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Suggested Itinerary

Culinary Adventure

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A Taste of Japan: A Culinary Journey Through Central Japan’s Food Culture

Japanese cuisine is loved around the world—and at its heart are fermented ingredients like miso, mirin, and sake. The Central Japan region is a hub for these essential flavors. From local favorites like eel, matcha, and Hida beef to the finely crafted knives that support Japanese food culture, this area offers a true feast for the senses. Embark on a culinary journey that will deepen your love for Japanese cuisine.

Attraction&Regions

1 Nishio
2 Okazaki
3 Gifu
4 Seki

5 Takayama
6 Shinhotaka Ropeway
7 Chita Area

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Departing from Centrair!

Day 1

1 Nishio

Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, is one of Japan’s top producers of matcha. Here, you can enjoy premium matcha-based sweets and drinks made with high-quality tea straight from the source. The city also boasts the highest eel production in the country, with many long-established eel restaurants serving fragrant and flavorful grilled eel kabayaki.

2 Okazaki

Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, is known as a production center of miso, a fermented seasoning essential to Japanese cuisine. Hatcho miso has a history of over 300 years and is still produced here using traditional methods. At both Kakukyu Hatcho Miso and Maruya Hatcho Miso take a miso warehouse tour, sample the miso, and purchase miso products.

Day 2

3 Gifu

Gifu City's historic Kawaramachi area is home to a variety of unique Japanese restaurants tucked into traditional streetscapes. At Kawaramachi Izumiya, enjoy a dining experience that blends tradition with creativity. Be sure to visit the local sake brewery Daruma Masamune to sample their rich, aged sake, which pairs beautifully with Japanese cuisine.

4 Seki

Seki is renowned worldwide as Japan's blade capital and a major production center for the essential knives used in Japanese cooking. At the Seki Hamono Museum, watch master craftsmen at work and pick up your own authentic Japanese knife. The crystal-clear Nagara River flows through the city, making locally caught ayu sweetfish a beloved specialty that's definitely worth trying.

Recommended
Places to Stay

Fairfield by Marriott Gifu Mino

Just steps from Mino’s charming traditional district, this hotel offers a perfect location to experience the clear-flowing Nagara River and the cultural legacy of Mino washi paper. With easy access to walking routes and hands-on experiences, it’s an ideal place to immerse yourself in the local food and culture at your own pace.

Perfect Stops
Along the Drive

Nagaragawa SA (Osaka-bound)

About 25 minutes by car from Gifu City, this rest area offers a variety of unique local snacks. Highlights include Golden Torikara—healthy fried chicken sticks made from Japanese chicken breast—and Seki City’s original Black Karaage. You’ll also find a selection of fresh Japanese fruits.

Day 3

5 Takayama

Hida Takayama is a gourmet treasure trove where you can enjoy regional specialties like Hida beef, hōba miso, and Takayama ramen. The preserved old town streets are perfect for a stroll-and-snack adventure, letting you sample local flavors at your own pace. This peaceful area offers a slow travel experience, letting you immerse yourself in the lifestyle and food culture of Hida.

6 Shinhotaka Ropeway

The Shinhotaka Ropeway offers panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps, but the food is just as memorable. The observation deck features photogenic churros shaped like the Japanese character for summit (頂), a popular treat on social media. You can also enjoy freshly baked bread at the Alps Bakery.

Recommended
Places to Stay

Hotel Hotaka

Located right in front of the Shinhotaka Ropeway, Hotel Hotaka offers stunning views of the Northern Japan Alps. Unwind in the indoor or open-air onsen while taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery. The hotel also serves seasonal kaiseki meals and dishes made with local ingredients—perfect for a tranquil retreat into nature.

Perfect Stops
Along the Drive

Seki SA (Tokyo-bound)

Conveniently located about 2.5 hours from the Shinhotaka Ropeway and just before arriving in Nagoya, this is an ideal final rest area. Try gourmet treats from Takayama like Hida beef curry bread and desserts made with Seki Milk. You can also pick up world-famous Seki cutlery as souvenirs.

Day 4

7 Chita Area

The Chita area has long been a hub for traditional brewing. Back in the Edo period, locally crafted sake and vinegar were shipped by boat all the way to Edo (now Tokyo), helping to fuel the rise in popularity of nigiri sushi.
Today, you can still experience this rich fermentation culture firsthand—visit museums, tour historic breweries, and savor the deep flavors of fermented foods at local restaurants.