9D6N Japan Discovery – Snow Wall + Flower Festival

Gather at the airport to check in for your Malaysia Airlines flight and kick off your 9 days Japan journey. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable exploration of central Japan’s breathtaking landscapes and timeless beauty.

As one of Japan’s most iconic spiritual landmarks, this ancient shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. It is internationally renowned for the Senbon Torii—a mesmerizing, vibrant orange tunnel of thousands of wooden gates that winds up the sacred mountain paths. Guarded by elegant stone fox statues, a walk through this mystical trail offers a deeply atmospheric and unforgettable glimpse into traditional Japanese spirituality.

Nestled against a forested hillside, this serene Shinto shrine is famous for hosting the spectacular Takayama Autumn Festival—one of Japan’s three most beautiful celebrations. Located directly on the shrine grounds, the Yatai Kaikan (Festival Floats Exhibition Hall) showcases a rotating display of centuries-old, intricately carved festival floats (yatai). Wandering through the quiet, cedar-lined pathways and admiring these magnificent cultural masterpieces offers a profound glimpse into the rich samurai-era heritage of the Hida region.

As the only remaining Edo-period government outpost of its kind in Japan, this beautifully restored historical landmark offers a fascinating portal into feudal history. Visitors can explore the preserved administrative offices, interrogation rooms, and an expansive 17th-century rice granary, all overlooking a serene traditional Japanese garden. Stepping onto its polished tatami mats provides a rare, authentic glimpse into the daily lives and official dealings of samurai officials under the direct rule of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Step back in time as you stroll through San-machi Suji, a beautifully preserved historic district lined with dark-wood merchant houses dating from the Edo period. The charming, narrow streets feature clear water canals running along the doorsteps, traditional sake breweries marked by cedar balls (sugidama), and quaint craft shops. Wandering through this atmospheric area offers a perfect opportunity to sample local Hida beef skewers, sip premium sake, and soak in the nostalgic, timeless ambiance of old-world Japan.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, this breathtaking mountain village is world-famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri (constructed like hands in prayer) farmhouses. Built with steeply pitched, thatched roofs engineered to withstand heavy winter snow, these iconic wooden structures have survived for centuries without a single nail. Wandering through the idyllic hamlet—surrounded by pristine pine forests, emerald green rice paddies, and a rushing river—offers an enchanting step back into rural feudal Japan.

Celebrated as one of Japan’s "Three Great Gardens," this breathtaking landscape masterpiece is the epitome of traditional Edo-period garden design. Its name translates to the "Six Attributes Garden," representing the perfect harmony of spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and magnificent panoramic views. Strolling along its winding paths reveals an enchanting world of reflective ponds, stone bridges, the country's oldest natural fountain, and iconic teahouses, offering a serene escape that showcases the timeless, poetic beauty of changing seasons.

Renowned as the "Roof of Japan," this world-famous mountain sightseeing route cuts directly through the spectacular Northern Alps. Traverse this dramatic landscape using a seamless chain of 7 unique modes of transportation, including a funicular cable car, an underground trolleybus, a panoramic ropeway, and an electric bus. Along the way, witness awe-inspiring engineering marvels like the colossal Kurobe Dam and breathtaking natural wonders, from the soaring Yuki-no-Otani snow walls in spring to vibrant alpine foliage in autumn, making it an unforgettable journey for nature lovers.

Originally constructed in 1560 by the legendary warlord Takeda Shingen during the Warring States period, this historic fortress later served as the seat of the powerful Sanada clan for over 250 years. Though the main keep no longer stands, the site features beautifully reconstructed wooden gates, earthen walls, and a surrounding moat that authentically reflect its samurai-era grandeur. Framed by majestic mountains and renowned as a spectacular cherry blossom spot, the peaceful grounds offer a captivating step back into Japan's rich feudal and military history. (Sakura Viewing: Mid of April)

Founded in the 7th century, this historic Buddhist temple is one of Japan’s most important and beloved pilgrimage sites, predating the split of Buddhism into various sects. The massive, beautifully crafted main hall houses the Ikko Sanzon Amida Nyorai, a revered image widely considered the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan. Visitors can walk through a pitch-black underground passage beneath the altar to search for the "Key to the Western Paradise," offering a deeply spiritual and unforgettable cultural experience in the heart of Nagano. (Sakura Viewing: Mid of April)

Ranked as one of Japan’s top three hot spring resorts, this historic town is legendary for its abundant volume of naturally acidic, highly therapeutic waters. At its vibrant heart lies the famous Yubatake (hot spring fields), an impressive wooden chute framework used to cool the steaming waters before distribution to local ryokan inns.

Famous for its iconic 365-step stone staircase that climbs through the center of town, this historic hot spring district dates back over 400 years to the samurai era. The bustling stone steps are lined with traditional ryokan inns, nostalgic shooting galleries, souvenir shops, and local eateries serving sweet bean buns.

Perched serenely at the very top of the town's famous 365-step stone staircase, this historic Shinto shrine dates back to the 9th century. Dedicated to the deities of hot springs, medicine, and prosperity, it is a popular stop for travelers seeking good health, romance, and fertility. After the steep climb, the tranquil, forest-framed grounds offer a peaceful sanctuary and rewarding, panoramic views over the surrounding mountain landscape.

Open for just one month from mid-April, Misato Shibazakura Park attracts visitors with tens of thousands of brightly hued moss phlox, creating a stunning seasonal carpet of vibrant pink and purple blooms across the landscape.

World-renowned for its breathtaking floral displays, this magnificent park is most famous for its centuries-old, massive wisteria trees (fuji). Every spring, the park transforms into a fairytale landscape with a spectacular 1,000-square-meter wisteria trellis, an enchanting 80-meter-long white wisteria tunnel, and vibrant curtains of yellow king chain wisteria. Beyond the spring wisteria season, the beautifully manicured grounds feature stunning seasonal blooms year-round, including millions of roses, hydrangeas, and amethysts, followed by a winter light illumination that is consistently ranked among the best in Japan.

Spanning a vast area along the Pacific coast, this magnificent public park is celebrated for its sweeping, surreal oceans of seasonal flowers that transform the landscape year-round. It is world-famous for Miharashi Hill, which turns into a breathtaking sea of 5.3 million translucent blue nemophila (baby blue eyes) in spring, and transitions to a striking canvas of fiery red kochia (summer cypress) bushes in autumn. Complete with cycling trails, walking paths, and a charming amusement park, it offers an unforgettable, picture-perfect nature experience.

Kameido Tenjin Shrine is Tokyo’s premier wisteria destination. These historic Edo-period blossoms reflect beautifully across a tranquil pond, creating a unique purple landscape beneath the trellises.

After a final shopping spree in Tokyo, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. You’ll head home carrying unforgettable memories of Japan’s majestic snow walls and brilliant spring flower festivals.