Ultimate 13-Day Self-Drive Journey Through Central Japan: Nagoya to Osaka via Takayama, Kanazawa, Tateyama Snow Walls, and Mikimoto Island

Day 1: Arrival & Nagoya City

Nagoya, Japan on May 27, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee

Enjoy a classic Nagoya breakfast including their famous Shiro-Noir dessert in a cozy local café.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:30AM

Visit Nagoya Castle

Explore the reconstructed castle and its beautiful grounds to learn about samurai history and enjoy panoramic views of Nagoya city.
JPY500, 2h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Yabaton

Taste the iconic miso katsu, a breaded pork cutlet with rich red miso sauce, a Nagoya specialty.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30PM

Atsuta Shrine Visit

Visit one of Japan’s oldest and most significant Shinto shrines, surrounded by serene forested grounds.
Free, 1h0m

4:00PM

Drive to Takayama (Approx 2.5 hours)

Leave Nagoya and drive north to Takayama, known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and traditional architecture.
Fuel tolls cost approx. JPY4000, 2h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Heianraku

Enjoy classic Hida beef dishes in Takayama’s welcoming atmosphere.
JPY3000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 2: Takayama Traditional

Takayama, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Rio

Start your day with western-style and Japanese breakfast options in this cozy café.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30AM

Takayama Morning Market

Explore the vibrant markets on the banks of the Miyagawa River, perfect for fresh local produce and souvenirs.
Free, 1h0m

11:00AM

Takayama Jinya

Visit this historical government house showcasing Edo era administration and architecture.
JPY430, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Maruaki Hida Beef Restaurant

Relish premium Hida beef grilled to perfection only a local specialty can provide.
JPY3500, 1h30m

2:30PM

Takayama Old Town Walk

Stroll the well-preserved streets featuring Edo-period merchant houses and traditional shops.
Free, 2h0m

5:00PM

Drive to Kanazawa (Approx. 2 hours)

Travel west to Kanazawa, a city famous for Kenrokuen Garden and samurai culture.
Fuel and toll approx. JPY3500, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at Kanazawa Maimon Sushi

Enjoy fresh and creatively crafted sushi in the heart of Kanazawa downtown.
JPY4000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Kanazawa Highlights

Kanazawa, Japan on May 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design

Enjoy excellent coffee and pastries in a stylish setting to start the day.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30AM

Kenrokuen Garden

Visit one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens, open 7:00AM–6:00PM.
JPY320, 2h0m

11:30AM

Kanazawa Castle Park

Explore the historically significant castle grounds adjacent to the garden.
Free, 1h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Omicho Market

Sample fresh seafood and local delicacies from various market stalls.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30PM

Nagamachi Samurai District

Visit preserved samurai residences highlighting feudal Japan’s architecture and lifestyle.
Free; some houses have small entrance fees up to JPY500, 2h0m

5:00PM

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Enjoy contemporary art exhibits in a modern glass building free to explore some areas.
JPY1000, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Fuwari

Try Kanazawa’s kaiseki or seasonal multi-course Japanese dinner.
JPY4000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 4: Tateyama Snow Walls

Tateyama, Japan on May 30, 2025

6:00AM

Early Breakfast in Kanazawa

Grab a quick Japanese breakfast or bento to-go before the day's journey.
JPY800, 30m

6:30AM

Drive to Tateyama (Approx 3.5 hours)

Start early to reach Tateyama Alpine Route and enjoy the famous Snow Walls walk, open seasonally mainly in spring until mid-May but some areas may be accessible early June; check latest status.
Fuel & toll JPY5000, 3h30m

10:00AM

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Experience spectacular mountain snow corridors and panoramic views along this famous alpine route.
JPY9000 (for route pass), 4h0m

2:30PM

Lunch at Murodo Station Restaurant

Enjoy hot ramen or local specialties after mountain trekking.
JPY1200, 1h0m

4:00PM

Onsen Stay near Tateyama

Relax in a traditional hot spring ryokan to soothe muscles after mountain adventures, reservation recommended.
JPY7500 - 15000 depending on ryokan, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a kaiseki style dinner featuring seasonal and local ingredients.
Included in ryokan stay, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Onsen Relaxation

Tateyama area, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Traditional Japanese breakfast with fresh local produce.
Included, 1h0m

9:30AM

Morning Onsen Soak

Enjoy a peaceful morning soaking in hot springs surrounded by nature.
Included, 2h0m

12:00PM

Drive to Mikimoto Pearl Island (Approx 3.5 hours)

Head south east towards Toba area to explore the famous Mikimoto Pearl Island.
Fuel & toll approx. JPY5000, 3h30m

3:30PM

Visit Mikimoto Pearl Island

Discover the history of pearl cultivation and see live Ama pearl divers demonstration. Open 8:30AM–5:30PM.
JPY1600, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Toba seafood restaurant

Enjoy fresh local seafood like grilled oysters or sashimi.
JPY3500, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 6: Ise Shrine Visit

Ise, Japan on June 1, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast in Toba

Local café serving both Japanese and western breakfast options.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive to Ise Shrine (Approx 30 min)

Head to Ise to visit one of Japan’s holiest Shinto shrines.
Fuel approx. JPY500, 30m

9:30AM

Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku & Geku)

Explore the revered Naiku and Geku shrine complexes; open all day, with peak visiting times in morning.
Free, 3h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Okage Yokocho

