Japanese Alps classic trail

Guided Tour

Shinpi Trail Guided Tour for Experienced Adventurers

A 47 km Journey over a Historic Trail on foot — Matsumoto to Kamikochi

This guided tour for experienced adventurers involves Sections 1 and 2 of Shinpi Trail. You experience what it was like to walk from Matsumoto to Kamikochi before the mobilization. The route to Tokugo Pass, which leads to Kamikochi, is steep with an elevation difference of 1400 m, but it is a beautiful mountain trail along clear streams.

Trip level:
Duration:

1 nights & 2 days or 2 night & 3 days
From USD:

USD 980~

Highlights

A challenging hike over Tokugo Pass on a hitoric trail of the Japan Alps
A challenging hike over Tokugo Pass on a hitoric trail of the Japan Alps
Savor Matsumoto Castle and Matsumoto's candy culture
Feel the satoyama culture of Shinshu Matsumoto
Overnight stay in Shimashima, the former post town

This tour is a guided tour of Section 1 and Section 2 of Shinpi Trail from Matsumoto to Kamikochi. The trail runs along the historic route to Kamikochi before the opening of Kama Tunnel and National Route 158. On the first day, this tour takes you to satoyama culture in Matsumoto, which has been nurtured by the blessings of the Northern Alps. Starting from the castle, you admire the Northern Alps from Alps Park and walk along the Azusa River to Shimashima settlement, the former post town. On the second day, you depart early in the morning for a challenging hike with an elevation difference of 1400m to Tokugo Pass. Those who are physically fit are able to get to Kamikochi. Those who are not confident in their fitness level can stay overnight at Tokugo Pass Hut and slowly descend to Kamikochi the next day. Arriving at Myojin, the original gateway to Kamikochi, you stroll all the way to Kappa Bridge. Walter Weston and Ryunosuke Akutagawa, who introduced this path in his novel "Kappa", also passed through this route to reach Kamikochi. While imagining the scenes of the past, you can fully enjoy the path along beautiful stream to Tokugo Pass.

What is included

Accommodation (basically 2 people per room. Tokugo Pass Hut provides only shared rooms. Tour costs vary depending on the grade and contents of accommodation facilities.)
Local guide
Meals during this trip (One free drink for dinner)
Insurance fee
Porter service

What is not included

×
Second and subsequent alcoholic drink for dinner
×
Snacks
×
Rental fee of gear

Itinerary

Tour itineraries are subject to change. We will inform you of any amendments as soon as we become aware of them.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

Day 1

Matsumoto → Shimashima

Starting at Matsumoto Castle, we walk to Alps Park and admire the great view from there. Passing through a town where you can feel the lifestyle and the culture of Matsumoto, we continue to walk along the Azusa River flowing from the Japan Alps to Shimashima, the gateway of the Japan Alps.

Walking distance

22 km
Max/Min elevation

780m/754m
Walking time

8 hours
Accommodation

Guesthouse or Hut
Meals

Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Shimashima → Tokugo Pass

Our walk starts from Shimashima to Tokugo Pass through an ancient trail. This is the most challenging section of Shinpi Trail with an elevation gain of 1,400m, but a pleasant, quiet trail alongside a clear stream.

Walking distance

19km
Max/Min elevation

2040m/691m
Walking time

9 hours
Accommodation

Hut
Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Tokugo Pass → Kamikochi

Descending from Tokugo Pass with an elevation gain of about 600 m with views of the spectacular Hotaka mountain range, we head to Kamikochi Myojin, the former gateway to Kamikochi. In the afternoon, we spend time freely exploring around the Myojin ~ Kappa Bridge.

Walking distance

6km +
Max/Min elevation

2140m/1500m
Walking time

2 hours 30 mins
Accommodation

Hotel or Hut
Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

※Customizations available: itinerary adjustments (shorten/extend), add-on cultural experiences.

※For Trails Experts: DAY 2 & 3 can be combined, making it a 1-night & 2-day tour.

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Trip level:
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Trip level:
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From USD:

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Trip level:
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From USD:

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Trip level:
Duration:

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From USD:

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