From Takayama, take a bus to Kamikochi via Hirayu Onsen. Enjoy a day in Kamikochi by hiking along one of the trails along the Azusa River. Note that Kamikochi is closed from mid November to mid April.
Early in the morning, travel from Kanazawa to Toyama and traverse the Tateyama Kurobe Alpen Route, a spectacular route through the Northern Alps. Continue to Nagano and overnight there. Note that the Alpine Route is closed from December to mid April.
Drop by Matsumoto on your way to the Kiso Valley and see Matsumotojo, one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. Continue on to the Kiso Valley and spend the night there.
The above itinerary is somewhat fast-paced. Tourists preferring a slow pace of travel should consider spending more time at some of the destinations along the way.
