Discover moments
only a guide can create.
Your next adventure starts here.
Explore the Japan Alps and surrounding mountain regions through guided hikes, ancient pilgrimage trails, and seasonal adventures—including winter experiences.
Whether you’re a first-time climber, a cultural explorer, or someone seeking a quieter, more personalized journey, our professional guides tailor each tour to your pace and preferences.
With deep local knowledge and a focus on safety, we ensure an unforgettable mountain experience—rich in nature, tradition, and moments that stay with you long after the trail ends.
Discover the Untouched Beauty of the Japan Alps
Discover the iconic peaks and hidden trails of the Japan Alps. Join small-group hikes and tours to enjoy stunning views, rare wildlife, and the beauty of alpine nature in every season.
Step Into Japan’s Living History
Explore historic trails like the Nakasendo and towns like Takayama and Narai, deeply connected to the Japan Alps. Join small-group tours led by local guides and discover true mountain culture.
Experience Winter Magic in the Japan Alps.
Step into the snowy silence of the Japan Alps. Experience breathtaking winter landscapes and rare outdoor adventures, along with cozy local cultural activities found only in this unique region.
Unforgettable Family Adventures in the Japan Alps.
Enjoy family-friendly hikes, cycling, and cultural experiences in the Japan Alps. With easy mountains for kids and private tours to meet rare wildlife, it’s a journey your family will never forget.
Custom Tours in the Heart of the Japanese Alps.
Explore the Japan Alps at your own pace with a custom small-group tour. From alpine traverses to ancient trails like the Nakasendo and Shio-no-Michi, discover a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Editor's Choice Tours
Epic Trails & Alpine Adventures
Welcome
Our hiking and mountain tours range from self-guided to group formats.
Please review the general rules, safety tips, and etiquette for hiking in Japan before your trip.
You will receive detailed guidelines prior to your tour—be sure to read them carefully.
To enjoy a richer experience and protect the environment, we ask that you respect the rules of the mountains and mountain huts.
Let’s hike responsibly and leave a positive impact on the trails we explore.
Preparation Before Your Trip
Choose a trail that matches your fitness level and hiking experience—never push beyond your limits. Opt for a course with some margin of safety.
If you have health concerns or chronic conditions (e.g. heart, respiratory, or metabolic issues), or have experienced altitude sickness, please consult your doctor before joining. Those prohibited from exercise by a physician cannot participate.
If, before departure, your condition is deemed unsafe, participation may be declined.
Guides may also ask participants to leave the tour if safety is compromised during the trip. In such cases, related costs are the guest’s responsibility.
Before your trip, review route maps, gear lists, and trail information.
Stay active and maintain your fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Ensuring Safety During Your Hike
Due to weather and trail conditions, tour routes or schedules may change—or be canceled.
Summit goals are not guaranteed.
Our guides prioritize group safety. Please follow their instructions at all times.
Changes to the itinerary may result in additional costs, which must be covered by participants.
Tours are conducted as group activities. Disruptive behavior may result in removal from the tour or restrictions on future participation.
Stay alert from start to finish—especially during descents, where accidents often occur.
In case of emergencies, all rescue costs are the participant’s responsibility.
Coverage depends on your insurance policy.
Compensation for damages follows our travel agency’s terms and conditions.
Submitting a Climbing Registration Form
A climbing registration form is essential for search and rescue efforts in case of an emergency.
Please make sure to complete and submit the form before your hike.
If your route crosses a prefectural border, you may need to submit the form to both prefectures. In some regions, submission is legally required, and failure to do so may result in a fine.
The form should include your personal details (name, contact info, emergency contact), your hiking schedule, departure point and time, planned route, destination, and estimated return time.
It is also helpful to list your gear, the amount of food you’re carrying, and detailed information about any group members.
For participants joining our guided hiking or climbing tours, we will prepare and submit the registration form for the guided portion of the trip.
Travel and Mountain Insurance
Before leaving home, we strongly recommend purchasing insurance that covers mountain search and rescue.
In Japan, rescue operations in mountainous areas are usually conducted by public authorities such as the police or fire department. These public rescues are generally free of charge.
However, in many cases, private rescue teams may be called in. Private rescues often involve significant costs, including daily fees, insurance, meals, and transportation expenses.
In the event of injury or illness, costs can extend far beyond medical treatment—emergency transport and repatriation may also be required, resulting in considerable expenses.
To protect yourself and ensure peace of mind, please arrange appropriate travel and mountain insurance before your trip.
Trail Etiquette and Safety Rules
Respect for Nature
To protect the natural environment and minimize impact on wildlife and vegetation, please follow these important rules:
Stay on marked trails at all times. Do not step off the trail, even to take photos.
Carry out all waste you bring into the mountains. Some mountain huts may accept trash from items purchased there, but this is an exception—not the rule.
Camping and the use of fire are strictly prohibited outside designated areas.
Pets are not allowed on mountain trails.
Do not feed wild animals under any circumstances.
In certain areas, especially within national parks, collecting plants, even a single leaf or small stone, is strictly forbidden.
Let’s work together to preserve the natural beauty of the mountains for everyone to enjoy—now and in the future.
Hiking Etiquette: Part 1
Respect for Others on the Trail
To ensure a safe and pleasant experience for everyone, please follow these basic manners:
Greet fellow hikers when passing on the trail. A simple hello builds connection and may help others remember your condition and location in case of emergency.
