Culinary Delights & Cultural Wonders: 10-Day Journey through Chubu, Japan Itinerary

Start your day with a visit to the Atsuta Shrine}, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. After paying your respects, take a serene walk through the adjacent Atsuta Jingu Forest Garden}, a hidden gem of tranquility in the city.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at J Hotel Rinku, offering a blend of international cuisines. Post-lunch, take a short train ride to the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park}, where you can explore the history of Japanese railways and even experience a high-speed Maglev train simulator.

Conclude your day with a relaxing cruise on the Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River}, a traditional fishing method that has been practiced for over 1300 years. As the sun sets, witness the skilled fishermen and enjoy the serene ambiance of the river.

Arrive in Kanazawa and savor a delightful breakfast at Starbucks Coffee - Chubu Centrair International Airport Departure Terminal. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Kenrokuen Garden}, considered one of the most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the seasonal beauty.

For lunch, head to the Omicho Market}, known as Kanazawa's kitchen. Immerse yourself in the lively market atmosphere and enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies. Afterward, visit the Kanazawa Castle}, a historic landmark with well-preserved castle grounds and the innovative D.T. Suzuki Museum.

Experience the art of gold leaf at the Higashichaya District}, a charming geisha district with teahouses and traditional architecture. Enjoy a cup of tea in this cultural setting and explore the nearby Nagamachi Samurai District}, where you can learn about the samurai history of Kanazawa.

Start your day with a visit to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art}, an architectural gem with innovative exhibitions. Explore the museum's unique artworks and installations, then take a short walk to the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts}, where you can learn about Kanazawa's rich craft traditions.

Enjoy a traditional Kaga cuisine lunch at Starbucks Coffee Centrair Flight of Dreams Shop, offering a fusion of local flavors. After lunch, take a cultural workshop to experience Kanazawa's craftsmanship firsthand. Choose from activities such as gold leaf painting, pottery, or silk dyeing to create your own unique souvenir.

Dine at Starbucks Coffee - Chubu International Airport Centrair Building 2, where you can enjoy a relaxing meal before heading back to your accommodation. Reflect on the day's experiences and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

Begin your day with a rejuvenating breakfast at your hotel. Then, embark on a scenic drive to the majestic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route}, where you'll witness breathtaking mountain landscapes, including the famous Snow Walls (operational from mid-April to late June). Take in the fresh alpine air and the natural beauty of the Northern Japan Alps.

Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the alpine scenery, or stop at one of the rest areas along the route to savor local specialties. After descending from the mountains, visit the tranquil Matsumoto Castle}, also known as the "Crow Castle," and explore its well-preserved interior and beautiful surrounding gardens.

Dine at a local restaurant in Matsumoto and savor the flavors of Shinshu cuisine, which is known for its use of fresh mountain ingredients. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Nawate-dori (Frog Street)}, where you can browse for unique souvenirs and enjoy the charming atmosphere.

Start your day with a visit to the serene Zenko-ji Temple}, one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. Participate in the morning rituals and explore the temple grounds, including the hidden passage in the main hall.

Enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch at a local restaurant in Nagano, then take a short train ride to the onsen town of Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen}, where you can relax in the healing waters of the hot springs. Take a stroll through the town and visit the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park}, known for its wild snow monkeys enjoying the hot springs.

Experience a kaiseki dinner at a ryokan (traditional inn) in Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen, where you can savor a multi-course meal featuring local and seasonal ingredients. After dinner, unwind in the peaceful ambiance of the onsen and enjoy a restful night's sleep.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your ryokan, then travel to the city of Kanazawa. Begin your day with a visit to the Kenrokuen Garden}, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Explore the meticulously landscaped grounds and take in the beauty of the seasonal flora.

For lunch, indulge in the local specialty of Kaga Cuisine}, known for its delicate flavors and artistic presentation. Afterward, visit the Nagamachi Samurai District}, where you can stroll through the historical streets and learn about the samurai heritage of Kanazawa.

Dine at a traditional Kaiseki Restaurant}, where you can experience the pinnacle of Japanese haute cuisine. Savor a multi-course meal prepared with the freshest ingredients, and enjoy the elegant and serene atmosphere of the restaurant.

Enjoy breakfast with a view of the mountains, then set out to explore the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route}, a spectacular journey through the Northern Japan Alps. Marvel at the towering Snow Walls (operational from mid-April to late June) and take a walk across the iconic Kurobe Dam, one of the largest dams in Japan.

Have a picnic lunch at one of the alpine rest areas, then continue your alpine adventure with a visit to the Japanese Alps Azumino National Park}, where you can take a leisurely hike or simply relax and enjoy the pristine natural surroundings.

Return to your accommodation and unwind with a soak in the onsen, reflecting on the day's alpine wonders. Dine at the hotel's restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal featuring local Shinshu ingredients and flavors.

Enjoy a breakfast overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Suwa}, then take a morning stroll along the lakeside. Visit the Suwa Taisha Shrine}, one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in the region, and explore its serene grounds.

For lunch, savor the local specialty of Suwa Soba (buckwheat noodles)}, known for its delicate flavor and smooth texture. Afterward, visit the Lake Suwa Glass Museum}, where you can admire exquisite glass art and learn about the history of glassmaking in the area.

Dine at a lakeside restaurant and enjoy a meal featuring fresh local ingredients. After dinner, take a relaxing cruise on the lake, watching the sunset and taking in the peaceful ambiance of the surrounding mountains.

Begin your final day with a visit to the Miho Museum}, known for its stunning architecture and impressive collection of ancient art from Egypt and Western Asia. After exploring the museum, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the museum's cafe, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

For lunch, indulge in the local specialty of Shinshu Hida Beef}, known for its marbled texture and rich flavor. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Matsumoto City Museum of Art}, where you can admire a diverse range of modern and contemporary artworks.

Conclude your journey with a visit to the iconic Matsumoto Castle}, also known as the "Crow Castle," illuminated against the night sky. Then, enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Izakaya}, where you can sample a variety of local dishes and drinks in a lively and convivial atmosphere.