Planning a family trip to Japan? This 7-day itinerary takes you on a relaxing yet culturally rich journey through Aichi Prefecture Japan, perfect for families with kids and those returning to explore Japan’s hidden gems.
Day 1: Arrival in Nagoya
- Arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport
- Begin your Nagoya travel experience by checking in to a hotel in the city center
- Afternoon visit to Nagoya Castle
- Dinner with local specialties like hitsumabushi or miso katsu
🏨 Recommended Hotel in Nagoya:
Here are booking options by price range, each linked directly to my recommended hotels on Agoda:
(Prices may vary by season. Please check Agoda for the latest rates.)
| Price Range | Hotel Name | Features | Booking Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💎 Luxury | Marriott Associa Nagoya | Located above JR Nagoya Station, amazing views & comfort | 👉 Book on Agoda |
| 🏨 Mid-range | Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel | Connected to station, convenient for families | 👉 Book on Agoda |
| 💼 Budget | Toyoko INN Nagoya | Clean, safe, near Nagoya Station | 👉 Book on Agoda |
Day 2: Explore Ghibli Park
- Take a short train ride to Ghibli Park in Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park
- Explore “Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse” and “Dondoko Forest”
- Enjoy lunch inside the park and relax in the gardens
- Return to Nagoya for the evening
📍 Tip: Staying in Nagoya city gives you easy access to Ghibli Park via public transportation. No need to change hotels if you booked a central location on Day 1.
🔗See our full 1-Day Ghibli Park Plan
Day 3: Discover Gujo Hachiman
🚗 Transportation Note: This itinerary assumes you will be traveling by rental car from Day 3 onward. Rental cars are available through Klook, which offers English support and convenient pickup at Nagoya Station.
- Rent a car and head to Gujo Hachiman (1.5h drive)
- Experience food replica making
- Visit Gujo Hachiman Castle and explore the old town
- Enjoy a relaxing stay at a Gifu onsen ryokan
🔗Discovering Gujo Hachiman: A Charming Castle Town in Gifu
🔗 Traditional Art Experiences in Gujo Hachiman
🔗 Stay at Yumoto Sugishima: Best Onsen in Gujo Hachiman
Day 4: Explore Shirakawa-go & Stay at a Traditional Gassho-Zukuri Inn
- Drive from Gujo Hachiman to Shirakawa-go (~1.5h)
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site: traditional gassho-zukuri houses
- Enjoy local specialties like hoba miso and mountain vegetables
- Stay at Tosuke no Yado Fujiya, one of the most authentic and charming inns in the village
🔗Best Stay in Shirakawago: Fujiya Inn Review & Guide
Day 5: Travel to Ise
🚆 Travel Tip: The route between Nagoya and Ise is also well-served by public transportation. If you prefer not to drive, you can take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Nagoya Station directly to Ise-shi Station. It’s a fast and comfortable option for families.
🚗 vs 🚆 Transportation Comparison
| Mode | Route | Time | Notes |
| 🚗 Car | Shirakawa-go → Ise via expressways | ~3.5 hours | Flexible, scenic drives, ideal for families with luggage |
| 🚆 Train | Shirakawa-go → Nagoya (return rental car) → Ise (Kintetsu train) | ~5 hours | Requires multiple transfers; return rental car in Nagoya, then take Kintetsu Ltd. Express to Ise |
- Drive to Ise from Tosuke no Yado Fujiya (3.5h)
- Check-in to a hotel near the shrine area
- 🔗Ikyu: The Best Ise Hotel for Sunrise at Ise Shrine
- Explore local shops or enjoy a beach walk in Meoto Iwa area
Day 6: Visit Ise Grand Shrine
- Morning visit to Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku and Geku)
- Stroll and eat your way through Okage Yokocho street
- Enjoy seafood lunch and local souvenirs
- Optional afternoon visit to Toba Aquarium, home to rare marine life and great for kids
- From Hotel Ikyu, it’s about a 40-minute drive to Toba Aquarium, making it a great afternoon activity for families
🔗Ikyu: The Best Ise Hotel for Sunrise at Ise Shrine
Day 7: Return to Nagoya
- Drive back to Nagoya (approx. 2h)
- Last-minute shopping in Sakae or Osu district
- Drop off rental car and depart from Chubu Centrair
🏨 Quick Hotel Booking Links (Agoda)
| Destination | Hotel Name | Booking Link |
| Nagoya | Marriott Associa Nagoya | 👉 Book on Agoda |
| Nagoya | JR Gate Tower Hotel | 👉 Book on Agoda |
| Nagoya | Toyoko INN Nagoya | 👉 Book on Agoda |
| Gujo Hachiman | Yumoto Sugishima | 👉 Book Yumoto Sugishima |
| Shirakawa-go | Tosuke no Yado Fujiya | 👉 Book Tosuke no Yado Fujiya |
| Ise | Hotel Ikyu | 👉 Book Hotel Ikyu |
📌 Final Travel Tips for a Family Trip to Japan
- 🕒 Keep schedules relaxed and avoid overpacking your days
- 🍽️ Choose ryokan with both Japanese & Western meal options
- 🧒 Look for activities for kids AND quiet spaces for seniors
Bookmark this guide for your next family trip to Japan!
