9 Nights Popular Japan Itinerary

• Matsumoto is surrounded by mountains, which made it a formidable fortress
• Visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the 12 remaining medieval castles Japan.You find many artifacts on display, from samurai armor to daily items the castle’s defenders used

• MorningThis morning, you travel to Yamanouchi, home to Jigokudani
• Also known as ‘Hell Valley,’ this area has many naturally occurring hot springs
• AfternoonIn the late afternoon, you return to Matsumoto

• Today, you enter the Kiso Valley, home to the historic Nakasendo Trail
• You first arrive in Magome
• You are surrounded by nature
• It is quite beautiful in the spring and fall when Japan shows off her beauty
• Tsumago is a much more rustic village
• EveningThis evening’s dinner is a treat, a multi-course kaiseki dinner

Dinner

• MorningThis morning you board a local train to Takayama
• Visit the Takayama Festival Floats Museum - within, see the magnificent floats, many of them dating back to the Edo Period
• AfternoonIn the late afternoon, check into your ryokan
• Before dinner, take advantage of the many indoor and outdoor onsen baths

Dinner

• After breakfast, you board a local bus for a day trip
• After an hour’s journey winding through mountainous terrain, you arrive in Shirakawa-go, a sleepy village located in a mountain valley
• You are free to wander the village, as many of the homes are open for exploration
• AfternoonIn the late afternoon, you return to Takayama

Breakfast

• MorningThis morning, you head to Nagoya
• Visit Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, along with a variety of stunning gardens
• Also visit The Gion - a historically protected neighborhood
• Also view a geiko performance that includes participating in a tea ceremony

• Today your guided tour is unique, as you will travel between some of Kyoto’s greatest treasures on a bicycle
• Without any hills to climb, this day of biking is sure to be a relaxing one
• Your first visit is Nishi-Hongaji Temple, you head to Nijo Castle
• Intimidating as it is beautiful & Nijo Castle

• After breakfast at the hotel, you board an express train to Kansai International Airport, where your flight home awaits

Breakfast