Places You'll See
Highlights
- Demystify the legend of the ‘Koka Ninja,’ as you explore an authentic ninja house and uncover all of its tricks.
- Discover Nagano’s hidden samurai enclave and try your hand at ‘katana’ (sword) practice.
- Visit the famous snow monkeys of the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
- Enjoy an overnight stay at a traditional ‘shukubo’ (temple lodging) including dinner and breakfast.
- Craft realistic sushi and sweet treats at a food replica factory.
- Learn from and dance with the Gujo Odori dancers at a lively festival museum.
Description
Step into a world of history, adventure, and unique cultural experiences with this unforgettable 4-day family-friendly journey through Central Japan. From the hidden streets of Gujo Hachiman to the heart of ninja legends and the awe-inspiring beauty of Nagano's snow monkeys, this itinerary is packed with unforgettable moments for all ages. This tour offers a rare opportunity to experience Japan’s deep cultural roots in a way that’s fun, engaging, and perfect for families.
Day 1 GUJO
How to Start Your Day
Begin your family-friendly adventure with a scenic journey from Nagoya to the region's own "little Kyoto." Nestled in the mountains of Gifu, Gujo Hachiman is a town where history, craftsmanship, and tradition come alive.
Once in Gujo, take a refreshing stroll up to Gujo-Hachiman Castle, where sweeping views of the town and surrounding mountains await. Prepare for hands-on fun as you craft ultra-realistic food replicas and step into the rhythm of Gujo Odori, one of Japan’s most famous festival dances. With culture, creativity, and adventure ahead, today promises an unforgettable glimpse into small-town Japan.
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.
How to End Your Day
After your tour concludes back in Nagoya, you'll have some free time to explore the vibrant city at your own pace. We highly recommend staying near the Nagoya Station area, offering convenient access to transportation and easy access to a variety of attractions, dining options, and shopping experiences, ensuring that your time in Nagoya is both enjoyable and hassle-free.
Recommended Accommodation
As one of Japan’s largest cities, Nagoya has a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget.
The area immediately around Nagoya Station has many large hotels—ranging from high-end to budget—including some inside the station itself. Located a short subway ride away from Nagoya station, the Sakae area of Nagoya is the city’s main shopping and entertainment district. As such the area has many great options for travelers looking to enjoy the city’s fine dining or nightlife. For travelers looking for a more traditional stay, Nagoya and the surrounding areas also have many traditional ‘ryokan’ to choose from.
Check out our Nagoya destination page for more information on where to stay.
Day 2 KOKA
How to Start Your Day
Gear up for another action packed day and get ready to step into the shadowy world of Japan’s legendary ninja. Departing again from Nagoya, your guide will unravel the myths and truths of these elusive warriors while tracing the historic Tokaido road. Your adventure begins in the beautifully preserved post town of Seki Juku. Visit a scenic mountain shrine before heading to Koka, home to one of Japan’s most renowned ninja clans, where you’ll explore an authentic ninja house filled with secret doors and hidden traps and test your skills with real shuriken. Today, history comes to life before your eyes, so be sure not to forget your camera!
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Myths and Mystery of Ninja and the Tokaido Road / All Year Round
There are few historical organizations shrouded in as many myths, legends, and misconceptions as ninjas. This tour not only gives insight into the daily lives of ninja but also takes you along the most important route of Edo-era Japan, the Tokaido road, as you are led by an experienced English-speaking guide on this full-day tour from Nagoya. Travel to the home of one of the most powerful ninja clans in Japan and step foot into the past as your guide leads you through real-life locations in search of the "real ninja."
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour concludes in Nagoya, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude in Nagoya at approximately 5 P.M. which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination, Nagano, at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination.
Running from Nagoya Station to Nagano Station the Limited Express 'Shinano' makes it easy to travel between two of the region’s major cities. The Limited Express 'Shinano' operates approximately once an hour and makes the journey between Nagano and Nagoya in approximately 3 hours. For further details including daily timetable, see our ‘Limited Express Shinano Line Timetable’ page.
