SHORYUDO

CENTRAL JAPAN

An unforgettable journey deep into the cultural and spiritual roots of Japan.

Food

Fine kaiseki cuisine, sweet snacks, moreish regional flavors, and the occasional culinary oddity make this part of Japan a foodie’s paradise.

Culture

Ancient rites and festivals, classic architecture, enduring traditions—and don’t forget the ninja—the Nostalgic Route offers a cultural tour de force.

Landscape

With perfectly preserved samurai towns, ancient forest, coastal views, and rural vistas that have remain unchanged for centuries, don’t forget your camera.

Southern Nostalgic Route

From the rugged Kii Peninsula up toward dynamic Nagoya, the southern part of the Nostalgic Route mixes World Heritage sites, samurai history and stunning natural beauty.

Day 1

Hike the ancient trails of the Kumano Kodo, which for centuries have lead pilgrims to some of Japan’s most sacred sites.

Day 2

Visit Ise-Shima, home to Japan’s most venerable shrine, a host of arts and crafts, and site of the 2016 Ise-Shima G7.

Day 3

Sample the region’s seafood with the female Ama divers of Toba, then head to Iga to learn the dark arts of the ninja.

Day 4

Head to Yunoyama-onsen and pamper yourself the traditional way, with fine dining and hot-spring bathing at a Japanese inn.

Central Nostalgic Route

Be it the historic Nakasendo highway or feudal castles, hands-on craft experiences or atmospheric temples, the central route delivers a bucketful of tradition.

Day 1

Delve into Japan’s samurai days with a stroll around the castle town of Inuyama and the old streetscapes of Mino.

Day 2

Get hands-on in the pottery town of Tajimi, learn about ukiyo-e woodblock printing, then transport yourself to the Edo era with a night at Nagataki.

Day 3

Walk into the past on an idyllic section of old Nakasendo, the highway that once connected Kyoto with Edo.

Day 4

Explore Matsumoto, home to one of Japan’s finest original castles, then move on to Nagano to experience the magnificent Zenkoji Temple.