Itinerary Details
You will explore Central Japan with a cooler climate in autumn, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed hiking and picturesque nature. Central Japan, comprised of prefectures such as Nagano and Gifu, is an expansive region of tall mountain ranges and fast-flowing rivers. Many remote villages could not be easily accessed until as of recently, making these places well-preserved. Venture to the Japanese Alps to visit Takayama and Shirakawa-go. These quaint villages provide insight into the past of rural Japan.
Welcome to Japan! On arrival in Tokyo, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the airport. You will be transferred to your hotel with a private car and driver.
Independent exploration awaits upon arrival in Tokyo, with options to investigate neon-illuminated city streets, experience diverse culinary delights, or take a respite in your hotel, prepping for the impending metropolis adventures.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotels & Resorts)
breakfast and lunch
Begin your tour at the serene Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a beautiful forest and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Then take a walk along Omotesando Street, a broad tree-lined avenue.
Then visit a tranquil retreat at Hama-rikyu Gardens, a serene oasis amid the bustling city. Stroll through the meticulously manicured landscape, admiring the traditional Japanese gardens, tranquil ponds, and picturesque teahouses.
Continue to Asakusa, Tokyo's old town. Here, enter the massive gates to the ancient Buddhist temple of Sensoji, which is Tokyo's oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that for centuries has been providing temple visitors with many traditional local snacks and souvenirs.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotels & Resorts)
Meiji Shrine
Asakusa
breakfast and lunch and dinner
This morning, we will leave Tokyo and travel to Nagano Prefecture and visit Obuse located just next to Nagano city.
We will visit Masuichi- Ichimura Sake Brewery, which has been in operation since the Edo Period. This brewery is one of a few sake breweries that take on women and non- Japanese people looking to learn the art of sake making.
Afterwards, we will make a short journey towards Yudanaka Onsen (hot spring) where we can spot the famous "snow monkeys" enjoying the natural hot spring baths just like humans. The Japanese macaques originally came here to warm themselves in this outdoor hot spring bath during the cold winters, but now come all year round.
Accommodation option:
- Ryokan Biyunoyado (Onsen Ryokan)
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
breakfast and lunch
Today we will first travel to Matsumoto city to see the beautiful Matsumoto Castle, built in the late 16th century. Matsumoto Castle is one of twelve original castles in Japan that has not been destroyed by fire, war, or disasters.
After lunch we will continue towards the Kiso valley and into the small atmospheric Narai post-town, located on the ancient Nakasendo route. This post-town served as the halfway mark between Kyoto and Tokyo (also known as Edo during the feudal era). Here you will find many well-preserved houses and former inns, as well as several small local shops.
Accommodation option:
- Minshuku Shimada (Minshuku)
Matsumoto Castle
Narai Post Town
breakfast and lunch
After breakfast, you will have leisure time to wander around the charming streets of Narai. This is a great place to buy lacquerware and woodcrafts. From there we will take short train and bus ride to the village of Tsumago, another post-town on the former Nakasendo trail. Only a few decades ago, Tsumago was neglected and falling apart, however, thanks to the efforts of the local residents, it has been saved and restored.
Today, cars are not allowed on the main road and power lines are hidden, making visitors feel as if they have gone back in time. Many people see Tsumago as a living museum; one which is still inhabited by local residents.
From here, we will continue our way on the trail towards Magome Pass, just approximately over 8 kilometers, or 5 miles, to Magome’s neighboring town. On our way, we will have the opportunity to walk through beautiful forests and the countryside, passing farms, rice fields, traditional houses, and beautiful gardens.
We will arrive in the afternoon, then check in to our Minshuku, a charming family-run inn.
Accommodation option:
- Manpukuan Eishoji (Minshuku)
Tsumago Post Town
Magome Post Town
breakfast and lunch
In the morning, we will stroll through Magome, exploring the small craft stores and stands before we head off to Takayama. Takayama has kept much of its traditional architecture and is very well-known for its crafts such as yew-wood carving, Shunkei lacquerware, pottery, and furniture.
After we arrive at our inn in Takayama, there may be time to explore the other areas nearby and relax in a refreshing onsen (hot spring) before dinner.
Accommodation option:
- Takayama Ouan Hotel
Takayama ancient town
breakfast and lunch
The mountainous city of Takayama is famous for its well-preserved old town dating back to the Edo Period (1603-1868). We'll visit Takayama morning market first to soak up a pleasant atmosphere around the market. Then, make a short photo stop at Nakabashi Bridge. The red bridge blending in great harmony with the surrounding cherry blossoms is a famous landmark of Takayama.
Step into the past at Takayama Jinya, a former government office that has been meticulously preserved since the Edo period (1603–1868). Wander through the halls and chambers, imagining the bustling administrative life that once thrived within these walls. Admire the intricate architecture and artifacts on display, gaining a deeper understanding of the town's rich history.
Spend the rest of the day wandering around Kami Sannomachi Street. The narrow lane lined with beautifully preserved merchant houses, sake breweries, shops, and cafes will bring you back to the ancient time of this place.
Accommodation option:
- Takayama Ouan Hotel
Nakabashi Bridge
breakfast and lunch
We will travel north- west of Takayama and travel to Ogimachi village in the Shirakawa-go area. A 1-hour drive will take you to Shirakawa-go, the fairy tale world made of traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses hidden in picturesque river valley. Marvel at the traditional gassho-style farmhouses, their distinctive thatched roofs forming a harmonious landscape against the backdrop of the Japanese Alps. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995.
After exploring the area for a bit, we will then check into our guesthouse for the night.
Accommodation option:
- Otaya (Minshuku)
Ogimachi Village
breakfast and lunch
The Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road is a scenic mountain road through the majestic mountains of the Hakusan National Park connecting the World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture and Hakusan City in Ishikawa Prefecture.
This 33km road passes through a deep, old-growth beech forest, and as it traverses the mountains, a beautiful winding valley that’s home to seven waterfalls of different sizes including Ubagataki Falls – one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls! A foot bath facing the falls lets visitors enjoy a natural hot spring.
The Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road is especially famous for its autumn foliage from mid-October to early November, when the surrounding mountainsides turn into brilliant hues of orange and gold.
Transfer back to Shirakawago after today's hiking.
Notes: The Shirakawa-go White Road closes from November 11 to early June.
Accommodation option:
- Otaya (Minshuku)
Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road
breakfast and lunch
Travelling by bus, we will first head towards Kanazawa, where we will then leave the mountainous area and take a train to Osaka. Upon arrival, we will head towards our hotel located in the center of the city.
Start today's tour from the tranquil ambiance of Osaka Castle Park, a historical bastion amid the modern cityscape, strategically looming over the surrounding park and moat.
Later in the evening, we will stroll around the Dotonbori, known for its bright neon lights, culinary delights, and lively entertainment. Relax your body with a culinary odyssey through Osaka's vibrant food scene. Savor the flavors of takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and other local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the city's countless restaurants and food stalls.
Accommodation option:
- Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba
Osaka Castle
breakfast
You will be picked up and taken to the airport for your return flights home.