Day One - October 3, 2023

Fly to Tokyo

Board your flight to Tokyo! Coming from the Western Hemisphere, you will "lose" a day by crossing the International Date Line and will arrive on October 4th.

Day Two - October 4, 2023

Arrive in Tokyo

Arrive at Narita Airport and transfer to the Shiba Park Hotel in Tokyo.

Day Three - October 5, 2023

Tokyo Sightseeing

Take a half day tour of Tokyo, visiting some of the city's most important and beautiful sights including the Meiji Shrine and its gardens, the fashionable Harajuku neighborhood right next door, Asakusa, and more. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore Tokyo on your own.

Day Four - October 6, 2023

Bullet train to Nagoya

In the morning, take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Nagoya. Check into the Mitsui Garden Premier Hotel before heading off to visit Nagoya Castle and the Tokugawa Art Museum.

Day Five - October 7, 2023

Tokoname

Heavy Walking Day
Take local trains to the pottery town of Tokoname, which has been producing ceramic ware since the Heian Period (794-1185 CE). Visit the Pottery Footpath & Forest, the Tokonyan Ceramic Hall, and the Nobori-gama - an impressive Toei kiln that is one of the few surviving examples left in Japan.

Day Six - October 8, 2023

Gujo Hachiman & the Nagara River Railway

Head to Mina-Ota to take the Nagara River Railway deep into the heart of Gifu prefecture, where old Japan still exists in these mountain villages. Enjoy lunch in Hokuno before driving to Gujo Hachiman, which was once known for its castle and is now known as the center of Japan's ubiquitous plastic food replicas. After your tour, overnight in Shokawa.

Day Seven - October 9, 2023

Takayama's Autumn Festival

Heavy Walking Day
Head to Takayama for the town's Autumn Festival, considered one of the most beautiful festivals in all of Japan. Watch the elaborate floats as the travel down the streets and entertain the festival goers with special marionette performances. In between festival events, explore Takayama's historical center and taste local delicacies.

Day Eight - October 10, 2023

Takayama's Autumn Festival

Continue to explore Takayama and enjoy the Autumn Festival on your own.

Day Nine - October 11, 2023

Shirakawago

Drive to Kanazawa and stop along the way in the traditional village of Shirakawa-go, known for its distinctive farmhouses with steep angled roofs. Overnight in Kanazawa.

Day Ten - October 12, 2023

Kanazawa

Take a tour of Kanazawa with visits to the famous Kenrokuen gardens, where we'll enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. From there wander through the Higashi Chaya district to Omichi Market, Kanazawa's biggest market. Take a tour of the Nomura Samurai House to see how samurai and their families lived up until the 1800s.

Day Eleven - October 13, 2023

Toyama

Drive to Toyama and enjoy a cruise on Toyama Bay. The bay is home to unique marine life, including the phosphorescent firefly squid. In the afternoon, check into the Yamanoha Ryokan to enjoy the onsen baths and a traditional kaiseki dinner.

Day Twelve - October 14, 2023

Kurobe Gorge

Heavy Walking Day
Head to the Kurobe Gorge, which is only accessible by train. Depending on the weather, you can sit in open air cars and watch the scenery go by. At the end of the line there is a short hiking trail and a foot bath where you can sit and soak your feet after you explore the gorge.

Day Thirteen - October 15, 2023

Bullet train to Tokyo

Take a bullet train back to Tokyo. Check into the Shiba Park Hotel and use the rest of the day to explore Tokyo.

Day Fourteen - October 16, 2023

Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.