Asuke

Day Trips

Arrive in Asuke and check into your traditional ryokan, where you can experience authentic Japanese hospitality. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast featuring local specialties to start your day. After breakfast, take a stroll around the picturesque streets, absorbing the serene atmosphere of this charming town.

Visit the Asuke Old Town, with its well-preserved historic buildings that reflect the Edo period. Enjoy lunch at a local café, sampling regional delicacies while mingling with the locals. Spend some time at the nearby Asuke Castle ruins, which offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Return to your ryokan to unwind with a traditional onsen bath, letting the soothing water relax your muscles after your day of exploration. After a peaceful soak, indulge in a kaiseki dinner prepared with seasonal ingredients, allowing you to experience the culture through its culinary delights. Spend the evening stargazing, as the mountainous backdrop provides a dazzling display of stars.

Start your day with a visit to the Asuke Folk Museum, where you can learn about the town’s rich history and craftsmanship. Participate in a local craft workshop, such as pottery or indigo dyeing, to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese arts. Enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery, tasting local rice and seasonal vegetables.

Explore the beautiful gardens of the nearby temples, where you can appreciate the carefully curated landscapes and tranquil ambiance. Engage in a guided meditation session at one of the temples, allowing the serenity of the surroundings to enhance your mindfulness. Wrap up the afternoon with a peaceful walk along the riverbanks, enjoying the natural beauty.

Savor a simple yet delicious dinner at a local izakaya, where you can sample a variety of small plates and drinks. Join a local evening festival if available, experiencing the community spirit and vibrant culture through music and dance. Cap off the night by relaxing back at your ryokan, listening to the sounds of nature outside.

On this day, take an early morning hike to the scenic Aichi Kogen National Park, known for its breathtaking mountain trails and diverse flora. Prepare a packed breakfast to enjoy at a picturesque viewpoint along the trail. Witness the beauty of nature as you navigate through lush forests and past tranquil streams.

Have a picnic lunch at the summit, surrounded by stunning vistas, before embarking on a nature walk to spot local wildlife and unique plants. Return to Asuke, and explore local shops where you can find handmade souvenirs and crafts. Enjoy an afternoon of relaxing in your ryokan, perhaps indulging in a book or traditional tea ceremony.

Dine at a riverside restaurant, enjoying a menu that highlights the freshly caught fish from the river. After dinner, take a leisurely evening stroll along the riverbank, where the lights of the town reflect beautifully on the water. Conclude your day by dancing under the stars, either participating in a local traditional dance or simply enjoying the tranquility of the night.

Visit the Asuke morning market, bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, handmade goods, and delicious street food. Taste local delicacies and chat with the friendly vendors about their products. After exploring the market, visit a nearby shrine for a moment of reflection and appreciation of the local culture.

Enjoy lunch at a nearby café, which features seasonal ingredients from the market you just visited. Spend the afternoon at the famous Korankei Gorge, known for its stunning scenery, especially during autumn. Take a relaxing boat ride through the gorge, soaking in the views of the colorful foliage.

Return to Asuke for a delightful dinner featuring local specialties at a family-run restaurant. Consider attending a traditional tea ceremony to deepen your connection with Japanese customs as you sip on matcha. Spend the evening unwinding in your ryokan and reflecting on the rich experiences of the day.

Embark on a visit to a nearby tea plantation, where you will learn about the art of tea cultivation and processing. Participate in a hands-on tea picking experience, immersing yourself in the local culture. Enjoy a fresh cup of matcha prepared by a master tea artist as you soak in the beauty of the tea fields.

Savor a traditional lunch in the plantation's tea house, showcasing dishes made from local ingredients paired with various teas. Spend the afternoon visiting nearby historical sites, learning about Asuke’s storied past and the significance of its agricultural practices. Engage with local artisans and learn about their traditional craft techniques.

Return to Asuke for dinner, enjoying a seasonal menu that reflects the flavors of the region. Consider an evening visit to a nearby Onsen to enjoy another soothing hot spring experience. Reflect on your day and share stories with fellow travelers over tea and dessert before bed.

Join a culinary class where you will learn to prepare traditional Japanese dishes using local ingredients. Enjoy the process of making sushi, miso soup, and seasonal side dishes under the guidance of a local chef. After your class, taste the fruits of your labor with a delightful lunch.

Explore local markets in search of fresh produce and unique ingredients that you can use in your own cooking back home. Visit an herb garden, learning about the various plants used in Japanese cuisine and their health benefits. Spend the afternoon free to relax or explore more of the countryside around Asuke.

Dine at a local restaurant known for its fusion of traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. Engage in conversations with locals and fellow travelers to share your culinary experiences and learn about their journeys. Finish the evening with a dessert of sweet mochi while enjoying the gentle ambiance of the town at night.

Visit the Asuke Historical Museum to delve into the deep historical roots of this quaint town and its influence on the region. Take your time exploring the exhibits that showcase ancient artifacts and artworks. Enjoy a simple breakfast at a nearby café, preparing for a day of exploration.

Spend the afternoon at and around the historic Matsudaira Shrine, learning about the lineage of the Matsudaira clan and their significance to the area. This is a perfect place to take photographs and reflect on the deep cultural heritage of Asuke. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful surrounding gardens.

Conclude your expedition with a dinner featuring local fish, freshly caught from the river, at a family-run restaurant. Participate in a local event or show if available, where you can experience traditional folklore and music. As the evening winds down, enjoy sharing your discoveries with new friends gathered at your ryokan.

Take an early train to Nagoya, Japan's fourth-largest city, known for its impressive architecture and rich history. Start the day with a visit to Nagoya Castle, where you can explore the majestic gardens and learn about the castle's significance. Enjoy breakfast near the castle grounds, sampling regional pastries.

Visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology to understand the city's role in Japan’s automotive history. Lunch at a local restaurant featuring hits of Nagoya, such as hitsumabushi (grilled eel) or miso katsu. Spend time shopping in the vibrant Osu Shopping District, where you can find everything from fashion to souvenirs.

Return to Asuke for dinner, reminiscing about the urban experiences of Nagoya. Visit a local izakaya to enjoy a variety of small plates and sake. Spend your last evening in Asuke reflecting on your adventures and the cultural richness of Japan.

Spend your final morning in Asuke leisurely at your ryokan, enjoying a slow-paced breakfast with views of the serene mountains. Reflect on the memorable experiences you've gathered over your trip. If time permits, take one last stroll around the nearby countryside, appreciating the tranquility.

Complete your trip with a visit to a local artisan shop, purchasing a few handmade souvenirs to bring a piece of Asuke home with you. Engage with local craftspeople and learn about their passion for their crafts. Enjoy a light lunch at a charming café, savoring the last tastes of Asuke.

Prepare for departure by partaking in an afternoon tea ceremony, deepening your appreciation for Japanese culture. Share your experiences with fellow travelers and locals, fostering connections that may last even beyond your journey. As you bid farewell to Asuke, carry with you the beauty and serenity of this exquisite town.