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13-Day Self-Drive Adventure from Nagoya: Takayama, Kanazawa, Tateyama Snow Walls, Onsen, Mikimoto Island, and Osaka

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Day 1: Nagoya Exploration

Nagoya, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee

Enjoy a traditional Nagoya-style breakfast with freshly brewed coffee and signature toast with red bean paste, setting a perfect start for your trip.
JPY700, 1h

9:30am

Visit Nagoya Castle

Explore the stunning Nagoya Castle known for its golden shachihoko dolphins and historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into the region's samurai heritage.
JPY500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Yabaton

Try the famous miso katsu at Yabaton, a must-eat dish in Nagoya featuring deep-fried pork cutlet with rich miso sauce.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Takayama

Depart Nagoya for Takayama by car, enjoying scenic rural landscapes along the way. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Fuel costs approx. JPY3000, 2h30m

4:00pm

Explore Takayama Old Town

Stroll through the beautifully preserved Edo-period streets, featuring traditional shops, sake breweries, and wooden merchant houses.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Suzuya

Dine on regional Hida beef specialties at Suzuya, known for quality and authentic flavors.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nagoya

Day 2: Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Takayama / Shirakawa-go, Japan on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast included at your accommodation to energize for a full day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Hida Folk Village

Discover the open-air museum showcasing traditional farmhouses and handcrafts from the Hida region.
JPY700, 2h

11:30am

Drive to Shirakawa-go

Short 50-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, famous for its gassho-zukuri architecture.
Fuel approx. JPY1000, 50m

12:30pm

Lunch at Irori

Savor traditional Japanese set meals featuring local mountain vegetables and river fish in a cozy setting.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Shirakawa-go

Walk around the picturesque village, visit museums and historic houses like the Wada House to learn about local life.
JPY300 entrance to some houses, 2h

4:00pm

Drive back to Takayama

Return to Takayama to relax before dinner.
Fuel approx. JPY1000, 50m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hidagyu Maruaki

Indulge in premium Hida beef grilled to perfection, a local delicacy that highlights Takayama’s culinary scene.
JPY3500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Takayama / Shirakawa-go

Day 3: Takayama to Kanazawa

Takayama / Kanazawa, Japan on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Cafe

Try local bakery delights and coffee at a popular café before hitting the road.
JPY800, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Kanazawa

Depart Takayama for Kanazawa, journey takes around 2.5 hours crossing scenic mountain roads.
Fuel approx. JPY2500, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Omicho Market

Enjoy fresh seafood like sushi and kaisen-don at vibrant Omicho Market, Kanazawa’s famous food market.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Kenrokuen Garden Visit

Stroll through one of Japan’s top three gardens, famous for its seasonal beauty and traditional landscaping.
JPY320, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Kanazawa Castle

Explore the castle grounds adjacent to the garden, highlighting historic stone walls and restored buildings.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Nagamachi Samurai District Walk

Take a self-guided walking tour through samurai-era reinforced residences and quiet lanes.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design

Dine downtown at a trendy spot offering fusion dishes and excellent coffee in stylish surroundings.
JPY2500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Takayama / Kanazawa

Day 4: Kanazawa to Tateyama Snow Walls

Kanazawa / Tateyama, Japan on May 30, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast and Departure

Have a quick breakfast at your hotel and set off early for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a 3-hour drive to the starting point (Tateyama Station).
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Arrive at Tateyama Station and Start Alpine Route

Begin the famed Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. The route includes cable cars, buses, and trolley buses. The highlight is the spectacular Yuki no Otani (Snow Walls), usually open from mid-April to late June, perfect for your May visit.
JPY9000 (roundtrip), 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Murodo Terminal Restaurant

Enjoy Japanese mountain cuisine and warm drinks at Murodo, set amid the towering snow walls and breathtaking scenery.
JPY1500, 1h

3:30pm

Complete Route and Drive to Onsen Town (Tateyama or Nearby)

After finishing the route, drive to a nearby onsen town like Unazuki onsen (about 1.5 hours) to relax in hot springs.
Fuel approx. JPY2000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at Onsen Ryokan

Stay at a traditional ryokan with hot spring baths and enjoy a kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal local ingredients.
JPY6000, 2h
Find Hotels in Kanazawa / Tateyama

Day 5: Relax at Onsen & Travel to Mikimoto Island

Onsen Town / Mikimoto Island, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a peaceful traditional Japanese breakfast in your ryokan setting.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Morning Onsen Bath

Take a rejuvenating soak in the mineral-rich hot spring waters before checking out.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Drive to Mikimoto Pearl Island

Depart for Mikimoto Pearl Island near Toba, a roughly 4-hour drive via expressways with stops as needed.
Fuel approx. JPY5000, 4h

