Affordable Luxury – 2026 Discover Nagoya, Takayama, Kanazawa Plus Tokyo Shopping Tour Photos

Affordable Luxury: A Different Side of Summer in Japan

Our 2026 Discover Nagoya, Takayama, Kanazawa Plus Tokyo Shopping tour showcased a different side of Japan through an Affordable Luxury experience filled with culture, history, and unique discoveries. Highlights included exploring the Toyota Automobile Museum, visiting historic Nagoya Castle, strolling the preserved streets of Takayama, and discovering the UNESCO village of Shirakawago. In Kanazawa, we enjoyed the colorful Hyakumangoku Festival featuring samurai warriors, traditional performances, and the famous ladder-climbing demonstrations, along with hands-on cultural experiences, delicious regional cuisine, and time for shopping in Tokyo. It was a memorable journey through some of Japan’s most fascinating destinations with Tour Manager Geri Ichimura.

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2026 Discover Nagoya Takayama Kanazawa Plus Tokyo Shopping Tour Map

The first stop of the trip was Osu Kannon Temple in central Nagoya.

Walking the path to Atsuta Jingu Shrine.

Completing the purification ritual before entering the shrine.

The sacred 1,300-year-old camphor tree (Okusu) located at Atsuta Jingu Shrine in Nagoya, Japan.

Group shot at the Toyota Automobile Museum, a large museum showcasing the history of Toyota as an automobile manufacturer.

After lunch we visited Nagoya Castle.

Although Nagoya Castle was partially destroyed in 1945, it was deemed a historically important site and designated a National Historic Site.

Satsuki Azalea Festival displays at Nagoya Castle.

Honmaru Palace at Nagoya Castle.

Honmaru Palace interior.

Koinobori, or carp streamers at Noritake Garden.

Mug painting activity at Noritake no Mori.

Nagoya city views.

Ending our day with a dinner at Pergola in the Nagoya Mariott Associa Hotel.

Our day 4 was a leisure day. Some started the day at Yanagibashi Central Market, a must-visit for foodies.

Delicious kaiseki dinner in Nagoya.

We experienced a hands-on blacksmith demonstration in Takayama.

Decorative kugikakushi, a traditional Japanese metal cover used to hide nails.

Samurai display

Learning about katana kaji, traditional japanese swordsmiths.

After the demonstrations, we learned more about the knives and were able to purchase them.

We explored Hida, the historical region in Gifu Prefecture.

Hida beef restaurant.

Hida beef sukiyaki for lunch.

Sake tasting in Hida.

We left Takayama for Kanazawa, stopping enroute in Shirakawago.

Ogimachi is the largest village and main attraction of Shirakawago.

The village is home to several dozen well preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old.

Maintaining the structure's thached roof.

Learning about the area and culture.

Then enjoyed a nice lunch.

The next day in Kanazawa we participated in a few hands-on activities. First we learned how to make temari sushi.

We had tons of fun making sushi together.

Temari sushi (手まり寿司) is a decorative, bite-sized style of sushi shaped into colorful little balls, named after traditional Japanese embroidered handballs.

And of course, we have to taste our creation!

Our second activity was making hand crafted gold leaf bowl workshop at Sakuda.

Our gold leaf creation.

We got dressed up for our last activity, a samurai sword demonstration.

Learning from our master.

Learning fundamental sword handling techniques.

Final stop of the day was Omicho Market.

Kanazawa’s biggest celebration of the year is the Hyakumangoku Festival. We had great seats for the festival.

The massive four hour parade featured everything from lion dancing and acrobatics by the Kagatobi firefighters to a procession of valiant warriors.

One of the highlights was the famous ladder performance, known as Kaga-tobi Hashigo-nobori.

Leaving Kanazawa for Tokyo at Kanazawa Station.

Omiyage shopping at Kanazawa Station.

Taking the Shinkansen Bullet Train to Tokyo.

After arrival in Tokyo, we participated in a Edo kiriko edging workshop.

Edo kiriko edging is the traditional form of cut glass manufacturing that was developed in the late-Edo period (early 19th century) in Tokyo.

Our group in Tokyo, Japan.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building across from our hotel.

Dinner at Seryna Restaurant in Tokyo for some teppanyaki.

Hungry after a full day of travel!

Full day of leisure. Some visited teamLab Borderless TOKYO, Azabudai Hills.

Others visited the The Making of Harry Potter - Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo.

Last day of the tour! Started the day shopping in Ameyoko, a vibrant shopping street.

Then visited the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum to learn how to make ramen.

Kneading the dough.

Fresh ramen after kneading and cutting.

An of course, we have to taste the fresh ramen!

All pau, headed back to Honolulu at Haneda Airport.

What a fun 12-day tour this has been! A hui hou!

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Affordable Luxury – 2026 Discover Nagoya, Takayama, Kanazawa Plus Tokyo Shopping Tour Photos

Affordable Luxury: A Different Side of Summer in Japan

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