Tailormade Journeys

Journey into Japan's Timeless Past

9Days 8Nights   •   From Nagoya to Kyoto
5Experienced by 278 travelers
Frominfo
$1762per person
invoicePrice varies according to customization
energyBook by 1 day in advance
checkFree cancellation up to 7 days before the tours starts
checkFree customization - adjust your trip as you wish, with no fees from us
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Overview

This journey focuses on traditional towns, mountain villages, craft culture, and a quieter side of Japan beyond the standard golden route. Travel through Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, and the Hida region, where preserved streets, gardens, folk houses, local markets, and artisan traditions create a strong sense of old Japan. It works well as a second-time Japan route or as a slower cultural alternative for travelers who want more atmosphere and fewer big-city days.

HIGHLIGHTS

starStep into Japan's living past through samurai districts, old merchant streets, and mountain towns.
starSee thatched-roof villages and preserved Edo-era neighborhoods set against alpine landscapes.
starExperience a quieter side of Japan, where craft, architecture, and rural traditions still feel close.

TRAVEL STYLE & SERVICE

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Tailor-Made Itinerary
Adjusted based on your dates, interests, pace, and preferred destinations.
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Flexible Daily Schedule
Sightseeing order, free time, and activity balance can be modified.
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Hotel Options Available
Hotels can be selected or upgraded by location, style, room type, and budget.
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Flexible Transportation Options
You may choose private car service, public transportation, or a combination of both depending on your travel style and itinerary design.
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Guide Service on Request
Guides can be arranged for selected days or throughout the full journey.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Accommodation
Selected 4-star hotels or similar category based on itinerary standards.
Transportation Arrangements
Private vehicle service, transfers, and selected in-trip journeys as outlined in the itinerary.
Guide Service (Selected Days)
English-speaking guide service on selected days where specified.
Entrance Tickets & Experiences
Tickets and activities included in the itinerary are pre-arranged.
Travel Planning & Support
Itinerary planning, booking coordination, and local travel support.

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

Hotel Upgrades & Special Requests
Room upgrades, special room types, or premium hotel selections based on your preferences.
Additional Private Guide Service
Extra English-speaking guide service for full-day or extended support during your trip.
Extra Transportation Services
Additional private car service, long-distance transfers, or customized travel arrangements beyond the itinerary.
Dining & Restaurant Reservations
Restaurant bookings including local specialties, fine dining, or curated culinary experiences.
Cultural & Local Experiences
Tea ceremonies, cooking classes, kimono experiences, workshops, and other immersive cultural activities.

Your Itinerary

A slower-paced route through Japan's central mountain region, combining refined gardens, craft traditions, preserved old towns, and thatched-roof villages. This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a quieter, more atmospheric side of Japan beyond the major cities.

DAY 1TOKYO / NAGOYA

Tokyo or Nagoya, Japan

Gateway to central Japan

Arrive in Nagoya and settle in before beginning the journey into Japan's central mountain region. This day is kept easy for rest and orientation.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Tokyo or Nagoya
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Tokyo Station
  • Nagoya Station
  • Sakae
DAY 2TOKYO / NAGOYA · KANAZAWA

Kanazawa, Japan

Gardens, samurai lanes, and craft traditions

Travel to Kanazawa, a refined city known for gardens, preserved districts, gold leaf, and traditional crafts. Spend the afternoon exploring the old town atmosphere at a comfortable pace.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Kanazawa
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Kenrokuen Garden
  • Kanazawa Castle
  • Higashi Chaya District
DAY 3KANAZAWA

Kanazawa, Japan

Artisan culture and old neighborhoods

Spend a full day in Kanazawa with a focus on gardens, markets, samurai heritage, and local craft traditions. The day can include contemporary art or hands-on cultural experiences depending on interest.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Kanazawa
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Kenrokuen Garden
  • Nagamachi Samurai District
  • Omicho Market
  • 21st Century Museum
DAY 4KANAZAWA · SHIRAKAWA-GO · TAKAYAMA

Takayama, Japan

Thatched roofs and mountain villages

Travel through the mountains to Shirakawa-go, known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Continue to Takayama, a beautifully preserved town with Edo-period streets and a relaxed evening feel.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel or ryokan in Takayama
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Shirakawa-go
  • Ogimachi Village
  • Takayama Old Town
DAY 5TAKAYAMA

Takayama, Japan

Morning markets and wooden streets

Explore Takayama's morning markets, merchant houses, sake breweries, and old streets. The day is designed to be walkable and atmospheric, with time for local food and small craft shops.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel or ryokan in Takayama
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Miyagawa Morning Market
  • Sanmachi Suji
  • Takayama Jinya
DAY 6TAKAYAMA · HIDA-FURUKAWA

Hida-Furukawa, Japan

Canals, carp, and rural calm

Take a quieter excursion to Hida-Furukawa, a small town known for white-walled storehouses, canals, festivals, and traditional woodworking culture. Return to Takayama or continue onward depending on routing.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel or ryokan in Takayama
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Hida-Furukawa Old Town
  • Setogawa Canal
  • Hida Craft Museum
DAY 7TAKAYAMA · KYOTO

Kyoto, Japan

From mountain towns to the old capital

Travel from the Hida region to Kyoto. After arrival, enjoy a relaxed first evening in the old capital, with time for Gion, Pontocho, or the riverside.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Kyoto
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Kyoto Station
  • Gion
  • Pontocho
  • Kamo River
DAY 8KYOTO

Kyoto, Japan

A soft landing in classical Japan

Spend the day exploring Kyoto's temples, gardens, and traditional neighborhoods. This day gives the mountain village route a graceful cultural finish before departure.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Hotel 4* in Kyoto
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Kiyomizu-dera
  • Ninenzaka
  • Sannenzaka
  • Gion
  • Kennin-ji
DAY 9KYOTO / OSAKA

Kyoto or osaka, Japan

Departure or onward travel

Enjoy a relaxed final morning before transferring to Kansai International Airport or continuing to another Japan extension.

AccommodationAccommodation
  • Not included unless late departure requires day-use room
LandmarksLandmarks
  • Kyoto Station
  • Kansai International Airport
  • Osaka

Where you'll Stay

All accommodations can be adjusted to your preferences and budget. The following are provided for your reference.

Recommendations

St. Regis Osaka

Osaka, Japan

Recommendations

FUFU Kawaguchiko

Yamanashi, Japan

Recommendations

Gora Kadan Hakone

Hakone, Japan

Optional experiences.

These experiences could make your trip even more rewarding.

Experiences

Tea ceremony experience

Kyoto, Japan

Experiences

Sumo culture experience

Tokyo, Japan

Experiences

Hokkaido ski experience

Hokkaido, Japan

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