Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

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

Viewed by 96 travelers

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.
Walk 5 minutes from Kyoto Station to the hotel.
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.
Take bus number 100 from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-dera (20-30 mins).
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.
15-minute walk from Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY 10,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

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.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a magical experience.
Take the JR San-in Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (15 mins).
JPY 280, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sagano Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious lunch with a view of the Togetsukyo Bridge at Sagano Restaurant.
Walking distance from the Bamboo Grove.
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.
Take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station (30 mins).
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return and Refresh at Hotel

Head back to the hotel to rest and refresh for the evening.
Take the JR Nara Line back to Kyoto Station (30 mins).
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Experience authentic Kyoto-style cuisine with seasonal ingredients at this renowned restaurant.
15-minute walk from the hotel.
JPY 8,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

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.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kanazawa

Take the Limited Express Thunderbird train to Kanazawa.
Catch the train from Kyoto Station.
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.
5-minute walk from Kanazawa Station.
JPY 15,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Fuwari

Try Kanazawa’s famous seafood and traditional dishes at Fuwari.
Walking distance from the hotel.
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.
Take bus number 100 from Matsumoto-Kenrokuen bus stop.
JPY 320, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sekiji

Savor a delightful meal featuring locally sourced ingredients at Sekiji.
15-minute walk from Kenrokuen Garden.
JPY 6,500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kanazawa

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.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Shirakawago

Take a bus to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Bus departure from Kanazawa Station.
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.
Walking and sightseeing in Shirakawago.
JPY 500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shirakawago Restaurant

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

3:00PM

Return to Kanazawa

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

5:00PM

Free Time in Kanazawa

Enjoy some free time exploring shops or resting at the hotel.
N/A
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.
10-minute walk from the hotel.
JPY 7,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Shirakawago

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.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Takayama

Take the Nohi Bus from Kanazawa to Takayama, known for its well-preserved old town.
Bus departure from Kanazawa Station.
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.
5-minute walk from Takayama Station.
JPY 18,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Hida Gyu Ueno

Savor Hida beef at Hida Gyu Ueno, a local favorite.
Walking distance from the hotel.
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.
Short walk from lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Relax at Ryokan

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

7:30PM

Dinner at Kiyoshi

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring seasonal and local ingredients at Kiyoshi.
Walking distance from the ryokan.
JPY 6,500, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Takayama

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.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nagoya

Take the JR Hida Limited Express to Nagoya.
Catch the train from Takayama Station.
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.
5-minute walk from 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.
15-minute walk from the hotel.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Nagoya Castle

Explore the historic Nagoya Castle and enjoy its beautiful parks.
Take the Meitetsu Line from Nagoya Station to Meitetsu Nagoya Station (10 mins).
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.
Take subway from Nagoya Castle to Osu Kannon Station (15 mins).
Free, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Yabaton

End the day with Nagoya's famous miso katsu at Yabaton.
10-minute walk from Osu Shopping District.
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nagoya

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.
N/A
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.
Take the subway from Nagoya Station to Sasashima-Raibu Station (15 mins).
JPY 1,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kinshachi Yokocho

Taste a variety of Nagoya's local dishes in a charming market atmosphere.
Return to Nagoya Station (15 mins).
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Atsuta Jingu Shrine

Visit Atsuta Jingu, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines.
Take the Meitetsu Line from Nagoya Station to Jingu Nishi Station (15 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Explore

Return to the hotel and enjoy some relaxation time.
Return to Nagoya Station (15 mins).
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hitsumabushi Bincho

End the day with a delicious hitsumabushi (grilled eel) dinner at Hitsumabushi Bincho.
5-minute walk from the hotel.
JPY 6,000, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nagoya

Day 8: Departure

Nagoya, Japan on December 26, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
N/A
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.
Take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid from Nagoya Station (approximately 1.5 hours).
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Arrive at KIX Airport

Arrive at KIX Airport for your flight, concluding your memorable trip.
N/A
Free, N/A
Find Hotels in Nagoya
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About kyoto, kanazawa, shirakawago, takayama, nagoya

Best Japan Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your kyoto, kanazawa, shirakawago, takayama, nagoya Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go