Customized Tour

Embracing True Japan_ Nakasendo Trail, Onsen and World Heritage in Gifu

  • Heritage
  • Onsen
  • Castle
  • New Tour

per person USD 0
JTB9501

Explore “Timeless Japan, Naturally an Adventure” Gifu, Japan’ s literal heart, with untouched traditional villages nestled in picturesque mountain ranges. Hike the Nakasendo, an ancient road that has existed for about 450 year and wonder the trail with its old post towns to glimpse Japan as it was in the past. Treat yourself at Gero Onsen (Hot springs), considered to be one of Japan’ s three most famous onsen towns, known for its soothing, mineral-rich water and pristine natural setting. Stay at a ryokan (Japanese inn) and enjoy a taste of traditional hospitality and charm. For dinner, enjoy kaiseki cuisine made with Gifu’ s unique and seasonal ingredients, such as Hida beef, Ayu (sweetfish) and more. Visit Gujo Hachiman, which is a castle town rich in nature and has many sightseeing spots. Enjoy cycling through the countryside scenery and interacting with locals. You cannot miss a picturesque, preserved village, Shirakawago, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Day 1: Nagoya - Nakasendo (Magome-juku) - Gero Onsen


Meet your English-speaking guide at Nagoya station. Transfer by private car to Magome-juku, one of post towns of Nakasendo. The Nakasendo is an ancient road that has existed for about 450 years. Stroll around the historically important post town, Magome-juku. Each house is a real residence, and that gives the area an atmosphere of unforced authenticity and helps evoke its lively 400-year history. Then enjoy hiking Magome pass to Tsumago-juku. Walk along the road where old stone cobblestones remain and savor the experience of traveling the way countless other ancient travelers have made the same journey for hundreds of years. In the evening, spend a relaxing time at the historic and atmospheric onsen town, Gero Onsen. Gero Onsen, which is considered one of Japan's top three hot springs, is especially famous for its surprisingly smooth water quality, which leaves your skin smooth after soaking in it. There is an abundance of public baths, spas, and ashiyu foot-baths in this district, making it the perfect location for a stroll in a yukata (summer kimono)! Stay at a traditional Japan-style inn, called ryokan and enjoy gourmet kaiseki cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

Overnight: Suimeikan or similar

Day 2: Gero Onsen - Gujo - Takayama


Depart Gero Onsen and visit Gujo Hachiman, which is a castle town rich in nature and has many sightseeing spots. Gujo Hachiman Castle, a symbol of the Gujo Hachiman area, is the oldest wooden reconstructed castle in Japan, and the castle tower with 4 layers and 5 oors of wood is designated as an important cultural property of Gujo City, and all the stone walls in the area are designated as prefectural historic sites. Gujo Hachiman, where you can enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere is also the largest producer of food samples Japan. The food sample making experience at this historic town is also popular. In the afternoon, proceed to Takayama. Takayama, a traditional and beautifully preserved old town, where you can explore various spots such as Historical Districts, Arts, Architecture, Folklore Culture & Local Favorite Cuisines. Visit Takayama Jinya, a historical government house in the Hida region during the Edo period. Takayama Jinya is praised for its elegance and strength, which is different from that of shrines and temples. As one of the elements that make up Hida Takumi (Craftmanship) story, it has been recognized as a Japanese Heritage Site by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Explore the beautifully preserved old town. Takayama was once a bustling hub drawing expert artisans, farmers, and merchants from throughout the surrounding area, you can enjoy wandering the streets to soak up the atmosphere of the Edo period. The streets are lined with stalls and shops for local specialties and sweets, so you can enjoy the foodie tour. For a Japanese sake fan, Takayama, blessed with the important elements for sake brewing, water, rice, and climate is a perfect place to enjoy tasting sake from local brewerie. For dinner served at your ryokan, enjoy Hida beef, which is raised in the Hida region of Gifu and is designated as the highest quality Kuroge Wagyu beef that meets the strictest standards.

Overnight: Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan or similar

Day 3: Takayama - Hida - Takayama


Start the day by walking around the bustling Takayama Morning Market, where a wide array of local specialties and other products are available. Let’s get active and enjoy a fun activity in Gifu’s nature by cycling or biking on the rail of former railway. Visit Hida, another traditional town in Gifu, situated downriver. Immerse yourself in Japan’s satoyama culture while cycling through the gorgeous landscape of Hida. You can observe daily life in the Japanese countryside during this scenic bicycle tour through the farming village of Hida. Or you can cruise along abandoned railway tracks on a mountain bike. The combination of the surrounding mountain scenery and the vibrations/sounds of the rails you ride along make this a fun and unique experience.

Overnight: Honjin Hiranoya Kachoan or similar

Day 4: Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa


On the last day, you will transfer to the village of Shirakawago, UNESCO World Heritage site where you will see traditional “Gassho-zukuri” farmhouses, some of which are standing more than 250 years since they were built. This village is an excellent example of a traditional way of life perfectly adapted to the environment and the social and economic situation of its people. Regardless of the season, Shirakawa-go is said to be like a fairytale world. Shirakawa Village has been selected as part of Green Destinations’ 2020 Top 100 list for its excellent Good Practice Story and has shown itself to be compliant with the basics of sustainability performance. Transfer to Kanazawa.

Departure Date

Dates are flexible and customizable for your preference.

Type of travel arrangement

Tailor Made Travel Arrangement


1.

The tailor made itinerary program includes airport transfers, accommodation, other transportation within Japan, guided tours, culture experiences, unique activities and some meals. 

2.

Please contact us for a custom quote. The price is customized based on final itinerary, travel dates, choice of accommodation or orther costom preference.

Toll Free  1-800-822-0268

Email : asia@jtbusa.com

Please contact JTB Reservation Center for the pickup service to assembly place.
Japan Marketing Department : Tel 1(800) 882-0268, email asia@jtbusa.com

Date & Price Tour Start Tour End Departure Single Supplement
01/20/2025 12/22/2025 Nagoya $ 0
Cancellation rates will apply to the tour fare. If notice of cancellation is received on tour starting date, or in case of failure to show without notice、100% of the tour fare. days or more days prior, no charge Cancellation period is based on Japan local time. Notice must be received during JTB USA office hours. Mon. - Fri., 9:00AM-5:30PM PST Except National Holidays.

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