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

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Commence the eco-friendly road trip by exploring the serene Meiji Shrine amidst a verdant forest.
Take a train to Harajuku Station, followed by a 10-minute walk.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at T's TanTan

Relish a vegan ramen at T's TanTan near Tokyo Station before embarking on the journey.
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 renowned for its 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 Toshogu Shrine architecture, nestled in a tranquil forest.
Walk from accommodation or take a local bus.
£10, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Guriru

Indulge in a vegetarian Italian meal at Ristorante Guriru with stunning Nikko views.
Short walk from Toshogu Shrine.
£20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Kegon Falls

Witness the splendour of Kegon Falls, one of Japan's highest, then enjoy a serene nature walk.
Drive 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 'Crow Castle', Matsumoto Castle, known for its striking black facade.
Drive 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 charming Matsumoto eatery serving plant-based dishes.
Short drive from Matsumoto Castle.
£15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Nakamachi Street

Stroll through historic Nakamachi Street, lined with preserved buildings 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 in the traditional Hida Folk Village that showcases rural Japan with its thatched-roof houses.
Drive 3 hours from Matsumoto via the Chubu-Sangaku National Park.
£10, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yamatake Shokudo

Enjoy authentic vegetarian Japanese cuisine at Yamatake Shokudo, a local favourite.
Short walk from Hida Folk Village.
£15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Old Town District

Wander through Takayama's Old Town with its 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 magnificent Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful landscaped gardens.
Drive 3 hours from Takayama via the Hokuriku Expressway.
£10, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design

Savour a vegetarian lunch at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design, a chic cafe in Kanazawa.
Walk from Kenrokuen Garden.
£15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Higashi Chaya District

Discover the historic Geisha district of Higashi Chaya with its traditional teahouses.
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 unique Gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawa-go Village, a UNESCO site.
Drive 2 hours from Kanazawa through scenic countryside.
£10, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Wada House

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

2:00PM

Hike to Shiroyama Viewpoint

Take a hike to Shiroyama Viewpoint for panoramic views of Shirakawa-go's 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 Japan's beer history with tasting sessions at Sapporo Beer Museum.
Drive 5 hours from Shirakawa-go to Sapporo via expressways.
£5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Vegetable Kitchen Chabuton

Savour vegetarian dishes at Vegetable Kitchen Chabuton, a Sapporo restaurant.
Short drive from Sapporo Beer Museum.
£15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Odori Park

Enjoy a leisurely walk in Odori Park, Sapporo's central park with lush greenery.
Walk from lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours
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