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.
Tips: If your flight arrives between 9:00 and 18:00, our tourists will meet you at the airport and guide you to public transportation (transportation costs are at your own expense). If your flight arrives later, we will provide you with detailed directions to the hotel to save you the trouble of transportation. P.S. If you encounter any inconvenience, you can always call the local tour guide to help you solve the problem.
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.
丨Recommended tourist attractions
Nagoya Castle: A designated national historic site, it's ranked fourth among Japan's 100 most famous cities. 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 Nagoya Castle's Ninomaru Square. Enjoy the captivating performance and free photo opportunities with them. Don't miss it!
Atsuta Jingu Shrine: One of Japan's oldest shrines, it is said to have been built by Emperor Keikyu in the 2nd century AD, boasting a history of 1,900 years. Successive Japanese rulers have expressed their respect for Atsuta Jingu in various ways, including Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, who both made major renovations. In recent years, the Emperor and Empress of Japan have also visited the shrine.
Day 2 Nagoya → Shirakawa-go → Takayama
·morning
丨Visiting Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site
After breakfast, we'll depart for the fairytale world of Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go's unique thatched-roof architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site, evokes both the rustic charm of Japan and the romantic, medieval-style peaked huts of Europe. On a winter night, the village, dotted with lights, nestled amidst the snow, creates a truly fairytale-like atmosphere.
We'll visit the Wada Family Residence, a prominent family home in Shirakawa-go. This historic residence boasts over 300 years of history and was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1995. Not only will we learn about the wisdom and craftsmanship of our ancestors, but we'll also be able to take a closer look at this historic residence, which has weathered three centuries of wind and rain.
·afternoon
Dive into the famous city of Takayama in central Japan
Considered the jewel in Gifu's crown, Takayama City is a captivating destination, surrounded by the scenic alpine countryside of the Japan Alps. It's an ideal base for exploring the Japanese Alps and the surrounding Hida region. We'll visit Takayama Kami-San-no-Machi, a town steeped in history and home to wealthy merchants. The area boasts many historic houses, shops, and cafes, some of which have been around for 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.
At night, you will stay at a famous hot spring hotel in the Takayama area and enjoy the twilight snow in the mountains of central Japan.
Day 3 Takayama → Kanazawa
·morning
丨 Authentic experience, like a local visiting the morning market
After breakfast, we'll return to Takayama Castle Town and join the locals at the morning market. Known as one of Japan's three major morning markets, the Miyagawa Morning Market gets its name from its location along the Miyagawa River. From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, this is where locals gather for food and drinks. It's a fusion of traditional and flea markets, selling not only fresh fruits and vegetables but also sundries. Many snack vendors also cater to tourists.
Strolling through Kanazawa, the "Little Kyoto"
Then we will go to Kanazawa, known as Little Kyoto. During the walk, you can feel the heritage and charm of this famous city on the Shoryudo Road.
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
Kanazawa's ingenuity and Japanese aesthetics
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.
Next, we'll visit Morihachi, a renowned Japanese confectionery shop in Kanazawa, established in 1625 and boasting 400 years of history. We'll join the confectionery artisans 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. Pair your homemade confectionery with a cup of strong tea, and you'll truly embrace the summer of Kanazawa.
We will stay overnight in Kanazawa.
Day 4 Kanazawa → Toyama → Nagano
·morning
Strolling through the famous alpine city of Kanazawa
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.
First encounter with Toyama: snow-capped mountains and the Sea of Japan on the rainy and sunny coast
Then we left Kanazawa and headed to Toyama, another famous city in Hokuriku. We first went to the Rainy Coast.
Located within the Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park, the Ameharu Coast offers a rare juxtaposition of snow-capped mountains and the ocean. The 3,000-meter-high Tateyama mountain range forms the backdrop, its peaks blanketed in winter with snow. The JR Himi Line's red trains, gliding along the coast, add a dynamic touch to the snow-capped mountains and create a breathtakingly beautiful scene against the blue water. We'll then head to the Himi Fish Market, offering freshly caught seafood daily. Experience the culinary treasures of Toyama Prefecture, blessed by nature, and enjoy our own dining experience.
