Central Japan 2025 | 9 Days |

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Central Japan

9 days 8 nights
from
RESERVE ONLINE RESERVE
2025
Tokyo, Kamikochi, Tateyama Kurobe, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Takayama, Gero, Nagoya

Shoryudo "Road of the rising dragon"

Shoryudo winds through Japan
Edo streets and castles grand.
Man-made gardens blend with grace,
Nature's beauty fills the space.
Mountains, rivers, legends told,
A journey of harmony unfolds.
Where humanity and nature meet,
Creating memories, pure and sweet.

tour-map

Highlights

The duration of this trip is calculated starting from the day of arrival, excluding flight time.
  • Stroll beautiful mountain scenery
    • Kamikochi: Be immersed in the beauty of Kamikochi valley surrounded by the Hida (Northern Alps) and Hotaka Mountain ranges. Go on a nature walk and listen to the soft burble of clear blue waters in the natural wonderland.
    • Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Japan's premier mountain sightseeing route. Take a variety of transportation up and down the mountain to properly enjoy the majestic natural paradise from different angles.
  • Famous Japanese Castles
    • Matsumoto Castle: The oldest castle in Japan and one of the most famous national treasures. The view of the sharply contrasting black and white exterior set against vast blue skies is breathtakingly beautiful.
    • Nagoya Castle: The embodiment of Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama style. With its excellent design and the scale of construction at that time, it is listed as one of the three famous castles or "sanmeijo."
  • Two World Heritage Sites | Journey to remote mountain villages of Shirakawa-go and Gassho-style farmhouse settlements in Gokayama
  • City of Arts and Humanities - Kanazawa:
    • Kenroku Garden: Known as the most perfect garden owing to its adherence to six ideals: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, elaborate use of water, and scenic charm.. Together with Okayama's "Korakuen" and Mito's "Kairakuen", Kenroku is one of Japan's "three famous gardens."
    • Higashi Cha-ya District: Go back in time to classic teahouses and enjoy the experience of making your own gold-leaf chopsticks
    • 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa: A museum to “connect to the future,” the museum is unique in concept with the goal of connecting arts to the local community both in space and in spirit.
  • Back to the Edo period
    • Hida-Takayama: Visit one of the best-preserved Edo period towns. Thanks to its remote mountain atmosphere, the "Little Kyoto of Hida" has been recognized as one of the best preserved traditional towns in Japan
    • Two-nights in city centers: Tokyo and Nagoya, one night each to experience the exciting cities through walking tours, local shopping, and glamorous nightscapes.
  • Seasonal Highlights | Feel the beauty of different seasons
    • Mid-April ~ Mid-June: Journey to the amazing snow wall of Japan
    • Late-June ~ Mid-Oct: Special admission for Kurobe Dam floodgate viewing
    • During the autumn maple red period: Natadera Temple, a famous maple viewing spot in the Hokuriku region (we visit the 21st Century Art Museum during other periods)


Culinary Experiences

Arranging great culinary experiences is a specialty we are very proud of. Before a restaurant is selected for our itinerary, our development team spends countless hours sampling dozens of restaurants for comparison. On this trip, you will have a chance to taste Japanese delicacies, including eel rice dumpling, sashimi rice bowl, Hida beef, and traditional Kaiseki banquet dinner.   

Itinerary

Open All Days
USA/Canada aircraft-icon
Arrive in Narita International Airport (NRT) 2
48 mi
, 1 hr
40 mins
or
Arrive in Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) 2
14 mi
, 30 mins

Tokyo
Welcome to ! For guests within our pickup timeframe, a Supera representative will greet you at the arrival airport. Have a wonderful journey with us!


Transfer to hotel by airport shuttle bus.

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Hotel is being arranged
Tokyo 2
138 mi
, 3 hrs
15 mins

Nagano 2
41 mi
, 1 hr
45 mins

Okuhida Shinhotaka Onsen
Be rewarded with a breathtaking view atop Matsumoto Castle
Be rewarded with a breathtaking view atop Matsumoto Castle
Relax at Okunikko Shinhotaka Onsen
Relax at Okunikko Shinhotaka Onsen
Nagano:
  • Matsumoto Castle:

    Step into a world where samurai legends and Edo elegance converge. With its fierce black façade and tranquil moat, the "crow castle" reflects centuries of Japanese history and architectural splendor.

