Day 1 Nagoya★Gathering Day
All day
丨Free gathering all day
Today is the gathering day for the activity. Tourists gathered in Nagoya, Japan and went to the gathering hotel on their own.
Tip: If your flight arrives between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, our tourist staff will meet you at the airport and direct you to public transportation (transportation is at your own expense). If your flight arrives later, we will provide you with detailed directions to the hotel, eliminating transportation worries.
Ps: If you encounter any inconvenience, you can always call the local tour guide to help you solve it
How to get to your destination:
This itinerary is a Nagoya destination collection, requiring you to book your own flight tickets. Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou all have connecting or direct flights to [Nagoya, Central Japan International Airport, airport code NGO];
Visa Information:
This trip requires you to apply for a Japanese visa on your own. We recommend applying for a visa 7-15 working days in advance. The visa period must cover the travel date. China-TravelNote can assist you in applying for a visa.
We promise that if your visa is not rejected, you can get a full refund if you present the visa rejection documents 3 days in advance. (Note: This does not include situations where the visa cannot be processed due to incomplete documents or insufficient visa time, etc.)
丨Pre-trip instructions:
After payment for the activity, you can check the Japan pre-trip guide in the order to help you prepare for the trip; 5-7 days before the departure of the activity, we will send a travel text message (including the meeting hotel, how to join the group, and the tour guide), so please pay attention to the text message and the website notification; 1-3 days before the activity, the itinerary will be sent in the order, and the travel group will be notified again about the instructions for filling out the Japan entry card, etc.
Registration Instructions:
Resources are limited during peak season, and bookings will close once full. The website indicates a maximum of 25 people per group, but the number of places per group may vary slightly depending on availability. We recommend registering 20-30 days in advance to secure a spot. If the tour is not full, the closing date will be 5 days in advance. The actual number of guests is subject to change.
Day 2 Nagoya → Magome-juku → Naarai-juku → Matsumoto
·morning
丨Itinerary
Today we'll explore the Nakasendo, one of the Five Great Roads connecting Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto during the Edo Period. The post stations along the route provided accommodation, meals, and horse-changing services for travelers and merchants. It was not only a vital transportation artery but also a rich source of culture and history.
After breakfast, we departed for Magome-juku on the Nakasendo Road. This post station, the 43rd of the 69 post stations along the Nakasendo Road, was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu after the unification of Japan. It retains the rich history of the Edo period, along with its natural and cultural landscapes, and was once a vital hub for merchants and travelers. Its name stems from the rugged terrain—travelers were required to leave their horses at the post station to navigate the mountainous route, hence the name "magome."
Nakasendo is located in the southern part of the Hida Mountains. There are many local dishes worth trying, such as gohei mochi, Hida beef, hoba sushi, soba noodles, etc. Don't miss it when you come to Magome-juku!
After having lunch at Magome-juku, we will proceed to Narai-juku.
·afternoon
On the way to Narai-juku, we stopped at the Kiso Valley and visited the Kiso-Fukushima Checkpoint, now open to the public as a museum. Fukushima Checkpoint was a crucial checkpoint during the Edo period. It not only strictly controlled the shipment of teppo and other weapons to Edo, but also inspected people traveling on the Nakasendo Road. The museum recreates the historical atmosphere of the checkpoint, showcasing a wealth of ancient weapons, samurai armor, costumes, various wooden passes, and lacquerware, showcasing its former prosperity. There's even a chance to dress up in period costume and pretend to be a customs officer!
Next, we'll enjoy some free time exploring Narai-juku, a well-preserved Edo-era post town in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Located on the historic Nakasendo Road, it was once the largest of the eleven post towns along the Kiso Route and is known as the "Thousand-Hill Narai." Known for its authentic Edo-style architecture, tranquil atmosphere, and traditional craftsmanship, it's been designated an Important Preservation Area for Traditional Buildings and one of Japan's 100 Most Beautiful Historical Places.
The streets are lined with dark brown wooden buildings, retaining traditional Edo-style features such as lattice windows and deep eaves. Most are low, two-story wooden structures, some still serving as traditional shops or residences, while others have been opened as museums documenting traditional life. Visitors can find many unique eateries and cafes, and see who can find the perfect Instagram fan spot.
After visiting Naraijuku, we will drive to Matsumoto, the second largest city in Nagano Prefecture, and stay at a hotel in Matsumoto or nearby.
