Places You'll See
Highlights
- Adventure & Exploration: The itinerary seamlessly blends outdoor activities such as seeing the famous Snow Monkeys of Nagano, and walking the historic streets and garden of Kanazawa. There are many opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and history.
- Cultural Immersion: By exploring the ancient village of Gokayama, the shrines and temples of Ueno, and opportunities to try local drinks and foods, you’ll have a deep connection with Japan’s rich history, culture, and traditions along the way.
- Breathtaking Natural Landscapes: From the stunning seaside shrine in Ise, to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago, this itinerary offers diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes that highlight the beauty of Japan’s natural world.
Description
For most people travelling to Japan, they will visit and stay in Tokyo during their trip! For this reason, Tokyo is seen as the gateway to exploring Japanese heritage and culture, but is also the perfect location to visit the other amazing regions of Japan! For any first timer’s or return visitors to Japan, we have created a number of itineraries to help inspire your travels and help you tailor your trip to suit your preferences and interests. For this itinerary we suggest a 7 day plan that showcases many of the cultural highlights of Tokyo, Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa and Nagano. This itinerary is perfect for anybody looking to get off the beaten tourist path a little, and explore the wonders of Japan, with a good balance of different regions and attractions to make any travellers happy. We hope this will help you when planning where to go and what to do on your dream trip!
For travellers who want to visit the iconic attractions off Japan’s golden tourist route, this 7 day itinerary will provide just that. You will be able to enjoy the lively side of Tokyo in Shinjuku and Shibuya, the traditional side of Tokyo in Ueno and Yanaka, the stunning landscape of Nagoya, see the historic town of Takayama, witness the UNESCO heritage site of Shirakawago, walk around the beautiful Kanazawa, witness the Snow Monkeys naturally bathing in hot springs, and so much more!
Day 1 SHINJUKU AND SHIBUYA
How to Start Off Your Day
Tokyo is the perfect starting point for your journey, offering a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation that will captivate and inspire you from the moment you arrive. Whether you're drawn to its historic temples, bustling streets, or cutting-edge technology, Tokyo provides an unforgettable introduction to the wonders of Japan. Plus, the city offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget. From luxurious 5-star hotels with stunning skyline views to cozy boutique guesthouses and traditional ryokan inns, you're sure to find the perfect place to rest after a day of exploration.
For many travellers, the areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, and Asakusa are very popular as they are very central, offer great hotels and links to transport. Check out our Tokyo destination page for more information on where to stay. We highly recommend staying in the Shinjuku area. A lively hub and one of the most popular areas in the city, Shinjuku has a plethora of shops, restaurants, cafes and hotels to suit all tastes. Shinjuku is also home to the busiest station in all of Tokyo, but it offers incredible links to every part of the city.
1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya - All Year Round
This tour will give you the opportunity to experience both traditional culture and pop culture in Tokyo, combining two of the cities most famous and popular areas, Shinjuku and Shibuya. If you’re low on time, and want to experience two of Tokyo’s hot spots, this is the perfect tour for you. The tour will provide guests with a well balanced itinerary including a museum, a garden and park, shrines, famous landmarks and modern architecture.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude in Tokyo at approximately 4/4.30pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. In Tokyo you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Nagoya from Tokyo, you will need to go to Tokyo station to get your Bullet Train. Please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Nagoya from Tokyo.
Nagoya offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels, and traditional Ryokan. You’ll find the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a comfortable stay in Nagoya. For many travellers, the area around Nagoya station is very popular as it is central, offers great hotels and links to transport. Check out our the Nagoya station area page below for more information on where to stay.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 2 NAGOYA AND ISE
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up fresh in Nagoya! Today, you will have the entire day to explore the great area of nearby Ise. Upon arrival at Nagoya Station, your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour through Ise to see the historic and cultural highlights, as well as the stunning coastline and seaside shrine of Ise.
1- Day Tour from Nagoya: Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines / All Year Round
Located not far from Nagoya, Ise is blessed with abundant natural beauty, from towering cypress groves to indented coastlines and mountains painted in colorful foliage. The region is also home to Japan’s most sacred shrine, Ise-Jingu. Touring these sacred grounds is a special opportunity to understand the heart and soul of the Japanese people.
