8-Day Scenic Rural Japan Road Trip: Discover Tranquil Villages, Historic Sites & Nature

Day 1: Takayama Arrival

Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan on June 6, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Kissa Sakaiki

Start your day with a hearty traditional Japanese breakfast at this cozy cafe, known for its fresh local ingredients and excellent coffee.
JPY1200, 1h0m

10:30am

Takayama Old Town Walking Tour

Explore the beautifully preserved Edo-period streets of Takayama’s old town, filled with traditional craft shops and sake breweries.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Heianraku

Enjoy Hida beef sushi and other local delicacies in a family-run restaurant popular with travelers seeking authentic flavors.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Takayama Jinya

Tour the historic government house from the Edo period to learn about regional administration in feudal Japan. Open 8:45am-5:00pm.
JPY430, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Miyagawa Morning Market

Browse fresh produce, local crafts, and snacks along the riverfront market perfect for souvenirs or a light refreshment.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kyoya

Dine on traditional Hida beef steak and other regional specialties served in a warm, intimate setting.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Shirakawa-go Village

Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture, Japan on June 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese style breakfast at your accommodation to energize before traveling.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Shirakawa-go

Travel approximately 50 minutes by car to Shirakawa-go, famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Fuel approx. JPY1500, 1h0m

10:30am

Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village Tour

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with iconic steep thatched roof houses that exemplify traditional rural architecture.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Irori

Taste local mountain vegetables and river fish in a traditional irori-style farmhouse café.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Wada House

Tour one of the largest and oldest farmhouses in Shirakawa-go open from 9:00am to 5:00pm with a small admission fee.
JPY300, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Local Handicrafts

Visit shops selling traditional crafts such as washi paper and pottery unique to this region.
Free to browse, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to Takayama

Drive back for overnight stay in Takayama.
1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Soba Restaurant Tanpopo

Enjoy handmade soba noodles, a local specialty, made fresh with buckwheat from the region.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 3: Kanazawa Exploration

Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Traditional Japanese breakfast to prepare for a day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Kanazawa

Travel about 2 hours by car into Ishikawa Prefecture to Kanazawa, known for its cultural heritage.
Fuel approx. JPY2500, 2h0m

11:30am

Kenrokuen Garden Visit

Tour one of Japan’s most famous landscape gardens open from 7am to 6pm in June, admired for seasonal flowers and ponds.
JPY320, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omicho Market

Savor fresh seafood like sushi and crab at this vibrant market open daily until about 6pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kanazawa Castle

Explore the restored castle grounds and exhibitions highlighting samurai history, open 7:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY310, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk through Higashi Chaya District

Stroll through historic geisha tea houses and lively streets selling gold leaf crafts.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Fuwari

Sample kaiseki cuisine—multi-course meal showcasing seasonal and local ingredients, reservation recommended.
JPY4500, 2h0m
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Day 4: Noto Peninsula Nature

Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light Japanese breakfast to start your day of coastal exploration.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Noto Peninsula

Travel approximately 2 hours to northern Noto Peninsula featuring rugged coastline and rural villages.
Fuel approx. JPY2000, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

Experience driving along a unique 8km sandy beach road open daily with stunning sea views.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Local Seafood Restaurant Takuro

Feast on fresh local seafood including sashimi and grilled fish caught from the Sea of Japan.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Wajima Morning Market

Explore the lively morning market selling fresh produce, seafood, and lacquerware from 8am to noon.
Free to browse, 1h0m

3:30pm

Tour Wajima Lacquerware Museum

Learn about the traditional craft of Wajima-nuri lacquerware with exhibits and workshops; open 9am-5pm.
JPY300, 1h0m

5:00pm

Drive to Accommodation in Noto Region

Check into a countryside ryokan for an authentic rural experience.
30m

7:00pm

Kaiseki Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course traditional dinner highlighting fresh local and seasonal products.
Included with stay, 2h0m
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Day 5: Matsumoto Visit

Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy traditional Japanese fare before your journey inland towards the Japanese Alps.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Matsumoto

Approximately 3 hours’ scenic drive via Chubu Mountains to Matsumoto known for its historic castle.
Fuel approx. JPY3000, 3h0m

11:30am

Tour Matsumoto Castle

Visit Japan’s oldest surviving wooden castle, famous for its black exterior and panoramic views, open 8:30am-5:00pm.
JPY610, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Nawate Street

Enjoy traditional soba noodles and local snacks along this charming old shopping street.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Matsumoto Craft Fair (seasonal - check schedule) or visit the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum

Explore local artisans' work or enjoy a special exhibition of traditional woodblock prints; museum open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Agatanomori Park

Stroll through this peaceful park showcasing seasonal flora, wonderful for light walking and photo opportunities.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Italian Restaurant Maestoso

Experience a mix of local ingredients prepared with Italian culinary finesse for relaxed dining.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kamikochi Valley Trek

Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick Japanese style breakfast to prepare for a day of trekking in the mountains.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Kamikochi

Approximately 1.5 hours drive to the stunning Kamikochi Valley within the Japan Alps National Park. The area is open seasonally from mid-April to mid-November.
Fuel approx. JPY1200; Entry fee JPY500, 1h30m

9:30am

Kamikochi Hiking Trail

Enjoy easy to moderate hiking trails along the Azusa River, taking in breathtaking mountain views and alpine landscapes.
Included in entry, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kamikochi Imperial Hotel Restaurant

Relax with a well-regarded lunch featuring western and Japanese dishes with panoramic views of the valley.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Kappa Bridge and Surroundings

See the iconic wooden bridge and surrounding viewpoints, perfect for photography and short walks.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Drive to Ueda

Travel approximately 1.5 hours to Ueda city for your overnight stay.
Fuel approx. JPY1200, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Marutomi Sushi

Enjoy fresh sushi and regional specialties at this highly rated local sushi restaurant.
JPY3000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Ueda Culture & History

Ueda, Nagano Prefecture, Japan on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Typical Japanese breakfast served at your accommodation to prepare for exploration.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Ueda Castle

Explore the ruins and reconstructed gates of this samurai castle, enjoy the peaceful surrounding park. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY300, 1h30m

10:30am

Ueda City Museum

Discover local history and samurai culture through exhibits, located near the castle, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Local Ramen Shop

Enjoy hearty Nagano style miso ramen at a popular local spot known for rich broth and tender noodles.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tateshina Kogen (Optional Afternoon Drive)

If time permits, take a 45-minute drive to this highland area for stunning natural scenery and open-air activities.
Fuel approx. JPY800, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to Ueda City

Relax and enjoy a casual stroll through town or visit a local café.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cafe & Bar Fuga

Finish with a cozy bar-style dinner offering local beers and light meals.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 8: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before departure for the drive back to Tokyo.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive back to Tokyo

Allow around 3.5 to 4 hours driving time from Ueda to Tokyo via expressways.
Fuel approx. JPY3500, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tokyo Station Ramen Street

Choose from several famous ramen shops to refuel after your road trip, open 11:00am-10:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

End of Road Trip

Conclude your rural Japan adventure in the bustling capital city.
Free, —
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