Central Japan 2024

Shoryudo: the Intersection of Humanity and Nature

"Road of the rising dragon," Shoryudo winds through Central Japan
Walk brick streets of Edo and peaking Japanese castles to
savor the beauty of man-made gardens -
the grandeur, seclusion, ingenuity, ancient, water springs.
Natural mountains and rivers in the distance, a utopia
of literary legends make a beautiful journey of humanity and nature

Highlights

Stroll beautiful mountain scenery
- Kamikochi: Be immersed in the beauty of Kamikochi valley surrounded by the Hida (Northern Alps) and Hotaka Mountain ranges. Go on a nature walk and listen to the soft burble of clear blue waters in the natural wonderland.
- Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Japan's premier mountain sightseeing route. Take a variety of transportation up and down the mountain to properly enjoy the majestic natural paradise from different angles.
Famous Japanese Castles
- Matsumoto Castle: The oldest castle in Japan and one of the most famous national treasures. The view of the sharply contrasting black and white exterior set against vast blue skies is breathtakingly beautiful.
- Nagoya Castle: The embodiment of Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama style. With its excellent design and the scale of construction at that time, it is listed as one of the three famous castles or "sanmeijo."

Two World Heritage Sites | Journey to remote mountain villages of Shirakawa-go and Gassho-style farmhouse settlements in Gokayama

City of Arts and Humanities - Kanazawa:
- Kenroku Garden: Known as the most perfect garden owing to its adherence to six ideals: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, elaborate use of water, and scenic charm.. Together with Okayama's "Korakuen" and Mito's "Kairakuen", Kenroku is one of Japan's "three famous gardens."
- Higashi Cha-ya District: Go back in time to classic teahouses and enjoy the experience of making your own gold-leaf chopsticks
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa: A museum to “connect to the future,” the museum is unique in concept with the goal of connecting arts to the local community both in space and in spirit.
Back to the Edo period
- Hida-Takayama: Visit one of the best-preserved Edo period towns. Thanks to its remote mountain atmosphere, the "Little Kyoto of Hida" has been recognized as one of the best preserved traditional towns in Japan
- Two-night stay in the city center: Tokyo and Nagoya, one night each to experience the exciting cities through walking tours, local shopping, and glamorous nightscapes.
Seasonal Highlights | Feel the beauty of different seasons
- Mid-April ~ Mid-June: Journey to the amazing snow wall of Japan
- Late-June ~ Mid-Oct: Special admission for Kurobe Dam floodgate viewing
- During the autumn maple red period: Natadera Temple, a famous maple viewing spot in the Hokuriku region (we visit the 21st Century Art Museum during other periods)

Culinary Experiences

Arranging great culinary experiences is a specialty we are very proud of. Before a restaurant is selected for our itinerary, our development team spends countless hours sampling dozens of restaurants for comparison. On this trip, you will have a chance to taste Japanese delicacies, including eel rice dumpling, sashimi rice bowl, Hida beef, and traditional Kaiseki banquet dinner.

Itinerary

Open All Days

DAY 1

USA/Canada

USA/Canada aircraft-icon

USA/Canada

DAY 2

Arrive in Narita Airport (NRT)

Haneda Airport (HND)

Tokyo

Arrive in Narita Airport (NRT)

48 mi

, 2 hrs

Haneda Airport (HND)

14 mi

, 1 hr

Tokyo

Arrive in Narita Airport (NRT)

48 mi

, 2 hrs

Haneda Airport (HND)

14 mi

, 1 hr

Tokyo

Welcome to ! For guests within our pickup timeframe, a Supera representative will greet you at the arrival airport. Have a wonderful journey with us!

Transfer to hotel by airport shuttle bus.