·afternoon
The afternoon began with a visit to the Glass Museum in downtown Toyama. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, this museum is the culmination of Toyama's urban planning initiative to create "Toyama, the Glass City." The building's interior, constructed from wood from Toyama Prefecture, features louvers angled at various angles, creating a warm and open feel. The interior's clever use of light and mirrors creates a sense of transparency, and the stained glass works appear magnificent even in the darkness.
Heading to Nagano City, Journey into the Heart of Hokuriku
We then set off for Nagano City, located in the heart of Hokuriku. As Nagano City is located in a closed valley, the amount of snowfall in winter is comparable to that of Hokkaido. Due to its excellent powder snow quality, it also became the host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics.
Overnight in Nagano City.
Day 5 Nagano → Togakushi Shrine → Zenkoji Temple → Karuizawa
·morning
Heading to Togakushi Shrine, a symbol of mountain worship
Togakushi Shrine is located at the foot of Mount Togakushi in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. It comprises five shrines: Oku-sha, Naka-sha, Hoko-sha, Kuzuryu-sha, and Hinomiko-sha. The origin of the name Togakushi is inextricably linked to Japanese mythology. Legend has it that the deity known as Amaterasu Omikami was hidden in Ame-no-Iwato when it was thrown into the air and landed in the area of present-day Togakushi. Ame-no-Iwato later became Mount Togakushi. Togakushi Shrine was established to venerate the legendary deity.
We headed directly to Okusha, the heart of Togakushi Shrine. The approach to Okusha is 2 kilometers long, marked by the thatched Zuishinmon Gate and flanked by towering cedar trees. This 400-year-old cedar forest is a designated Natural Monument of Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by such a dense, towering cedar forest, simply strolling through it is both empowering and spiritually cleansing. Especially in winter, treading through the thick snow feels like stumbling into a magical winter forest.
·afternoon
We will return to Nagano City for lunch. Nagano was formerly known as Shinano Province, and its soba noodles are quite famous. For lunch, we will try the local specialty Shinshu soba noodles and experience a flavor that transcends time.
After lunch, visit the 1,400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple. Known as the "Temple of the Common People," Zenko-ji Temple is not affiliated with any particular Buddhist sect and welcomes everyone equally. The temple also houses the One-Kō Sanzon Amida Nyorai statue, believed to be one of Japan's oldest Buddhist statues.
We can overlook the entire city of Nagano from the second floor of the mountain gate, or we can visit the Buddhist altar and follow the secret passage to the "Key to Paradise".
Karuizawa, a tranquil and tranquil town with a slow pace of life
Located in southeastern Nagano, Karuizawa, surrounded by mountains and situated on a plateau thousands of meters above sea level, has been a renowned summer resort in Japan since the 19th century. Its nicknames, such as "Tokyo's Back Garden" and "Little Switzerland," offer a glimpse into Karuizawa's unique character.
In fact, not only the summer, but also the winter after the snowfall makes this place particularly charming, with its charming old streets, museums, and cafes; surrounded by mountains, the rich natural scenery and cultural landscape blend together, making it unique and beautiful.
We will stay at a hotel in Karuizawa at night.
Day 6 Karuizawa → Tokyo ★ Disbandment
All day
Today is the day of disbanding. We will gather at the hotel and depart for Tokyo for disbanding. The estimated driving time from Karuizawa to Tokyo Station is 2.5 hours.
Tourists who haven't had enough can stay in Japan for a few more days to experience the charm of Japan in depth.
Departure Transportation:
1. Tokyo has two international airports: Haneda and Narita. Haneda Airport is closer to the city center, approximately 30-40 minutes away, while Narita Airport is further away, approximately 1.5 hours. Please arrange your return flight based on your needs.
2. The hotel is located in downtown Tokyo, with good access to trains and buses. Your tour guide will inform you of transportation options to the airport in the group chat one day in advance.