Enjoy traditional local street foods and souvenirs in this charming historic street nearby Ise Shrine.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00PM

Drive to Kiso Valley (Approx 3.5 hours)

Travel north to Kiso Valley famous for post towns on Nakasendo trail.
Fuel & toll approx. JPY5000, 3h30m

5:30PM

Check in to traditional inn in Magome or Tsumago

Stay in one of the well-preserved post towns on the historic trail.
JPY8000 onwards, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at inn

Enjoy hearty home-cooked Japanese meals at your lodging.
Included, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 7: Kiso Valley Hiking

Kiso Valley, Japan on June 2, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Inn

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast to fuel your walk.
Included, 1h0m

8:30AM

Walk Nakasendo Trail Magome to Tsumago

Hike the scenic historic trail between two famous post towns, approximately 8km (3-4 hours at a relaxed pace).
Free, 4h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Tsumago

Sample local soba noodles or noodle sets in Tsumago village.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30PM

Explore Tsumago Village

Visit the old post town's museums and historic houses.
Some small entrance fees JPY300, 2h0m

4:30PM

Drive to Matsumoto (Approx 1.5 hours)

Travel to Matsumoto for its famous castle and city atmosphere.
Fuel & toll approx. JPY2500, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner near Matsumoto Station

Try local specialties such as oyaki dumplings or soba noodles.
JPY2000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 8: Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto, Japan on June 3, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café Maintenant

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries in this popular local café.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00AM

Visit Matsumoto Castle

Explore one of Japan’s premier historic castles with stunning black exterior, open 8:30AM–5:00PM.
JPY700, 2h0m

11:30AM

Nakamachi Street

Stroll along this charming street lined with traditional shops and cafes.
Free, 1h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Yamamotoya Honten

Famous for miso-based soba noodles, a regional delicacy.
JPY1300, 1h0m

2:00PM

Drive back to Nagoya (Approx 3 hours)

Return to Nagoya for the next leg of your journey, enjoy a scenic drive.
Fuel & toll approx. JPY4500, 3h0m

5:00PM

Check in Hotel in Nagoya

Relax and prepare for Osaka next day.
Varies, Overnight

7:00PM

Dinner at Yamachan Nagoya

Try Nagoya’s famous tebasaki (chicken wings) in a lively setting.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 9: Drive to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on June 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy hotel breakfast or local café options in Nagoya.
Included or JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30AM

Drive Nagoya to Osaka (Approx 2.5 hours)

Travel west to downtown Osaka to explore its vibrant city life.
Fuel & toll approx. JPY4000, 2h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Savor Osaka street food classics such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki along Dotonbori canal area.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30PM

Osaka Castle and Park

Explore Osaka’s historic castle and surrounding parklands, open 9:00AM–5:00PM.
JPY600, 2h0m

4:00PM

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of major shopping street.
Free, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try deep-fried skewers, a beloved Osaka specialty.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 10: Osaka Cultural Day

Osaka, Japan on June 5, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Brioche Dore

French-style bakery offering fresh breads and coffee to start the day.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:00AM

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10:00AM–10:30PM.
JPY1500, 1h30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Harukoma Sushi

Experience affordable and delicious sushi popular with locals.
JPY2500, 1h0m

1:30PM

Osaka Museum of History

Learn about Osaka’s rich past through engaging exhibits, open 9:30AM–5:00PM.
JPY600, 2h0m

4:00PM

Explore Tennoji and Abeno Harukas

Visit Japan’s tallest skyscraper with observation decks and shopping.
JPY1500, 2h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Relish creative, high-quality udon in a sophisticated setting.
JPY3000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 11: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on June 6, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to start a day trip.
Included, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive or train to Nara (Approx 1 hour)

Visit the historic city of Nara, known for deer parks and temples.
Fuel or train fare approx. JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Home to the giant Buddha statue, open 7:30AM–5:30PM, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
JPY600, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try mochi rice cakes, a famous local specialty.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:30PM

Nara Deer Park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Enjoy walking the park with freely roaming deer and visit the Shinto shrine.
Shrine entrance free, 2h0m

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Drive or train back to Osaka city center.
Included above, 1h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

Enjoy another lively dinner at famous street with variety of foodie delights.
JPY2500, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 12: Leisure in Osaka

Osaka, Japan on June 7, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Eggs ‘n Things

Relax with a Hawaiian-style breakfast including pancakes and eggs.
JPY1500, 1h0m

10:00AM

Leisure shopping in Nipponbashi Den Den Town

Explore Osaka’s electronics and anime culture district.
Free, 2h0m

12:30PM

Lunch at Kuromon Market

Sample fresh sushi, grilled seafood, and street food treats.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit Spa World Onsen

Enjoy a final revitalizing soak in one of Osaka's large public onsen complexes, open 10:00AM–midnight.
JPY1200, 3h0m

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Matsuzushi

Celebrate your trip with a high-end sushi experience in Osaka.
JPY6000, 2h0m
View Hotels

Day 13: Departure Day

Osaka, Japan on June 8, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby café

Final meal in Japan, light and simple to prepare for travel.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive to Kansai International Airport

Allow ample time (approx. 1 hour) for car return and check-in.
Fuel and toll approx. JPY1500, 1h0m

11:00AM

Airport check-in and departure preparations

Complete all formalities for flight home.
Varies, 2h0m
View Hotels