresh powder, along deep canyons, weaving your way through primeval forest weighed down by the snow - these snow-covered trees are known affectionately by the locals as 'snow monsters'. You'll hike to the Sampon waterfall, a convergence of three rivers frozen in time, and onto the Zengoro falls - with its dramatic 20m-high ice pillars and icicles.

Last day in the wild today as you head to Kamikochi, one of Japan’s most famous national parks, sitting at the foot of the Alps. Officially closed in winter, with no facilities open, hiking through is the only option and it’s likely you’ll have the whole park to yourselves. This is a great chance to learn about the age-old tradition of 'Shinrin-Yoku', translated as 'forest bathing’, the meditative act of being calm and quiet in nature. To see the mountains and the turquoise Azusa River, you’ll hike with a head-torch uphill through the out of action Kama Tunnel to the Karamatsu Bridge. You’ll then head along the river bank to Taisho pond for incredible views of the Northern Japanese Alps.

A relaxed morning before jumping on a local bus and express train back to the city. The journey will take approximately 6 hours in total and is a great chance to reflect on your week in the wild while waving goodbye to the Alps out the window. This is your last night in Tokyo, Izakaya hunting and sampling street food in the never-ending maze of backstreets and alleys.

Back to the airport today, waving goodbye to one of the most unique countries in the world.