Day 3 Matsumoto → Kamikochi → Takayama
·morning
丨Itinerary
After breakfast, we will first visit Matsumoto Castle Park. (We will not enter the castle tower or the main castle.)
As one of the 12 existing castle towers in Japan, Matsumoto Castle was designated as a National Treasure in 1936. It is one of the four National Treasure castles of Japan and is as well-known to the Japanese as Himeji Castle, Inuyama Castle, and Hikone Castle.
The beauty of Matsumoto Castle is a harmonious blend of nature and humanity, offering stunning views in every season. Dominated by black, white, and gray, Matsumoto Castle resembles an ink painting from a distance, earning it the nickname "Crow Castle" from locals. In summer, lush greenery evokes the castle's presence, resembling a classical folding screen nestled in the mountains.
We will then depart from Matsumoto City and head to Kamikochi, a lush green valley in the Northern Alps.
Kamikochi, a mountain basin in the Hida Mountains (Japan's Northern Alps), is the core area of Chubu Sangaku National Park. Known for its pristine forests, clear streams, and magnificent mountain scenery, it is known as the "Little Switzerland of Japan" or "Secret Land" and is a paradise for mountaineers, hikers, and nature lovers.
Open only from April to November, this place offers a seasonal beauty. Its natural beauty has become a hallmark of the Hida Mountains. There are also many charming restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food while admiring the scenery.
·afternoon
We will take a stroll through the landscape gallery of Kamikochi, starting from Taisho Pond and ending at Kappa Bridge, a total distance of approximately 4km.
Kappa Bridge: Kamikochi's iconic wooden suspension bridge (36.6 meters long and 3.1 meters wide). Under the bridge, the Azusa River flows, and the Hotaka Mountain Range and Yakedake volcano can be seen in the distance. It is a very good viewing spot.
Taisho Pond: A lake formed by the eruption of Mount Yake in 1915. The lake reflects dead trees and snow-capped mountains, and when the morning mist lingers, it looks like a fairyland.
Myojin Pond: A tranquil lake surrounded by pristine forests, its waters are as clear as a mirror and it is one of the sacred sites of Japanese Shintoism.
From afar, you can see the Tateyama and Hida Mountains. The snow-capped mountains, streams, river valleys, and the Northern Alps make you feel like you're in Switzerland.
There are many beautiful shops near Kappa Bridge, and it is a good choice to enjoy afternoon tea after a tiring walk. Afterwards, we will go to the hot spring hotel in the Hida Takayama area to stay and enjoy the local specialty of Hida - Hida beef dinner.
Hot springs in the mountains are not only naturally sourced, but they also offer benefits such as relieving fatigue, alleviating cold sensitivity, and smoothing the skin. They're truly a "beauty bath" that nourishes from the inside out! Enjoy a moment of tranquility in the steamy mountain hot springs.
Day 4 Takayama → Kanazawa
·morning
丨Itinerary
After breakfast, head to Miyagawa Morning Market, known as one of Japan's three largest morning markets, and join the locals in their morning market shopping. From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily, this is where locals gather for food, drinks, and other necessities. It's a fusion of a traditional market and a flea market, selling not only fresh fruits and vegetables but also sundries.
We then headed to Takayama Kami-San-no-Machi, where houses stand in rows and wealthy merchants gather. The prosperity of the entire city has continued since the Edo period. There are still many old houses, shops, cafes, etc., some of which have even been in business for several centuries.
As early as the Edo Period, Takayama City's sake enjoyed a prestigious reputation in Japan's rice-brewed industry. This tour will explore a sake brewery, explore the unique characteristics of Takayama, and sample Takayama's unique "jisake" (locally brewed sake). After the tour, each participant will receive a special bottle of sake as a souvenir, allowing them to take this unique flavor home with them.
You can have lunch at your own leisure in Takayama. Walking in Takayama San-no-machi, you will be attracted by the various Hida beef dishes. You can also find a small restaurant with unique flavor to taste the famous delicacy from Gifu.