Okuhida Shinhotaka Onsen:
  • Okuhida Shinhotaka Onsen:

    One of few remaining mixed-gender hot springs in Japan. Bathe in a natural setting where you can overlook the famous mountain of The Northern Alps and Mt. Yari while soaking in the hot spring.

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Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Shinjuku
Okuhida Shinhotaka Onsen 2
17 mi
, 45 mins

Nagano 2
39 mi
, 1 hr
15 mins

Omachi Onsen
Surrounded by greenery while hiking in Kamikochi
Surrounded by greenery while hiking in Kamikochi
Visit the largest Wasabi farm in Japan
Visit the largest Wasabi farm in Japan
Nagano:
  • Kamikochi:

    Embark on a serene journey through Kamikochi, Nagano's alpine paradise, where the pristine river Azusa flows beneath the majestic Japanese Alps

    ( Hiking time approx: 1 hr, 50 mins, Difficulty ◆◆◇◇◇ )
  • Daio Wasabi Farm:

    Embark on a rare experience of visiting a wasabi farm and discover the spicy secrets of Japan's largest wasabi cultivation! Ride inflatable boats over one of the purest, most crystal-clear waters the Japanese countryside has to offer. (If boats are unavailable, we will enjoy the wasabi farm from the riverside walking trails instead)

Omachi Onsen:
  • Omachi Onsen:

    The legendary hot springs here are said to have curative effects on joint pain and chronic digestive diseases, attracting local nobility since the Middle Ages.

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Shin-Hotaka Onsen Yamano Hotel (Okuhida Shinhotaka Hot Spring)
Omachi Onsen 2
8 mi
, 20 mins

Tateyama Kurobe 2
55 mi
, 1 hr
30 mins

Kanazawa
Tateyama Cable Car
Tateyama Cable Car
Panoramic view from Tateyama Ropeway
Panoramic view from Tateyama Ropeway
Tateyama Kurobe:
  • Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route:

    Our special arrangements give you the chance to enjoy the best views of the Japanese Alps during uniquely different seasons. See the remarkable 60-foot high Snow Corridor in the spring, and the breathtaking Kurobe Dam in the summer.

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Ryokusuitei Keisui (Omachi Hot Spring)
Kanazawa 2
48 mi
, 1 hr
15 mins

Shirakawago 2
18 mi
, 45 mins

Gokayama 2
34 mi
, 1 hr

Kanazawa
Thatched houses spread out in Shirakawa-go
Thatched houses spread out in Shirakawa-go
Traditional houses in Mt. Goka
Traditional houses in Mt. Goka
Shirakawago:
  • Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observatory:

    Step back in time and embrace the breathtaking panoramic splendor of traditional thatched-roof villages from one of the best viewpoints. 

  • Ogimachi Gassho Style Village:

    Step into a fairy-tale realm of thatched roofs and timeless charm to see Gassho style houses ("∧" shape thatched-roof houses) set against the picturesque mountains.

Gokayama:
  • Suganuma Gassho Style Village:

    The smallest of the 3 Gassho-style settlements, Suganuma is worthwhile because it is less touristed and provides a more enjoyable intimate experience. 

Kanazawa:
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Aenokaze (Wakura Hot Spring)
Kanazawa
 Make your chopsticks with gold leaf
Make your chopsticks with gold leaf
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Kanazawa:
  • Kenroku Garden:

    Masterfully crafted over 400 years to achieve perfect harmony, Kenroku-en is sure to leave you in awe! Take your time to fully immerse yourself in its beauty with our specially-prepared Japanese tea, allowing you to savor the garden at a leisurely pace.

  • Kanazawa Castle:

    The castle of general Maeda Toshiie during the Edo period. Feel samurai spirits whisper tales amidst amongst massive stone walls and take in the mesmerizing beauty of Ishikawa's architectural crown jewel.

