Highlights
- Explore the culture-rich city of Kanazawa
- Cycle around the scenic mountain valleys of the Hida region
- See the exquisitely-preserved villages of Magome, Tsumago, and Narai
- Walk the ancient Nakasendo Trail
- Tour the historic imperial capital of Kyoto
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Train to Kanazawa | Kanazawa |
| Day 3 | Explore Shirakawa-go, Transfer to Takayama | Takayama |
| Day 4 | Cycle Around Takayama | Takayama |
| Day 5 | Nakasendo Trail Hike, Transfer to Kiso-Fukushima | Kiso-Fukushima |
| Day 6 | Nakasendo Trail Hike, Transfer to Matsumoto | Matsumoto |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Kyoto | Kyoto |
| Day 8 | Tour Kyoto at Your Own Pace | Kyoto |
| Day 9 | Depart Kyoto |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Your journey starts in hyper-modern Tokyo, where you'll transfer from the airport and settle into your hotel. Take the afternoon to get to know this vast metropolis at your leisure. A trip to the Tokyo Skytree is an excellent way to get oriented in the city—at 2,080 feet (634 m), the tower's observation deck offers panoramic views that stretch as far as Mount Fuji. See Tokyo's ancient side with a visit to Senso-ji for a stroll around the historic temple's peaceful grounds, then finish your evening in the Shibuya district, taking your pick of the area's best restaurants and saké bars.
Day 2: Train to Kanazawa
Today you'll depart Tokyo, traveling by high-speed Shinkansen bullet train along the Japan Sea coast to the castle town of Kanazawa, famous for its crafts, folk arts, and rich history. Explore Kanazawa Castle, once home to the clan of the feudal Lord Maeda, and take a stroll through the world-renowned Kenrokuen Garden.
To learn more about the culture of the city, spend an afternoon in Kanazawa's "geisha district" of Higashi Chaya. Here you'll savor tea and sweets in the traditional teahouses or browse souvenirs from wooden stalls.
Day 3: Explore Shirakawa-go, Transfer to Takayama
Day three takes you to the spectacular Shokawa Valley. Stop first at the UNESCO World Heritage village of Ogimachi in Shirakawa-go. Here you'll see the region's traditional Gassho-zukuri buildings—wooden farmhouses with steep, thatched roofs.
Later in the afternoon, travel onward to Takayama. The village's isolated location has protected much of its authentic culture and architecture, and today it's well-known for yew-wood carving, lacquerware, pottery, and furniture. Check into a local ryokan (a traditional hot springs inn) for the evening and relax in a thermal bath. At dinner, try sampling the local Hida beef and locally-brewed saké.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Cycle Around Takayama
Today you'll explore Takayama in-depth with a three-hour cycling tour, stopping at the bustling Asaichi market and the seven-story pagoda of Kokubun-ji temple. In the afternoon, explore the old town on foot, wandering among old merchant houses and museums. Hunt for souvenirs, sample local delicacies, and rest up for a day of hiking tomorrow.
Day 5: Nakasendo Trail Hike, Transfer to Kiso-Fukushima
This morning you'll travel to the picturesque Kiso Valley and explore the atmospheric Edo-era post-towns of Magome and Tsumago. Joined by a section of the ancient Nakasendo Trail, you'll walk a gentle, three-mile route between the villages on a well-marked path through beautiful countryside and forests. After a well-earned lunch in Tsumago, transfer to the delightful small town of Kiso-Fukushima for dinner and an overnight stay at a local ryokan hot spring inn.
Day 6: Nakasendo Trail Hike,Transfer to Matsumoto
Day six continues along the Nakasendo Trail, with a morning walk between Yabuhara and Narai. This section takes you over the Torii Pass, past forests of red cedar and bamboo, ancient stone statues, and a small shrine. The three-hour walk ends in Narai, where you explore the charming village or join a short local cooking class, learning how to make local delicacies like gohei mochi (toasted rice cooked and glazed with a sweet-savory soy and miso sauce.) In the afternoon, continue to Matsumoto, home to a remarkable 16th-century castle and your base for the night.
Day 7: Transfer to Kyoto
Today you leave the mountains behind and travel to the historic imperial capital of Kyoto. Arriving after lunch, you'll have time to explore some of the city's exquisite dry-landscape Zen rock gardens before settling into your accommodation. In the evening, take a stroll through the Gion district, famous for its many traditional ryotei private restaurants and geisha tea houses.
Day 8: Tour Kyoto at Your Own Pace
Day eight is free to explore Kyoto at your own pace. Arrange a guided tour to learn about the city's history and hidden corners, or grab a guidebook and set out on your own. An excellent place to start is at the renowned Fushimi Inari shrine. Featured in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha," the shrine's 10,000 picturesque red torii gates are considered an iconic image of Japan.
If you feel like a more rural experience, head to Arashiyama on the city's outskirts. This beautiful area is home to the sprawling Tenryu-ji temple and its lush, magical bamboo forest. As night falls on your final evening in Japan, make your way to the bustling streets of Pontocho, where narrow alleys along the Kamogawa River are packed with restaurants and bars.
Day 9: Depart Kyoto
Bid Japan a fond farewell as you transfer to the Osaka Airport this morning to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!
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