Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Japanese Alps

Day 1: Nagano Exploration

Nagano, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Zenkoji Temple

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local cafe near the historic Zenkoji Temple.
Walk or take a short taxi ride from your accommodation to the temple area.
£10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Zenkoji Temple

Discover the beauty and history of Zenkoji Temple, one of the most important and popular temples in Japan.
Located in central Nagano, easily accessible on foot.
£5, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Soba Noodle Shop

Taste delicious local soba noodles for lunch at a traditional restaurant near the temple.
Walk to a nearby restaurant recommended by locals.
£15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Experience a unique opportunity to see Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs at this famous park.
Take a local bus or taxi to the park entrance.
£20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Traditional Izakaya

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner at an izakaya serving delicious Japanese dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Return to Nagano city centre for dinner.
£30, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Outdoor Adventures in Nagano

Nagano, Japan

9:00AM

Morning Hike in Togakushi Forest

Embark on a scenic hike through Togakushi Forest, known for its beautiful nature trails and ancient trees.
Take a bus or taxi to the forest entrance for the hike.
£5, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch by Togakushi Shrines

Relax and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the serene atmosphere of the Togakushi Shrines.
Walk to a peaceful spot near the shrines for a picnic.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum

Explore a diverse collection of Japanese art at this museum, perfect for art enthusiasts of all ages.
Take a short taxi ride or walk to the museum from Togakushi.
£8, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Ramen Shop

Indulge in delicious ramen noodles for dinner at a popular local shop with a friendly atmosphere.
Return to Nagano city centre for dinner.
£12, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historic Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at a Traditional Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a charming local cafe in Matsumoto city.
Arrive in Matsumoto by train from Nagano, then walk to the cafe.
£8, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Matsumoto Castle

Discover the iconic Matsumoto Castle, known as the 'Crow Castle' for its striking black exterior and historical significance.
Walk from the cafe to the castle grounds.
£6, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Teahouse

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at a teahouse near Matsumoto Castle, offering a peaceful setting and delicious cuisine.
Stroll to a teahouse recommended by locals for an authentic dining experience.
£20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Nakamachi Street

Explore the historic Nakamachi Street lined with traditional merchant houses, shops, and cafes, perfect for souvenir shopping.
Walk from the teahouse to Nakamachi Street for an afternoon of exploration.
£0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a family dinner at a cosy local restaurant in Matsumoto, serving authentic Japanese dishes with a warm atmosphere.
Stroll back to the city centre for dinner.
£25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature in Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Kamikochi National Park

Explore the stunning natural beauty of Kamikochi National Park, offering picturesque landscapes, hiking trails, and crystal-clear rivers.
Take a bus or train from Matsumoto to Kamikochi for a day trip.
£30, 6 hours

4:00PM

Afternoon Snack at a Riverside Cafe

Relax and enjoy a snack at a charming cafe by the river in Kamikochi, surrounded by nature's tranquillity.
Choose a cafe along the riverside for a peaceful break.
£5, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Inn

Experience a traditional kaiseki dinner at a local inn in Matsumoto, showcasing the best of Japanese seasonal cuisine.
Return to Matsumoto city centre for dinner.
£50, 2 hours
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Day 5: Historic Takayama

Takayama, Japan

9:00AM

Morning Stroll in Sanmachi Suji District

Take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Sanmachi Suji, lined with beautifully preserved traditional houses and shops.
Arrive in Takayama by train from Matsumoto and walk to Sanmachi Suji.
£0, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Takayama Jinya

Visit Takayama Jinya, a historic government house showcasing traditional architecture and cultural exhibits.
Walk from Sanmachi Suji to Takayama Jinya for a cultural experience.
£3, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Hida Beef Restaurant

Indulge in a gourmet lunch featuring Hida beef, a renowned local delicacy, at a restaurant in Takayama.
Head to a recommended Hida beef restaurant in the city centre for a delicious meal.
£35, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Hida Folk Village

Explore the open-air museum of Hida Folk Village, showcasing traditional thatched-roof houses and local craft demonstrations.
Take a short bus ride or walk from the city centre to Hida Folk Village.
£8, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Traditional Ryokan

Experience a luxurious kaiseki dinner at a traditional ryokan in Takayama, offering a taste of authentic Japanese hospitality.
Return to the city centre for dinner at the ryokan.
£70, 2 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Takayama

Takayama, Japan

9:00AM

Morning Visit to Morning Markets

Explore the vibrant Takayama Morning Markets, offering a variety of local produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
Start your day at the markets located in the city centre.
£0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Attend a Sake Brewery Tour

Embark on a guided tour of a sake brewery in Takayama to learn about the traditional brewing process and sample different varieties.
Walk to the sake brewery from the morning markets for the tour.
£15, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Food Stall

Enjoy a casual lunch at a local food stall, savouring regional street food specialities in a lively setting.
Explore the nearby food stalls for a variety of options.
£10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Takayama Yatai Kaikan

Discover the artistry of Takayama festival floats at the Takayama Yatai Kaikan museum, showcasing intricate designs and cultural significance.
Walk from the food stall to the museum for an educational experience.
£5, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Traditional Soba Restaurant

Relish in a dinner of handcrafted soba noodles at a traditional restaurant in Takayama, known for its authentic flavours.
Return to the city centre for dinner at the soba restaurant.
£20, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Historic Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

9:00AM

Morning Visit to Kenrokuen Garden

Stroll through the beautiful landscapes of Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most celebrated and meticulously landscaped gardens.
Arrive in Kanazawa by train from Takayama and walk to Kenrokuen Garden.
£5, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Higashi Chaya District

Wander through the historic streets of Higashi Chaya District, famous for its preserved teahouses and traditional atmosphere.
Walk from Kenrokuen Garden to Higashi Chaya District for a cultural immersion.
£0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Teahouse

Enjoy a delightful lunch at a traditional teahouse in Higashi Chaya District, serving classic Japanese cuisine.
Choose a teahouse with a charming ambiance for a memorable meal.
£30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Kanazawa Castle

Explore the historic Kanazawa Castle, a symbol of the city's samurai past, and discover its impressive architecture and gardens.
Walk from Higashi Chaya District to Kanazawa Castle for a guided tour.
£8, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner in Omicho Market

Indulge in a seafood feast at Omicho Market, sampling fresh local delicacies and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the market.
Conclude your day with a short walk to Omicho Market for a delicious dinner.
£40, 2 hours
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