Midday

Enjoy a guided walking tour from the station through Matsumoto city that includes a light lunch at a local soba noodle restaurant and a visit to Matsumoto Castle.
One of the main attractions is Matsumoto Castle, also known as the "Crow Castle." It is one of Japan's original castles, dating back to the 16th century. The city serves as a gateway to the Japanese Northern Alps too.

Afternoon

Spend late afternoon exploring nearby Nakamachi Street, a charming and well- preserved area in Matsumoto, known for its traditional wooden merchant houses(kura). The street is lined with shops, cafes, galleries, and craft boutiques, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's traditional atmosphere. Pick up any last minute supplies and items in preparation for the next 3 days hiking in the alps.

• Activity

  Easy flat walking |3.5km/2.2miles |Time: 2 hours

7:30am

Transfer to the trailhead to start the Panorama Ginza trek. Approximately 50mins by
vehicle.

From the trailhead at Nakabusa Onsen, the Kassen Ridge trail ascends 1250m up to the
hut and is considered one of the three steepest ascents in the Alps. The 5km steep
ascent through the forest up to the Gassen Hut for a rest stop. The last push to the
saddle to be rewarded with the trek’s namesake – Panorama views.

Upon reaching Enzanso, check-in and enjoy lunch looking out at the views. In the afternoon, make one more push up to the summit of nearby Mt. Tsubakuro and back.

The trek is short, but allow most of the morning and afternoon to complete this day. Early rest and dinner. Lights out at 8pm.

• Activity

  Trekking (steep ascent) 5km|3.1miles. 5 – 6 hours

6:00am

Japanese hikers tend to start hiking at the crack of dawn, so be ready for an early start to enjoy the morning golden light. Typically, a 6am departure.

The day’s hike begins relatively easy with a gentle traverse, then dipping down to a technical section with chains and stairs at the base of Mt. Otensho. The ascent is steep and tiring, scrambling up loose rocks and gravel for about 45 minutes.
At the top of the mountain is Daitenso Hut—a perfect place to stop for lunch.

Having summited the highest peak of the Panorama Ginza route, the rest of this day’s hike is mainly a descent. While slowly descending Mt. Otensho and heading to Jonen hut, enjoy the uninterrupted views of Mt. Yari and the alps. The Jonen hut is about 2.5 to 3 hours from the top of Otensho.

Upon reaching Jonen Hut in the saddle of the ridge by mid afternoon, rest up and
enjoy the Japanese alpinism culture chatting with other hikers about the day.

• Activity

  Trekking 10km|6.2miles. 6-7 hours

With the hut facing East, the first morning rays will welcome a new day for an early start on the trail.

The third day on the trail may seem shorter than yesterday, but it does start with a steep and rocky hour-long climb to the top of Mt. Jonen, the highest point for the day. It offers panoramic views of the mountains and into the Kamikochi basin below.

From here, the ridgeline dips and rises, sometimes quite suddenly, dropping below the tree line and soaring above it again. After about 3.5 hours of traversing, Mt. Chouyari appears, a small peak between Jonen and Mt. Chougatake. From there, it’s just 1.6 kilometres, or about 45 minutes, to the peak of Chougatake and the last mountain hut.

The Chogatake Hut sits in the middle of the ridgeline, facing Mt. Yari and the Hotaka mountain range. This lodge’s specialty is its miso, made and fermented in-house from locally grown rice and soybeans.

• Activity

  Trekking 8km|4.9 miles. 6 hours

The final day on this trek is a mainly a decent down into the valley basin below with a flat trail to reach Kamikochi by lunchtime for a cold beer and steak lunch.

One of the most famous areas within the Japanese Northern Alps is Kamikochi, a picturesque valley located in the Azusa River basin. Kamikochi is known for its pristine beauty, crystal-clear rivers, and dramatic mountain scenery. You may spot some monkeys (Japanese Macaques) who have learnt how to catch fish from the river!

Upon reaching the iconic Kappa Bridge in Kamikochi, sit down to a well earned steak lunch and cold beer to conclude the trek! (vegetarian/dietary options available)

Day 5 continued….

After lunch in Kamikochi, a short transfer (20 mins by bus) to rest up and bathe in the healing onsen waters at Shirahone Onsen Ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn.
Stay at Yumoto Saito Ryokan. https://www.shirahone.net Your luggage forwarded from the first night will be waiting for you here. You will be longing for a shower and bath after 3 nights in the mountains.

Shirahone Onsen Ryokan is not only a place to unwind and rejuvenate but also a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of hot springs in Japan.

Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese hospitality; sleep in tatami-matted rooms and futon beds, take communal baths (private onsen baths also available).
This night will be a farewell banquet to share stories and reflect on the trekking adventure with your fellow hikers over an exquisite kaiseki (multi-course) meal featuring local and seasonal ingredients.

• Activity

  Trekking 6km|3.7 miles. 4 hours