Osaka/Nagoya/Takayama/Kanazawa itinerary

Hi everyone,

Travelling to Japan in April with my wife and two teenage kids. Wanted to get some feedback on our itinerary.

We've visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima on previous trips so not looking to repeat those locations this time.

Trying to get a good mix of history, scenic, city, country, and interesting activities for the teens so there's a bit of something for everyone.

  • Day 1 – Fly into Osaka
  • Day 2 – Osaka – Universal Studios Japan
  • Day 3 – Osaka – Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, Science Museum, Botanical Garden
  • Day 4 – Nagoya – Visit Inuyama for the day, arriving in Nagoya in the evening
  • Day 5 – Nagoya – Toyota Commemorative Museum, SCMAGLEV and Railway Park
  • Day 6 – Nagoya – Dry trip to Ghibli Park or Nabana no Sato or Hakone?
  • Day 7 – Takayama – Old Town, Hida Folk Village
  • Day 8 – Takayama – Miyagawa Morning Market, Higashiyama Walk
  • Day 9 – Kanazawa – Visit Shirakawa-go for the day, arriving in Kanazawa in the evening
  • Day 10 – Kanazawa – Higashi Chaya District, Omicho Market, Samurai District
  • Day 11 – Kanazawa – Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Day 12 – Kanazawa – Day trip to Toyama, Toyama Glass Art Museum
  • Day 13 – Osaka – Osaka Castle, Aquarium or Cup Noodles Museum, Shopping
  • Day 14 – Osaka – Day trip to Minoo Falls
  • Day 15 – Osaka – Day trip to Kobe or Uji
  • Day 16 – Fly out

Have I missed any hidden gems? Too little/too much time at any of the locations?

Thanks for any insights!

by wolo31

2 comments
  1. Oh, with that itinerary of good ol’ tourist headliners, you’re missing all of the hidden gems. As a day trip from Nagoya, might I suggest Magome and Tsumago?

  2. No need to do Hida Folk Museum if you’re going to Shirakawago a day later. Also: book the Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa bus waaaay in advance.

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