In this month’s Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint series, we’re taking you to and through the Tokai region, namely Nagoya, Mie, Shizuoka, and Gifu. From the urban wonders of Nagoya, to the streets preserved in time in Gifu, this five-day trip has it all laid out for you, including accommodations on each stop should you want to get comfortable in each area.
For lovers of history, food, or just good travels, this trip through Nagoya and the surrounding areas has something for everyone. Get ready to plan your next vacation to Japan as we lay out this premium itinerary full of unparalleled experiences for you to enjoy.
Day 1: Arrival in Nagoya
Morning:
Arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport via direct flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Check-in at a comfortable hotel near the excitement of the city at the Marriott Nagoya.
Afternoon:
For history buffs, spend the afternoon exploring Nagoya Castle and the surrounding gardens. You can also take this time to decompress from the flight, enjoying the hotel’s many amenities. Nagoya has many delicacies to enjoy, like their Nagoya Meshi, Miso Katsu, and Hitsumabushi. There are restaurants around every corner, so take a look around and find your favorite!
Evening:
Immerse yourself in Nagoya's nightlife, offering a diverse mix of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. The popular Oasis 21 provides a stunning nighttime view from the observation deck.
Day 2: Shizuoka
Morning:
Take a private car to Shizuoka for the rest of the day’s activities.
Afternoon:
Take the rest of the afternoon exploring Hamamatsu! The Hamamatsu Flower Park displays beautifully landscaped gardens of flowerbeds for a picturesque stroll, with art exhibitions and musical performances that paint the already lively atmosphere with more vibrance and wonder.
Learn about the region’s famous green tea at the Shizuoka Tea Museum, where they offer tea-tasting sessions to soothe your body and enrich your tastebuds.
Evening:
Check-in and cool-off at a relaxing hotel! Both Hotel Green Plaza Hamanako and Hoshino Resorts KAI Enshu have delicious dinner options and amenities to clear the mind before the next set of exciting destinations.
Day 3: Gifu
Morning:
Our next stop is up north at Gifu. If you’re looking to stay and get comfortable, consider staying at Juhachiro, a traditional ryokan offering Japanese-style rooms and hot spring baths, driving distance from the Nagaragawa River. Take the morning to enjoy the sunrise while surrounded with a Japanese ambiance, or wander through Gifu Castle atop Mount Kinka to get a better view of the area at dawn.
Afternoon:
Explore the historic Kawaramachi district, known for its well-preserved Edo-period buildings and streets that paint a historical atmosphere – a peek into Japan’s rich history.
Evening:
Witness the unique and traditional ukai or cormorant fishing technique at Nagaragawa River at night, where they use bright lamps to draw out the fish, and expert fishing birds to catch them. After, go on a culinary adventure in Gifu City, trying local specialties such as Hida beef or river fish dishes, caught using the fishing ritual.
Day 4: Mie
Morning:
Check-in at Nagashima Resort and explore their many leisure facilities. Use the serenity of the sunrise to relax at their onsen complex, or go on a shopping adventure at Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima.
Afternoon to Evening:
Have fun with the family or attune to your inner-child at Nagashima Spa Land, a water park with waterslides, swimming pools, and some of Japan’s most nail-biting roller coasters.
After that thrilling afternoon, relax and take in the lights at Nabana no Sato Flower Park, where they have set the evening scene with a tunnel of luminescent lights and arranged, creating a picturesque memory not to be forgotten. After, enjoy a hearty noodle dinner at one of the many restaurants around the flower park.
Day 5: Nagoya
Morning:
Experience Nagoya’s iconic breakfast culture called “morning” or “morning service”. Customers receive breakfast free of charge when they order a drink! The complimentary food varies but one popular option is the Ogura toast, which is topped with butter and red bean paste. Be sure to fill-up for your final day of the trip!
Afternoon:
Take the kids to Legoland! The park is sectioned into different Lego worlds, with pirates, knights, and a factory where kids can flex their creative muscle. There are many different rides to ride and sights to see, so you’ll never run out of activities!
For fans of the esteemed Japanese Animation Studio, visit the Ghibli Park and immerse yourself in the worlds seen in the films, like Dondoko Forest from My Neighbor Totoro and Mononoke Village from Princess Mononoke.
Evening:
If you have more time before flying home, take the final evening to explore Nagoya Station and its delicious dining options. After, head back to Chubu Centrair International Airport and have a safe flight back home!