Chicken Hot Pot Set (Mizutaki)

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Shinjuku

DAY 3

Tokyo

Matsumoto

Okuhida Shinhotaka Onsen

Tokyo

138 mi

, 3 hrs

15 mins

Matsumoto

41 mi

, 1 hr

45 mins

Okuhida Shinhotaka Onsen

Tokyo

138 mi

, 3 hrs

15 mins

Matsumoto

41 mi

, 1 hr

45 mins

Okuhida Shinhotaka Onsen

Be rewarded with a breathtaking view atop Matsumoto Castle

Relax at Okunikko Shinhotaka Onsen

Nagano

Matsumoto Castle:
The oldest among castles with a five-story keep. Armored stone walls and fierce black wainscoting make it the incarnation of a Japanese Samurai.

Okuhida

Shinhotaka Onsen:
One of few remaining mixed-gender hot springs in Japan. Bathe in a natural setting where you can overlook the famous mountain of The Northern Alps and Mt. Yari while soaking in the hot spring.

Hotel Buffet

Eel Rice Dumpling Set

Kaiseki Banquet with A5 Grade Hida Beef Sukiyaki

Shin-Hotaka Onsen Yamano Hotel (Okuhida Shinhotaka Hot Spring)

DAY 4

Okuhida Shinhotaka Onsen

Nagano

Omachi Onsen

Okuhida Shinhotaka Onsen

17 mi

, 45 mins

Nagano

39 mi

, 1 hr

15 mins

Omachi Onsen

Okuhida Shinhotaka Onsen

17 mi

, 45 mins

Nagano

39 mi

, 1 hr

15 mins

Omachi Onsen

Surrounded by greenery while hiking in Kamikochi

Visit the largest Wasabi farm in Japan

Nagano

Kamikochi:
A national park surrounded by The Northern Alps and Mt. Hotaka. While ambling along the path, you can enjoy clear water of River Azusa and the beauty of mountains (distance: 2 miles, walking time: 1hr 50 mins, degree of difficulty ◆◆◇◇◇)
Daio Wasabi Farm:
A rare opportunity to visit the largest wasabi farm in Japan. Take a ride on an inflatable boat over one of the purest, most crystal-clear waters the Japanese countryside has to offer. (If boats are unavailable for reservations, we will enjoy the wasabi farm from the riverside walking trails instead)

Omachi

Omachi Onsen:
The legendary hot springs here are said to have curative effects on joint pain and chronic digestive diseases, attracting local nobility since the Middle Ages.

Ryokan Breakfast

Nagano Style Fried Chicken Set (Sanzokuyaki)

Kaiseki Banquet with Local Ingredients

Ryokusuitei Keisui (Omachi Hot Spring)

DAY 5

Omachi Onsen

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Nagano Ogizawa Sta. →Toyama Tateyama Sta.)

Wakura Onsen

Omachi Onsen

8 mi

, 20 mins

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Nagano Ogizawa Sta. →Toyama Tateyama Sta.)

68 mi

, 2.5 hrs

Wakura Onsen

Omachi Onsen

8 mi

, 20 mins

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (Nagano Ogizawa Sta. →Toyama Tateyama Sta.)

68 mi

, 2.5 hrs

Wakura Onsen

Tateyama Cable Car

Panoramic view from Tateyama Ropeway

Tateyama Kurobe

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route:
Our special arrangements give you the chance to enjoy the best view of the Japanese Alps in spring and summer. See a remarkable 60-foot high snow wall in the spring, and see refreshing water discharge from Kurobe Dam in the summer.

Wakura

Wakura Onsen:
At the base of Noto Peninsula, Wakura hot springs hold over 1,200 years of history. The natural waters flowing over underground granite are crystal clear and are said to remedy rheumatism, nerve pain, and gynecological diseases.

