Head out from Shinjuku Station, Tokyo, early in the morning on the seasonal Alpico Kotsu Bus with direct service to Kamikochi Bus Terminal. Alternatively, you can take a helicopter from Tokyo Heliport to Hirayu IC Helipad in Hirayu Onsen and, from there, a car to Kamikochi. Either way, aim to arrive right around noon, just in time to enjoy lunch at Alpenrose, a casual alpine restaurant in Kamikochi Imperial Hotel which is located within walking distance of the bus terminal.

After lunch, meet your private guide from a certified local association for a pre-orientation to the hiking adventure, which includes confirming your equipment and learning about safety measures. Next, check in at Gosenjaku Hotel Kamikochi and take some time to decompress from the journey. For dinner, stop by the hotel's main dining room called Grand, where you can savor fine French cuisine made with Japanese regional flair.

At night, go on a guided tour of Kamikochi with Natureguide Fivesense, an award-winning ecotourism operator. Breathe in the crisp, clean air at 1,500 meters above sea level and relish the beauty of the stars twinkling above. Your unforgettable journey to Chubusangaku National Park has only just begun.

Start your day off with a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, which offers a signature pork miso soup. Your private guide will meet you to review your itinerary for the next few days. Then you'll set off together on the Yarisawa Route, which takes you on a peaceful walk along the clear waters of the Azusa River and through the refreshing natural environment. For lunch, stop by Michikusa Shokudo where you can sample their nozawana fried rice, made with a pickled leafy vegetable, and soft-serve ice cream while enjoying views of Mount Hotaka.

You'll spend the night at Yarisawa Lodge, a relaxing accommodation that is surrounded by a serene forest and has cozy rooms for you to feel refreshed after a full-day hike.

Depart from Yarisawa Lodge around dawn and continue on your hiking journey through the park. This day will take you straight to the foot of Mount Yarigatake itself by passing through landscapes that have been shaped by volcanoes and glacial erosion alike. Sessho Hutte will be your lunch venue, and by mid-afternoon you should arrive at Yarigatake Sanso Hut, which has a history of more than a hundred years. Here you can unwind and take in a direct view of the spear-like summit of Mount Yarigatake.

Another early morning start will allow you to take in the wondrous sight of sunrise from atop Mount Yarigatake. Thereafter you will begin your descent on the Hidasawa Route, a journey of eight hours that brings you to the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway. From here, take a bus to the hot spring resort area of Fukuji Onsen Village and check in to Motoyu Magokuro. Pamper yourself with dinner and have a relaxing time in the onsen, which will heal your body and rejuvenate your spirit.

Unwind from your mountain odyssey by checking out of your onsen accommodation and taking a bus to Goshikigahara Forest in the morning. A full day guided hikeof this beautiful forest at the foot of Mount Norikura will allow you to visit wetlands, ponds, waterfalls, and other stunning features of the nature reserve.

In the afternoon, you'll take a bus from Hirayu Onsen to the city of Takayama. You can opt to head back home from there or spend an extra night exploring the charmingly antiquated ambience of Takayama.