On our 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Ise’s Sacred Shrines and Captivating Coastlines you'll marvel at the natural beauty of the region and refresh your body and soul with spiritual experiences and delicious cuisine as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
End your day staying in Nagoya for a second night and take your time to explore more of what the city has to offer! There a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from.
Day 3 NAGOYA AND GUJO HACHIMAN
How to Start Off Your Day
After a restful night in Nagoya, you will wake up fresh and head out to explore Guji Hachiman, a beautiful village known for its traditional and picturesque atmosphere. As you travel, enjoy the scenic views of the countryside.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Gujo Hachiman’s Crafting Culture & Castle in the Clouds
Embark on a family-friendly journey to Gujo Hachiman, a small-yet-picturesque mountain village nicknamed "Little Kyoto" where Japan’s exceptional craftsmanship and timeless traditions come alive.
Starting with a short scenic hike to Gujo-Hachiman Castle, you’ll stand where history was made, soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and town below. Wander the charming streets of this picturesque town, then partake in a truly unique creative experience at a food replica factory, crafting your own sushi platter or sweet treat. Dive into the lively world of Japanese festivals, where you’ll learn the steps of a dace from the local 24-hour dance festival that’s been celebrated for centuries. This 1-day tour from Nagoya allows you to experience the unique beauty, history, and (sometimes quirky) culture of small town Japan as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. However, the tour includes drop off points in both Takayama and Nagoya, so for customers proceeding to Takayama you do not need to worry about booking transportation.
How to End Your Day
The tour includes drop off in Nagoya and Takayama, so makes it very convenient for customers travelling on to Takayama after the tour. Takayama offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to traditional Ryokan. You’ll find the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a comfortable stay in Takayama. For many travellers, the area around Takayama station/ city area is very popular as it is central, offers great hotels and links to transport. Check out our the Takayama station area page below for more information on where to stay.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 4 TAKAYAMA AND SHIRAKAWAGO
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up in Takayama! On this day, you’ll explore Takayama and Shirakawa-go, both offering stunning scenery. In Shirakawa-go, the iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steep, roofs, create a picturesque wonderland. Surrounded by mountains and peaceful fields, the village looks especially magical during the winter months, making it a perfect spot for a serene and scenic experience.
TAKAYAMA & SHIRAKAWA-GO TOUR FROM TAKAYAMA / all year round
Day Tour
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Takayama
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
¥20,800 / 22,800
Hidden away in the middle of the mountains of Central Japan, but also an easy 2 hour trip from Kanazawa, Nagoya, Toyama and Matsumoto, Takayama is a popular destination for its traditional old town and surrounding natural beauty. The tour starts from Takayama Station and we head to the Takayama Jinya, the former headquarters of the Shogun's government in the city. It was made from the materials of the castle that used to exist on a mountain nearby. After learning more about the history of the city and region, we will walk down the historical merchant street lined with traditional Japanese buildings. You can eat and shop here in the atmosphere of a 200 year old market district. The morning market is also nearby and there are lots of local handicrafts, fruits and other foods. Following lunch in the area, we will get on the bus and head to Shirakawa-go, the historical village with the traditional thatched-roof houses. You will be able to see stunning views of the town from above, go inside one of the homes and learn about village life and have time to enjoy the town by yourselves.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. However, the tour includes drop off points in both Kanazawa and Takayama, so for customers proceeding to Kanazawa you do not need to worry about booking transportation.
How to End Your Day
With a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels, to traditional ryokan inns, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a comfortable stay in Kanazawa. For many travellers, the area around Kanazawa station is very popular as it is central, offers great hotels and links to transport. Check out our the Kanazawa station area page below for more information on where to stay.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 5 KANAZAWA
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up in Kanazawa for a second day ready to explore! Today you will venture to see what the city of Kanazawa has to offer. Your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour through the city’s historic and cultural highlights, including the amazing garden, Geisha and Samurai districts!
KANAZAWA MAIN SIGHTS TOUR / all year round
This tour has you walk in the same streets as those from times past. Walk the streets the samurai of the Kaga clan and see a warriors house from the Edo period. Relax and enjoy matcha in a tea house overlooking a beautiful garden next to the impressive castle walls. Stroll through the Kenroku-en garden like the daimyos of the Edo period and admire the artistry of the landscaping of not just the land but of the trees as well. Finally, walk through Higashi Chayamachi, the old geisha district, where you can shop, snack and take a tour of a former tea house that was used by actual geisha in the past.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude in Kanazawa at approximately 5.30pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. At Kanazawa station you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Tokyo from Kanazawa, you will need to get your Bullet Train to Tokyo station. The journey will take between 150 minutes - 185 minutes depending on the service you book. We recommend buying an ‘Ekiben’ or train bento to enjoy as a light meal during your journey! You can buy these from shops inside the station before departing. Please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Nagano from Tokyo.