Ryokan Breakfast

Japanese Cuisine

Kaiseki Banquet with Local Seafood from Sea of Japan

Aenokaze (Wakura Hot Spring)

DAY 6

Wakura Onsen

Shirakawa-go

Mt. Goka

Kanazawa

Wakura Onsen

97 mi

, 2 hrs

Shirakawa-go

18 mi

, 45 mins

Mt. Goka

34 mi

, 1 hr

Kanazawa

Wakura Onsen

97 mi

, 2 hrs

Shirakawa-go

18 mi

, 45 mins

Mt. Goka

34 mi

, 1 hr

Kanazawa

Thatched houses spread out in Shirakawa-go

Traditional houses in Mt. Goka

Shirakawa-go

Ogimachi Castle Observation Deck:
The best way to capture the beauty of this township is climbing up to the observatory.
Ogimachi Village:
Beautiful Gassho style houses ("∧" shape thatched roof houses) give you an illusion of walking into a wonderland!

Mt. Goka

Suganuma Village:
Let's enjoy the tranquility of this Gassho style settlement and learn Japanese ancestors' culture.

Ryokan Buffet

Hida Pork Clay BBQ (Tobanyaki)

Refund - Explore with our helpful maps & suggestions

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

DAY 7

Kanazawa

Make your chopsticks with gold leaf

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Kenrokuen Garden:
Its completeness in garden design would take your breath away! Special arrangement of Japanese tea drinking allows you to savor the garden slowly.
Kanazawa Castle:
Kanazawa Castle is the castle of general Maeda Toshiie during the Edo period. You will be amazed about the greatness of the castle builders via a variety of stone walls.
Ohmicho Market:
A 300-year-old market which mainly sells fresh Kanazawa ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, fruit, and daily supplies.
Higashi Chaya District:
Here you can not only enjoy the vintage atmosphere of the teahouses but also make your own souvenir by attending the gold leaf chopstick DIY we arrange for you.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art:
To produce transparency and brightness, the architects use lots of glass walls instead of concrete walls. The Museum is designed as a park which makes it not only a museum, but an open space for people to interact with art.
* In fall foliage season, we change to visit Natadera Temple, a famous fall foliage viewing spot in Hokuriku area of Japan

Hotel Buffet

Refund - Explore with our helpful maps & suggestions

Buffet Dinner

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

DAY 8

Kanazawa

Takayama

Gero Onsen

Kanazawa

87 mi

, 2 hrs

Takayama

32 mi

, 1 hr

Gero Onsen

Kanazawa

87 mi

, 2 hrs

Takayama

32 mi

, 1 hr

Gero Onsen

See delicate and colorful festival floats

Walk along Sanmachi Suji old street leisurely

Takayama

Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall:
You can closely enjoy the famous Yatai (festival floats) which you can only see during the festival. On a Yatai, you can see delicate sculpture, metal decorations and puppets as sacrifices to Gods.
Takayama Jinya:
A local government, where rooms for judgement and execution at that time remain, directly set up by Tokugawa Shogunate,
Sanmachi Suji Area:
Walking through streets with many old houses, miso shops and wine shops, you can experience the quaint beauty of "Little Kyoto."

Gero Onsen

Gero Onsen:
One of the three most famous hot springs in Japan. It has a nickname “springs for the beauties” because the water makes your skin smooth like silk. Let's take the hot spring and immerse yourself in the relaxing atmosphere.

Hotel Buffet

Hida Beef Meatloaf Set

Kaiseki Banquet

Sasara (Gero Hot Spring)

DAY 9

Gero Onsen

Nagoya

Gero Onsen

77 mi

, 2 hrs

Nagoya

Gero Onsen

77 mi

, 2 hrs

Nagoya

Nagoya Castle embodies the ambition of Tokugawa Ieyasu

Enjoy a view that changes with the seasons

Nagoya

Nagoya Castle:
Visit the castle built under the command of Tokugawa Ieyasu and feel its grandness!
Tokugawa Garden:
Stroll down the path and revel in the whisper of water flow and the beauty of greenery in this stroll pond garden.
Free Time:
Nagoya city is an ideal place to experience local cuisine independently (with the help of our suggestions of course!).

