A 4-Day Journey from Tokyo to the Alps

The Mood: Warm colors, mountain air, and the smell of cedar wood. This journey is for travelers who want to see the authentic countryside. We don't visit the crowded tourist spots; instead, we sit at the tables of local craftsmen and walk the paths of the villagers.

The Daily Path

Day One: Old Temples and Mountain Wine

We meet in Tokyo and head toward the beautiful foothills of the Japanese Alps. We travel in our small, comfortable minivans—perfect for the narrow mountain roads and vineyard lanes.

Our first stop is a 1,300-year-old temple where a monk grows grapes. From here, we take a walk to explore forgotten railway tunnels that are now hidden in the green forest. Afterwards, we visit a nearby family-run winery. Growing grapes in Japan's humid climate is difficult, and you will learn about the clever ways local makers overcome these challenges to produce their wine. We will sample their vintages before heading to our hotel, which overlooks the twinkling lights of the Katsunuma valley.

Day Two: Sacred Forests and the Art of Yayoi Kusama

The morning begins with the crunch of gravel on a sacred path. We walk a gentle 2km trail through an ancient forest, connecting two of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. After a detour to see the region’s storied silk history, we arrive in Matsumoto. We head straight to the Museum of Art to see the world-famous work of Yayoi Kusama. After checking into our local hotel, we gather for a group dinner featuring the fresh, seasonal produce of the Nagano mountains.

Day Three: Fresh Water and the Village Kitchen

Today we visit the quiet farms of Azumino. This area is famous for its crystal-clear spring water and emerald-green wasabi fields.

The heart of our day is spent at a Kominka—a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese folk house. These old houses are famous for their heavy wooden beams and warm atmosphere. Beside the hearth, we will join a local host to hand-craft our own soba noodles for lunch. It is a slow, peaceful afternoon.

Later, we return to Matsumoto with free time to explore the "Nakamachi" district—black-and-white storehouses now home to wood-block carvers, lacquerware makers, and independent bookstores.

Day Four: The Black Castle and Miso Barrels

We visit the "Crow Castle"—Matsumoto’s famous 16th-century fortress. It is one of the most beautiful historic sites in Japan. Before we drive back to Tokyo, we visit a family-run miso brewery. We will see the cedar barrels that have been used for over 100 years and enjoy a final lunch together. We return to Tokyo by 6:00 PM.