Day 1:
NAGOYA – OCHIAI-JUKU – MAGOME-JUKU – GERO ONSEN
Depart Nagoya and head to Ochiai-juku, one of the post towns of Nakasendo. The Nakasendo is an ancient road that has existed for about 450 years. Stroll around the historically important post towns, Ochiai-juku to 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. Walk along the road where old 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 footbaths 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: Shougetsu or similar
Day 2:
GERO ONSEN – HIDA OSAKA FALLS – OKUHIDA ONSEN
Embark on exciting Gifu outdoor adventures at Hida Osaka Falls. There are more than 200 waterfalls in Osaka Town of Gero City. Hida Osaka offers delights that change with the seasons, from verdant greenery and the songs of the birds in spring, to brilliant autumn foliage and newly spawned fish jumping above the waters in fall. There are hiking courses that allow you to casually explore at your own pace, as well as hiking courses that you can challenge with a reserved guide to enjoy a more in-depth experience. Then stay at the Okuhida Onsen Villages, located deep in the northern Japan Alps. Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere unique to a mountain village, the open-air bath said to be the best in Japan, and nature that changes its expression richly with the seasons.
Overnight: Miyama Ouan or similar
Day 3:
OKUHIDA ONSEN – MT. NORIKURA – OKUHIDA ONSEN
Today, let's take a hike to Mt. Norikura and be healed by nature. Mt. Norikura, located at the southern tip of the Northern Alps, consists of 23 mountains and is one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. There is a wide range of hiking courses that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to advanced hikers. Various alpine plants bloom from early June to mid-August, and autumn leaves are at their peak from around mid-September, so you can see beautiful scenery regardless of the season.
Overnight: Miyama Ouan or similar
Day 4:
OKUHIDA ONSEN – SHINHOTAKA ROPEWAY – SHIRAKAWAGO - TAKAYAMA
Start your day by riding the Shinhotaka Ropeway, which takes you to the world above the clouds, 2,156m above sea level. From the Observation Deck at the top of the mountain, you can take in a grand panoramic view of the Northern Japan Alps. Then you will transfer to the village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will see traditional “Gassho-zukuri” farmhouses, some of which have been standing for more than 250 years since they were built. The houses have steeply pitched thatched roofs and are unique to Japan. The village adapted to economic upheavals and maintained a traditional way of life suited to the environment. People consider it a fairy tale place year-round. Shirakawa-go has been selected as one of the “Best Tourism Villages” in 2023, recently announced at the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly. Then head to Takayama, a traditional and beautifully preserved old town, where you can explore various spots such as Historical Districts, Arts, Architectures, Folklore Culture & Local Favorite Cuisines.
Overnight: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort or simila
Day 5:
TAKAYAMA
Start your morning by walking around the bustling Takayama Morning Market, where a wide array of local specialties and other products are available. Then visit Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall. This popular facility displays some of the colorfully decorated festival floats used in the famous Takayama Festival, regarded as one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan. Enjoy seeing the many intricately made floats. 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 breweries.
Overnight: Hotel Associa Takayama Resort or similar
Day 6:
TAKAYAMA
Depart for your next destination.