9 days in Nagoya, Matsumoto & Yamagata Prefecture Itinerary

Known nationally as an industrial heartland, Nagoya boasts a far more cosmopolitan and cultural core than its reputation would lead you to believe.

On the 21st (Thu), meet the residents at Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium. On the 22nd (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: examine the collection at Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, make a trip to Osu Shopping Street, take in the spiritual surroundings of Atsuta Jingu Shrine, then explore the historical opulence of Nagoya Castle, then explore the world behind art at Tokugawa Art Museum, and finally take in panoramic vistas at Nagoya TV Tower.

To see other places to visit, maps, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Nagoya tour itinerary builder tool .

Paris, France to Nagoya is an approximately 17.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also do a combination of flight, bus, and train. Traveling from Paris to Nagoya, you'll lose 8 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Paris in November, expect Nagoya to be somewhat warmer, temps between 16°C and 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Fri) to allow time to take a train to Matsumoto.

A castle town, Matsumoto possesses one of the best-preserved feudal structures in the country, and maintains its historical attractions and traditions while simultaneously exuding a modern, cosmopolitan charm.

Venture out of the city with trips to Usui Daisan Kyoryo Bridge (in Annaka), Zenko-ji Temple (in Nagano) and Takayama (Wine Tours & Tastings, Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village (Hida no Sato), & more). There's still lots to do: step into the grandiose world of Matsumoto Castle, buy something for everyone on your list at Karuizawa prince shopping plaza, explore the world behind art at Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, and deepen your understanding at Suzuki Shin-ichi Talent Education Institute.

For where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Matsumoto journey planning app .

Getting from Nagoya to Matsumoto by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Nagoya in November, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit cooler in Matsumoto, with lows of 6°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Yamagata.

The town of Yamagata and its surrounding prefecture have a wealth of attractions, both man-made and natural.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Wed): admire the striking features of Bunshokan, take in the spiritual surroundings of Risshaku-ji Temple, hit the slopes at Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort, then head outdoors with Shiginoya Chinuma, and finally test the waters at a local thermal spa.

To find ratings, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Yamagata attractions planner.

Traveling by car from Matsumoto to Yamagata takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and flight. In November, plan for daily highs up to 13°C, and evening lows to 5°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.