13-Day Road Trip from Nagoya to Kobe Exploring Kanazawa, Toyama, Pearl Island Mikimoto, and Osaka USJ

Day 1: Nagoya city tour

Nagoya, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast with freshly brewed coffee and signature pastries at this popular café chain in Nagoya.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Nagoya Castle

Explore the iconic Nagoya Castle, a historical landmark with beautiful gardens and a museum showcasing samurai artifacts.
JPY500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Yabaton

Taste the famous miso katsu, a Nagoya specialty pork cutlet with rich miso sauce, at this well-regarded restaurant.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Discover Japan's industrial heritage and Toyota’s innovation through interactive exhibits and historic displays.
JPY500, 2h

4:00pm

Drive to Kanazawa

Begin the road trip north to Kanazawa, approximately a 3-hour drive. Check in to your hotel upon arrival.
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY5000, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Omicho Market

Enjoy fresh seafood at the lively Omicho Market’s eateries, known for local Kanazawa delicacies.
JPY2000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Kanazawa highlights

Kanazawa, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design Café

Start your day with artisanal coffee and light breakfast in a trendy café near Kanazawa station.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Kenrokuen Garden

Visit one of Japan’s most famous gardens, renowned for its beauty and seasonal landscapes, open 7:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY320, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kagaya

Dine at this traditional restaurant offering kaiseki-style meals highlighting local Kanazawa cuisine.
JPY3000, 1.5h

2:00pm

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Experience innovative art installations in this acclaimed modern museum; open until 6:00pm on weekdays.
JPY1000, 2h

4:30pm

Nagamachi Samurai District

Walk through this historic samurai neighborhood and explore preserved residences and narrow alleys.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Fuwari

Enjoy cozy izakaya-style dining, serving local seafood and sake, perfect for a relaxing evening.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Kanazawa to Toyama

Kanazawa to Toyama, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Have a light breakfast before starting the drive to Toyama.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Toyama

Travel from Kanazawa to Toyama, approximately 1.5-hour drive along scenic coastlines.
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY2000, 1.5h

11:30am

Lunch at Masu Sushi Sohonten

Try Toyama’s signature pressed sushi at this well-known establishment.
JPY1500, 1h

1:00pm

Toyama Glass Art Museum

Explore the impressive collection of contemporary glass art and the museum’s unique architecture, open until 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

3:00pm

Toyama Castle Park

Visit the historical Toyama Castle grounds and museum surrounded by lovely parks.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Check in at hotel and rest

Rest and freshen up after the day’s activities.
Included in accommodation, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Izakaya 5jigen

Enjoy a lively atmosphere with local dishes and fresh seafood specialties in Toyama.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 4: Toyama to Pearl Island Mikimoto

Toyama to Pearl Island Mikimoto, Japan on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for the day with breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Pearl Island Mikimoto (Toba)

Begin the drive south to Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba, approximately 3 hours drive.
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY4000, 3h

11:30am

Mikimoto Pearl Island visit

Explore the birthplace of cultured pearls featuring museums, pearl diving shows, and souvenir shops. Open 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Uozen Shokudo

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes overlooking the Toba harbor, specializing in shellfish and sashimi.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Toba Aquarium

Visit one of Japan’s largest aquariums featuring diverse marine life and interactive exhibits. Open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
JPY2300, 2h

4:30pm

Check in at Toba hotel

Relax and prepare for the next day's journey.
Included in accommodation, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant

Savor Japanese regional cuisine featuring fresh seafood in a traditional setting.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 5: Toba to Osaka (USJ)

Toba to Osaka, Japan on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a Japanese or Western style breakfast before departure.
Included, 30m

7:30am

Drive to Osaka

Set out for Osaka, approximately 3.5 to 4 hours driving to Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY5000, 4h

11:30am

Lunch near USJ

Grab a quick bite at one of the numerous eateries close to USJ, such as Mel's Drive-In serving classic American diner fare.
JPY1200, 1h

12:30pm

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the afternoon enjoying rides, shows, and attractions at USJ. Park hours typically 9:00am to 8:00pm but open times may vary — check in advance.
JPY8200, 5h30m

6:00pm

Dinner in Osaka

Try local Osaka specialties like takoyaki or okonomiyaki at Dotonbori district, lively and vibrant by night.
JPY2000, 1.5h

8:00pm

Check in to Osaka hotel

Rest after an exciting day at USJ.
Included, Rest
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Day 6: Osaka city and food

Osaka, Japan on June 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Fuel up with specialty coffee and light pastries to start your day.
JPY800, 1h

10:00am

Osaka Castle

Visit this famous landmark and its museum, surrounded by beautiful park grounds. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kani Doraku Dotonbori Honten

Experience iconic crab dishes at this historic seafood restaurant along the Dotonbori canal.
JPY3500, 1.5h

2:30pm

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Enjoy shopping and entertainment in Osaka’s premier shopping district with diverse stores and cafes.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory

Take in panoramic city views from this impressive architectural landmark open until 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Daruma Kushikatsu

Try kushikatsu, battered and deep-fried skewers, a beloved Osaka dish served in a casual setting.
JPY2000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Osaka to Kobe

Osaka to Kobe, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a quick breakfast before setting out on the short drive to Kobe.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Kobe

Travel from Osaka to Kobe, about 1 hour drive along the scenic coastal route.
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Kobe Harborland

Stroll along the waterfront shopping and entertainment district with stunning views of the harbor.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Steakland Kobe

Savor authentic Kobe beef, a world-renowned delicacy, prepared expertly in this popular steakhouse.
JPY6000, 1.5h

2:30pm

Nunobiki Herb Garden

Take the ropeway up to this beautiful hillside garden offering panoramic city views and aromatic herbs.
JPY800, 2h

5:00pm

Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi)

Explore this vibrant Chinatown featuring colorful shops and street food stalls.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Rokkosan

Enjoy local cuisine in a cozy atmosphere with a focus on fresh seafood and Kobe specialties.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Kobe and Relax

Kobe, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de L'Ambre

Begin your day enjoying premium coffee and fresh pastries at this stylish café.
JPY800, 1h

10:00am

Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

Learn about sake brewing history and enjoy sake tasting sessions at this reputable brewery. Open 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gyukaku Kobe

Experience yakiniku with Kobe beef and seasonal vegetables in a modern setting.
JPY3500, 1.5h

2:30pm

Kobe Nunobiki Waterfalls

Enjoy a light hike to view Japan’s oldest documented waterfall near the herb garden.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Moritaya

Dine on elegant sukiyaki and shabu-shabu featuring Kobe beef.
JPY6000, 1.5h
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Day 9: Kobe to Nagoya Return

Kobe to Nagoya, Japan on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before the journey back.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Drive back to Nagoya

Embark on the drive returning to Nagoya, approximately 3.5 hours. Stop halfway for rest and refreshments.
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY4500, 3.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Owari Beer

Relax with craft beers and local dishes at this brewery restaurant near Nagoya.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Nagoya City Science Museum

Visit one of the world's largest planetariums and interactive science exhibits, open until 5:00pm.
JPY800, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in hotel and rest

Rest and prepare for the remaining days or departure.
Included, Flexible

7:00pm

Dinner at Atsuta Horaiken

Try the famous hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice), a Nagoya specialty.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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