Kiso Valley, made for you
Japan
About Kiso Valley
Old post towns linked by a walking trail.
Kiso Valley is in Japan. Our designers can tell you how it fits into a wider journey.
Experiences
Experiences picked by our Kiso Valley specialists
Kyoto
temples, gardens and tea houses
The Japanese Alps
old post towns and hot springs
Naoshima
art on an island
A word from one of our experts
“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”
We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…
Where to stay in Kiso Valley
Lodges, camps and hotels our designers return to.
Why plan with us
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Designed around you
Every itinerary starts from a conversation, not a brochure, and is shaped by your pace, interests and budget.
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Specialists who have been there
Our designers plan the places they know first-hand, down to the right room and the best guide.
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Travel that gives back
We favour stays and guides that support local people, wildlife and the places you visit.
Trip inspiration
Ideas to start from; every one is changed to suit you.
A Luxury Japan Adventure Tour on Land and Water
Luxury Japan adventure tours combine diverse landscapes with rich culture and wellness. Over 11 days, trek through the Japanese Alps, raft down a river gorge a…
Explore tripDiscover more of Japan
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Hakone
Endowed with more than its fair share of natural beauty, Hakone in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a town with water at its heart. At…
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Hiroshima and Miyajima
Although infamous for its destruction in World War II, Hiroshima has emerged from its nuclear past as a thriving and internationally minded…
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Ise-Shima
Discover the vast and diverse landscapes of Ise Shima National Park. From its magnificent vistas, to its peaceful coves, to it’s stark moun…
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Jigokudani
Located in Yamanouchi, in Japan’s Nagano prefecture, Jigokudani is the ultimate and privileged location to watch snow monkeys interac…
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Kanazawa
A thriving historical centre and the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa escaped destruction in World War II leaving it standing…
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Kyoto
When you think of Japan, it’s Kyoto you’re picturing. Multi-tired pagodas rising above the skyline. Elegant landscape gardens with minimali…
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Kyushu
Volcanoes, hot springs and pottery towns.
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Matsumoto
Taking their name from the European Alps that they resemble, the Japanese Alps stretch across the Nagano, Toyama, and Gifu Prefectures on C…
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Mount Fuji
At 3776m, Mount Fuji is Japan‘s highest mountain, a picture-perfect snow-capped cone that dominates the landscape of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu Na…
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Mount Koya
Revered as a dwelling place of the gods since ancient times, Mount Koya rises mysteriously from the Kii peninsula. It’s a tranquil spot ove…
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Nagoya
Japan’s fourth largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama and Osaka, Nagoya is of its major economic and industrial centres. Though having its hist…
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Naoshima
You’ll find the sleepy island of Naoshima in the Seto Inland sea. Its laid back pace, beaches and bright weather give it a wonderfull…
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Nikko
Ornate shrines in forested mountains.
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Okayama
Okayama is located towards the west of Honshu, conveniently placed en-route to Hiroshima from Kyoto and Osaka. The region’s most well-known…
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Okinawa
As Japan’s southernmost prefecture and equidistant from both mainland Japan and the Chinese coast, you’ll discover that Okinawa has a decid…
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Osaka
According to popular legend, a common Osakan greeting translates as “are you making money?”. The reply must be a collective affirmative as…
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Sado Island
Once a place of exile for political dissidents, the remote island of Sado experienced an economic boom during the Edo era when gold was fou…
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Shikoku
The smallest of Japan‘s four main islands, Shikoku is nestled between Honshu and Kyushu, the waters of the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific…
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Takayama
Meaning “Tall Mountain”, you’ll find Takayama in the heart of the Japanese Alps, the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Its remote…
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Tokyo
Discover Japan‘s capital, a city of excitement and bright neon lights set against the backdrop of the vast and towering Mount Fuji. Tokyo’s…
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Yamashiro and Yamanaka
For more than a thousand years, Japanese holiday makers have been coming to Yamashiro and Yamanaka to soothe body and mind in their warm th…
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Meet your Asia team
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Cathy Jocubeit
Senior Concierge – Asia Pacific
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David D Arcy
Senior Travel Designer
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Ellie Khoury
Senior Travel Designer
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Georgina Bainbridge
Travel Designer
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Gilda Tang
Client Experience Manager for Asia Pacific
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Gita Widyasari
Asia Pacific Concierge
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Jessica Wijesinghe
Senior Asia Pacific Concierge
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Keith Jarman
Senior Travel Designer
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Kit Wong
Senior Travel Designer
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Leanne Anglo
Travel Designer
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Lucy Clarke
Travel Designer
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Rachel O Leary
Senior Travel Designer
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Rachel Rose
Travel Designer
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Rahma Adiningtyas
Asia Pacific Concierge
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Rosanna Convey
Travel Designer
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Taylor Williamson
Travel Designer
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Yvonne Green
Travel Designer
When to visit Kiso Valley
Monsoons shape the seasons across much of Asia, but somewhere is always at its best. As a rule the winter months suit Southeast Asia, while spring and autumn are lovely in Japan, China and Korea.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar Best time to visit
- Apr Best time to visit
- May Best time to visit
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct Best time to visit
- Nov Best time to visit
- Dec
Spring
March - May
Cherry and plum blossom.
Autumn
October - November
Red maples and clear days.
Winter
December - February
Snow, onsen and powder skiing.
The best time to visit Kiso Valley
Japan travel guides
The 9 Best Festivals to Go to in Japan
Huge and ornate floats, sparkling fireworks, delicious street food, glowing lanterns and fascinating history and culture at Japan's best festivals
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The Best Ryokans in Japan
Experience Japanese hospitality at its most authentic in the country's best Ryokans
Read more
Our Guide to a Family Vacation in Japan
Everything you need to know for a seamless family trip in Japan
Read more
The Best Wellness Retreats in Asia
Delve into the world of wellness, discovering holistic retreats that blend ancient medicine with nourishing treatments and deliciously healing food. Discover o…
Read more
The Top Forts and Palaces to Visit in India
Explore our curated guide showcasing how India's top palaces have been transformed into spectacular hotels and historic sites.
Read more
The Best Time to Visit Asia
Asia is an incredible continent with a diverse range of climates across its many regions. Here, you’ll find snowy scenes, rainy seasons, blooming wildflowers a…
Read more
Ask our experts
When is the best time to visit Kiso Valley?
The favourite months are March to May and October to November. Each season has something to offer, so tell us when you can travel.
How long should I spend in Kiso Valley?
Two or three nights suit most trips; longer if you want a slower pace or more time outdoors.
What can I combine Kiso Valley with?
It pairs well with Hakone, Hiroshima and Miyajima and Ise-Shima, elsewhere in Japan.
Don't take our word for it
“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”
We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…
“heavenly honeymoon”
My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…
“Jacada Travel has been outstanding”
We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…
Kiso Valley in motion
A short film from our travels. Add a video link to this section to play it here.
Your trip, your story
Every itinerary starts with a conversation and is shaped around you.
A dedicated team looks after the details before, during and after your trip.