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
Overview
Day by day
Day 1
Arrive in Nagoya and settle into your luxury accommodation. Explore the city's samurai heritage and modern urban landscape.
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 1
Begin your three-star journey in Nagoya, one of Japan's fastest-developing cities. Nagoya has a Shinkansen station, making it convenient to travel across Japan.
Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is the iconic symbol of Nagoya and a must-see attraction. The nearest subway station is Shiyakusho Station, just 12 minutes from Nagoya Station. Nagoya Castle is one of Japan's largest ancient castles, and its construction in the early Edo period led to the expansion of the city. The interior of the main keep has now been converted into a museum, showcasing important historical artifacts of Nagoya Castle. In spring, Nagoya Castle is surrounded by popular cherry blossom viewing spots. The exterior of Nagoya Castle is Meijo Park, which is filled with various flowers throughout the four seasons and regularly hosts flower exhibitions.
Atsuta Jingu Shrine
Take a 30-minute subway ride from Nagoya Castle to Atsuta Jingu Shrine and stroll through the vast, tranquil shrine, away from the city's hustle and bustle. Atsuta Jingu Shrine is a Shinto shrine, Japan's indigenous religion, and has historically received support from ancient feudal lords. Atsuta Jingu Shrine is most famous for preserving the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass-Mowing Sword), one of Japan's three legendary imperial regalia, which, along with the sacred mirror and jewel, has been passed down through generations of emperors for thousands of years. Unfortunately, the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi is not open to public viewing. While at Atsuta Jingu Shrine, you can try Nagoya's famous 'Hitsumabushi' (eel rice in three ways). Rice and grilled eel are served in a wooden box. Although delicious on its own, you can also sprinkle green onions, wasabi, and shredded seaweed to enhance the flavor. This dish also comes with a pot of green tea, which you can pour over the eel rice as you like.
Day 2
Reach the charming city of Takayama by Shinkansen from Nagoya in 2.5 hours. The quaint and elegant Takayama is nestled in the Japan Alps, a historic traditional town center. In Takayama, take a memorable rickshaw ride through the streets lined with old wooden houses, temples, shrines, and craft shops. Additionally, the 'Jinya', an Edo period government office building, is worth a visit, and the open-air market in front of it offers various foods and goods.
Takayama Jinya
Edo period government office building with an open-air market in front.
Funaska Shuzo
Spring water from the mountains makes Hida's local sake unique. Visit Funaska Shuzo for a live tasting.
Takayama Festival Museum
You can visit the splendid festival floats ('yatai') that appear in the festival, the world's largest drum, and a collection of mechanical dolls.
Hida Folk Village
In the Hida region around Takayama, there are unique 'gassho-zukuri' farmhouses with striking, steeply thatched roofs. You can take a single circular bus to Hida Folk Village to see these distinctive houses.
Day 2
A dedicated day for high-end shopping and a unique look at Japanese professional farming culture.
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
Travel north from Nagoya to the historic city of Takayama, stopping at one of Japan's oldest surviving castles.
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 3
The most famous gassho-zukuri houses are in the Shirakawa-go and Gokayama regions. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours by bus from Takayama. Both locations are great for photos year-round, but especially beautiful during heavy snow. Many farmhouses have been converted into unique and charming guesthouses.
Shirakawa-go Observation Deck
Upon arrival in Shirakawa-go, head to the observation deck to admire the postcard-perfect scenery of the 117 traditional houses in Ogimachi village below.
Wada House
Among the many houses, the 300-year-old Wada House is open for public viewing.
Day 4
Take a 2 hour and 15 minute bus ride north from the Hida region to Kanazawa. This city is perfect for leisurely strolls, boasting important historical sites including geisha districts, and exquisite craft culture.
Kenrokuen Garden
Originating in the 17th century and considered one of Japan's three most famous gardens, Kenrokuen Garden is a must-visit in Kanazawa. Although Kanazawa is a pleasant place to stroll year-round, it is especially beautiful when irises bloom in May; during colder months, you can see bamboo 'yuki-tsuri' supporting pine trees to prevent damage from heavy snow.
Kanazawa Castle
On the way to Kenrokuen Garden, you will likely pass the reconstructed Kanazawa Castle. Its grand scale reveals Kanazawa Castle's important status in Japanese history. From late March to early April, it is a very popular cherry blossom viewing spot for locals.
Nagamachi Samurai District
Slowly explore the samurai residences in Nagamachi and the old town areas of Kanazawa, such as Higashi Chaya and Nishi Chaya districts. 'Chaya' in Japanese means 'teahouse,' a unique place to enjoy geisha performances and exquisite cuisine. Daytime performances at Kaikaro in Higashi Chaya District do not require reservations, but evening performances must be reserved in advance.
Higashi Chaya District Kaikaro
A 'chaya' (teahouse) in Japanese, is a unique place to enjoy geisha performances and exquisite cuisine. Daytime performances at Kaikaro in Higashi Chaya District do not require reservations, but evening performances must be reserved in advance.
Day 4
Explore the deep cultural roots of the Hida region, known for its master carpentry and vibrant morning markets.
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
North of Kanazawa is the rugged Noto Peninsula. The old town of Wajima is famous for its exquisite lacquerware, which ranks among the best in the country, and its lively morning market. Additionally, the Senmaida rice paddies of Noto Peninsula offer a spectacular view. It takes about 2 hours by bus from Kanazawa.
Wajima
The old town of Wajima is famous for its exquisite lacquerware, which ranks among the best in the country, and its lively morning market.
Shiroyone Senmaida
The Senmaida rice paddies of Noto Peninsula offer a spectacular view.
Day 5
A day trip into the Chubu Sangaku National Park to witness Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery.
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
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site and experience a special overnight stay in a traditional thatched-roof farmhouse.
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 6
Day 7
Day 7
Travel to the coast to explore Kanazawa, the former seat of the powerful Maeda Clan.
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
Explore the remaining historic districts of Kanazawa before returning to Nagoya for your final evening.
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 8
Day 9
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.
Day 9
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