Day 1:
HANEDA/NARITA AIRPORT » TOKYO
Arrive at either Haneda or Narita Airport and transfer to your hotel in Tokyo. The rest of the day is yours to relax after your flight and adjust to the vibrant atmosphere of Japan’s capital. Enjoy a leisurely evening soaking in the sights, sounds, and excitement of Tokyo.
Day 2:
TOKYO
Start your day by exploring Toyosu Market, where you can witness the famous tuna auctions and savor fresh sushi. Dive into the mesmerizing digital art installations at teamLab Planets Tokyo, an immersive experience that will captivate your senses. Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the city from Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan. Finish the day in Asakusa, where you can explore the historic Senso-ji Temple and experience the charm of old Tokyo along Nakamise Street, lined with traditional shops. End your evening with an authentic Izakaya Experience, enjoying Japanese comfort food and drinks in a lively local pub atmosphere.
Day 3:
TOKYO » NAGANO
Travel to Nagano, known for its beautiful nature and rich historical heritage, on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Start your day with a visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park. In winter, you can observe wild monkeys relaxing in the natural hot springs. Seeing playful monkeys in a winter wonderland is a truly unique experience. Afterward, head to Obuse, a charming town known for its historical connections to the artist Hokusai. You can wander through peaceful streets filled with traditional merchant houses and delightful eateries. Stay overnight in Nagano city.
Day 4:
NAGANO
Start your day at Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist sites. With a history of over 1,400 years, this grand wooden structure houses the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan, making it a significant spiritual and cultural landmark. From here, journey to Togakushi
Shrine, located in a picturesque mountain setting. Take a walk along the Togakushi Ancient Road, lined with towering trees that create a mystical atmosphere as you make your way to the shrine. Experience Japan’s spirituality and natural beauty in this peaceful, sacred environment. For lunch, indulge in Nagano’s soul food with a hands-on Oyaki experience, where you will try making traditional stuffed dumplings, or opt for a tour of a Shinshu miso brewery, learning about the craft of creating the region’s famous miso. Stay overnight in Nagano city.
Day 5:
NAGANO » TOYAMA
Travel by Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama and begin your day at Shinminato Fishing Port, where you can witness the lively Daytime Fish Auction, a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s seafood industry. Watch as fresh catches are auctioned off to the highest bidder, then enjoy tasting some of the freshest seafood in the nearby restaurants. Next, visit Nousaku, a traditional Japanese metalware manufacturer in Toyama. Here, you can create your own cast-iron or tin items, experiencing the ancient craftsmanship firsthand. The workshop offers a rare opportunity to connect with Japanese artisanship, making this experience a memorable part of your journey. Stay overnight at Unazuki Onsen, a relaxing hot spring resort.
Seasonal option: The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a spectacular mountain route connecting Tateyama in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi in Nagano Prefecture. This route is renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery and seasonal attractions.
Day 6:
TOYAMA » GIFU
Travel to Gifu, where you will step into the heart of Japan’s traditional rural life. Begin with a visit to Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage village known for its stunning gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are designed to withstand heavy snowfall. These thatched-roof houses, some more than 250 years old, are surrounded by picturesque landscapes, making Gokayama a perfect place to experience Japan’s rural charm. Then, head to Shirakawa-go, another UNESCO-listed village, where the gassho-zukuri homes dot the landscape, especially magical in winter with snow-capped roofs. Stay overnight at Takayama.
Day 7:
GIFU
Explore the charming town of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. Start at the Miyagawa Morning Market where local farmers sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious regional specialties like Hida beef skewers. Visit Hida-Furukawa to experience workshops to learn about the benefits and uses of local medicinal herbs. Wander through the Old Townscape in Takayama, where you can stroll along narrow streets lined with traditional merchant houses, offering a glimpse into Takayama’s past. Stay overnight at Takayama.
Day 8:
GIFU » OSAKA VIA ISHIKAWA, FUKUI, SHIGA, etc
Begin your day by discovering the art of Mino-Washi. Join workshops to learn the intricate process of creating this UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Then, travel to Seki City for a hands-on blade-making workshop. Learn from skilled swordsmiths and create your own blade. After a week exploring Japan, continue to Osaka via Ishikawa, Shiga, or Aichi.