Afterwards, we will head to Kanazawa, known as Little Kyoto. During the walk, you can experience the heritage and charm of this famous city on the Shoryudo Road.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan's three most famous gardens. Designated by the Maeda family, the Kaga clan during the Edo period, the garden's name derives from the six ideal qualities of a garden outlined in Song Dynasty poet Li Gefei's "Records of Famous Gardens in Luoyang": grandeur, seclusion, human effort, antiquity, springs, and panoramic views. The name "Kenroku" derives from the integration of these elements. This poetic garden offers a unique landscape each season, and in summer, the vibrant greenery is truly soothing, adding a touch of coolness.
Afterward, we'll visit a renowned Japanese confectionery shop in Kanazawa, established in 1625 and boasting 400 years of history. We'll join a Japanese confectionery artisan for a hands-on tea-making experience! We'll learn how to make Rakugan, a traditional Japanese confectionery with vibrant colors and a delicate appearance. Paired with a cup of strong tea, you'll truly embrace the summer of Kanazawa.
We will stay overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 5 Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go → Nagoya
·morning
丨Itinerary
After breakfast, we'll stroll along Higashi Chaya Street. Kanazawa, known as Little Kyoto, is a symbol of Japanese craftsmanship. We'll also have a special gold leaf workshop. Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan's gold leaf. A coin-sized piece of gold, after being hammered, can be expanded to cover an area of 2 square meters, reaching a thickness of one ten-thousandth of a millimeter—a truly astonishing experience. Explore the source of Kanazawa's gold and learn about the history of gold leaf craftsmanship. Then, we'll personally craft a pair of gold chopsticks using gold leaf—a unique gift for you.
For lunch, head to the famous Omicho Market. Facing the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa boasts excellent fishing year-round. Fishing boats deliver freshly caught seafood directly to Omi Market, where you can enjoy a relaxing lunch. Discover the many hidden gems within the market.
·afternoon
After lunch, we'll drive to the fairytale wonderland of Shirakawa-go, officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. It's renowned for its preservation of traditional Japanese architecture and settlement culture. The secluded village of Shirakawa-go still retains its ancient Gassho-style architecture. The simple and elegant beauty of its ancient buildings creates a fairytale-like wonderland, making it a popular destination for tourists and a favorite for photography enthusiasts.
In the afternoon, we can explore Shirakawa-go freely. We can choose to walk to the observation deck and overlook this world cultural heritage village from a high altitude, which is like the world of Hayao Miyazaki's animation.
After finishing our visit to Shirakawa-go, we headed to Nagoya.
Day 6 Nagoya★Dissolution Day
All day
丨Free disbandment day, looking forward to seeing you next time
Today is the day for the group to disband, and everyone is free to leave. This concludes our Japan Niche · Shoryudo tour, and we look forward to seeing you next time.
Tourists who haven't had enough can stay in Japan for a few more days to experience Nagoya's charm. Please check your belongings when leaving the hotel and airport, and do not leave them at the airport.
Recommended places for free time
【Nagoya Castle】
Also known as a "Famous Castle," it is a nationally designated historic site and ranked fourth among Japan's 100 Famous Castles. After the Battle of Sekigahara, Tokugawa Ieyasu built Nagoya Castle for his ninth son at the abandoned Nagoya Castle, Oda Nobunaga's birthplace. He issued a request to all daimyo (feudal lords) to assist in its construction, citing a nationwide request. Every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday, you can see a live-action rendition of six Warring States generals, including Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Maeda Toshiie, Kato Kiyomasa, and Maeda Keiji, at Ninomaru Square in Nagoya Castle. Enjoy the captivating performance and free photo opportunities with them. Don't miss it!
【LEGOland Japan Theme Park Nagoya】
The newly opened Legoland is a paradise for children. Opening on April 1, 2017, it is the eighth Legoland park in the world and the second in Asia. The park is divided into seven zones, featuring over 40 rides, shows, and attractions. The park is divided into seven themed lands: The Entrance, Lego City, Miniatures, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Legoland, and Lego Technic.
Atsuta Shrine
One of Japan's oldest shrines, Atsuta Jingu is said to have been founded by Emperor Keikyu in the 2nd century AD, boasting a history of 1,900 years. The main hall of Atsuta Jingu enshrines five deities: Takemiya and Miyabihime, as well as Amaterasu, Susanoo, and Miinata no Mikoto. The shrine has been held in high esteem throughout Japanese history, and even held in high esteem among the people. Successive Japanese rulers have expressed their respect for Atsuta Jingu in various ways, including Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, who both extensively renovated the shrine. In recent years, the Emperor and Empress of Japan have even visited the shrine.
