Starting at Nagano in Nagano Prefecture, this trip gives you a chance to experience the thrill of the spectacular scenery. You can trek through the forests, lakes, and moors of the Shiga Highlands. You will never forget bathing in the Jigokudani hot springs, watching monkeys in the wild, and marveling at the splendor of the Northern Alps.

• DAY1

  Nagano - (1 hour by Nagano Electric Railway) - Yudanaka - (30 minutes by bus) - Shiga Highland (hiking; overnight)

• DAY2

  Shiga Highland - (15 minutes by bus) - Kanbayashi Hot Spring (walk to Jigokudani to see the monkeys) - (15 minutes by bus) - Yudanaka - (30 minutes by Nagano Electric Railway) - Obuse(visit the Hokusai Museum) - 35 minutes by Nagano Electric Railway) - Nagano (overnight)

• DAY3

  Nagano - (1 hour on JR Shino-no-I Line) - Matsumoto (visit Matsumoto Castle) - (30 minutes on JR Oito Line) - Azumino-City (tour Azumino and cycling)

Gunma and Niigata prefectures abound in fascinating spots of historical and cultural interest. Learn about ceramics, bonsai, and Japanese paper-making at Takumi-no-sato. Savor some sake and find out how it's made. The largest Shinto shrine in Niigata Prefecture and historical houses have much to teach about Japanese tradition.

• DAY1

  Takasaki - (1 hour on JR Joetsu Line) - Gokan - (30 minutes by bus) - Takumi-no-sato - (30 minutes by bus) - Gokan - (15 minutes on JR Joetsu Line) - Minakami Hot Springs (overnight)

• DAY2

  Minakami - (30 minutes on JR Joetsu Line) - Echigo Yuzawa (Echigo Sake Museum) - (1 hour by JR Shinkansen) - Niigata (visits to Sasagawa Residence, Honcho Market and the Enkikan; overnight)

• DAY3

  Niigata - (1 hour on JR Echigo Line, change at Yoshida Station) - Yahiko (visit Yahiko Shrine and the Takeishi Residence)