Places You'll See
Highlights
- View 4 stunning castles—including 3 of Japan’s few original castles, the oldest castle in Japan, and the magnificent Honmaru Palace which was Japan’s first castle to be designated a National Treasure.
- Learn about the techniques behind crafting a Japanese sword, then test your own skills in sharpening a Japanese kitchen knife.
- Visit the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and learn all about what makes the resident monkeys so unique.
- Learn about Geisha in a tea house where Geisha once entertained customers, and step into the backstreets of Kanazawa where Geisha still work today.
- Cruise the scenic moats on a boat tour of a town often featured in samurai movies.
- Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage recognized town of Shirakawa-go and step into its famous thatched roof homes.
- Taste dishes unique to the region including wagyu, matcha, and traditional sweets, and tour two distinctive sake breweries.
- Stroll along the banks of the Isuzu River, and bask in the seasonal beauty of the flowers and foliage at Japan’s most sacred shrine, the Ise Grand Shrine (Ise-Jingu).
Description
Embark on a 10-day adventure of culture, cuisine, and captivating landmarks! Discover Japan's hidden gems as you are led by our English-speaking guides as they take you off the beaten path. Explore ancient temples, scenic landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of this fascinating country.
This itinerary takes you deep through Central Japan and connects you to the people, history, and culture of this beautiful and diverse region of Japan. You’ll see three of the five National Treasure Castles, Japan’s most sacred shrine, the famous snow monkeys, and so much more!
Day 1 NAGOYA
How to Start Your Day
The adventure throughout Central Japan starts with a walking tour of Nagoya, which allows you to both see the city's highlights and fuel up for the action packed days ahead.
1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya / All Year Round
For those who prefer to eat their way through Japan, there probably aren’t many cities more “foodie-friendly” than Nagoya. With a large port and fertile plains, along with the wealth and resources of the powerful city of Samurai, Nagoya has long had access to a wide variety of foods distinctive from other regions of Japan.
As we eat our way through Nagoya, you will also be able to marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace, relax as you gaze upon the reflecting pond of Mirai Tower, and learn about the day’s fresh catch at a bustling fish market as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.
This tour will not only give you a taste of the wonderful flavors of the region and introduce you to some of the most notable landmarks in the city, but also provide you with the confidence to go out and try more Nagoya Meshi on your own.
How to End Your Day
After your tour concludes, you'll have some free time to explore the vibrant city of Nagoya 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 INUYAMA & SEKI
How to Start Your Day
Gear up for another fun day, this time exploring two small towns just outside of Nagoya with strong ties to samurai history. Learn all about samurai swords and smithing in Seki, and step inside Japan's oldest castle in Inuyama. This tour will return back to Nagoya, so feel free to leave your bags in your hotel but be sure to bring your camera as you'll certainly want to capture these historic locations for yourself.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan's Oldest Castle / All Year Round
Embark on a captivating tour from Nagoya to explore the oldest castle in Japan, a National Treasure teahouse, a "city of swords," and the charms of Central Japan. Learn about the craftsmanship involved in creating a samurai sword. Meet a bladesmith and learn how to properly sharpen a kitchen knife. Stroll along the streets of Inuyama where you can indulge a wide array of street food and find locally crafted souvenirs. Discover the well-preserved Inuyama Castle—a National Treasure and historically significant stronghold of the Oda clan. Wish for good fortune in a shrine legend to grant wishes. Sip matcha tea in a garden designed by one of Japan’s pioneers of tea ceremony. Journey to Central Japan and experience its pristine rivers, skilled craftsmen, and historic towns as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide on this full-day tour from Nagoya.
How to End Your Day
Your tour will conclude back at Nagoya station around 4:30 P.M., providing plenty of time for dining or shopping. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or directions to some of the city's shopping districts.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 3 NAKASENDO TRAIL
How to Start Your Day
Day three takes us from Nagoya to Nagano along the Nakasendo trail. Also known as "the Samurai Road" this historic route includes some of Japan's best preserved towns including Tsumago and Magome and winding cobblestone walkways—which you'll be able to hike.
