Kyoto - Nagoya - Takayama

Transfer to Kyoto station for Shinkansen bullet train to Nagoya (approx. 40minutes), where you will change to a limited express train for Takayama. Upon arrival at Takayama Station, you will first visit Yatai Kaikan Hall, which houses intricately decorated floats used in Takayama’s famous Spring and Autumn Festivals. Next will be a stop at Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum, which not only houses many fine examples of hand-crafted items, but is a historical building that has been designated a National Important Culture Asset. The day ends with a stroll down Kami Sannomachi Street. Takayama was formerly a town of merchants and craftsmen under direct control of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and the exteriors of buildings as well as the cityscape of this district retain the atmosphere of feudal times. Overnight at “Honjin Hirano-ya Kachyo-an” or selected ryokan (Japanese Inn) or hotel.

Takayama

Visit the Takayama Morning Market, where you can find fresh vegetables, fruits, and mountain herbs. Travelling by private sedan, you will pass Lake Miboro on your way to the Former Toyama Family Residence, originally built in 1827 and designated an important National Cultural Asset in 1971. The first floor was used as living space and the 2nd through 4th floors were used for sericulture. The next stop is Shirakawago Gassho-zukuri, UNESCO World Heritage site where you can see typical, picturesque Japanese countryside scenery. This open air museum also serves as an artist colony with artisans engaged in traditional handicrafts such as wood working, pottery, weaving, ink drawing and straw basket & hat making. Afterwards, the tour continues to Gokayama for a lesson in making Japanese paper. You will be able to make your own unique sheets of paper created shredded bark from the mulberry tree using techniques that go back centuries. Transfer back to Takayama. Overnight at “Honjin Hirano-ya Kachyo-an” or selected ryokan (Japanese Inn) or hotel.

Takayama - Kanazawa - Wakura

Check out of the ryokan and travel to one of the most famous gardens in Japan, Kenroku-en, whose very name alludes to the six attributes of a perfect garden. Afterwards, the tour continues in the Nagamachi district which is home to a number of preserved samurai residences, followed by Nagamachi Yuzen-kan, where you can see craftsman painting colourful patterns onto silk for kimono. You will even be able to try your own hand at coloring the silk for a design that is uniquely your own. Transfer to Higashi Chaya Street for a taste of Japanese green tea and traditional sweets. Travelling to Wakura Hot Springs, you will check in at Tadaya, a ryokan inn situated on Nanao Bay that provides views of spectacular sunsets. Spacious rooms with a private bath provide the ultimate in comfort. Dinner will be an authentic Japanese course meal served in your room. Overnight at Tadaya.

Wakura - Kyoto

The remainder of the morning will be yours to spend at your leisure until departing the inn. Transfer to Noto Airport (approximately 20minutes) for your flight to Tokyo-Haneda Airport (1.5hours) (4.5hours by train to Kyoto Station). Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.