3:00pm

Visit Mikimoto Pearl Island

Explore the birthplace of cultured pearls, featuring exhibitions, Ama diver demonstrations, and pearl jewelry shops. Open until 5:00pm.
JPY2300, 2h

5:30pm

Check-in Nearby Hotel

Stay overnight in Toba or nearby to rest after the long drive and exploration.
JPY8000, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Seafood Restaurant

Feast on fresh local seafood such as grilled fish and shellfish, specialties of the coastal region.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Onsen Town / Mikimoto Island

Day 6: Toba to Osaka Drive

Toba / Osaka, Japan on June 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a Japanese or Western style breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the drive to Osaka.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Osaka

Begin your approximately 3.5 to 4-hour drive to Osaka, Japan’s vibrant metropolis known for food and culture.
Fuel approx. JPY4000, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori

Enjoy a lively lunch in Osaka’s famous Dotonbori district, sampling takoyaki or okonomiyaki at a popular stall or restaurant.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour the iconic Osaka Castle grounds and museum, learning about its critical role in Japanese history. Open 9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Stroll through this popular shopping street offering boutiques, souvenir shops, and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Savour Osaka’s specialty, kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), at this beloved local chain.
JPY2500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Toba / Osaka

Day 7: Osaka Highlights

Osaka, Japan on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Recharge with a hearty hotel breakfast before a day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Universal Studios Japan

Spend the day at Universal Studios Japan enjoying thrilling rides and shows. Opens 8:30am to 9:00pm, buy tickets in advance.
JPY8500, 8h

7:30pm

Dinner near Hotel

Relax with dinner at a local izakaya featuring a variety of Japanese dishes and drinks after a full day of fun.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 8: Day Trip to Nara

Nara / Osaka, Japan on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast to prepare for your short trip to Nara.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive/Train to Nara

Travel 1 hour to Nara to experience Japan’s first permanent capital and its famous deer park.
Fuel or Train approx. JPY1000–1500, 1h

10:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the impressive Great Buddha statue inside one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Open 7:30am–5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try freshly pounded mochi at this famous Nara mochi shop, along with other local delicacies.
JPY1000, 1h

1:00pm

Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Walk through Nara Park interacting with friendly deer and visit the beautiful Kasuga Taisha shrine with thousands of stone lanterns.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Return to Osaka

Drive or take train back to Osaka to rest or explore more city attractions.
Fuel/train fare approx. JPY1000–1500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Enjoy creative udon dishes in a stylish setting, a relaxing end to your Nara day trip.
JPY2500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nara / Osaka

Day 9: Osaka Cultural Day

Osaka, Japan on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café

Start with a specialty coffee and pastry at a local café known for its ambiance and quality.
JPY900, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

One of Japan's oldest shrines, famous for its unique straight-roofed style architecture and peaceful grounds.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Explore Osaka Museum of History

Experience interactive exhibits showcasing Osaka’s transformation from ancient times to modern day. Open 9:30am–5:00pm.
JPY400, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Explore fresh seafood, street foods, and seasonal fruits at this vibrant marketplace known as Osaka’s kitchen.
JPY2000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Head to the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic views of Osaka’s skyline. Open 10:00am–10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Grand Front Osaka

Enjoy shopping and dining in this modern shopping complex near Osaka Station.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M

Treat yourself to premium Matsusaka beef yakiniku, famous for its marbling and taste.
JPY4000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 10: Osaka Leisure and Departure Prep

Osaka, Japan on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Convenient hotel breakfast to prepare leisurely for your last full day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the world’s largest aquariums, showcasing marine life from the Pacific Rim in immersive tanks. Opens 10:00am–8:00pm.
JPY2400, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace

Indulge in local and international cuisine just beside the aquarium in a family-friendly atmosphere.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Nakanoshima Park

Enjoy a peaceful walk by the river in this urban park known for its gardens and art museum nearby.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Shopping and Souvenirs at Namba

Last chance to explore shopping arcades for souvenirs and gifts such as Osaka’s famous snacks and crafts.
Varies, 2h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Dotonbori

Savor rich tonkotsu ramen in a unique individual booth setup for a true Osaka dining experience.
JPY1200, 1h
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 11: Departure Day

Osaka, Japan on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Final convenient hotel breakfast before check-out.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Pack and Prepare for Departure

Use remaining time to pack, settle bills, and get ready for your journey home or next destination.
Free, 1h30m

10:00am

Drive or Take Transport to Osaka Airport

Complete your 13-day adventure with ease by planning arrival at Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport as per your flight schedule.
Fuel or Taxi approx.JPY4000 or Airport limousine bus approx. JPY1500, 1h
Find Hotels in Osaka
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