Day 2

Early risers may wish to join a special visit to the World Heritage Site Tenryuji Temple, including the Sogen Pond Garden and the Dharma Hall “Unryuzu” before general visiting hours (additional fee applies). Afterwards, enjoy a delicious continental breakfast with a view of the Katsura River at Muni La Terrasse. There is time for a relaxing Onsen soak or riverside stroll before you're collected by your private driver for your day exploring Kyoto. This afternoon's highlights include Kiyamizu-dera 'pure water' temple, the Gion District's atmospheric laneways and traditional teahouses, and an optional short walk on the Philosopher's Path. You'll return to Muni Kyoto in time to enjoy a complimentary drink on the terrace as the sunsets over the Katsura River. Tonight is a free evening to explore the restaurants of Arashiyama which can be accessed on foot from the hotel, or perhaps another dinner at Muni Alain Ducasse.

Included: B

Day 3

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Kyoto Station for your Green Class rail journey to the Kiso Valley, which includes the bullet train to Nagoya. On arrival, your driver and guide will lead the way to Magome, a beautifully preserved post-town in the Kiso Valley. There's time to explore the town and enjoy a light lunch before commencing your guided walk on one of the most famous sections of the renowned Nakasendo Trail. The scenic eight-kilometre route to Tsumago-juko winds through ancient forests and past a scenic waterfall before arriving into the picturesque village. Later you'll be transferred to nearby Zenagi Expedition Hotel, a beautifully restored traditional Japanese Kominka house built in the 1600s. The property is exclusively yours for the next two nights, and comes with an in-house team consisting of your private chef, sommelier and host. Enjoy a welcome drink, before a soak in your room's Hinoki bathtub scented with calming Japanese herbs sourced from the forest. Later, indulge in a French-inspired multi-course degustation dinner prepared by the award-winning chef.

Walking distance: 9 km, plus time to explore Tsumago on foot

Included: B - D

Day 4

Today's Nakasendo Trail adventure begins after breakfast in Nagiso, following the tranquil Yogawa-Michi route that meanders through the serene countryside and climbs into the secluded mountains of Yogawa. You'll cross the picturesque Nenoue Pass and walk alongside the clear waters of the Atera River, eventually reaching Nojiri. Around midday, your guide will take you to the breathtaking Atera Gorge for a refreshing swim and a scenic picnic lunch. Later, return to Zenagi Expedition Hotel for a relaxing soak and another gourmet dinner, with your personal butler attending to every detail.

Distance: Up to 17 kilometres (your private driver will be available to shorten the distance on some sections to suit your fitness and preferences)

Included: B - L - D

Day 5

Start your day with a final breakfast at Zenagi before meeting your guide at 9 am for a scenic walk from Yabuhara to Narai, crossing the famous Torii Pass. The hike begins in Yabuhara, known for its craftsmanship, and follows a forested, cobblestone path to the summit at 1,197 metres, offering stunning valley views. Descend into Narai-juku, a beautifully preserved Edo-period post-town. After a light lunch, check into Byaku Narai, a luxurious ryokan set within four restored heritage buildings in Narai. Explore the gardens, relax in your private Onsen bath, before dinner inspired by the Kiso Valley’s history in a renovated sake brewery.

Distance: 9-12 kilometres; the option to extend your walk to the next post-town, Hirasawa, adds 3km round-trip

Included: B - D

Day 6

After a leisurely breakfast, your driver will take you to the impressive grounds of Matsumoto Castle, a 16th-century National Treasure known for its iconic black façade and picturesque gardens. Explore the castle interior and learn about the Samurai history of the Castle and surrounding streets, before a stroll around the extensive grounds. Afterwards, you'll be transferred to Matsumoto Honbako Hotel, which has views to the northern Japanese Alps. Spend the afternoon relaxing in your private hot spring bath or browsing the hotel’s curated library. In the evening, enjoy a drink at Honbako Bar before dining on wood-fired cuisine at 367 Sanrokunana.

Included: B - D

Day 7

The breakfast at Honbako features freshly baked bread and seasonal vegetables sourced from the Shinshu region. After breakfast, your driver will take you on a scenic 90-minute transfer from Matsumoto to Mount Hotaka in the Northern Japanese Alps. The Shin-Hotaka Ropeway lifts you to nearly 2,200 metres, offering breathtaking alpine views. From the top, enjoy a guided hike through coniferous forests to the Nishiho Sanso mountain hut, then continue for 15-20 minutes over rocky terrain to see the stunning viewpoint of Mt. Nishi-Hotaka-dake. Enjoy lunch on the mountain, before descending on foot and by ropeway down the mountain. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you to Kamikochi, where you will stay right by the famous Kappa Bridge at Gosenjaku Hotel. Staying here offers prime access to the Kamikochi Valley trails and early-morning views of the famous bridge before the crowds arrive. Tonight, enjoy fusion French-inspired dining showcasing local ingredients at Gosenjaku.

Note: The moderately challenging ascent to Nishiho Hut is only available from June to September. If travelling outside of this time or if hiking conditions are deemed unsafe by your mountain guide, you will ride the gondola to the top of Shin-Hotaka to enjoy the panoramic views from the two observation decks.

Included: B - D

Day 8

For the best chance to capture a photo of Kappa Bridge, head out around 7 am to enjoy the peaceful morning light before the crowds arrive. Kamikochi is perfect for nature lovers, with scenic valley walks along the Azusa River, and this morning is your chance to get amongst it. Enjoy a 2-3 hour self-guided loop walk to Myojin Pond after breakfast, with views of the surrounding peaks and mirror-like pools sure to impress. Next meet your driver for the transfer toward Japan's Southern Alps, arriving at your accommodation in the Fuji 'Five Lakes' area mid-afternoon after a short stop at a Mt Fuji viewing point. Upon arrival at Fufu Kawaguchiko, settle into your spacious suite which features a private Onsen hot spring bath made with volcanic stone from Mount Fuji, and floor-to-ceiling windows inviting in the Mt Fuji view. Tonight's kaiseki-style dinner is inspired by the surrounding forests and mountains and features seasonal dishes prepared using wood, fire, and volcanic stone.

Included: B - D

Day 9

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast featuring regional specialties such as rice cooked in a wood-fired stove, hearty soups, and local Jiyoran eggs, providing a special start to the day. Today you'll enjoy a four-hour private guided tour of Mount Fuji's 5th Station and the significant pilgrim history of Japan's highest peak. The journey begins with a visit to the ancient Kitaguchi Hongu Shrine, thought to have its origins in 100AD and dedicated to halting the frequent eruptions of Mt. Fuji. The shrine is at the Yoshida trailhead, the traditional approach to Mt Fuji for pilgrims. Continue from here to Mount Fuji, where you will enjoy a peaceful walk through Okuniwa Nature Park or Okiwa on the Ochudo trail, both of which incorporate lush alpine meadows, volcanic rock formations and ancient forests with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji summit. Your experience culminates with a visit to Mount Fuji's 5th Station which is at an elevation of 2300 metres. On return to your hotel, unwind in the open-air hot spring bath or indulge in a soothing treatment at the onsite Spa by Sisley before another wonderful dinner tonight.

Included: B - D