Summer Discovery in Gifu

Day 00 (Wed, 03 Jun’26)

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Nagoya.

Day 01 (Thu, 04 Jun’26)
Singapore – Nagoya
(-/-/-)
Hotel: Nikko Style Nagoya or similar 

(Car pick up at Chubu Centrair International Airport) 

Arriving in Nagoya this morning, fuel up with some fresh seafood from Uotaro Honten, a fish market on the bay. Then, see how Aichi’s popular prawn cracker souvenir is made at Ebi Senbei no Sato, before heading in to Nagoya City where you will have time to enjoy shopping and eating in Japan’s fourth largest city.

Day 02 (Fri, 05 Jun’26)
Nagoya – Gifu
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Miyako Hotel Gifu Nagaragawa or similar  

Marvel at the gold-covered rooms of Nagoya Castle’s Honmaru Palace before heading up to the stunning Monet’s Pond for scenery seemingly straight out of Monet’s painting. Move on to the renowned blade-making town of Seki where you can find top quality kitchen knives and cutlery and learn why its blade-making expertise is recognised among the best in the world. In the evening, get a special look into the summer tradition of Ukai, or cormorant fishing. Carried out at Nagara River for over 1,300 years, watch how fishermen use trained cormorants to catch fish by firelight in this impressive spectacle.

Day 03 (Sat, 06 Jun’26)
Gifu – Gero Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Gero Onsen Suimeikan (Hot spring) or similar 

Go on a special guided walk on part of the Nakasendo today. A historical road connecting Kyoto to Tokyo during the Edo period, follow the footsteps of history as you trek between the beautifully preserved post towns of Magome and Tsumago on the most popular part of the trail. (4km or 8km course, partially forested trail, moderate elevation.) End the day at Gero Onsen and soothe your muscles in one of Japan’s top three hot spring waters.

Day 04 (Sun, 07 Jun’26)
Gero Onsen – Takayama
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Honjin Hiranoya Bekkan (Hot Spring) or similar 

As you drive up to Takayama, stop by Gujo Hachiman to stroll about the traditional townscape where pristine waters flow. The production centre of wax food samples commonly seen at restaurants, you can experience making one yourself here. Active travellers can do more trekking at Utsue 48 Waterfalls. Hike up to some of the waterfalls, refresh yourself in nature, and take in panoramic views of the Northern Alps along the way.

Day 05 (Mon, 08 Jun’26)
Takayama – Toyama
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama or similar 

Spend the day delving into the historical town of Takayama and discover its many charms. First, visit the Miyagawa Morning Market, one of the top three in Japan which has been running for hundreds of years. Discover local products, food and souvenirs, and be a part of the friendly atmosphere. Then, walk through the Old Town of well-preserved Edo-period merchant houses where rows of shops offer local wood crafts, sake, souvenirs, and plenty of snacks and local food like Hida beef sushi. Travel on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago, a Japan bucket-list locale known for its unique straw-roofed houses made without nails and spectacular scenery surrounded by the Japan Alps.   

Day 06 (Tue, 09 Jun’26)
Toyama
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Toyama or similar 

Go on a thrilling ride on the Tateyama Sanroku Mountain Cart this morning! Riding easy to use mountain carts, speed down the mountainside along the lush mountain scenery. In the afternoon, create a custom glass ornament in a glassmaking experience and dive into Toyama’s renowned glassmaking culture. 

Day 07 (Wed, 10 Jun’26)
Toyama – Komatsu – Haneda – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)

(Car return at Komatsu Airport)  

Spend your final day exploring Kanazawa. Start off with Omicho Market, the ‘kitchen of Kanazawa’ where fresh seafood abounds. Then, visit Kenrokuen, one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in Japan. Later, stop by the preserved geisha district of Higashi Chaya for a glimpse into historic teahouses which have now been converted into attractive shops and cafes. Finally, head to the airport for your flight home, or extend your travels elsewhere in Japan.