As this tour starts a little later than yesterday, you'll have time to sleep in and enjoy a big breakfast before your hike. Just remember to purchase a bento beforehand as there is no place to buy food on the trail!
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail / March - June & September - December
Day Tour
Popular
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail
- Spots:
- NagoyaKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
¥24,900
Step into the past and experience life in rural Japan as you hike the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku. This scenic section of the Nakasendo trail is brimming with lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and remote mountain villages—which have remained relatively untouched by the modern world. Your experienced, English-speaking guide will lead you through the historic post town of Tsumago, along the 8 km Nakasendo trail, past waterfalls and wildlife, and into the stunning post town of Magome. Shop for handmade crafts and sample local fare.
This tour will reward those who like to take the road less traveled and enjoy an adventurous experience into the heartland of Japan.
* 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 6 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 4 MATSUMOTO & NARAI-JUKU
How to Start Your Day
Your first tour in Nagano will take you to Matsumoto Castle—your second of the twelve remaining original castles in Japan and a registered National Treasure—before heading to the beautifully preserved post town of Narai-juku, located on the Nakasendo road.
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Experience Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku / all year round
This engaging one-day tour takes you to Matsumoto Castle – one of the few remaining original castles in Japan and a registered National Treasure – before heading to the beautifully preserved, 1-km long post town known as Narai-juku, located on the Nakasendo road. Led by a locally-based guide and including direct transport to Narai-juku from Matsumoto and Nagano, this tour captures the essence of Old Japan at two of its best preserved historical sites.
How to End Your Day
Your tour will conclude back in Nagano around 6:15 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
Day 5 NAGANO SNOW MONKEYS
How to Start Your Day
Your journey into Central Japan wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Nagano's famous snow monkeys. No matter what season you visit Japan, these monkeys are a true delight to see. The tour begins at Nagano Station at 09:35, so be sure to grab some breakfast and coffee before meeting up with your guide for this exceptional tour.
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 concludes in Nagano, 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 Nagano at approximately 5:45 P.M. which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination, Kanazawa, at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination.
Both Nagano Station and Kanazawa Station are stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, the same bullet train running from Tokyo, making it easy to move between the cities. There are four services on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line – the Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asama and Tsurugi – however only the Kagayaki and Hakutaka services connect Kanazawa and Nagano. Using the Kagayaki, the journey from Nagano to Kanazawa takes 65 minutes / JPY8920 or 85 to 90 minutes / JPY8590 using the Hakutaka. For daily train schedules, see our ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen Timetable’ page.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 6 KANAZAWA
How to Start Your Day
Wake up in Kanazawa! Once one of the wealthiest domains in old Japan, Kanazawa still boasts a rich cultural heritage and is famed for its scenic avenues, roasted green tea, and numerous historical sights. Visit the Nagamachi Samurai District, Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en Garden, the Higashi-chaya Tea District, and enjoy your time in this amazing city.
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.
How to End Your Day
The road back to the station will pass by the Omi-cho Market, and guests who wish to eat dinner here or are free to leave the tour at this time. Otherwise, you will return to the station around 5:30 P.M. and say your goodbyes to your guide there. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel, and they will happily help.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 7 SHIRAKAWAGO & TAKAYAMA
How to Start Your Day
Bring your bags with you as you get ready to step back in time and visit the mountainous retreats of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Takayama is sure to mesmerize with its beautiful woodwork and traditional streets while Shirakawa-go offers scenic vistas and images of village life in ages past. This tour will be ending in Takayama, so you are welcome to store your luggage on our tour bus for your convenience.
SHIRAKAWA-GO, GOKAYAMA TOUR FROM KANAZAWA / all year round
Day Tour
Popular
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
¥23,800 / 25,800
One of the most visited attractions in the region is the thatched-roof houses of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. On this tour you will hop on one of our charter buses and on the way there stop at a hidden gem of the area, Inami. This small town is famous for wood-carving, something you can see on display throughout the main thoroughfare that lead to Inami's crown, jewel, Zuisenji Temple. The carvings on this temple were done by a master carver over 200 years ago. We will then continue on to Gokayama to see some of the thatched-roofed house and get an excellent view of the small town. A paper-making experience is also waiting for you, using materials harvested in the town and techniques perfected over centuries. The last stop is Shirakawa-go where you can see the beautiful townscape and go into one of the homes to learn about the townspeople's way of life. There are also plenty of shops and stalls to enjoy!