  • Ohmicho Market:

    Step into a 300-year-old market, where you'll discover the freshest treasures of Kanazawa—from succulent seafood and crisp vegetables to vibrant fruits and everyday essentials.

  • Higashi Chaya District:

    Here, you can not only soak in the vintage charm of teahouses along cobblestone streets, but also engage in a fun DIY experience by crafting your own gold-leaf chopstick souvenirs.

  • 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art:

    A must-visit for its innovative architecture, blending art with open, interactive spaces. It showcases cutting-edge art from around the world, offering immersive and thought-provoking exhibitions that appeal to art lovers and casual visitors alike. The museum's unique design invites exploration, making it a vibrant hub for inspiration.
    * During fall foliage season, we switch our visit to Natadera Temple, a renowned destination for autumn colors in the Hokuriku region of Japan.

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Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Kanazawa 2
87 mi
, 2 hrs

Takayama 2
32 mi
, 1 hr

Gero Onsen
See delicate and colorful festival floats
See delicate and colorful festival floats
Walk along Sanmachi Suji old street leisurely
Walk along Sanmachi Suji old street leisurely
Takayama:
  • Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall:

    You'll have a rare chance to admire the famous Yatai festival floats up close, usually only seen during the festival. Each float features intricate sculptures, metalwork, and puppets offered as tributes to the gods.

  • Takayama Jinya:

    A local government outpost, established directly by the Tokugawa Shogunate, where the original judgment and execution chambers from that era still remain.

  • Sanmachi Suji:

    Browse cobblestone streets lined with merchant houses, miso shops and wine shops and experience the quaint beauty of  "Little Kyoto."

Gero Onsen:
  • Gero Onsen:

    Renowned as one of Japan's three most famous hot springs, this spot is affectionately called the "springs for beauties" for its silky waters known to leave your skin smooth. Let's indulge in the soothing hot springs and immerse in its tranquil, relaxing atmosphere!

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Hotel Nikko Kanazawa
Gero Onsen 2
77 mi
, 2 hrs

Nagoya
Nagoya Castle embodies the ambition of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Nagoya Castle embodies the ambition of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Enjoy a view that changes with the seasons
Enjoy a view that changes with the seasons
Nagoya:
  • Nagoya Castle:

    Explore the majestic fortress built directly under the command of Tokugawa Ieyasu and experience its awe-inspiring grandeur!

  • Tokugawa Garden:

    Step into the serene elegance of Tokugawa Garden, where the whispers of Nagoya's samurai past mingle with the tranquil beauty of meandering streams

  • Nagoya Free Time:

    Nagoya city is an ideal place to experience local cuisine independently (with the guidance of our suggestions of course!).

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Sasara (Gero Hot Spring)
Nagoya
2
8 mi
, 20 mins

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
Nagoya:
  • Guests with morning flights
    You will be directed to take the Airport Limited Express train bound for Chubu Centrair Airport after breakfast.
  • Guests with afternoon flights
    Your morning is free and our guide will provide directions for you to explore Nagoya city for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Based on your departure time, the tour guide will direct you to take the Airport Limited Express train.
A great journey always feels short, let’s look forward to seeing each other again!
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  • Deposit:A deposit of per person is due within 5 days of reservation confirmation to secure your space on tour.
  • Balance:Due days before tour departure.
  • Flights:We are happy to arrange air tickets with the best balance between price and flight quality. If you are purchasing your own flights, please book flights scheduled to arrive/depart within the times listed below. If you are arriving/departing on the same day as our tour but outside timeframes, we may still be able to arrange service - please contact us for transfer options. Please be aware missed portions of the itinerary will not be refunded. Prior to issuing tickets, please reconfirm with us to avoid unexpected expenses.
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Stays of a Lifetime

Don't be too tired to remember your trip!
A hotel is not merely a place to rest your head. We hand-pick each one to give you comfort, great views, unique experiences, and above all, memorability. We carefully consider locations to let your mind, body, and spirit wander freely while feeling at home.