8-Day Family Friendly Relaxation Itinerary in Japan: Kyoto, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama, and Nagoya

Day 1: Arrival in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on December 19, 2024

1:30PM

Check-in at Hotel Granvia Kyoto

After arriving in Kyoto, check-in at the centrally located Hotel Granvia to rest and refresh after your journey.
JPY 25,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous for its wooden stage and stunning autumn foliage.
JPY 400, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Indulge in a traditional Kaiseki dinner at Gion Karyo, a perfect introduction to local Kyoto cuisine.
JPY 10,000, 2 hours

Day 2: Explore Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on December 20, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet at the hotel to start your day.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a magical experience.
JPY 280, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sagano Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch with a view of the Togetsukyo Bridge at Sagano Restaurant.
JPY 2,500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return and Refresh at Hotel

Head back to the hotel to rest and refresh for the evening.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Experience authentic Kyoto-style cuisine with seasonal ingredients at this renowned restaurant.
JPY 8,000, 2 hours

Day 3: Travel to Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan on December 21, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and heading to Kanazawa.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kanazawa

Take the Limited Express Thunderbird train to Kanazawa.
JPY 5,200, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Check-in at the hotel and take a moment to rest.
JPY 15,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Fuwari

Try Kanazawa’s famous seafood and traditional dishes at Fuwari.
JPY 3,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Spend quality family time exploring the picturesque Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens.
JPY 320, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sekiji

Savor a delightful meal featuring locally sourced ingredients at Sekiji.
JPY 6,500, 2 hours

Day 4: Day Trip to Shirakawago

Shirakawago, Japan on December 22, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at Hotel Nikko before your journey to Shirakawago.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Shirakawago

Take a bus to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
JPY 4,000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Explore Shirakawago

Stroll through the enchanting village and visit the Wada House, a beautiful example of traditional architecture.
JPY 500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shirakawago Restaurant

Enjoy a local meal featuring Hida beef, a specialty of the region.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Return to Kanazawa

Take the bus back to Kanazawa and relax after a day of exploration.
JPY 4,000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Free Time in Kanazawa

Enjoy some free time exploring shops or resting at the hotel.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kappo Shiki

End your day with an exquisite dinner featuring a variety of seasonal dishes at Kappo Shiki.
JPY 7,000, 2 hours

Day 5: Travel to Takayama

Takayama, Japan on December 23, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at Hotel Nikko before heading out to Takayama.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Takayama

Take the Nohi Bus from Kanazawa to Takayama, known for its well-preserved old town.
JPY 4,100, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-in at Takayama Ouan

Check in at Takayama Ouan, a ryokan where you can experience Japanese hospitality.
JPY 18,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Hida Gyu Ueno

Savor Hida beef at Hida Gyu Ueno, a local favorite.
JPY 5,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Takayama Old Town

Wander through the historic Sanmachi Suji district, famous for traditional wooden houses and sake breweries.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Ryokan

Unwind at the ryokan's onsen, a perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Included, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Kiyoshi

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring seasonal and local ingredients at Kiyoshi.
JPY 6,500, 2 hours

Day 6: Travel to Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan on December 24, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at the ryokan.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nagoya

Take the JR Hida Limited Express to Nagoya.
JPY 5,800, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel

Arrive and check in at the luxurious Nagoya Marriott, located conveniently near Nagoya Station.
JPY 20,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Misen

Savor the famous Nagoya-style ramen at Misen for an authentic taste of the region.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Nagoya Castle

Explore the historic Nagoya Castle and enjoy its beautiful parks.
JPY 500, 2 hours

5:30PM

Family Time at Osu Shopping District

Enjoy exploring the vibrant shops and stalls at Osu Shopping District, ideal for souvenirs and snacks.
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Yabaton

End the day with Nagoya's famous miso katsu at Yabaton.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

Day 7: Explore Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan on December 25, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a varied breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for a busy day.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Discover the history of Toyota and enjoy interactive exhibits perfect for families.
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kinshachi Yokocho

Taste a variety of Nagoya's local dishes in a charming market atmosphere.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Atsuta Jingu Shrine

Visit Atsuta Jingu, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Explore

Return to the hotel and enjoy some relaxation time.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hitsumabushi Bincho

End the day with a delicious hitsumabushi (grilled eel) dinner at Hitsumabushi Bincho.
JPY 6,000, 2 hours

Day 8: Departure

Nagoya, Japan on December 26, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-out and Travel to KIX Airport

Check out of the hotel and head to KIX Airport for your flight home.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Arrive at KIX Airport

Arrive at KIX Airport for your flight, concluding your memorable trip.
Free, N/A