April 13–19 | Hokuriku & The Japanese Alps: Cherry Blossoms, Historic Villages & Scenic Japan’s Best-Kept Secrets

All tours on this website are personally led by Miharu, allowing for a warm, small-group experience where guests feel supported, connected, and cared for throughout the journey. Because we value meaningful connections, group sizes are intentionally kept intimate.

This spring adventure through Hokuriku offers a side of Japan that many travelers never discover — combining cherry blossoms, coastal scenery, traditional culture, and relaxing hot spring stays into one thoughtfully curated experience designed to be both enriching and stress-free.

Throughout the journey, you’ll enjoy carefully selected local restaurants featuring regional specialties from Kanazawa and Toyama, along with immersive cultural experiences that highlight the character and traditions of the region.

A special highlight of this tour is staying in two distinct hot spring regions, each with its own atmosphere and charm:

Himi Onsen — A peaceful coastal hot spring town overlooking Toyama Bay, known for fresh seafood delivered directly from the nearby fishing port and relaxing open-air baths with ocean views.

Kaga Onsen — One of Japan’s most celebrated hot spring areas, blending refined hospitality, historic ambiance, and the elegance of Kaga’s cultural heritage.

If you have questions or would like to get to know Miharu before booking, we warmly invite you to schedule a conversation. Speaking together helps ensure this tour is the right fit for you and allows us to answer any concerns before you place your deposit.

Day 1｜Monday, April 13 – Arrival in Tokyo / Free Time

Upon arrival at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, enjoy your time at leisure—whether preparing for the journey ahead or exploring the city.

Accommodation: Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu or equivalent , check-in available from 3:00 PM

Day 2｜Tuesday, April 14 – Toyama – Himi Hot Springs

After breakfast at the hotel, fly from Haneda Airport to Toyama Kitokito Airport.

Upon arrival, visit the Toyama Botanical Garden, where spring is in full bloom. (*Subject to change the location depending on cherry blossom conditions.) Enjoy a 300-meter tunnel of blooming Somei Yoshino cherry trees, set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Northern Alps.

For lunch, savor fresh seafood sushi made with the day’s catch from Toyama Bay.

In the evening, drive across the Shinminato Bridge and take in panoramic views of the bay from the windows of your vehicle.
Let’s stop at Amaharashi Beach and enjoy the beautiful coastline. This is a rare scenic spot in the world where you can see the mountains across the sea. 

Accommodation: Umiakari – A Relaxing Inn located within Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park (or equivalent)

Day 3｜Wednesday, April 15 – Takaoka – Traditional Architecture & Cherry Blossom Tour

After breakfast, explore the historic Yamachosuji district, known for its traditional earthen-walled storehouses, and Kanayamachi, lined with lattice-style wooden townhouses. Immerse yourself in the retro charm of these preserved traditional buildings.

Next, visit the Yamachosuji Town Museum and the Takaoka Mikurumayama Museum to learn about local festivals and traditional craftsmanship.

After lunch, visit Zuiryuji Temple, a National Treasure known for its solemn Buddhist architecture.

Nearby, you’ll also find the Great Buddha of Takaoka, one of Japan’s “Three Great Buddhas.” If the timing is right, you may be able to enjoy cherry blossoms in full bloom at Takaoka Castle Park.

Accommodation: Umiakari – A Relaxing Inn located within Noto Peninsula Quasi-National Park (or equivalent)

Day 4｜Thursday, April 16 – Gokayama – World Heritage Gassho-Zukuri Village

After breakfast, take a sightseeing boat cruise along the Shogawa Gorge, enjoying the natural beauty around Nagasaki Bridge. Listen to the gentle murmur of the clear river as you bask in the spring scenery.

Then, travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gokayama. Visit the Ainokura and Suganuma villages, where steeply thatched Gassho-zukuri houses reflect the ingenuity of living in snowy regions.
Experience the timeless charm of traditional rural life.

