In the previous edition, we went through the Tohoku region, and how its beauty is brought out in the summer. With one-of-a-kind dining experiences and luscious seascapes, we don’t simply plan trips, we curate adventures for you and your family to fall in love with Japan again and again. 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. 

Photo courtesy of Visit 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:

Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization

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:

Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization

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 rollercoasters. 

Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization

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

Photo courtesy of Visit 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! 

Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization

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! 

Additional Recommendations:

Shizuoka is also famous for Shimoda beach, with translucent waters and bright sand. If you’re willing to be more distant from Nagoya, consider staying a night or two at the seaside resorts like Shimoda Yamatokan. 

Looking for more to do in Mie? Wander through Okage Yokocho, a traditional shopping street that offers local food and charming souvenirs, all nearby is the sacred Ise Grand Shrine. 

Gifu has no shortage of magical places that feel like living paintings. With the greener-than-life Shirakawa-go village, the historical streets of Takayama, and the stunning Gero Onsen that runs through the town, consider spending a few extra days at Gifu for a one-of-a-kind experience. 

As we conclude our itinerary through urban jungles and natural beauties, we hope you have found inspiration for your next adventure. This itinerary can only do so much to describe the wonders of Nagoya and the Tokai Region, so be sure to book those flights and see it for yourself. Luckily, AirAsia is launching 3x weekly flights from Manila to Nagoya starting October 29! For more details visit: airasia.com

Stay tuned for next month’s agenda for more extraordinary journeys that make you fall in love with Japan, one trip at a time. 

Praised and celebrated for its vibrant cities, rich culture that transcends time, and traditions appreciated by generations after generations, Japan is without a doubt a country with endless possibilities. Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, both well-loved by locals and tourists alike, is a treasure and priceless experience waiting to be explored. Where can you find them? Here in the Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint: an exclusive and curated itinerary designed for the travelers who seek incomparable luxury and the side of Japan that offers unparalleled adventurous experiences. A personalized adventure with encounters with serene mountain views, tranquil historic villages, and towns untouched by the bustle of modern times awaits. 

In this first edition of Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint, get away from the heat and enjoy a cool, premium, hand-crafted trip around Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost region. From stunning nature walks, to exquisite dining spots, discover a region with beauty and elegance in every nook and cranny. 

Day 1: Arrival in Chitose 

Morning: Arrive at New Chitose Airport. You can get there by taking a connecting flight to Narita Airport or Haneda Airport from NAIA, then flying from Tokyo to Chitose via Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways,  Jetstar or other domestic flight options. 

Photo from Japan Guide

Afternoon: Take a breather from your long journey at the New Chitose Airport Onsen before checking into a premium hotel like Portom International Hokkaido. All of these locations are within the New Chitose Airport complex, making for an easy trip around.

Evening: Enjoy a delicately-crafted sushi dinner at Uogashi No, 52 Sushi. 

Day 2: Lake Toya

Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization

Morning: Take a private car to Lake Toya from Chitose. If you’re looking for accommodation nearby, there are some luxury hotels like The Windsor Hotel Toya.

Afternoon:  Breathe in the beautiful view of Lake Toya and its clear waters. You can even take the ropeway to see the lake from the top of one of Japan’s most active volcanoes.

Evening: Witness the splendor in the sky with the fireworks show held every night from April to October, made more beautiful when viewed from a lakeside hotel or a boat.

Day 3: Sapporo

Morning: Arrive in Sapporo Station and visit the JR Tower Observation Deck T38 to get a birds-eye view of the city’s charm. 

Afternoon: Learn about the famous Sapporo Beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum. Around the area, you can also find imaginative art at the Sapporo Art Park and experience Hokkaido-style ramen in places such as Sapporo’s Ramen Alley and Ramen Dojo.

Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization

Evening: End the day with a shopping trip in Sapporo Factory, with many restaurants to choose from for a hearty dinner.

Day 4: Furano & Biei 

Photo from Japan Guide

Morning: Via private car, take a day trip to the colorful Furano and Biei. From fields blanketed with a palette of flowers, to vibrant sky-blue ponds, it’s hard not to stop in awe of these painterly landscapes. 

Afternoon: Stop by one of many restaurants and cafes at Biei while you enjoy more vivid views. 

Evening: Furano wine is renowned all around Japan. Tour Furano for an exquisite wine tasting experience while learning about their craft as you observe their unique process. 

Day 5: Chitose & Departure

Morning: Go on a last-minute shopping trip in AEON CHITOSE to get special pasalubong for the people at home. 

Afternoon: Have some soothing afternoon tea and filling breads and pastries at Doremo LeTAO before your flight home. 

Photo from Doremo LeTAO website

Evening: Return to New Chitose airport and relax on the travel back home. 

Additional Recommendations: 

Hakodate: If you’re willing to go the extra mile, or situate yourself elsewhere in Hokkaido, enjoy a one-of-a-kind seafood breakfast at Hakodate.

Unkai Terrace: Witness a sunrise like no other at the Unkai Terrace. Located in Shimukappu, Hokkaido, stay at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu atop the enchanting sea of clouds.

Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization

Yoichi: For whisky enthusiasts, visit the Japanese Premium Whisky Distillery for an exclusive look at how the famous Japanese Whisky is made. 

Follow this itinerary for a journey of breathtaking sights, premium opportunities, and unforgettable encounters. Peel back the layers of Hokkaido and discover a place with an allure like no other. 

Stay tuned for next month’s release for a brand new exciting itinerary planned out just for you. For artisanal adventures and exciting excursions, travel with us at Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint. 

