Eco-Friendly Relaxation Road Trip in Japan from Tokyo to Sapporo

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Start your eco-friendly road trip by exploring the tranquil Meiji Shrine in the heart of Tokyo, surrounded by a lush forest.
Take a train to Harajuku Station and walk for 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at T's TanTan

Enjoy a delicious vegan ramen at T's TanTan near Tokyo Station before hitting the road.
Take a train to Tokyo Station.
£15, 1 hour

1:00PM

Drive to Nikko

Embark on a 2-hour drive to Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning temples and natural beauty.
Rent a hybrid car and take the Tohoku Expressway.
£20 (approx. toll fees), 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature Retreat in Nikko

Nikko, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the intricate architecture of Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, amidst the serene forest.
Walk from your accommodation or take a local bus.
£10, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Guriru

Indulge in a vegetarian Italian meal at Ristorante Guriru overlooking the picturesque Nikko landscape.
Short walk from Toshogu Shrine.
£20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Kegon Falls

Witness the majestic beauty of Kegon Falls, one of Japan's highest waterfalls, and take a peaceful nature walk in the area.
Drive for 30 minutes from Nikko town.
£5, 2 hours
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Day 3: Historical Charm of Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Matsumoto Castle

Discover the iconic Matsumoto Castle, known as the 'Crow Castle' for its black exterior and stunning architecture.
Drive for 3 hours from Nikko via the Joshinetsu Expressway.
£10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Veg Out

Enjoy a vegetarian feast at Veg Out, a cosy restaurant in Matsumoto serving plant-based dishes.
Short drive from Matsumoto Castle.
£15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Nakamachi Street

Stroll through Nakamachi Street lined with historic buildings, quaint shops, and cafes offering a glimpse into Matsumoto's past.
Walk from Veg Out.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Delights of Takayama

Takayama, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Hida Folk Village

Immerse yourself in the traditional thatched-roof houses of Hida Folk Village, showcasing rural life in Japan.
Drive for 3 hours from Matsumoto via the Chubu-Sangaku National Park.
£10, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yamatake Shokudo

Savour a vegetarian meal at Yamatake Shokudo, a local favourite known for its authentic Japanese dishes.
Short walk from Hida Folk Village.
£15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Old Town District

Wander through the charming streets of Takayama's Old Town, lined with beautifully preserved Edo-period buildings and sake breweries.
Walk from lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 5: Historic Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Explore the stunning landscape of Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful gardens with seasonal flowers and tranquil ponds.
Drive for 3 hours from Takayama via the Hokuriku Expressway.
£10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design

Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design, a stylish cafe in Kanazawa with a relaxed atmosphere.
Walk from Kenrokuen Garden.
£15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Higashi Chaya District

Discover the historic Geisha district of Higashi Chaya with its charming wooden teahouses and traditional architecture.
Walk from lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 6: Scenic Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Shirakawa-go Village

Experience the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go Village, known for its unique Gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs.
Drive for 2 hours from Kanazawa through the scenic countryside.
£10, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Wada House

Enjoy a vegetarian meal at Wada House, a preserved traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouse offering local delicacies.
Walk from Shirakawa-go Village.
£20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike to Shiroyama Viewpoint

Embark on a scenic hike to Shiroyama Viewpoint for panoramic views of Shirakawa-go's picturesque landscape.
Start the trail from Wada House.
Free, 2 hours
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Day 7: Culinary Delights in Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

9:00AM

Visit Sapporo Beer Museum

Learn about the history of beer in Japan and enjoy tasting sessions at the Sapporo Beer Museum.
Drive for 5 hours from Shirakawa-go to Sapporo via the Hokuriku Expressway and Hokkaido Expressway.
£5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vegetable Kitchen Chabuton

Indulge in a vegetarian lunch at Vegetable Kitchen Chabuton, a cosy restaurant in Sapporo offering seasonal dishes.
Short drive from Sapporo Beer Museum.
£15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Odori Park

Take a leisurely stroll through Odori Park, Sapporo's central park famous for its lush greenery and seasonal events.
Walk from lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours
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