4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kamikochi

Day 1: Cultural Exploration

Kanazawa, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Omicho Market

Start your day with a delicious seafood breakfast at Omicho Market, where you can taste fresh sushi and local delicacies.
Walk to the market from your accommodation.
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kenroku-en Garden

After breakfast, visit Kenroku-en, one of Japan's top three gardens, known for its stunning landscapes and seasonal beauty.
Take bus no. 8 from Omicho Market to Kenroku-en.
JPY320, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuroya

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Kuroya, famous for its signature beef dishes that will set you up for the day.
Walk back towards the city centre.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Higashi Chaya District

Take a stroll through the historic Higashi Chaya District, known for its traditional wooden teahouses and charming atmosphere.
Take a 15-minute walk from Kuroya.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Visit this renowned museum that showcases contemporary art and offers engaging exhibits for all ages.
A 15-minute walk from Higashi Chaya.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fuwari

Dine at Fuwari, known for its fresh seasonal ingredients and family-friendly atmosphere.
Take a 10-minute bus ride to Fuwari.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Historic Town

Takayama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Narisawa

Start your day with a light breakfast at Cafe Narisawa, renowned for its coffee and pastry offerings.
Walk to the café from your accommodation.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Takayama Old Town

Explore the charming streets of Takayama Old Town, filled with beautifully preserved Edo-period buildings and craft shops.
Short walk from Cafe Narisawa.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ajikura Tengoku

Savour the local Hida beef in a delightful meal at Ajikura Tengoku, perfect for families.
15-minute walk from Old Town.
JPY2000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Hida Folk Village

Visit Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum that presents traditional folk houses from the region.
Take the local bus from Ajikura Tengoku.
JPY700, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Yatai Kaikan

Explore Yatai Kaikan, where you can view the beautiful festival floats of Takayama and learn about the local culture.
Take a bus back to the city centre.
JPY500, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Gyu-kaku

Enjoy a fun BBQ-style dinner at Gyu-kaku where you grill your own meat and vegetables at the table.
Walking distance from Yatai Kaikan.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: World Heritage Site

Shirakawa-go, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kanazawa Bakery

Indulge in delicious pastries and coffee at Kanazawa Bakery before departing for Shirakawa-go.
Walk to Kanazawa Station for the bus.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Shirakawa-go

Catch a direct bus to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
15-minute bus ride.
JPY2000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Shirakawa-go

Begin exploring the picturesque village of Shirakawa-go and its stunning rural landscapes.
Walk through the village.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Shirobako Restaurant

Dine at Shirobako Restaurant, where you can try local rice and seasonal dishes amidst beautiful views.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Observation Point

Take a short hike to the Shirakawa-go observation point for breathtaking views of the village.
15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Takayama

Head back to Takayama via bus to enjoy a leisurely evening.
Catch the bus back.
JPY2000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Takayama's Asahi Beer Garden

Unwind at the Asahi Beer Garden with a variety of BBQ, fried chicken, and local beer — family-friendly vibes!
15-minute walk from the bus stop.
JPY1800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature Retreat

Kamikochi, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation before heading to Kamikochi.
On-site breakfast service.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Transfer to Kamikochi

Travel to Kamikochi by bus, a stunning area known for its breathtaking mountain views and hiking trails.
Take a direct bus from Takayama.
JPY3000, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Kamikochi Start Point Hike

Arrive at the Kamikochi start point and embark on a family-friendly hike with stunning scenery around you.
Walking trails lead from the bus stop.
Free, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Kamikochi Restaurant

Savour lunch at the Kamikochi Restaurant featuring local cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Near the trail end.
JPY2000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Azusa River Walk

Take a relaxing walk along the Azusa River, perfect for capturing family photos and enjoying nature.
Follow the riverside trail.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kamikochi Lodge

End the day with a comforting dinner at Kamikochi Lodge, offering delicious meals and a perfect conclusion to your adventure.
Located within Kamikochi area.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Accommodation

Wrap up your day as you head back to your accommodation with beautiful memories of Kamikochi.
Bus transport back to Takayama.
JPY3000, 2.5 hours
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