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

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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
Find Hotels in Nagoya

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
Find Hotels in Takayama

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
Find Hotels in Shirakawa-go

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
Find Hotels in Kanazawa

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
Find Hotels in Kanazawa

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
Find Hotels in Shizuoka

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
Find Hotels in Shizuoka

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
Find Hotels in Nagoya

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
Find Hotels in Nagoya
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