Honshu
EXPERIENCES / INTERNATIONAL
Honshu, Japan
Overview
- We take you into the mountainous regions of central Honshu known as the Southern and Northern Alps.
- Enjoy the natural world that inspires so much of the Japanese aesthetic.
- Wonderful landscapes: mountains, gorges, spectacular views and lush forests.
- Camping in glorious valleys and high shelves.
- A warm-up day walk to view Mt Fuji close up; a six day walk through the highest range in Japan (aside from Fuji) and a five-day base-camping walk in the Northern Alps.
- In between walks, two nights on the Nakasendo absorbing the architecture and history of the Edo era.
- Finishes one week after the Hokkaido walk for those who would like to do both with a break between trips.
INTERNATIONAL
4-17 October 2020
Japan’s mountain scenery is often overlooked by walkers, who mistakenly think that Japan is all crowded and industrialised, and by tourists in general who are encouraged to focus on temples, shrines and iconic trails.
This trip will take you into the hills.
This trip will take you into the hills.
This trip is timed to coincide with the turning of the leaves. Whether or not that timing will be perfect, the leaves will be turning somewhere high, low or in the middle, enhancing scenery that is, in any case, breathtaking at any time of year.
We will warm up with a day walk to
We will warm up with a day walk to
take in a close view of Mt Fuji, then head for the Southern Alps: sweeping views, including back to Fuji; skyline camping; deer, serow, perhaps monkeys, Japan’s second highest peak.
Then we take a day off in Tsumago in possibly the most well preserved section of the Nakasendo (“path
Then we take a day off in Tsumago in possibly the most well preserved section of the Nakasendo (“path
between the mountains”) before heading to the Northern Alps via the Kamikochi valley. This is a high broad valley surrounded by jagged peaks: river scenery, steep climbs and spectacular views; famous for its wildlife.
Details
DATES
4-17 October
PRICES
Full price: A$4990
GROUP SIZE
5 guests
BOOKINGS CLOSE
30 April 2020
CAMP SITE
Camping will be on small clearings or on improvised sites in alpine heathland or stone fields. Mostly roomy but some of them might be tight. Can be stony, a good mat is worth bringing. Most nights will be close to a refugio, which will usually be a option for those who prefer, bat at own cost. Between walks, roofed accommodation will be historic home, hostel or bnb.
WILDLIFE
Deer, monkeys, squirrels, serow. Black bears in theory, but very rarely encountered. Various other mammals possible. Many local birds abound though seeing them depends a lot on the observer.
CLIMATE
A mix of weather can be expected. Average daily temperatures near sea level at this time are about max 22Ëš and min 12Ëš. The monthly precipitation for this time is about 110 mm.MEALS
Main meals will be provided. (Simple stove and billy meals while walking. Café/restaurant meals between walks.)
WALK RATING - MODERATE/DIFFICULT
Terrain
Lots of hill climbing, on trails but can be steep and rocky. Most walks begin with a generous climb, one of them with packs. Check out the pdf for climb distances. “Difficult” in the walk rating is mostly in reference to some steep rocky tracks, but they are mostly on day walks, ie not committing.
Vegetation
Walking will mostly be confined to tracks.
Distance
4-8 hours per day
Pack Weight
On the overnight walks you will need to carry your share of five/six days of food.
Itinerary
*This itinerary is subject to change
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