Japan Alpine Trail

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo (Stay 2 Nights)

Arrival: Land at Narita or Haneda Airport.

Stay: Shinjuku, Asakusa, or Shibuya.

Evening:

Easy sightseeing: Senso-ji Temple, walk along Sumida River.

Dinner: at a local izakaya or sushi bar.

Day 2: Explore Tokyo

Morning: Meiji Shrine → Takeshita Street (Harajuku).

Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing → Hachiko → Optional: Shinjuku Gyoen or teamLab Planets.

Evening: Tokyo Tower or Skytree; shop at Ginza or explore Akihabara.

Day 3: Tokyo to Nagano (Stay 1 Night)

Train: Shinkansen (1.5 hours from Tokyo).

Stay: Near Nagano Station or Zenko-ji Temple.

Highlights:

Visit Zenko-ji Temple (one of Japan’s oldest).

If season allows: Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park (1 hr by bus/train + walk).

Try local soba noodles and apple desserts.

Day 4: Nagano to Toyama (Stay 1 Night)

Train: Hokuriku Shinkansen (approx. 1 hour).

Stay: Near Toyama Station.

Highlights:

Walk along Matsukawa River (seasonal cherry blossoms).

Visit Toyama Glass Art Museum or Fugan Canal Kansui Park.

Optional: Half-day trip to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (if operational).

Day 5: Toyama to Nagoya (Stay 1 Night)

Train: Shinkansen via Kanazawa (~3 hrs total).

Stay: Near Nagoya Station or Sakae.

Highlights:

Visit Nagoya Castle or Osu Shopping District.

Try miso katsu or hitsumabushi (eel rice).

Optional: SCMAGLEV Railway Museum or Toyota Commemorative Museum.

Day 6: Nagoya to Osaka (Stay 4 Nights)

Train: Shinkansen (1 hour).

Stay: Namba, Umeda, or Shinsaibashi.

Evening:

Explore Dotonbori Canal, Glico Sign, try street food (takoyaki, okonomiyaki).

Day 7: Full Day in Osaka

Morning: Visit Osaka Castle + park.

Afternoon: Explore Umeda Sky Building, Kuromon Ichiba Market.

Evening: Optional Onsen experience (e.g. Spa World).

Day 8: Day Trip to Nara (From Osaka)

Train: 45 min from Osaka.

Highlights:

Visit Todaiji Temple, Nara Deer Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Return to Osaka by evening.

Day 9: Leisure Day / Universal Studios Japan

Spend full day at Universal Studios Japan (book tickets in advance).

Alternatively: Day trip to Kobe for beef, harbor views, or sake tasting.

Day 10: Departure from Osaka

Airport: Kansai International (KIX) or train back to Tokyo (~3 hours) if needed.

If departing late: Squeeze in last-minute shopping at Shinsaibashi or visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.