Chubu Nature Road Trip from Kanazawa: Mountains & Villages Itinerary

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at Curry Shop Pariya, a local favorite. After breakfast, participate in a private Japanese cooking class at Private Japanese Cooking Classes in Kanazawa.

For lunch, experience the art of kaiseki at Kaga Hyakumangoku Matsuri Sushi. In the afternoon, try your hand at Japanese calligraphy with a trial class at Japanese Calligraphy Trial Class. Visit the Higashi Chaya District for a traditional kimono rental experience at WARGO Kanazawa Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO.

Enjoy a dinner of local specialties at Yakitori Yamanaka. Conclude your day with a private food tasting walking tour in Kanazawa Kanazawa Private Food Tasting Walking Tour.

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Kanamean Notoya, known for its traditional Japanese cuisine. Explore the Kanazawa Castle Park and learn about its history with an audio guide Audio Guide Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden.

For lunch, enjoy a bento box at the castle park. In the afternoon, take a tour to discover the art of gold leaf, Japanese sweets, and ninja stars Kanazawa Tour Gold Leaf, Japanese Sweets & Ninja Stars. Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art for a modern contrast to the city's traditional culture.

Dine at Sushi Ippei for a different sushi experience. Spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps exploring the local izakayas.

Depart from Kanazawa early in the morning and head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go. Explore the unique Gassho-zukuri farmhouses and immerse yourself in the rural charm of the village.

Enjoy a traditional lunch in one of the local restaurants. Visit the Shirakawa-go Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the region.

Check into a traditional ryokan for a relaxing evening and a kaiseki dinner. Take a stroll through the village at night when the farmhouses are beautifully illuminated.

Travel to Takayama in the morning and explore the well-preserved streets of the old town. Visit the Takayama Jinya, a historic government house.

Enjoy a lunch of Hida beef, a local specialty. Visit the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall to see the elaborate floats used in the famous Takayama Festival.

Check into a ryokan for the night and relax in an onsen. Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at the ryokan.

Travel to Kamikochi, a pristine alpine valley in the Northern Japan Alps. Take a nature walk along the Azusa River and enjoy the stunning mountain views.

Have a picnic lunch by the river. Explore the Myojin Pond and the Kappa Bridge in the heart of Kamikochi.

Stay overnight in one of the lodges in Kamikochi and savor the tranquility of the natural surroundings.

Travel to Matsumoto and visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. Explore the historic castle grounds and the nearby Nakamachi Street.

Enjoy a lunch of soba noodles, a local specialty. Visit the Matsumoto City Museum of Art to see works by local and international artists.

Conclude your road trip with a dinner at a local izakaya, reflecting on the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Chubu region.