13-Day Scenic Self-Drive Adventure from Nagoya to Osaka via Takayama, Kanazawa, Tateyama Snow Walls, Mikimoto Island and Onsen Retreats

Day 1: Nagoya to Takayama

Nagoya to Takayama, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Komeda's Coffee Nagoya

Start your day with a classic Japanese-style breakfast set including their famous Shiro Noir pastry. Open from 7:00AM ensuring a leisurely start.
JPY800, 1h

9:30AM

Drive to Takayama

Enjoy the scenic 2.5 to 3 hours drive from Nagoya to Takayama through mountainous landscapes.
Fuel and toll fees approx. JPY5000, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at Heianraku Ramen

Relish traditional Takayama ramen which is famed for its soy sauce base and thin noodles. Open 11:30AM to 2:00PM.
JPY900, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Takayama Old Town

Explore the beautifully preserved Edo-period streets full of charming shops, sake breweries, and cafes. Open all day for walks.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Check-in Takayama Guesthouse

Settle into a local ryokan or guesthouse offering authentic Japanese hospitality and local cuisine.
JPY8000, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at Maruaki

Savor traditional Hida beef dishes, which Takayama is famous for; Maruaki is well-known for quality steaks and local flavors. Open till 8:30PM.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 2: Takayama Culture

Takayama, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café Giro Giro Hitoshina

Enjoy a modern Japanese breakfast with seasonal ingredients in a creative setting. Open from 7:30AM.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

Explore this open-air museum showcasing traditional farmhouses from the Hida region, offering insight into rural Japanese architecture and culture. Open 8:30AM-5:00PM.
JPY700, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Kyoya Hida Beef Sushi

Try the local specialty of Hida beef sushi, a highly recommended dish for meat lovers. Open 11:30AM-2:30PM.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30PM

Takayama Jinya Tour

Step back into Japan’s Edo period at Takayama Jinya, a historical government house. Guided tours available, open 8:45AM-5:00PM.
JPY430, 1h

3:00PM

Stroll the Miyagawa Morning Market

Browse fresh local produce, crafts and street food along the river. Market opens from 7:00AM to 12:00PM but afternoon visits are peaceful for walking just nearby.
Free, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Ajikura Tengoku

Enjoy a laid-back dinner with more Hida beef treats and warm atmosphere. Open until 9:00PM.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 3: Takayama to Kanazawa

Takayama to Kanazawa, Japan on May 29, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan to start the drive energized.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive from Takayama to Kanazawa

Travel the approximately 2-hour scenic mountainous route to Kanazawa, gateway to Japan's historic coastline.
Fuel and toll approx JPY4000, 2h

11:00AM

Kenrokuen Garden visit

Explore one of Japan’s top three gardens, known for its beauty across all seasons. Open 7:00AM to 6:00PM.
JPY320, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Omicho Market

Sample fresh seafood and local street foods, including sushi and crab, at Kanazawa’s famous market. Most shops open from 8:00AM to 5:00PM.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Kanazawa Castle Park

Walk through the historic castle grounds that showcase restored buildings and expansive gardens. Open 7:00AM to 6:00PM.
Free, 1.5h

4:30PM

Check-in Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Unwind in a comfortable hotel centrally located for easy exploration.
JPY12000, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at Fuwari

Dine on exquisite local Ishikawa cuisine in a cozy setting. Open until 9:30PM.
JPY4000, 1.5h
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Day 4: Kanazawa Sightseeing

Kanazawa, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design

Start your day with some of Kanazawa’s finest coffee and a light breakfast in this cozy café. Opening hours 8:00AM to 6:00PM.
JPY800, 1h

9:30AM

Visit the Nagamachi Samurai District

Wander through the preserved streets and former samurai residences to get a feel of feudal Japan. Open all day.
Free, 1.5h

11:30AM

Explore the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Discover modern art installations in a unique circular building. Open 10:00AM to 6:00PM, closed Mondays.
JPY1000, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Morimori Sushi

Savor fresh and affordable conveyor belt sushi, a local favorite. Open 11:00AM to 9:00PM.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Higashi Chaya District

Explore the charming geisha district with traditional teahouses and scenic canals. Open all day.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Kagaya

Enjoy kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner in a sophisticated setting. Reservations recommended. Open till 9:30PM.
JPY7000, 2h
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Day 5: Kanazawa to Tateyama

Kanazawa to Tateyama, Japan on May 31, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before setting off to Tateyama.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive Kanazawa to Tateyama

Travel approximately 3 hours passing picturesque mountain and coastal scenery.
Fuel and tolls approx JPY6000, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch at Tateyama town

Sample local mountain cuisine such as soba noodles in a quaint town restaurant. Open 11:00AM to 2:00PM.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30PM

Check-in Tateyama accommodation

Settle into lodgings that provide easy access to Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
JPY10000, Overnight

3:00PM

Explore local Tateyama

Walk around town to prepare for next day’s early start, visiting local shops and parks.
Free, 1.5h

6:30PM

Dinner at hotel or local izakaya

Enjoy hearty regional fare with fresh seasonal ingredients, typical of mountain cuisine.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 6: Tateyama Snow Walls

Tateyama, Japan on June 1, 2025

7:00AM

Early breakfast at accommodation

Start early with a filling breakfast before heading to the Alpine Route.
Included, 30m

7:30AM

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route - Snow Walls

Experience the spectacular Snow Walls, giant corridors of snow on the Alpine Route. Open early April to mid-June, typically from 8:00AM to 5:00PM.
JPY9000 (Round trip fare), 6h

