Places You'll See
Highlights
- Enjoy the breathtaking seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms in both well maintained castle parks and expansive natural parks.
- Hike the iconic Nakasendo Trail for 8 km from Tsumago to Magome
- View Japan’s largest castle keep, Nagoya Castle, and tour the magnificent Honmaru Palace which was Japan's first castle to be designated a National Treasure.
- Cruise the scenic moats on a boat tour of Omi Hachiman and sip matcha tea while overlooking a spacious Japanese garden
Description
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Japan's cherry blossoms on this unforgettable 3-day journey, designed to showcase the historical richness and natural splendor of the Nagoya region during one of Japan's most stunning times of the year—cherry blossom season. From iconic castles to serene canals and breathtaking cherry blossom parks, this itinerary promises the perfect balance of culture, history, and of course, cherry blossoms.
*ESTIMATED BUDGET – Please note that the estimated budget advertised on this page is only for the cost of the tours and what they include. Some tours may include transportation between tour destinations via tour buses. However some tours do not include transportation between tour destinations, and you will need to book your own transportation in such cases. Please refer to each tour listed on this page for further information on what is not included.
Day 1 NAGOYA
How to Start Your Day
Get ready to step back in time as you visit the magnificent Nagoya castle as well as the Taisho-era home of Sasuke Toyoda, a member of the renowned Toyota family, and several other historic estates. Taste traditional sencha tea paired with Japanese sweets while overlooking a tranquil garden, and gain insight into the lifestyles of Japan’s industrial pioneers.
You will also be visiting perhaps the best park to see cherry blossoms within Nagoya's city limits, the tranquil Tokugawa Garden. This park, designed to reflect the beauty of nature through various seasons, bursts into life with cherry blossoms around the same time as Nagoya Castle.
1-Day Guided Garden Walk through Nagoya's Castle, Gardens, and Historic Estates / All Year Round
Centrally located and surrounded by fertile plains, mountains, rivers, and the sea, it is easy to understand why Nagoya is known as “the Heart of Japan.” This castle city attracted samurai and craftsmen alike and, later, wealthy merchants and innovative leaders of industry. Today, Nagoya has cemented itself as Japan’s center of industry and is home to manufacturing giants such as Toyota, Brother, Noritake, Ibanez, Buffalo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
This tour will take you into several historic estates and private gardens of these titans of industry. Marvel at the gilded artwork and golden screens in Honmaru Palace and sip tea while gazing at a garden designed for a daimyo as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide through Nagoya on this full-day tour.
How to End Your Day
After your tour concludes, you'll have some free time to explore the vibrant city of Nagoya at your own pace. We highly recommend staying near the Nagoya Station area, offering convenient access to transportation and easy access to a variety of attractions, dining options, and shopping experiences, ensuring that your time in Nagoya is both enjoyable and hassle-free.
Recommended Accommodation
As one of Japan’s largest cities, Nagoya has a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s preferences and budget.
The area immediately around Nagoya Station has many large hotels—ranging from high-end to budget—including some inside the station itself. Located a short subway ride away from Nagoya station, the Sakae area of Nagoya is the city’s main shopping and entertainment district. As such the area has many great options for travelers looking to enjoy the city’s fine dining or nightlife. For travelers looking for a more traditional stay, Nagoya and the surrounding areas also have many traditional ryokan to choose from.
Check out our Nagoya destination page for more information on where to stay.
Day 2 NAKASENDO TRAIL
How to Start Your Day
Wake up feeling refreshed and ready for day 2, which takes us along the Nakasendo trail. Also known as "the Samurai Road" this historic route includes some of Japan's best preserved towns including Tsumago and Magome and winding cobblestone walkways—which you'll be able to hike.
As this tour starts a little later than the previous days, you'll have time to sleep in and enjoy a big breakfast before your hike. Just remember to purchase a bento beforehand as there is no place to buy food on the trail!
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail / March - June & September - December
Day Tour
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail
- Spots:
- NagoyaKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
¥24,900
Step into the past and experience life in rural Japan as you hike the Nakasendo trail from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku. This scenic section of the Nakasendo trail is brimming with lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and remote mountain villages—which have remained relatively untouched by the modern world. Your experienced, English-speaking guide will lead you through the historic post town of Tsumago, along the 8 km Nakasendo trail, past waterfalls and wildlife, and into the stunning post town of Magome. Shop for handmade crafts and sample local fare.
This tour will reward those who like to take the road less traveled and enjoy an adventurous experience into the heartland of Japan.
**A non-hiking option of this tour is available for individuals who are not able to hike or prefer a more leisurely pace. Please read the tour page for more information about joining this tour as a non-hiker.
How to End Your Day
After your tour concludes, we recommend enjoying a relaxing dinner in Osu. This area, famous for its vibrant shopping streets, offers everything from traditional food stalls to quirky cafes and shops. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a fulfilling day.
Recommended Accommodation
Day 3 HIKONE
How to Start Your Day
On your final day, venture to Shiga Prefecture and discover two picturesque castle towns—Hikone and Omi Hachiman. Hikone Castle is one of only five castles to have been designated the status of a National Treasure (along with Inuyama, Matsumoto, Himeji, and Matsue castles). It is also home to over 1200 cherry blossom trees which truly enhance the beauty of the historic location. Similarly, the town of Omi Hachiman is crossed by scenic canals lined with cherry trees which create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Be sure not to forget your camera as these stunning locations are sure not to disappoint.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Castles and Canals in Hikone and Omi Hachiman / All Year Round
Get away from the crowds of the city and embrace the beauty of Central Japan as you journey to Shiga Prefecture. This stunning prefecture is blessed with historic castles, pleasant waterways, lush fields, and Japan’s largest lake. A feast for the eyes and the stomach, this captivating region is also home to the oldest brand of wagyu beef in Japan as well as one of the country’s most unique sweet shops.
This tour will take you to two castle towns, Hikone—with one of the oldest castles in Japan, and Omi Hachiman—known for its charming canals. Taste Matcha, relax in peaceful gardens, and soak in the scenery as you are led by your experienced, English-speaking guide through this picturesque region of Japan.
How to End Your Day
That's all for the 3-day cherry blossom filled itinerary! From here you can continue on to many unique destinations in the region such as Kanazawa and Nagano, or head into the larger cities of Kyoto, Osaka, or Tokyo. For those returning home after your time in Nagoya, the Chubu Centrair International Airport offers a convenient and easily accessible location from which to fly out of.
Recommended Accommodations
For those with early morning flights, the airport, located on a man-made island in Ise Bay, offers a couple of hotels in the airport itself with more options just over the bridge on the mainland. For listings, see our ‘Chubu Centrair International Airport Area’ page.