Recommended Accommodation
For your stay in Nagano city, we recommend two excellent accommodations that offer both comfort and convenience. Hotel New Nagano NeXT is a cozy, modern hotel located right in front of Nagano Station, making it incredibly easy to access and explore the city. With its welcoming atmosphere and great amenities, it’s an ideal spot for a restful stay after a day of sightseeing.
Day 6 NAGANO, SNOW MONKEY PARK, ZENKOJI TEMPLE AND SAKE
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up fresh in Nagano and meet your guide to begin your day. Today you’ll be exploring the city of Nagano offering rich cultural heritage, as well as paying a visit to the Snow Monkey Park to witness the Monkeys bathing in the Hot Spring!
SNOW MONKEY & ZENKOJI TEMPLE TOUR FROM NAGANO / all year round
Day Tour
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
¥17,800
Continuing further east from Matsumoto is the city of Nagano, another city with a long history as a temple town and more recently as the site of the winter Olympics in 1998. This tour is our company's most popular tour as it visits Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City and then the famous snow monkeys in the mountains nearby the city. The tour starts at Nagano Station before getting on a short bus ride to Zenkoji Temple. The city was historically a temple town and Zenkoji Temple is still visited by millions to this day. Learn about the history of the temple, the city and religion in Japan at this important religious site. Following the temple is a sake tasting where you can try many variety of sake, fruit sakes and juices. Next is lunch which is at a restaurant across the street from the temple. Enjoy a delicious modern take on traditional Japanese food.
The final part of the tour will see you headed to the Snow Monkey Park. There is a short hike before arriving at the valley where the monkeys live. Especially during the winter, the monkeys come down out of the mountains to eat, take baths in the onsen and play around. It really is a surreal experience to be around so many monkeys just living their lives in such beautiful scenery.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude back in Nagano at approximately 5.35pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. In Nagano station you are well connected with transport options to reach your next destination, and you easily buy tickets before or after the tour from either the ticket counter or ticket machines. For customers heading onto Tokyo from Nagano, please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Tokyo from Nagano. The Bullet Train journey from Nagano to Tokyo takes between 84 minutes - 102 minutes depending on the service you book.
Once you arrive into the Tokyo station / Marunouchi area, you are perfectly located to many restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. This is one of the most popular areas for visitors to stay in Tokyo. You will also be very close to the meet up point inside Tokyo station for the final tour of this itinerary. However we also recommend staying in the Ueno station area. Ueno is a cultural hub and one of the most popular areas in the city. Ueno has a plethora of shops, restaurants, cafes and hotels to suit all tastes. For the ‘Ueno and Yanaka’ tour the next day, you will meet your tour guide directly outside of the PARK GATE/ EXIT at Ueno station.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 7 TOKYO, UENO AND YANAKA
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up in Tokyo for your final day of the trip! Today you will have the entire day to explore the amazing areas of Ueno and Yanaka in Tokyo. Upon arrival at Ueno Station, your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour to these two beautiful spots to enjoy historic, cultural highlights. This is a slower paced tour, so please enjoy the relaxing and leisurely atmosphere.
1 Day Walking Tour in Ueno and Yanaka : Culture, Art and Old Tokyo / All Year Round
This tour will provide guests with a well balanced itinerary including museums, a park and nature, shrines and temples, and traditional architecture. You will walk around the popular and expansive Ueno Park to visit its many temples, shrines and beautiful landscape. Known as the place to go if you’re a culture vulture due to its many museums and heritage attractions. You will then visit a bustling and lively retro area of Ueno famous for its old style shopping arcades and restaurants.You will then visit a perfect example of a Shitamachi or ’lower city’ in Tokyo, Yanaka. A cosy and traditional neighbourhood not many tourists know about, you will step back in time and enjoy an atmosphere that is very different to many parts of Tokyo.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
End your day staying in Tokyo for your final night and relax! Take your time to explore more of what the city has to offer! There a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from in the Ueno area.