In the evening, transfer to the renowned Kaga Onsen region. Let the therapeutic waters of this historic hot spring town melt away the fatigue of your journey.

Accommodation: Yunokuni Tensho, Yamashiro Onsen (or equivalent)

Day 5｜Friday, April 17 – Kanazawa Sightseeing & Kaga Onsen Kanazawa / Kaga Onsen

After breakfast, transfer by coach to Kanazawa, a castle town rich in history and culture.

Stroll through the grounds of Kanazawa Castle and its surrounding gardens, where seasonal beauty is on full display. Experience the art of Japanese tea with a matcha tasting session, offering a deeper insight into Japanese tradition.

In the afternoon, try your hand at traditional gold leaf crafting and create your own unique keepsake.

Accommodation: Yunokuni Tensho, Yamashiro Onsen (or equivalent)

Day 6｜Saturday, April 18 – Kaga Sightseeing & Return to Tokyo

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll down the atmospheric Yuge Street, lined with local shops and rich with old-town charm.

Enjoy souvenir shopping, especially traditional crafts, and visit a Kutani ware gallery—perhaps you’ll find a favorite piece to take home.

In the afternoon, visit Natadera Temple, surrounded by moss-covered rock formations and mystical temple buildings—an inspiring place steeped in history and spirituality.

After sightseeing, fly from Komatsu Airport to Haneda.

Accommodation: Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu (or equivalent) 

Day 7｜Sunday, April 19 

After breakfast at the hotel, your journey concludes.

Wishing you safe travels home. Sayonara… until we meet again on your next adventure!

All accomodations, including at the airport, hotels, and Japanese-style ryokans.

All experiences and entrance fees

Local transportation

All transportation between destinations, including domestic flights.

3 meals a day

Bilingual guide and interpreter

What’s not included: airfare and transportation costs to/from your home to the start/end of our tour.

Traveling to Japan for the first time can feel exciting — and a little overwhelming. This tour was thoughtfully designed to remove the stress and help you experience the country with confidence, comfort, and deeper cultural understanding.

With Miharu guiding you every step of the way, you won’t need to worry about language barriers, transportation logistics, or navigating unfamiliar customs. Instead, you can relax and focus on enjoying the experience.

This journey offers an ideal introduction to Japan by blending iconic seasonal beauty, traditional culture, regional cuisine, and scenic landscapes — all at a comfortable pace that allows you to fully appreciate each destination.

Many travelers assume their first trip should focus only on major cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. While those places are wonderful, this itinerary provides something equally special: a chance to see a more authentic side of Japan, with fewer crowds, deeper cultural moments, and memorable experiences that most visitors miss.

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Are visiting Japan for the first time

• Prefer a guided experience rather than planning alone

• Want to experience authentic culture beyond tourist crowds

• Enjoy beautiful scenery, food, and cultural experiences

• Appreciate traveling with a small, supportive group

If you’re unsure whether this tour is right for you, we warmly invite you to schedule a call with Miharu before booking your deposit.

Hello, I’m Miharu.

I was born and raised in Kyoto, and tourism and hospitality have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in Japan’s service industry — including with ANA (All Nippon Airways) — where I developed a deep appreciation for thoughtful travel experiences and caring for guests from around the world.

Over the years, I’ve planned more than 50 custom trips for travelers visiting Japan and have personally led multiple small-group tours. I also hold Japan’s national certification in domestic tourism, which allows me to design experiences that go beyond the surface — connecting guests with the culture, history, and everyday life that make Japan so special.

What I love most about guiding is seeing Japan through my guests’ eyes — sharing places that are meaningful to me, introducing regional foods and traditions, and helping travelers feel comfortable and confident throughout their journey.

My goal is simple: I want you to experience Japan not just as a visitor, but with the insight and care of traveling alongside a local friend.

If you’re considering joining this tour, I would love to meet you and answer your questions. Please feel free to schedule a call with me anytime.