Uphill hikers have the right of way, but always assess the situation and be flexible.
When yielding, step to the uphill side of the trail and wait safely.
Avoid playing music or ringing bells unless necessary (e.g., bear precautions). Loud noise can disturb both people and wildlife.
If you smoke, do so only in designated areas. If none are available, please be considerate of those around you.
Be mindful during summit photo taking—keep it brief and let others enjoy the view.
Use mobile phones and hold conversations quietly, respecting the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Conserve battery power by switching off your phone or setting it to airplane mode when not in use.
Let’s share the trail with care and consideration.
Hiking Etiquette: Part 2
Respect in Transit and on the Trail
When using public transportation to and from the trailhead, be mindful of your backpack. Don’t block aisles or seats, and use a rain cover if your pack is dirty or wet. Store trekking poles or ice axes in your pack or hold them securely with covers to avoid injuring others.
Keep your belongings with you and watch out for lost items or theft.
In snow-free seasons, use rubber caps on trekking pole tips to protect vegetation and trail surfaces. Be cautious not to inconvenience or endanger other hikers.
Walk gently to avoid dislodging rocks. If you accidentally cause a rock to fall, shout “Rock!” loudly to alert others below.
Check how to use public toilets properly before using them. Bring small change to contribute to toilet maintenance. Always try to use the toilet at the trailhead before starting your hike.
To avoid spreading non-native plant species, clean mud off your boots at the end of each hike.
Let’s protect both nature and one another—on and off the trail.
Important Notices
Before You Begin
Mountain environments are very different from life in the city. While they come with certain risks and challenges, these very differences are also what make mountain adventures so rewarding.
Please review the following notices carefully to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and meaningful experience in the Japan Alps.
About Japan’s Climate
Japan is a long island nation stretching from north to south, with diverse climates and ecosystems shaped by differences in latitude and elevation.
The Japan Alps, with peaks reaching 3,000 meters and surrounded by sea, often experience rapid weather changes—even within a short distance or time.
Be aware that conditions here may be very different from those in your home country. Proper preparation is essential for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Essential Clothing and Equipment
Your gear and clothing should match the season, weather, and difficulty of the trail.
Please prepare thoroughly to stay safe and comfortable in various outdoor conditions.
Make sure you have proper mountain gear.
Inspect your hiking boots—sole separation is a common problem on the trail.
Keep clothing and valuables in waterproof bags to protect them from rain and sweat.
Bring your own topographic map.
Review the gear checklist we will send you in advance.
Note: If your guide determines that your gear or clothing is insufficient, you may not be allowed to join the tour—even on the day of departure. Any costs incurred in such cases are your responsibility. Please contact us in advance if you are unsure about any equipment.
Staying Safe at High Altitudes
Altitude sickness can affect anyone above 2,500m. Early signs include headaches, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening conditions like pulmonary or cerebral edema.
To prevent symptoms:
Be in good health before departure.
Walk slowly—your guide will set the pace.
Drink plenty of water.
Use deep belly breathing; exhale slowly through pursed lips.
Avoid sleeping pills—they can suppress breathing at altitude.
About Mountain Huts in Japan: Part 1
Mountain huts in Japan are operated under harsh natural conditions with limited resources. Understanding their role and being considerate of others is essential for a safe and respectful experience.
Plan to arrive at the hut by 3–4 PM. If you're delayed, call the hut to avoid being reported as missing.
If you change your plans due to health or weather, always notify the hut—failure to do so may trigger a police search.
Dinner is usually served between 5–6 PM, and breakfast around 5–6 AM. Times may vary by hut.
Lights go out around 8–9 PM when the generator stops. Bring a headlamp for nighttime use.
Smartphone charging may be available for a small fee (around 100 yen) during lighting hours.
Bedding is provided—either futons or sleeping bags. Bring a sleeping bag liner or towel (as a pillow cover) for hygiene.
Most rooms are shared and mixed-gender. Private rooms may be available for an extra charge.
Please keep noise to a minimum during the night and early morning.
About Mountain Huts in Japan: Part 2
You must remove your shoes inside the hut.
Beer, sake, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and light snacks are available, but prices are higher than in town.
Most huts do not accept credit cards—bring enough cash.
All trash must be taken home with you. However, garbage from items purchased at the hut may be accepted.
Toilets may be Japanese-style. Used toilet paper might need to be discarded in a bin, not the toilet. Hut guests usually use toilets for free; non-guests may be charged (~¥100).
Water is extremely limited. Showers are generally unavailable.
To protect the environment, toothpaste and soap are often not allowed.
Other Important Reminders
Water: Avoid drinking untreated water from streams or rivers. Always boil water before drinking to prevent illness.
Getting Lost: Trail signs in Japan vary in design and are often written only in Japanese. Always carry a detailed map and check your position regularly. If you get lost, stop immediately and retrace your steps until you are sure of your location.
Sudden Weather Changes: Weather in the Japanese mountains can shift drastically within 20–30 minutes—even in summer, it can suddenly feel like winter. Hypothermia is a serious risk, even in July and August. Be prepared for cold, wind, and rain at any time. Pay attention to weather advice from patrol teams, guides, and mountain hut staff—it can save lives.
Health Conditions: If you have chronic medical conditions, bring all necessary medications and consult your doctor before hiking. Mountain areas lack immediate medical support. In bad weather, rescue helicopters may not fly, and rescue teams might have to carry patients down on foot, delaying proper treatment.