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11-Day Japan Itinerary: From Nagoya to Takayama, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and Back to Nagoya

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Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Takayama, Japan on May 12, 2025

12:00pm

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive at Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport and travel to Spa Hotel Alpina Hida Takayama for check-in and relaxation after your journey.
JPY0, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Takayama Old Town

Wander the beautifully preserved Edo-period streets with traditional shops and sake breweries to soak in local culture.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ajikura Tengoku

Enjoy Hida beef grilled to perfection at Ajikura Tengoku, a highly recommended restaurant known for local specialties.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Market and Scenic Views

Kanazawa, Japan on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Takayama Morning Market

Visit the bustling Takayama Morning Market (opens around 7am) for fresh local produce and crafts.
JPY0, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Kanazawa

Travel from Takayama to Kanazawa by train or bus, approximately 2.5 hours.
JPY4000, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fuwari

Enjoy lunch at Fuwari, a well-loved Kanazawa restaurant serving fresh seafood and traditional Japanese cuisine.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Omicho Market

Explore Kanazawa’s famous Omicho Market, ideal for sampling local street food and purchasing souvenirs.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in at Kanazawa Hotel

Relax at your Kanazawa accommodation before dinner.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kourin Sushi

Savor fresh sushi at Kourin Sushi, a local favorite known for top-quality seafood.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Shirakawago & Coast

Kanazawa, Japan on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast offered by your hotel or nearby café to start an active day.
JPY0, 1h0m

8:30am

Day Trip to Shirakawago

Depart early to Shirakawago historic village by bus from Kanazawa, approximately 1.5 hours each way. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site famous for gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
JPY2000, 4h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shirakawago Local Restaurant

Enjoy local Hida cuisine including mountain vegetables and soba noodles.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Amaharashi Coast Visit

Head to Amaharashi Coast for stunning views of the Sea of Japan; perfect for photography and quiet walks.
JPY0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Return to Kanazawa

Travel back to Kanazawa for rest.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Omicho Market stalls

Try fresh seafood and street food at the evening stalls of Omicho Market for a variety of tastes.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 4: Kyoto Culture

Kyoto, Japan on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Mozart

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at Café Mozart serving coffee and pastries.
JPY1000, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel Kanazawa to Kyoto

Take the train from Kanazawa to Kyoto (approx. 2.5 hours).
JPY7000, 2h30m

12:30pm

Light Lunch near Tea Ceremony Venue

Have a quick lunch near 220 Itoya-cho, such as at a soba or udon shop to stay on schedule.
JPY1000, 0h30m

1:00pm

Walk to Tea Ceremony and Kimono Experience

Arrive by 1:00pm for your 1:30pm tea ceremony while wearing a traditional kimono at Bukkoji-dori, Muromachi.
JPY5000 (if not prepaid), 2h0m

3:30pm

Check-in Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto

Relax and freshen up at your hotel after the ceremony.
JPY0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market, known as ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’, for snacks, sweets, and souvenirs.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Giro Giro Hitoshina

Experience innovative Kyoto cuisine with a modern twist at Giro Giro Hitoshina.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Explore Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a Japanese or western breakfast at your hotel.
JPY0, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its stunning views over Kyoto (open 6:00am–6:00pm).
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk to Gion District

Stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, soaking up traditional architecture and atmosphere.
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12:30pm

Lunch at Yasaka Endo

Have tempura and Kyoto specialties at Yasaka Endo, close to Gion.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous torii gates path at Fushimi Inari Shrine (open 24 hours).
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5:00pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Relax after an active afternoon.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Gogyo

Try Kyoto Gogyo’s burnt miso ramen for a unique flavor experience.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 6: Drive to Osaka & Kobe Trip

Osaka and Kobe, Japan on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.
JPY0, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive from Kyoto to Osaka

Prepare for a convenient 1-hour drive from Kyoto to Osaka; check-in can be done later after side trip.
JPY0, 1h0m

10:00am

Day Trip to Kobe

Drive or take the train (~30-40 mins) from Osaka to Kobe to explore Harborland and Meriken Park, enjoying seaside views and Kobe beef.
JPY1000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Steakland Kobe-Sannomiya

Enjoy authentic Kobe beef lunch at Steakland located in Sannomiya.
JPY4000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka and check-in to your hotel.
JPY0, 0h40m

5:00pm

Explore Dotonbori Street

Walk along Dotonbori to see vibrant lights, street food, and entertainment.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Taste classic Osaka okonomiyaki at the popular Mizuno restaurant.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 7: Osaka Sightseeing

Osaka, Japan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with hotel breakfast before a day of exploring.
JPY0, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore Osaka Castle and its park (opens 9:00am to 5:00pm), a symbol of the city with museum and lovely gardens.
JPY600, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Sample fresh seafood, takoyaki, and other street snacks at Kuromon Market.
JPY2000, 1h30m

1:30pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Head to Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of Osaka from the open-air observatory.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Explore the bustling shopping arcade of Shinsaibashi for souvenirs and local brands.
JPY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Restaurant

Enjoy creative udon dishes in a stylish setting at Tsurutontan.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Leisure in Osaka

Osaka, Japan on May 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your relaxed day with breakfast at the hotel.
JPY0, 1h0m

10:00am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day enjoying rides and shows at Universal Studios Japan (opens 8:30am to 9:00pm).
JPY8200, 7h0m

6:00pm

Return to Hotel

Rest after a fun but long day.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner near Hotel

Enjoy dinner near your hotel at a casual local izakaya or ramen shop.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 9: Drive to Nagoya

Nagoya, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast and prepare for checkout.
JPY0, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive from Osaka to Nagoya

Travel approximately 2.5–3 hours by car from Osaka to Nagoya.
JPY0, 2h30m

12:30pm

Check-in at DEL Style NAGOYA-NAYABASHI

Settle into your Nagoya hotel for your final days in Japan.
JPY0, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Yamachan

Try famous Nagoya tebasaki chicken wings at Yamachan, a well-known local chain.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Nagoya Castle

Explore Nagoya Castle and its lovely grounds (opens 9:00am to 4:30pm).
JPY500, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax at Hisaya Odori Park

Enjoy a peaceful evening walk in Hisaya Odori Park near your hotel.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Atsuta Horaiken

Relish Hitsumabushi, a Nagoya specialty grilled eel dish, at Atsuta Horaiken.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 10: Nagoya Local Highlights

Nagoya, Japan on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a good breakfast before your day of sightseeing.
JPY0, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Explore the fascinating history of Toyota and Japanese industry (open 9:30am–5:00pm, closed Mondays).
JPY500, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Yabaton

Try Nagoya's famous miso katsu (pork cutlet) at Yabaton.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping and Buying Matcha Powder

Visit shops like Matsuzakaya Nagoya department store or specialty tea shops such as Chashoen for authentic, high-quality matcha powder.
JPY0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Oasis 21

Enjoy modern architecture and cafes at Oasis 21 in downtown Nagoya.
JPY0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Maruya Honten

Taste Nagoya-style chicken dishes and local flavors at Maruya Honten.
JPY2500, 1h30m
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Day 11: Departure Day

Nagoya, Japan on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Light Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast to prepare for your flight departure.
JPY0, 0h30m

8:00am

Check-out and Travel to Chubu Centrair Intl Airport

Leave hotel to arrive at Nagoya airport (Chubu Centrair) for your 10:25am flight (allow 1.5-2 hours for airport procedures).
JPY0, 1h30m
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