Recommended Accommodation
Nagano City boasts lots of accommodation options, most of which are centred around Nagano Station. The area immediately around Nagano Station has plenty of large hotels catering to international visitors. Prices are typically good with many hotels offering Western-style rooms and amenities, in-house restaurants and English-speaking staff. Around 15 to 20-minutes walk from the station, the area around Zenko-ji Temple has smaller guesthouses including many shukubo (temple lodgings) in the surrounding streets.
Day 3-4 NAGANO
How to Start Your Day
Wake up in Nagano and get ready for the second half of your adventure. In Nagano, your guide will introduce you to a legendary samurai clan as you step inside some of Japan’s best-preserved samurai residences. Feel the weight of history as you try your hand at katana (sword) practice inside an Edo-period military school before settling into a traditional shukubo (temple lodging) for the night.
Then get ready for your final day where Zenkoji Temple, sake tasting (for the adults), and the world-famous snow monkeys await Don't forget to bring your appetite as this tour includes lunch at Monzen Terrace Enya! On rare occasions it may not be possible to use this restaurant in which case we would switch to another, comparable location. Please note that the restaurant may change their menu from time-to-time and the tour lunch may different to images shown on this page.
2-Day Shukubo, Samurai, and Snow Monkeys Tour / all year round
Private Tour / Multi-day Tour
2-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Samurai Experience & Zenkoji 'Shukubo' Stay
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
¥48,000 ~
This action packed tour will combine Nagano's nature, religion, and military history into 2 full days of activities. On the first day, you will be greeted by your guide around lunch time and led to Matsushiro, now a quiet town but once the center of samurai power around Nagano city. There, after visiting a few historic buildings once owned by famous samurai, you will enter into the preserved Bunbu Military School, where children once studied various martial arts. There you will have a chance to do some martial arts practice of your own under the watchful eyes of the experienced sensei who will be teaching you.
Heading back to Nagano, the first day will be complete as you check into your shukubo and get ready for dinner and bed. The next morning, you will partake in our tour of Zenko-ji Temple and the Snow Monkey Park, with sake tasting and lunch included. After seeing the Snow Monkeys, our bus will return you to Nagano Station to complete the tour.
Pick Up Locations: Anywhere around Nagano City
How to End Your Day
Your accommodation between days 3 and 4 is at a traditional ‘shukubo’ (temple lodging) within the Zenkoji temple complex. The tour price includes a 'Standard Japanese-style Room' featuring on-floor ‘futon’ bedding, ‘tatami’ matting and low furniture. Toilet and bathing facilities are shared, and guests are kindly asked to use the bathing facilities between 17:00-20:00. Earliest check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Dinner is served between 18:00 to 20:00 while breakfast is served between 07:30 to 09:00. In-keeping with the practice of most shukubo and the entrance will be locked at 20:00.
The tour includes dinner and breakfast at your 'shukubo'. It serves a traditional vegetarian menu for both meals in a shared dining space. Alcohol is available but not included in the tour price. Should you wish to drink alcohol, please pay the accommodation directly.
On day 4, your tour will conclude back in Nagano around 5:30 P.M., allowing plenty of time for dinner at one of the many restaurants around Nagano station. Whether it’s the region’s acclaimed Shinshu beef, handmade soba, traditionally-made miso, oyaki or any of its huge and delicious produce including apples, grapes, peaches or chestnuts, a visit to Nagano is sure inspire and delight the foodie inside you!
Recommended Accommodation
That's all for the 10-day adventure through Central Japan! From here you can head off to more distant destinations such as Hokkaido or Hiroshima, or continue on to the larger cities of Kyoto, Osaka, or Tokyo. For those returning home from Nagoya, the Chubu Centrair International Airport offers a convenient and easily accessible location from which to fly out of.
For those with early morning flights, the airport, located on a man-made island in Ise Bay, offers a couple of hotels in the airport itself with more options just over the bridge on the mainland. For listings, see our ‘Chubu Centrair International Airport Area’ page.
