13-Day Road Trip from Nagoya to Kobe via Takayama, 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 samurai artifacts museum.
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.
JPY500, 2h

4:00pm

Drive to Takayama

Head north to Takayama, a charming historic town, approximately 2.5-hour drive. Check in upon arrival.
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY3500, 2.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Heianraku

Try Hida beef, a local delicacy, prepared in traditional Japanese style at this well-known Takayama restaurant.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Takayama cultural day

Takayama, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sakurayama Hachimangu Tea House

Enjoy a light breakfast and traditional tea near the famous Hachiman Shrine.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Takayama Morning Markets

Explore the lively morning markets selling local crafts, fresh produce, and street food. Open from 7:00am to 12:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ajikura Tengoku

Relish Hida beef yakiniku cooked at your table in a cozy mountain atmosphere.
JPY3000, 1.5h

2:00pm

Takayama Jinya

Visit this historic government building from the Edo period, showcasing traditional architecture and history. Open 8:45am to 5:00pm.
JPY430, 1.5h

4:00pm

Old Town Walk

Stroll along preservation district streets with Edo-period merchants’ houses, shops, and sake breweries.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushibiki

Enjoy traditional Japanese courses featuring seasonal local ingredients in an intimate setting.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Takayama to Kanazawa

Takayama to Kanazawa, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before driving to Kanazawa.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Drive from Takayama to Kanazawa

Travel west to Kanazawa, approximately 2.5 hours drive through mountainous scenery.
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY3500, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omicho Market

Savor fresh seafood dishes at Kanazawa’s vibrant market area, known for local specialties.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Kenrokuen Garden

Visit one of Japan’s top three gardens, renowned for its beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Open 7:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY320, 2h

4:00pm

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore fascinating modern art exhibitions in this architecturally unique museum. Open until 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Fuwari

Enjoy a cozy izakaya experience with local Kanazawa seafood and sake in a warm atmosphere.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 4: Kanazawa to Toyama

Kanazawa to Toyama, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design Café

Start with specialty coffee and pastries near Kanazawa Station before departure.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Toyama

Travel east along Japan Sea coast to Toyama, about 1.5-hour drive.
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY2000, 1.5h

11:00am

Toyama Glass Art Museum

Explore beautiful glass artworks and striking architecture, open until 6:00pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Masu Sushi Sohonten

Enjoy traditional Toyama pressed sushi, a delightful local specialty.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Toyama Castle Park

Visit the well-maintained castle grounds and learn about its history; park is open daily.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Check in and rest

Rest before dinner at your hotel or nearby restaurants.
Included, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Izakaya 5jigen

Sample Toyama local dishes and fresh seafood at this lively izakaya.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 5: Toyama to Pearl Island Mikimoto

Toyama to Toba (Pearl Island Mikimoto), Japan on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with breakfast before the long drive south to Toba.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Pearl Island Mikimoto in Toba

Approx. 3-hour drive south along scenic roads to Toba city.
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY4000, 3h

11:30am

Mikimoto Pearl Island

Visit the birthplace of cultured pearls with museums and pearl-diving shows. Open 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY1600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Uozen Shokudo

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

2:30pm

Toba Aquarium

One of Japan’s largest aquariums with diverse marine exhibits. Open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
JPY2300, 2h

4:30pm

Check in at hotel in Toba

Relax and prepare for next day’s drive.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel or local restaurant

Savor seasonal seafood dishes in a traditional Japanese setting.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Toba to Osaka USJ

Toba to Osaka, Japan on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

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

7:30am

Drive to Osaka

Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY5000, 4h

11:30am

Lunch near USJ

Eat at fast-casual restaurants such as Mel's Drive-In, offering American diner classics.
JPY1200, 1h

12:30pm

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the afternoon on rides and entertainment. Park generally open 9:00am to 8:00pm but check for updates.
JPY8200, 5h30m

6:00pm

Dinner in Dotonbori, Osaka

Sample street foods and local dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in this vibrant district.
JPY2000, 1.5h

8:00pm

Check in to Osaka hotel

Rest after an exciting day.
Included, Rest
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Day 7: Osaka city exploration

Osaka, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy rich coffee and pastries to start your day in Osaka.
JPY800, 1h

10:00am

Osaka Castle

Tour the restored castle and its museum. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kani Doraku Dotonbori

Relish iconic crab dishes at this famous seafood restaurant along the canal.
JPY3500, 1.5h

2:30pm

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Walk through Osaka’s premier shopping street with boutiques and cafes.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden

Admire panoramic views of Osaka city from the rooftop observatory. Open until 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Daruma Kushikatsu

Enjoy deep-fried skewers in authentic Osaka style in a casual setting.
JPY2000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Osaka to Kobe

Osaka to Kobe, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast before the short drive to Kobe.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Kobe

About 1 hour along a scenic coastal route.
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY1500, 1h

10:00am

Kobe Harborland

Enjoy waterfront shopping, dining, and beautiful harbor views.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Steakland Kobe

Savor authentic Kobe beef prepared to perfection at this popular steakhouse.
JPY6000, 1.5h

2:30pm

Nunobiki Herb Garden

Cable car ride to hillside gardens with stunning views and aromatic plants.
JPY800, 2h

5:00pm

Kobe Chinatown (Nankinmachi)

Wander this lively Chinatown area with unique shops and street food stalls.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Rokkosan

Relax and enjoy fresh seafood and local Kobe specialties in a cozy restaurant.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 9: Kobe relaxation and culture

Kobe, Japan on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de L'Ambre

Start your day with premium coffee and fresh pastries in a peaceful café setting.
JPY800, 1h

10:00am

Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

Discover sake production history with expert tastings and exhibits. Open 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gyukaku Kobe

Enjoy yakiniku featuring Kobe beef grilled at your table in a welcoming atmosphere.
JPY3500, 1.5h

2:30pm

Kobe Nunobiki Waterfalls Hike

Take a scenic hike to Japan’s oldest recorded waterfalls, close to Nunobiki Herb Garden.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Moritaya

Experience exquisite sukiyaki and shabu-shabu meals prepared with Kobe beef.
JPY6000, 1.5h
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Day 10: Kobe to Nagoya return

Kobe to Nagoya, Japan on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast before driving back to Nagoya.
Included, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Nagoya

About 3.5-hour drive with scenic stops to refresh.
Fuel and tolls approx. JPY4500, 3.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Owari Beer

Relax with craft beer and seasonal dishes near Nagoya station.
JPY2000, 1h

2:30pm

Nagoya City Science Museum

Visit the museum’s large planetarium and interactive displays. Open until 5:00pm.
JPY800, 2h

5:00pm

Check in and rest at hotel

Prepare for final days or departure.
Included, Flexible

7:00pm

Dinner at Atsuta Horaiken

Try iconic hitsumabushi, grilled eel over rice, a Nagoya classic.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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