9-Day Ultimate Japan Itinerary: Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, and Shizuoka

Day 1: Explore Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Komeda's Coffee

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Komeda's Coffee, famous for its fluffy Shiro Noir pastry.
Walk to Nagoya Castle.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nagoya Castle

Explore the historic Nagoya Castle, known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Take the subway to Osu Kannon.
JPY 500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yabaton

Savor Nagoya's famous dish, miso katsu, at the beloved Yabaton restaurant.
Walk to Osu Shopping District.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll Osu Shopping District

Spend the afternoon browsing through quirky shops and cafes in the vibrant Osu Shopping District.
Take a train to Sakae.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Nagoya City Science Museum

Discover fascinating exhibits and the largest planetarium in the world at this interactive museum.
Take the subway back to Nagoya Station.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hitsumabushi Meshi

Experience Hitsumabushi, grilled eel served over rice, in an authentic Nagoya setting.
Walk back to your accommodation.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Day Trip to Takayama

Takayama, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Grab a light breakfast from a local bakery near your hotel before heading to the station.
Walk to Nagoya Station.
JPY 500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Takayama

Take the JR Shinkansen to Takayama, enjoy the picturesque mountain views along the way.
Take the train.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Takayama Jinya

Explore the beautifully preserved Takayama Jinya, once the government outpost of the region.
Walk to the Old Town.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Café Kura

Enjoy a delightful lunch of local Hida beef at Café Kura in the heart of Takayama.
Walk to the morning market.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the Hida Folk Village

Stroll through the open-air Hida Folk Village and admire traditional thatched-roof houses.
Take a bus to Hida Folk Village.
JPY 1,200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Free Time in Takayama

Enjoy some free time to explore shops or have a coffee at cafes along the Sanmachi Suji Street.
Walk back to the station.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yoshijima Heritage House

Savor local dishes in a traditional setting at Yoshijima Heritage House.
Take the train back to Nagoya.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Experience in Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing for Shirakawa-go.
Leave for Shirakawa-go via bus.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Shirakawa-go

Enjoy the scenic bus ride from Takayama to Shirakawa-go, known for its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Take the bus.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Shirakawa-go

Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage site, taking photos of the thatched-roof houses.
Self-guided walking tour.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Wada House

Step inside a traditional gassho-zukuri house and learn about the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
Walk through the village.
JPY 500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Irori

Enjoy a local meal in the picturesque scenery at Irori cafe.
Walk to Irori.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village Observatory

Get a stunning panoramic view of the village from the observation deck.
Hike or walk up to the observatory.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Takayama

Head back to Takayama to spend a relaxed evening.
Take the bus back.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Takayama Ramen

Enjoy a warm bowl of Takayama ramen to refuel after your day of exploration.
Walk back towards accommodation.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Culture in Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a healthy breakfast at your hotel before heading to Kanazawa.
Depart for Kanazawa by train.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Kanazawa

Take the train from Takayama to Kanazawa, capturing the beautiful landscape.
Take the train.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Explore one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, famous for its seasonal views.
Walk to the garden.
JPY 310, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yakiniku Restaurant

Indulge in high-quality Wagyu beef at a local yakiniku restaurant.
Walk to lunch.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Kanazawa Castle

Visit the reconstructed Kanazawa Castle and discover its rich history.
Walk to Kanazawa Castle.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Experience contemporary art exhibits in this architecturally stunning museum.
Walk to the museum.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Omicho Market

Explore the vibrant Omicho Market and enjoy fresh seafood for dinner.
Walk to the market.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Art and Relaxation in Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before a day of relaxation and exploration.
Head out for the day.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Higashi Chaya District

Wander through this historic geisha district and visit the tea houses.
Walk to the district.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kutaniyaki Kiln

Explore the local pottery and perhaps try your hand at making some.
Walk to the kiln.
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shirohato

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki lunch at a renowned Kanazawa restaurant.
Walk to Shirohato.
JPY 5,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Kanazawa Phonograph Museum

Discover the history of music with unique phonograph exhibits.
Walk to the museum.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Relax at a local Onsen

Take a break and enjoy relaxation at a local onsen to unwind.
Travel to the onsen.
JPY 1,500, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Savor a dining experience filled with small dishes at an izakaya.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Culinary Journey in Shizuoka

Shizuoka, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your Kanazawa hotel before departing for Shizuoka.
Head to the train station.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Depart for Shizuoka

Take the Shinkansen to Shizuoka, known for its green tea and stunning views of Mt. Fuji.
Take the train.
JPY 5,500, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Sakana Shokudo

Savor fresh seafood and traditional Shizuoka cuisine at Sakana Shokudo.
Walk to the restaurant from the station.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Kunozan Toshogu Shrine

Explore this historic shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Take a bus to the shrine.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Walk along Shizuoka's beaches

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastal beaches with views of Mt. Fuji.
Take a bus or walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sushi Shizuoka

Indulge in fresh sushi paired with local sake at Sushi Shizuoka.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY 3,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Nature and Relaxation in Shizuoka

Shizuoka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee at a local café.
Walk to the café.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nihondaira Yume Terrace

Get stunning panoramic views of Mount Fuji from this popular viewpoint.
Take a bus to Nihondaira.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Kunozan Toshogu

Spend more time at the UNESCO World Heritage site to appreciate its art and nature.
Return to the shrine.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at local soba shop

Enjoy handmade soba noodles at a local soba restaurant.
Walk to the soba shop.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Shizuoka Sengen Shrine

Discover the intricate beauty of this shrine surrounded by gardens.
Take a bus.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Seafood Izakaya

Indulge in local seafood dishes paired with refreshing drinks.
Walk to the izakaya.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Shizuoka filled with local flavors.
Check out from the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Nagoya

Take the Shinkansen back to Nagoya, savoring the views one last time.
Take the train.
JPY 5,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nagoya Station

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery in Nagoya Station.
Eat before exploring.
JPY 2,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Last-minute Shopping

Take a stroll through the shopping district and pick up souvenirs.
Walk around the shopping area.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Atsuta Shrine

Explore one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, rich in history and culture.
Take the subway or bus to the shrine.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Sekai no Yamachan

End your journey with a famous Nagoya chicken wing dinner at Sekai no Yamachan.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Departure

Nagoya, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café

Grab a quick breakfast at a local café before your flight.
Head to the train station.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Airport

Take the train to Chubu Centrair International Airport for departure.
Take the train.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability