[HAKUBA - KAMIKOCHI] Full 6-DAY ITINERARY for FIRST-TIMERS & FAMILIES

Please Read Below for additional Tips & Guides & Recommendations

MOST IMPORTANT: Please verify all transportation schedules on this itinerary before booking, as they may change without prior notice.

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DAY 1: TOKYO - NAGANO - HAKUBA

I recommend choosing flights that get to Haneda or Narita early in the morning. Thus, you will have plenty of time to explore Nagano City and ensure that everything is as good as planned.

Apart from taking a JR train & bus with a stopover at Nagano City, you can take the Alpico Bus directly from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakuba. The travelling time would be higher, but you will have more time in Hakuba.

Recommended Hakuba accommodations:
1. THE HAPPO: tinyurl.com/pkvrmt9w (Agoda) or expedia.com/affiliates/hakuba-hotels-the-happo.UM8… (Expedia)

2. HAKUBA TOKYU HOTEL: tinyurl.com/45c2rrfz (Agoda) or expedia.com/affiliates/nagano-hotels-hakuba-tokyu-… (Expedia)

DAY 2: HAKUBA

Taking the bus is the primary mode of transportation in Hakuba. Some hotels may even provide shuttle service for guests. However, during the green season, buses can be infrequent. You may need to contact your accommodation to arrange transportation.

The hike to Happo Pond is doable for most travelers with normal mobility. However, the elderly or those with mobility issues can spend time bathing in the onsen or appreciate the scenery from the restaurants.

The Iwatake Resort has plenty of activities to do. If you are interested in several of them, make sure you arrive there no later than 1 PM.

DAY 3: HAKUBA - MATSUMOTO

Day 3 can be a considered a recovery day. You can get up pretty late or even leave Hakuba in the afternoon if you want to.

Daio Wasabi Farm is located in outskirts of Matsumoto. To access the farm, you'll need to take a train ride to Hotaka Station followed by a bus or taxi ride from there. Thus, it is somewhat difficult to reach. This is why I make this attraction optional.

Recommended Matsumoto accommodations:
1. MATSUMOTO HOTEL KAGETSU: tinyurl.com/5e9shpm3 (Agoda) or expedia.com/affiliates/matsumoto-hotels-matsumoto-… (Expedia)

2. ONYADO NONO MATSUMOTO: tinyurl.com/3jcxbp2z (Agoda) or expedia.com/affiliates/matsumoto-hotels-aduminoyu-… (Expedia)

DAY 4: MATSUMOTO - KAMIKOCHI

Most of Alpico's Kamikochi bus departs from Shin-Shimashima Station. Thus, you need to take a train from the city to that station. However, 5.30 and 10.15 buses depart directly from Matsumoto Bus Terminal.

Kamikochi accommodations are known to fully-booked and expensive. Alternatively, you can spend a night at Hirayu Onsen. Room rates there are quite cheaper.

Recommended Kamikochi accommodations:
KAMIKOCHI ALPEN HOTEL: tinyurl.com/yjeexnkt (Agoda)

KAMIKOCHI IMPERIAL HOTEL: tinyurl.com/44vsewha (Agoda) or expedia.com/affiliates/matsumoto-hotels-kamikochi-… (Expedia)

Day 5-6: Kamikochi - Tokyo

If you want more time in Kamikochi, you can take Alpico Bus back to Tokyo from Kamikochi in the afternoon. However, you will arrive the city as late as 8-9 PM.