Nostalgic Japan – Tokyo, Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa, Kyoto – 8 Days
OVERVIEW
This tour takes you to the scenic Japanese Alps to visit Takayama, an elegant city of craftsmen famed for its streets lined with old merchant shops and sake breweries.
You also visit Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Kanazawa, a charming old castle town, famous for its cultural heritage and the beautiful Kenrokuen garden.
ITINERARY
Day 1 TOKYO (ARRIVAL)
Arrive at Narita (Narita International Airport) or Haneda (Tokyo International Airport).
You will be met by an English speaking assistant and helped to board an airport bus.
Transfer to hotel by bus. (Travel Time 85min.)
Day 2 TOKYO (CITY TOUR)
Guided sightseeing in Tokyo (9:00 – 17:00) using public transport.
You can select your own itinerary
Day 3 TOKYO – TAKAYAMA
Your main suitcase will be transferred directly from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Please leave your main suitcase with the porter / bell desk by 7:30 AM.
You will need to keep with you the luggage that you need for your nights in Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa.
Transfer to Takayama with your guide.
Tokyo to Nagoya by bullet train, Nagoya to Takayama by express train (Travel Time 300min.)
Sightseeing in Takayama using public transport.
Yatai kaikan / Jinya House / Kusakabe Folk Museum
Day 4 TAKAYAMA – SHIRAKAWAGO
Transfer to Shirakawago by local bus with your guide. (Travel Time 60min.)
Sightseeing in Shirakawago hamlet.
Nagase House / Minka-en
Stay overnight at a Minshuku (small traditional Japanese house) in Shirakawago.
(Private bathroom, towel and toothbrush are not available at Minshuku.)
Dinner at the Minshuku.
Dinner
Day 5 SHIRAKAWAGO – KANAZAWA
Transfer to Kanazawa by local bus with your guide. (Travel Time 90min.)
Sightseeing in Kanazawa using public transport.
Kenroku-en / Shima House / Nomura Samurai House / Kaga Yuzen Traditional Industry Center
Breakfast
Day 6 KANAZAWA – KYOTO
Transfer to Kyoto by express train by yourself. (Travel Time 120min.)
Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, you will be met by an English speaking assistant.
Transfer to your hotel with the assistant.
Day 7 KYOTO (CITY TOUR)
Guided sightseeing in Kyoto (9:00 – 17:00) using public transport.
You can select your own itinerary, see suggested routes on page 9.
Day 8 KYOTO – OSAKA (DEPARTURE)
Transfer to Kansai International Airport by airport shuttle van. (Travel Time 90min.)
Pick up time is about 4hours prior to the flight. Exact time of pick up will be notified to you on Day 7.