Hi all, I’m planning a 15-day trip for next year across Kanazawa, Nagano, and Sendai (as I've done the golden route before). Mostly solo, but my friend is joining me for the Sendai part. My focus is on nature, temples/shrines, crafts and food.
I would love feedback on:
- whether I’m missing anything in terms of sites or other daytrips (not really interested in Shirakawa-go)
- whether any days are unfeasible
- anything else you think worth mentioning!
I’m aware some days are light on activities (e.g. Takaoka will probably only be a half day), but that is intentional as I want some chill days to recover from the heavier walking days.
Kanazawa (late May, 5 nights, stay around Kanazawa station)
Day 1 – Arrive NRT around lunchtime. Take the N’EX to Tokyo Station (~1h) and bullet train to Kanazawa (~2.5h), arriving in the late evening. Check into hotel and rest.
Day 2 – Kenroku-en Garden, Oyama Shrine, Kanazawa Castle, Omicho Market, Nagamachi Samurai District, and Higashi Chaya District.
Day 3 – Natadera day trip – Train + bus (~1–1.5h each way).
Day 4 – Toyama day trip – Bullet train (~20min). Kansui Park, Matsukawa river walk to Toyama Castle & Glass Art Museum, Sogawa craft area, Hie Shrine.
Day 5 – Takaoka day trip – Bullet train to Shin-Takaoka (~20min). Visit Zuiryū-ji Temple, Kanayamachi (metal craft street), and Castle ruins / Kojo Park.
Nagano (Late May, 4 nights, stay around Nagano station)
Day 6 – Late morning bullet train Kanazawa → Nagano (~1.5h). Zenkō-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street.
Day 7 – Matsumoto day trip – Limited Express Shinano (~50min). Matsumoto Castle, Nawate-dori, Nakamachi, Metoba river walk back to the station.
Day 8 – Togakushi day trip – Bus (~60min). Visit all 5 Togakushi Shrines – start early in the morning.
Day 9 – Obuse day trip – Nagaden train (~35min). Chestnut Alley, Old Town / artisan shops, Hokusai Museum, Ganshō-in Temple, and Jokoji Temple.
Sendai (Early June, 4 nights, stay around Sendai station)
Day 10 – Late morning bullet train Nagano → Tokyo (~2h), then Tokyo → Sendai (~90min). Wander around Sendai Station area and rest.
Day 11 – Matsushima day trip – Train to Shiogama, cruise to Matsushima Kaigan, return to Sendai. Visit Zuiganji Temple, Kanrantei Teahouse, Entsuin Temple, Fukuurajima bridge & island.
Day 12 – Sendai Loople bus. Zuihoden, Aoba Castle ruins for the view, and Osaki Hachimangu Shrine.
Day 13 – Yamadera day trip – Local train (~60min).
Tokyo (Early June, 1 night, stay around Tokyo Station)
Day 14 – Late morning bullet train Sendai → Tokyo. Walk to Akihabara.
Day 15 – Departure day. Last-minute shopping around Tokyo Station. Depart NRT 7pm.
by EmpressPenguinone