Kiso-Fukushima

Tailor-made Kiso-Fukushima Holidays

Travel has been a theme of life in Kiso-Fukushima for centuries thanks to its strategic position at the halfway point of the historical Nakasendo Way. Because it was home to one of only four checkpoints, or sekisho, along the whole route, everyone was forced to pause here to show their permit and have their goods inspected. The legacy of that lucrative period is an excellent reason for modern-day travellers to linger here in the Kiso valley for a while, too, if only for long enough to wander around the sleepy streets of the Ueno-dan conservation area, pore over the eclectic exhibits in the well-preserved checkpoint and the former home of the family who oversaw it and admire the elegant simplicity of the Zen garden at Kozen-ji temple.

But there are also reasons to stray a little further, on foot on ancient trails through cypress-scented forests, or further still towards the mountains on either side of this captivating riverside town. To the west is Mount Ontake, the second-highest volcano in the whole country, where an exertion-saving ropeway whisks visitors up to 7,000 feet above sea level, from where the panoramic views of the Alps – not to mention the cold air – will take your breath away. At the foot of the mountain, the Kaida Kogen highlands provides a different landscape to admire: a sea of buckwheat fields and pastures where endangered Kiso horses, Honshu’s only native breed, graze.

Take a journey into one of Japan’s most atmospheric places with the assistance of our Japan experts and their hand-picked team of local guides.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Richard, who's travelled extensively in Japan. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the tea devotee who'll introduce you to the ceremony surrounding Japan's national drink, the noodle guru who'll teach you how to make the perfect bowl of soba and the ryokan owner who'll tutor you in the relaxing art of the onsen.

Richard Pearson

Travel Expert for Alfred&

The term ‘well-travelled’ is an understatement when describing Richard. They've been swept up in the cultural portals of Japan and China and fallen in love with Vietnam’s historical melting pot and romantic karsts of Halong Bay. Their mantra is ‘expect the unexpected,’ which is why they find India so attractive; its manic city streets, stunning yet seldom-visited temples and off-road safaris in the wildest tiger reserves.
Takeaki Shibuya

Experience coordinator for Destination Asia, Alfred&'s partners in Japan

After 14 years of experience travelling in more than 70 countries as a tour conductor and planner, Takeaki has come home to Japan, which he truly believes is the most unique place in the world to explore. His unusual experiences are a source of creation which draws out the esoteric and the hidden of Japan.
Ms Makishima

Nakai-san at Gion Yoshi-Ima

A long-time employee at Gion Yoshi-Ima and resident of Kyoto, Ms Makishima embodies the Japanese spirit of hospitality: a welcoming character, dedication to her work, and joy in the everyday. Care and devotion is given to her guests and she is always on hand to attend to needs or offer advice to adventurous travellers.
Fabien Fleury

Wine educator, oenophile and guide

Tokyo-based Fabien was born in Saintes, near Cognac, in the south-west of France. As a boy, he used to help his grandfather take care of his vineyard, which instilled in him a love of the whole process of wine-making. Fabien has been giving tasting seminars to wine lovers between Europe and Japan for 10 years and enjoys sharing his expertise on tours of Japan’s wine-making Yamanashi area outside Tokyo.
Ms Akira

Member of the hospitality team at Oyado Koto no Yume

Ms Akira is part of the hospitality team at Koto no Yume, a ryokan in the traditional town of Takayama. Living in a city steeped in culture, she enjoys helping guests to get to know a little more of the traditional arts and crafts, as well as the beautiful sites of Takayama.
Satoshi Inuki

Japanese literature enthusiast & one of Alfred&’s guides in Japan

Satoshi is originally from a small town in Hyogo prefecture. In his early 20s he lived in Edinburgh where he met many people from all over the world who asked him questions about Japan. This prompted him to study more about his own country’s culture, history and traditions. He moved to Kyoto around 10 years ago and became a licensed guide in 2011, since when he has come to know every inch of both his new home town and destinations such as Hiroshima, Okayama and Naoshima to the west.