Ryokan Breakfast

Japanese Western Cuisine

Not included - Explore with our helpful maps & suggestions

Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel

DAY 10

Nagoya

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)

Next Destination

Nagoya

29 mi

, 45 mins

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)

Next Destination

Nagoya

29 mi

, 45 mins

Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)

Next Destination

Nagoya

Guests with morning flights
You will be directed to take the Airport Limited Express train bound for Chubu Centrair Airport after breakfast.

Guests with afternoon flights
Your morning is free and our guide will provide directions for you to explore Nagoya city for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Based on your departure time, the tour guide will direct you to take the Airport Limited Express train.

A great journey always feels short, let’s look forward to seeing each other again!

Hotel Buffet

Deposit:A deposit of per person is due within 5 days of reservation confirmation to secure your space on tour.

Balance:Due days before tour departure.

Flights:We are happy to arrange air tickets with the best balance between price and flight quality. If you are purchasing your own flights, please book according to our schedule below. If you are arriving/departing on the same day as our tour but outside timeframes, we may still be able to arrange service based on other flights - please contact us for transfer options. Please be aware missed portions of the itinerary will not be refunded. Prior to issuing tickets, please reconfirm with us to avoid unexpected expenses.

Please review the Terms & Conditions before you book.
Is This Trip Right for Me?
- Please see the Itinerary for activity levels and details.
- Wheelchairs: Please understand some sites on this itinerary may not accessible and may need to be forfeit. A companion to help with the wheelchair must accompany the guest.
- Age Limit: For quality concerns, guests should be 2 years or older to join this tour
- Dietary Restrictions: Following our tradition of encouraging our guests to “savor the world,” we arrange delicious local menus, but many restaurants cannot meet custom preferences. If you have a serious meal restriction (i.e., fatal allergy, vegetarian, etc.), please let us know before booking and we can check if it can be accommodated.
- Local Climate & Conditions:
  - This tour is a well-paced active tour that includes walking on inclined or uneven surfaces.
  - Tateyama Kurobe is located 8,083ft above sea level. Travelers may experience altitude sickness in destinations higher than 8,000ft above sea level. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, and lack of appetite. For most travelers, this is manageable through medication, herbal remedies, and breathing exercises. Please consult your personal health care provider before travel.
  Altitude (Feet above sea level)
  - Tateyama Kurobe (Japan)：8,083 ft
  - Lake Titicaca (Peru)：12,555 ft
  - Cusco (Peru)：11,152 ft
  - Urubamba (Peru)：9,420 ft
  - Quito (Ecuador)：9,350 ft
  - Half Dome, Yosemite, CA：8,839 ft
  - Machu Picchu (Peru)：7,972 ft
  - Atacama (Chile)：7,896-14,107 ft
  - Bhutan (Asia)：7,546-10,236 ft
Accommodations:
- Most reserved rooms are TWIN (2 bed) rooms. Please let us know if you require a DOUBLE (1 large bed) for the entirety of the tour - we will try our best to accommodate. For most hot spring hotels, we will use tatami rooms featuring futon mat bedding.
- If you have special requirements, please inform us at time of booking so we may make arrangements as soon as possible.
- For guest privacy and security considerations, we do not have single sharing arrangements.
Visas:
- A Visa is temporarily being required for US or Canada passport holders to Japan.
- Please be aware once a visa is processed by Supera, we will not be able to provide a refund under any circumstances.
Passports:
- Please provide a copy of your passport at sign up; we recommend having a copy of your passport with you in case of emergencies.
- Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining and two blank “Visa” pages.
Flights and Luggage:
- Some airlines charge a fee for pre-assigned seats. If so, we will let you know the details at time of booking.
- If you are booking your own tickets, we recommend reserving at least 3 hours connecting time between international airports.
- Luggage allowances will vary based on the rules for each airline. Excess baggage fees are the responsibility of the traveler.

Stays of a Lifetime

Don't be too tired to remember your trip!

A hotel is not merely a place to rest your head. We hand-pick each one to give you comfort, great views, unique experiences, and above all, memorability. We carefully consider locations to let your mind, body, and spirit wander freely while feeling at home.

