First helicopter hiking tour of Japan's Southern Alps launched

A brand new helicopter and hiking tour has launched in Japan's Shizuoka prefecture, exploring the region's captivating Southern Alps. Offering exhilarating views of majestic Mt. Fuji and its surrounding peaks, the tour includes stops at a rejuvenating mountain onsen, a traditional ryokan and Japan’s most remote whisky distillery. The 4-day Japan Southern Alps National Park Adventure Tour from destination management company Local Network Service Shizuoka Japan is the first of its kind in the Japan Southern Alps National Park and will welcome its first visitors from September this year. 

The tour visits the summit of Mt. Ogochidake at an elevation of around 2,000m, an area of the mountain range that is ordinarily on foot with a three-day hike but is reached in just 20 minutes by helicopter. During the tour, guests will also reach the summit of Mt. Senmaidake on foot at an elevation of 2,880m, with the help of an English-speaking hiking guide. 

Other highlights of the itinerary include a visit to nearby Sawarajima Lodge which showcases artworks depicting the splendour of the Japanese Southern Alps in all four seasons, a stop at the Ikawa Distillery where rare whisky is made at a high altitude from the waters of the mountains, a relaxing visit to the Sumatakyo Onsen and a stroll through the Sumatakyo Valley, where guests will visit the spectacular Yume no Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge – known as the ‘Bridge of Dreams’. Accommodation during the tour includes a traditional Japanese ryokan.

Prices start from 920,000 yen per adult including taxes, based on two adults sharing a room, and include the helicopter ride, private car/taxi transfers, 3 nights’ accommodation, a local guide, selected meals and an environmental conservation and maintenance donation. An adjusted itinerary of 2 nights/ 3 days is available, or itineraries can be modified to suit specific requirements or needs. The tour will be available annually between early September and late October.