While everyone is checking out the cherry blossoms, why not try something new and take in the plum blossoms of Japan, or “ume” as the Japanese call them. Blooming from mid-February to early March, these reddish, pink and white blossoms symbolise endurance and renewal and herald the beginning of spring. Travelling during this period enables you to evade the crowds that gather for the cherry blossom season.

Here are some of the best places to check out the plum blossoms:

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto

Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

The Kitano Tenmangu shrine has been known for its plum blossoms for hundreds of years. There are over 50 varieties of and around 1,500 plum blossom trees planted in the area marking the beginning of spring in Kyoto.. Every year on February 25th, Kitano Tenmangu hosts the “Baikasai” or the Plum Blossom Festival.

The easiest way to get to Kitano Tenmangu is by bus. From Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto City bus 50 or 101 and get off at the Kitano Tenmangu-mae stop.

Kairakuen, Mito

Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

Mito is famous for its plum blooms that there is a festival held  from late February to late March at the Kairakuen Garden to celebrate their arrival. People come from all over to see the beautiful landscape light up with pink and white flowers. There are thousands of plum trees in the Kairakuen Garden with over 100 varieties of plum. 

To get to Mito, take the JR Joban Line from Shinagawa, Tokyo, or Ueno Station to Mito Station. From there, it's a 30-minute walk along the edge of Lake Senba to Kairakuen Garden.

Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Tokyo

Photo provided by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

This year marks the 67th Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival), one of Tokyo’s most popular late-winter events taking place from February 8 to March 8. The Yushima Tenjin Shrine garden, holding 300 plum blossom trees is an oasis of calm in the frenetic metropolis. There are red bridges, manicured gardens, and a sense of well-being.

The Yushima Tenjin shrine is a two-minute walk from Exit 3 of Yushima Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and is located near the Ueno Park.

The delicate blooms of the plum blossom tree are an essential part of Japanese springtime. Plum blossoms are celebrated in Japan for their beauty and endurance, they are the flower of renewal and they are sure to renew your interest in Japan!

For more downloadable photos and videos of Japan's beautiful and exciting tourist attractions for media usage, you may visit the Japan Online Media Center (JOMC) (http://business.jnto.go.jp/). 

Japan is lovely in the fall. The weather is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the summer crowds have died down. If you are looking for a unique experience, visit Japan in the ‘ber’ months. You can go forest bathing while taking in majestic fiery foliage, or indulge in local delicacies around harvest time. Here are a few unique ideas to discover this facet of Japan.

Hitachi Seaside Park

Photo provided by JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization)

Located near Tokyo in the city of Hitachinaka, Hitachi Seaside Park is well known for its incredible gardens. The flowers in the springtime are exquisite, but coming in the fall is a whole new experience. The Kochia plants turn red and the entire field is awash in crimson.

Autumn is one of the popular times to visit as there is also chestnut picking and you can have a taste of the pears local to the area. Hitachi Seaside Park has other amusement facilities onsite and would make an excellent day trip.

From Katsuta Station, take the East Exit Bus Stop No. 2. The bus should take 15 minutes to the West Gate of Hitachi Park or 20 minutes to the South Gate. Katsuta Station is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Shinagawa Station in Tokyo. Alternatively, if you are driving there, take the exit at Hitachi Seaside Park Interchange.

From Tokai Station, Take the Tokai Station East Exit Bus Stop No. 1. The journey should take about 30 mins. 

Daisetsuzan National Park

Photo provided by JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization)

As one of the largest national parks in Japan, this spot in Hokkaido is the perfect place to forest bathe. Lovers of the outdoors can check out hiking trails and nature walks through this wild landscape.

Do not miss the Mikuni Pass. Bask in the sea of trees in one of the most beautiful spots in Japan. If you are looking for fall foliage, this is the perfect place to get a taste of it.

To get to Daisetsuzan National Park, the closest city is Asahikawa. A flight from Haneda or Narita should take about 90 minutes. From Sapporo Station, take the 90-minute Lilac or Kamui limited express train from Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station. 

There are onsens or hot springs to enjoy for those who are interested in taking in the waters near Asahikawa. Asahidake Onsen is an hour and forty minutes away by Asahikawa Denkikidou bus from Asahikawa Station. Sounkyo is a charming hot spring town reachable in two-hours from Asahikawa Station via Dohoku Bus. The Kurodake Ropeway, a cable car that connects to a chair lift which provides access to numerous hiking trails in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, is also found at Sounkyo.

Alternatively, the best way to get to the park and the quaint onsens nearby is to rent a car. It should take you half an hour to get from New Chitose airport to the outskirts of the park. 

Persimmon Season

Fall is the persimmon season in Japan! Rather than just basking in the sight of red and gold foliage and exploring the wilderness, why not immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience: Pick your own Kaki–which is a kind of persimmon! Not only can you eat as many as you want, you can go home with a few bags of your own. Persimmons are excellent to add to any salad or even to eat by themselves. Some villages even have persimmon festivals. The best persimmons, according to most sources, come from Nara.

The easiest way to get to Nara is from Osaka or Kyoto. From Shin-Osaka Station, you can take the Osaka Higashi Line - Yamatoji Line to Nara Station, which is around an hour to get there. On the other hand, from Kyoto Station, take the Nara Line and you should arrive at Nara station in about 50 minutes. You may also take the train on the Kyoto line from Kintetsu Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station. 

Autumn is the perfect time to visit Japan. There are tons of activities to check out with a range of experiences from incredible views to brand-new delicacies. Go beyond the usual tourist spots of Japan and discover why people keep coming back for more. With so much to explore you can’t do it all in one trip!