1:30PM

Lunch at Murodo Station Cafe

Enjoy light meals or snacks at the highland Murodo station, surrounded by snow.
JPY1500, 1h

3:30PM

Return to Tateyama town

Relax on the scenic return trip and enjoy the mountain views.
Included in fare, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at local noodle restaurant

Warm up with local hot soba or udon noodles back in town.
JPY1200, 1h
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Day 7: Tateyama to Onsen

Tateyama to Onsen, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before departing for your onsen destination.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Onsen Town

Travel approximately 2 hours to your chosen onsen hot spring town such as Unazuki Onsen.
Fuel and toll approx JPY3500, 2h

11:30AM

Check-in to Onsen ryokan

Immerse yourself in Japanese hospitality and soak in natural hot springs at the ryokan.
JPY12000, Overnight

12:30PM

Lunch at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course Japanese set meal (kaiseki) often included with ryokan stay.
Included, 1h

2:00PM

Relax in Onsen Baths

Spend your afternoon unwinding in natural hot spring baths, rejuvenating your body and mind.
Included, 2h

5:00PM

Explore Nearby Scenic Spots

Take a gentle walk around the onsen town, visiting riverside trails and souvenir shops.
Free, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at Ryokan

Delight in a traditional multi-course dinner showcasing seasonal local ingredients.
Included, 2h
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Day 8: Onsen Relaxation

Onsen Town, Japan on June 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a hearty Japanese breakfast at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Nature Walk or Light Hiking

Explore nearby trails or scenic viewpoints for fresh air and beautiful landscapes around the onsen town.
Free, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Café

Try regional specialties in a cozy café near the onsen area.
JPY1200, 1h

2:00PM

Additional Onsen Baths and Spa Treatments

Relax further with optional spa massages or different onsen facilities available in the town.
JPY3000, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at local izakaya

Enjoy a casual dinner sampling various local dishes and sake.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 9: Onsen to Mikimoto Island

Onsen Town to Mikimoto Island, Japan on June 4, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Have your last onsen breakfast before driving toward coastal Mikimoto Island.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Mikimoto Pearl Island

Travel about 2.5 hours to the famous Mikimoto Pearl Island, known globally for cultured pearls.
Fuel approx JPY4000, 2.5h

11:00AM

Mikimoto Pearl Island Visit

Explore the island’s museums, pearl cultivation history, and watch ama pearl divers in action. Open 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
JPY1500, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Island café

Enjoy seafood dishes featuring local catches at the Mikimoto Island café.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00PM

Visit nearby Toba Aquarium or explore Toba city

Toba Aquarium offers fascinating marine life exhibits; open 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Alternatively, stroll around Toba town.
Aquarium JPY2500 or Free town walk, 2h

6:00PM

Check-in local hotel

Stay overnight in Toba for ease of next day travel.
JPY9000, Overnight

7:30PM

Dinner at local seafood restaurant

Savor fresh coastal seafood in Toba local specialty restaurants open till 9:00PM.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 10: Mikimoto Island & Toba

Toba, Japan on June 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a Japanese or Western style breakfast to prepare for a day of exploration.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Ago Bay

Take a boat tour of Ago Bay famed for pearl farming and beautiful islets. Tours typically start mid-morning and last around 1.5 hours.
JPY2500, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Shima-no Eki

Light lunch with views of the bay, serving seafood and local produce. Open 10:00AM to 4:00PM.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Toba Castle Ruins and Pearl Museum

Explore historical Toba Castle ruins and learn about pearl culture at the museum. Both open during daytime hours.
JPY500, 1.5h

4:00PM

Free time for souvenir shopping or relaxing

Explore local shops or relax at a café.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Kinbee Toba

Enjoy a final seafood dinner with specialty crab and fresh fish dishes. Open till 9:00PM.
JPY3500, 1.5h
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Day 11: Toba to Osaka

Toba to Osaka, Japan on June 6, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast before the drive to Osaka.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Osaka

Drive approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to the vibrant city of Osaka.
Fuel and toll approx JPY7000, 4h

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Experience lively street food including takoyaki and okonomiyaki on iconic Dotonbori. Shops open from 11:00AM onward.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00PM

Check-in hotel in Osaka

Settle into your centrally located Osaka hotel.
JPY15000, Overnight

3:30PM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic castle grounds and museum open 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
JPY600, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try Osaka’s famous kushikatsu deep-fried skewers for a local dining experience. Open till 10:00PM.
JPY3000, 1.5h
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Day 12: Osaka City Tour

Osaka, Japan on June 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a full day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Head to the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic city views. Open 10:00AM to 10:30PM.
JPY1500, 1.5h

11:30AM

Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Wander through Osaka’s premier shopping arcade with diverse shops and boutiques.
Free to browse, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Endo Sushi, Osaka Central Fish Market

Enjoy some of the freshest sushi in Osaka, located near the fish market. Open 7:30AM to 2:00PM.
JPY2000, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

See one of the world's largest public aquariums, home to diverse marine life. Opens from 10:00AM to 8:00PM.
JPY2400, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Taste creative udon dishes in a chic setting, open until late.
JPY2500, 1.5h
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Day 13: Osaka Departure

Osaka, Japan on June 8, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Begin your last morning with a satisfying breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Kansai International Airport

Allow approx. 1 hour to drive to Kansai Airport for your departure flight.
Fuel and toll approx JPY3000, 1h
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