Join Japan's "Takayama Festival" on 4/13 & 4/14! Visit "Takato Castle" for
stunning cherry blossoms, explore Hida Takayama, "Magome-juku," and
"Shirakawa-go."

• Depart on 4/13 and 4/14 for Japan's "Takayama Festival" and enjoy one of Japan's top three festivals, similar to Kyoto's Gion Matsuri, in the ancient streets of Takayama!
• Depart on 4/9, 4/10, and 4/11 for "Hida Takayama," a little Kyoto, to admire the townscape preserved since the Edo period!
• Visit the stunning cherry blossom spot, "Takato Castle Site Park," known for having the best cherry blossoms in Japan!

• Explore the world heritage site "Shirakawa-go" and experience the breathtaking natural scenery of Japan!

  
  

• Visit the historic Edo-period post town, "Magome-juku," walk along its stone-paved paths, and admire the former residences of literary giants, nostalgic shops, and natural beauty!

  
  

The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not
reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before
booking.

－Itinerary Information－

・Gathering time: 7:15 am at Nagoya Station

・Meeting location: In front of Nagoya Station West Exit Police Station (Taiko-
dori Exit Station Square)

・Departure time: 7:30 am from Nagoya

・Return information: Arrive around JR Nagoya Station around 7:00 pm

－Itinerary Introduction－

・Takato Castle Site Park

Admire the cherry blossoms at Takato Castle Site Park in Nagano Prefecture,
one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots, and renowned as "the best
cherry blossoms in the world"! The park is home to about 1,500 special "Takato
Kohigan" cherry trees, endemic to the area. These blossoms are smaller than
the typical Yoshino cherry blossoms but feature a more vibrant pink hue. When
in full bloom, the park transforms into a bright red wonderland, creating a
magical atmosphere!

※Flowering period in previous years: early April to mid-April

・Hida Takayama Old Street

Stroll through Takayama Old Street, a historic merchant town in Japan. Admire
the lattice buildings, water channels beneath the eaves, and brewing houses
marked by "Sake Forest" signs made of cedar leaves. Explore Kamimachi's
nostalgic candy shops, traditional craft stores, and eateries featuring local
specialties like "Mitarai Dango." Wander through Shitamachi’s bakeries,
antique shops, and farm equipment stores, all preserving the town's
traditional atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of
Takayama as you experience its ancient streets and vibrant local life.

・Takayama Festival

Celebrate the historic "Takayama Matsuri," one of Japan’s "Three Greatest
Festivals," alongside Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and Chichibu's Night Matsuri. Held
twice a year in spring and autumn, this 400-year-old festival features a grand
parade of stunning floats, akin to a moving art museum. The floats, adorned
with mechanical puppets performing traditional dramas, showcase the
craftsmanship of skilled artisans. Experience the lively streets filled with
stalls selling local snacks and handicrafts, offering a true taste of
authentic Japanese festival culture while enjoying the visual spectacle.

※Spring Sanno Festival: held every April 14th and 15th

・Magomejuku

Walk through the historic "Way of the Samurai," an ancient road that once
connected Edo and Kyoto, nestled at the entrance of Kiso Road, surrounded by
towering mountains and ridges. Preserving the natural and historical charm of
the Edo period, this stone-paved street, built along the hillside, offers a
nostalgic atmosphere with traditional private buildings lining both sides.
Without modern wires disrupting the view, the pure scenery captivates
visitors. Explore traditional inns and specialty shops while immersing
yourself in Japan's rich history, culture, and the breathtaking beauty of the
ever-changing seasons.

・Shirakawa-go Gassho Village

Nestled in Japan's Hida region, Shirakawa-go, often referred to as the "Secret
Land of Japan," is renowned for its distinctive gassho-zukuri architecture.
This traditional style of thatched-roof buildings, designed to withstand heavy
snowfall, was designated as a preservation area in 1976 and later included in
the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1995, alongside Mount Gokayama in
Toyama Prefecture.

Shirakawa-go offers a glimpse into Japan’s countryside and retains its deep
rural culture and lifestyle, earning it the title of the "original Furusato of
Japan." Situated in the Hida Mountains and crossed by the Shogawa River, the
village's isolated location in the snowy region makes it a true winter
wonderland. In February, snow can reach depths of over 170 centimeters,
covering the village in a blanket of white, while the summer months offer a
cool, refreshing atmosphere.

The village’s rich history and commitment to preserving its traditional
character are evident in its unique building preservation principles: "no
selling, no renting, and no demolition." This collective effort, supported by
a community spirit of mutual aid, ensures the longevity of the village's
architecture and the survival of local customs. Villagers continue the
practice of repairing the thatched roofs of gassho-zukuri buildings together,
passing down ancestral wisdom while helping each other endure the harsh winter
months.

Shirakawa-go’s gassho-zukuri architecture, with its steeply pitched roofs and
wooden beams, blends harmoniously with its snow-covered surroundings, offering
visitors a timeless glimpse into traditional Japanese life. It’s a place where
history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine, creating an unforgettable
experience of old-world Japan.

－Hotel Introduction－

※IROHA GRAND HOTEL or similar

Located just in front of Matsumoto Station and close to Matsumoto Castle in
Nagano Prefecture, this area offers stunning views of the Northern Alps. A
short 10-minute walk brings you to Matsumoto Castle, the only five-story
castle in Japan. In spring, the illuminated night cherry blossoms create a
breathtaking sight, making it the perfect time for an evening stroll.

Bathroom and toilet included, breakfast included