Tokyo :

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Shinjuku

A sleek upscale hotel enveloped by skyscrapers and the vibrant Shinjuku district. Find yourself just a short walk from the world's busiest rail hub, densely dotted with departmernt stores, underground shopping arcades, and the most popular restaurants, shops, and attractions in the heart of Tokyo.

Our Room Types

Room Type Plaza Superior South Tower Room	Size 30.1 m² (324 ft²)
Twin 120 x 203 cm * 2 Bed	Double 152～182 x 203 cm * 1 Bed

Triple

Arranged with Plaza Superior South Tower Room + Rollaway Bed (120 x 188 cm)

Okuhida Shinhotaka Onsen :

Shin-Hotaka Onsen Yamano Hotel

While bathing in the open-air hot spring, Sankyo Yari No Yu, you can overlook the famous mountain of The Northern Alps, Mount Yari, and enjoy the view of Gamada River at the same time.

Our Room Types

Room Type Deluxe Room	Size 32 m² (344 ft²)
Twin 105 x 195 cm * 2 Bed	Double N/A

Triple

Arranged with Deluxe Room + Rollaway Bed (100 x 190 cm)

Nagano :

Ryokusuitei Keisui

A Japanese modern Ryokan where you can extremely enjoy the grandness of The Northern Alps, the crystal-clear water of Kashima River, and the picturesque scenery of Azumino area.

Our Room Types

Room Type Japanese Room in Akane Building	Size 12 tatami mats
Twin 100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed	Double N/A

Triple

Arranged with Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)

Remark Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room

Ishikawa :

Aenokaze

The sister brand of the famous Ryokan, Kagaya. We use their “Higashi no Kaze” room, which enables you to thoroughly enjoy the comfort here. You will have cuisine made from local ingredients in Noto Peninsula and feel the sincerity from their service.

Our Room Types

Room Type Sea View Japanese Room	Size 10 tatami mats
Twin 100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed	Double N/A

Triple

Arranged with Sea View Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)

Remark Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room

Ishikawa :

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Located in the front of east exit of Kanazawa Station, this 30-story high hotel is an important spot of tourism and business. Rooms we arrange for you are higher than 17th floor, where you can overlook the whole Kanazawa city and its beautiful streets..

Our Room Types

Room Type Stylish Room	Size 31 m² (334 ft²)
Twin 120 x 200 cm * 2 Bed	Double N/A

Triple

Arranged with Stylish Room + Rollaway Bed (85 x 195 cm)

Gifu :

Sasara

The owner of this hotel is a designer who designs every room with his talent, and you can discover his idea and Ingenuity at every corner. At night, you can enjoy the solemn beauty by overlooking Gero Onsen street. Classic decoration and paintings from France can be founded in both lobby and rooms.

Our Room Types

Room Type Japanese Room in Sasara Building	Size 55 m² (592 ft²)
Twin 100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed	Double N/A

Triple

Arranged with Japanese Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)

Remark Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room

Nagoya :

Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel

Located above Nagoya Station, the hotel not only owns perfect location, but also provides customers with relaxing environment and hospitable service.

Our Room Types

Room Type Deluxe Room	Size 38 m² (409 ft²)
Twin 120 x 200 cm * 2 Bed	Double 180 x 200 cm * 1 Bed

Triple

Arranged with Deluxe Room + Rollaway Bed (98 x 188 cm)

Central Japan 2024 | 10 Days |

Central Japan

Shoryudo: the Intersection of Humanity and Nature

Highlights

Culinary Experiences

Itinerary

Related Tours

Stays of a Lifetime

Don't be too tired to remember your trip!

Tokyo :

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Shinjuku

Okuhida Shinhotaka Onsen :

Shin-Hotaka Onsen Yamano Hotel

Nagano :

Ryokusuitei Keisui

Ishikawa :

Aenokaze

Ishikawa :

Hotel Nikko Kanazawa

Gifu :

Sasara

Nagoya :

Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel