Nagoya - Japan Alps - Tokyo

Hi there!

We are planning a 10 day itinerary, arriving in Nagoya (cheap miles) to the Japanese Alps fly out of Tokyo over Xmas and NY, and would appreciate some help / comments on planned route!

Day 1 (Dec 23) - Arrive in Nagoya (early morning) and head directly to Takayama. Stay 2 nights in Takayama.

Day 2 - Day trip to Shirakawa-go

Day 3 - Depart Takayama in the late afternoon to Norikura Kogen

Day 4 - Planning to stay at Guesthouse Raicho and take the snowshoe day tour to Kamikochi Valley

Day 5 & 6 - Debating whether to rest for the day and explore around the area, as we would also like to snowshoe at Norikura Kogen. The dilemma is that Guesthouse Raicho is close to the start of the snowshoe pathway; and if we were to rest for the day, where can we venture to.

Day 6/7 – Any suggestions of areas to explore between Norikura Kogen and Matsumoto? Some options we are thinking of is the Shinhotaka Ropeway, or one of the Onsen towns like Hirayu Onsen or Shirahone Onsen. It would be helpful of recommendations on where to stay as well!

Day 8 – 10 Tokyo

Some thoughts here if you could help!
1. Is there much to do in Nagoya, or fine to head straight to Takayama on day 1?
2. Would you recommend the itinerary to visit Takayama or just focus on the areas around the Japanese Alps instead. If so, where around the Alps do you recommend?
3. Any accommodation to recommend at Norikura Kogen or other areas of Japanese Alps to explore.
4. What is the best method of travel. The Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass seems ideal however it does not seem to operate in winter. There is also the Shoryudo Bus Pass (though this is bus rather than train).

Thank you so much!

Consider that over New Year and a few days before/after many things are closed. So check if where you want to visit is open.
Also check if restaurants are open or if your hotel offers dinner. Otherwise youfll go without eating.

Also you are spending a lot of time in the mountains in the middle of the winter. Thatfs fine if you know what you are getting into. Just expect cold and if you are unlucky cold rain.

A place I can recommend is Hirayu onsen. I stayed at Mori no yu.