FTTTravel
9D8N - Curated Journeys Through Tradition and Modernity - Japan

9D8N - Curated Journeys Through Tradition and Modernity - Japan

Master craftsmanship meets timeless heritage on an hand-built expedition through Japan’s cultural heart.

Every element of this concept serves as an initial inspiration. Your dedicated curator will tailor the pacing, privacy layer and access entirely around you during consultation.

Nagoya, Hida, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Japan · 9 days

Key facts

Destination
Nagoya, Hida, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Japan
Duration
9 days

Overview

At a glance

This concept is an initial inspiration. Your curator will hand-tailor every element. Artisanal Japan: Curated Journeys Through Tradition and Modernity Transcend the typical tourist circuit to witness the soul of Japanese craftsmanship. This private odyssey connects you with master artisans in hidden Kyoto ateliers and explores Tokyo’s cutting-edge architectural marvels. From the meditative stillness of private tea ceremonies to the vibrant energy of hand-built culinary districts, FTT Travel grants hand-built access to a Japan rarely seen by the public eye. Experience a seamless dialogue between ancestral heritage and the futuristic vanguard in a journey tailored for the discerning global traveler.

Day by day

A suggested rhythm.

Day 1

Arrival in Nagoya: Gateway to Central Japan

Arrive in Nagoya and settle into your luxury accommodation. Explore the city's samurai heritage and modern urban landscape.

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  • Nagoya Castle

    Nagoya Castle is the iconic symbol of Nagoya and a must-see attraction. Famous for the golden 'shachihoko' on its roof, it was a pivotal fortress during the Edo period and features a beautifully restored palace.

Day 2

Toki: Luxury Retail and Agricultural Innovation

A dedicated day for high-end shopping and a unique look at Japanese professional farming culture.

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  • Toki Premium Outlets

    Experience luxury shopping at this open-air mall featuring over 180 international and Japanese brands with a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.

  • Aeon Mall Toki

    A modern, expansive lifestyle hub offering a wide variety of Japanese retail, dining, and local specialty goods.

  • Komeri Power Toki Store

    A specialized 'Power' store for professional farmers to explore high-end Japanese agricultural technology, irrigation systems, tools, and seeds.

Day 3

Inuyama Castle to Hida Takayama

Travel north from Nagoya to the historic city of Takayama, stopping at one of Japan's oldest surviving castles.

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  • Inuyama Castle

    One of only twelve original castles in Japan, this national treasure sits atop a hill overlooking the Kiso River, offering authentic 16th-century architecture.

  • Sanmachi Suji (Old Town)

    Upon arrival in Takayama, walk through the beautifully preserved district with wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and traditional craft shops.

Day 4

Hida Takayama Cultural Immersion

Explore the deep cultural roots of the Hida region, known for its master carpentry and vibrant morning markets.

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  • Takayama Jinya

    The only remaining Edo-period district office of its kind in Japan, offering a glimpse into historical government administration and local life.

  • Hida Folk Village

    An open-air museum exhibiting over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region, including gassho-zukuri farmhouses relocated here for preservation.

Day 5

Kamikochi: The Alps of Japan

A day trip into the Chubu Sangaku National Park to witness Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery.

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  • Kappa Bridge

    A wooden suspension bridge over the Azusa River that offers the most iconic view of the Hotake mountain range.

  • Taisho Pond

    A mirror-like pond formed by volcanic activity, known for its standing dead trees and stunning morning reflections of the peaks.

Day 6

Shirakawa-go Heritage Stay

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site and experience a special overnight stay in a traditional thatched-roof farmhouse.

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  • Ogimachi Village

    The largest village in Shirakawa-go, famous for its unique gassho-zukuri houses designed to withstand heavy snow.

  • Shirakawa-go Heritage House Stay

    Spend the night in a 'Gassho-zukuri' farmhouse. Experience traditional multi-course dining by an irori sunken hearth and the tranquility of village life after tourists leave.

  • Wada House

    The largest and most prestigious farmhouse in the village, still used as a private residence but partially open to the public.

Day 7

Kanazawa: Gardens and Castles

Travel to the coast to explore Kanazawa, the former seat of the powerful Maeda Clan.

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  • Kenrokuen Garden

    One of Japan’s 'three most beautiful landscape gardens,' offering seasonal beauty and masterful Japanese gardening techniques.

  • Kanazawa Castle

    Located adjacent to Kenrokuen, this large-scale reconstruction showcases the impressive stonework and gatehouse architecture of the Kaga Domain.

Day 8

Kanazawa Heritage to Nagoya

Explore the remaining historic districts of Kanazawa before returning to Nagoya for your final evening.

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  • Higashi Chaya District

    The largest of Kanazawa's historic geisha districts, where you can find traditional teahouses and shops selling gold leaf products.

  • Nagamachi Samurai District

    Walk through the preserved neighborhood of earthen walls and narrow streets where samurai families once lived.

Day 9

Departure from Nagoya

Final morning in Nagoya for last-minute shopping before heading to the airport.

  • Chubu Centrair International Airport

    Enjoy the unique 'Sky Deck' and 'Flight of Dreams' Boeing 787 exhibition before your departure flight.

Tune your trip

Five quick choices. Everything else, we'll handle for you.

The same questions a real travel designer would ask you on a first call.

Your pace

How full do you want the days?

Where you sleep

What kind of stays set the tone for you?

How you move

Private, guided, or independent?

Food focus

What kind of eating trip is this?

If we had to pick one thing

What do you want more of on this trip?

Before we write back

A little about you.

Five fields, then we take it from here. We'll send a personalised version of this itinerary — with your tuning choices and our adjustments — within two working days.

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