The exclusive tour in the Shizuoka Prefecture grants travellers quick and easy access to hard-to-reach areas of the alpine landscape.
Explore Shizuoka has launched Japan’s first heli-hike tour to the Southern Alps National Park, offering an unparalleled journey into Japan’s untouched wilderness.
Usually off-limits to vehicles, this luxury tour gives guests exclusive access to the park via helicopter for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the remote landscape.
The three-night, four-day itinerary promises mountain climbing, hiking, touring a whisky distillery and soaking in hot springs, all while travelling in total comfort and style.
The tour starts at the Nihondaira Yume Terrace where visitors are treated to views of Mt. Fuji’s peak from the terrace’s vantage point before relaxing at the luxurious Nippondaira Hotel.
On day two guests depart from the hotel’s heliport and chopper to the summit of Mt. Ogochidake, taking less than 20 minutes to get there.
Atop Mt. Ogochidake, guests can take in the panoramic views of Japan’s Southern Alps and Mt. Fuji before being transported to the Sawarajima Lodge photo gallery and Ikawa Distillery.
Nestled halfway up Mt. Ogochidake, the distillery stands as one of the most remote in all of Japan and is typically not open to the public.
Travellers will be granted special access and enjoy a private tour for an exclusive opportunity to learn about and try the whisky distilled at Japan’s highest altitude.
Day three features a one-hour private car ride to the Senmai-goya Hut, usually accessible only by foot.
From here, travellers will ascend to the summit of Mt. Senmaidake, accompanied by an English-speaking guide showcasing the area’s rich history and unveiling viewpoints along the way.
Following the hike, a visit to the rejuvenating Sumatakyo Onsen Hot Spring will allow time to rest and recuperate.
The four-day tour ends on a high with a short stroll through the emerald-green Sumatakyo Gorge and a visit to the Bridge of Dreams suspension bridge.
“We are thrilled with the interest travellers have had for this new tour,” said Kazuyoshi Ueda, Director General of Tourism Shizuoka Japan.
“It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Japan’s wilderness, complemented by luxurious accommodations and exclusive experiences.”
