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Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

Japan Travel Guide by Japan Rail Pass Now (www.japanrailpass.com.au)

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14 DAY PASS – ACTIVE ITINERARY<br />

Day 7: Hakuba – Outdoor Activities<br />

With one more day in Hakuba, you can enjoy other fun outdoor activities such as white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, mountain trekking,<br />

mountaineering, rock climbing, camping, hiking, onsen retreats, fishing, wakeboarding and windsurfing.<br />

Day 8: Hakuba to Kamikochi (Spend 2 nights Kamikochi)<br />

Another famous resort located in Nagano Prefecture, Kamikochi is home to spectacular scenery of the majestic mountains and thriving forests<br />

in the Northern <strong>Japan</strong> Alps.<br />

From Hakuba, Kamikochi can be accessed via Matsumoto. Take the Ltd Exp Azusa Line from Hakuba Station to Matsumoto Station, and then<br />

hop on the Matsumoto Electric <strong>Rail</strong>way to Shin-Shimashima Station (not covered by the JR <strong>Pass</strong>), where you must catch a bus to Kamikochi.<br />

The whole one-way journey takes about three hours.<br />

Hakuba Valley<br />

Kamikochi – Nagano<br />

Day 9: Explore Kamikochi<br />

Kamikochi is a part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, which contains lots of interesting wildlife, plants and trees, and has many hiking trails<br />

that follow the Azusa River. You might run into some monkeys, birds, or even a bear. Many of its attractions, such as Taisho Pond, Tashiro Pond,<br />

Takezawa Marsh, Myojin Pond, and Kappa Bridge get quite busy during the autumn foliage viewing season and the summer holidays.<br />

Day 10: Kamikochi to Gunma (Minakami) (Spend 4 nights Gunma)<br />

A hot spring resort in the mountains of northern Gunma Prefecture, Minakami offers high quality baths and outdoor sports options.<br />

<strong>Travel</strong> between Kamikochi and Minakami takes about five and a half hours via Matsumoto. From Matsumoto Station, take the Ltd Exp (Wide<br />

View) Shinano Line to Nagano Station, and then transfer to a Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, where you have to catch a JR Joestu Line train<br />

to Minakami Station.<br />

Day 11: Explore Mount Tanigawa<br />

Located on the border of Niigata and Gunma Prefectures, Mount Tanigawa is a rugged 2,000-metre high mountain in northern Minakami.<br />

It is popular among climbers and hikers who want to challenge themselves with rough terrains and steep slopes. It also has easier trails for<br />

beginners and casual hikers. It is open for hiking from July to November, when the trails are not covered with snow. In winter, it operates the<br />

Tanigawa Ropeway, which takes guests to the Tanigawadake Tenjindaira Ski Resort, located about halfway up the mountain.<br />

156 - <strong>Japan</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>Guide</strong>

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