How to End Your Day
Be sure to select the "end the tour in Takayama" option and we will happily provide transportation to Takayama station at the end of this tour. The tour will end at Takayama Station around 17:30 and your guide will happily provide you with directions to your hotel.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 8 KAMIKOCHI
How to Start Your Day
Wake up in Takayama and get ready for a nature-filled adventure. From the thrilling heights of the Shinhotaka Ropeway to the peaceful trails of Kamikochi, you'll encounter a spectrum of natural wonders, making for a truly unforgettable day in the great outdoors.
KAMIKOCHI & SHINHOTAKA TOUR FROM TAKAYAMA / April to November
If you are a lover of nature in all of its splendid forms, taking the Shinhotaka Ropeway to the top of mountains then exploring the valleys of Kamikochi is perfect for you. Starting from Takayama Station, you will take one of our tour buses to the Shinhotaka Ropeway where you will get on and experience the exciting two stage ride. At the top you will have time to enjoy the panorama that is the Central Japanese Alps. After taking in all of the majestic mountain views, you will head to a different part of the range and to Kamikochi. Here you will walk along the scenic river with its stunning colors, cross the picturesque Kappa Bridge and generally explore the fields, riverbeds and forests of the area. There are even wild monkeys in the area that can be seen. Relax and enjoy your day through strolls in the refreshing nature.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour concludes in Takayama, 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 Takayama at approximately 6 P.M. which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination, Nagoya, at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination.
The Limited Express ‘Hida’ runs from Takayama Station to Nagoya offering a convenient way to travel to your next destination. It takes approximately 145 to 160 minutes and costs JPY5610 to travel between Takayama and Nagoya.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 9 HIKONE & OMI HACHIMAN
How to Start Your Day
Wake up back in Nagoya for your final two days of your Central Japan adventure. Today will take you to your third National Treasure castle, Hikone, as well as a picturesque town with an extensive canal system. And bring your sweet tooth, as this tour takes you to one of the countries most unique bakeries.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman / All Year Round
Get away from the crowds of the city and embrace the beauty of Central Japan as you journey to Shiga Prefecture. This stunning prefecture is blessed with historic castles, pleasant waterways, lush fields, and Japan’s largest lake. A feast for the eyes and the stomach, this captivating region is also home to the oldest brand of wagyu beef in Japan as well as one of the country’s most unique sweet shops.
This tour will take you to two castle towns, Hikone—with one of the oldest castles in Japan, and Omi Hachiman—known for its charming canals. Taste Matcha, relax in peaceful gardens, and soak in the scenery as you are led by your experienced, English-speaking guide through this picturesque region of Japan.
How to End Your Day
The tour concludes at Nagoya Station around 18:30. If you still haven't had Nagoya's famous unagi (freshwater eel), tonight would be the perfect time to do so.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 10 ISE
How to Start Your Day
On your final day, get ready to take a breath of the ocean air and head to the stunning coast of Ise. The region is also home to Japan’s most sacred shrine, Ise-Jingu. Whether you’re after spiritual discovery or breathtaking landscapes, Ise provides a perfect relaxing conclusion to your Central Japan adventure.
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.
How to End Your Day
As your adventure through Central Japan concludes, we recommend spending some time your final evening in Nagoya to do some souvenir shopping. Nagoya has several shopping districts, including plenty of shops in the station itself, however we recommend heading to Sakae for the best souvenir shops. Sakae is one of the most popular commercial areas in Nagoya and has a lot of department stores and high-end malls, like Oasis 21 and Nagoya PARCO, where you can find stylish, contemporary souvenirs. These places also have sections dedicated to regional gifts, from Japan-themed accessories to local gourmet products like Nagoya-style miso or eel flavored snacks.
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.
