Unspoiled Traditional Towns (7 days)

Chubu area, located at the center of Japan’s archipelago, has abundant spectacular natural scenery.  Up in the Japan Alps mountains, lie unique traditional old towns of Japan.  Enjoy the old post town, beautiful castle, and a historical village famous for thatched roof houses registered as the UNESCO World Heritage site.  The grand scenery as well as pastoral landscape of Japan will make you feel like you are off the beaten tourists’ path.  Many precious moments can be experienced such as immersing yourself in a hot spring nestled in the heart of North Alps area or eating local delicacies.

Sample Itinerary Overview

Day 1  Beautiful castle and rural area

Take a train from Tokyo to Matsumoto where one of the most beautiful castles retains its original form.  Hike around the pastoral area with clean water, where wasabi are grown.  Wasabi ice cream will be a unique and pleasant experience.  Stay in a ryokan or hotel for two nights.

Day 2  Old post towns

Day trip to Tsumago and Magome, the old post towns that offered accommodations for travelers hundreds of years ago.  Walking through these historical areas, with no telephone poles, you will feel like you have time-slipped back in the old days.  

Day 3  Japan Alps and Okuhida

Transfer by bus to Okuhida.  Depending on the season, you can hike in the area surrounded by Japan Alps or get a spectacular view more easily by riding a ropeway.  After enjoying local food, immerse yourself and relax in the comfortably spacious spas in your ryokan. 

Day 4  Takayama 

Transfer by bus to Takayama.  Ranked as one of the must-visit places by Michelin Voyager Pratique Japon, this is a sought-after old town in Gifu prefecture.  Stay in a ryokan or hotel.  Local food and sake enhances your pleasure of your stay.

Day 5  UNESCO World Heritage site

Visit Shirakawa-go, one of the most picturesque sites for photographers.  The town also gives us insight into what it means to live in harmony with severe nature.  Stay in a inn in this well-preserved district.

Day 6  Kanazawa

Transfer by bus to Kanazawa.  Enjoy another beautiful historical town.  Visit one the most famous Japanese gardens, Samurai House or local market.  This city is a home to a number of traditional crafts, such as pottery, lacqureware and Kimono dyeing.  Stay in a ryokan or hotel.

Day 7  Kanazawa

After keep exploring Kanazawa, fly back to Tokyo. 

*This plan requires a bit of an adventurous spirit.  It involves extensive walking and the use of public buses where English speaking services are limited.

The tour price will differ according to many factors such as the rank of accommodation (e.g. 5-star hotel, 3-star ryokan), way of transportation (e.g. train, private car), number of days with a private guide, duration of your tour, or season.  Please contact us.  One of our tour consultants will come up with an ideal plan and cost for you.
 

Contact Us

For more information, or to start customizing your own itinerary, please contact us.

Michi Travel Japan

Tel: 81-3-5213-5040

E-mail: commentsmtj@michitravel.com