A scenic drive from Kanazawa to Takayama.

July 16, 2023

"First-time visitors to Kanazawa city will undoubtedly find the city delightfully convenient to navigate. The city's layout is centered around Kanazawa Castle Park, with a circular tourist bus route connecting all of the major tourist areas around it, including Kanazawa Station. Here is a simple guide to each of those areas with our recommendations of things to do and see.

If you arrive by rail, you'll understand immediately why Kanazawa Station has admirers from around the globe and was called one of the most beautiful train stations in the world by a major travel magazine. Besides its convenient layout and huge glass Motenashi Dome sheltering visitors from rain and snow, the station boasts one of Japan's most recognizable modern icons, the Tsuzumi-mon Gate, which honors the traditional performing art of Noh theater of Kanazawa city. There is shopping and food galore around the station, including Kanazawa Forus with seven floors of shops and restaurants. Kanazawa Hyakubangai shopping mall, attached to the station, has shops selling a mix of Japanese and international goods, including branches of Kanazawa's oldest traditional shops. You'll also find several large and convenient hotels within walking distance if you prefer accommodations near transportation hubs.

Higashi Chaya is the largest of the three historical geisha entertainment districts still existing in Kanazawa. Although you may not spot a real geisha during your visit, if you come in the evening, you might hear the sounds of geisha singing or playing traditional instruments floating through the streets. As a perfectly preserved neighborhood from Kanazawa's Edo Period history, local and overseas tourists alike enjoy dressing in a rental kimono or summer yukata and taking photos here. Many of the buildings that are no longer used as geisha houses have been repurposed as shops, restaurants, and chic cafes.

Kanazawa Castle is the place the city of Kanazawa revolves around, as it has been since Maeda Toshiie began his reign over the city and surrounding region in 1583 from within its sturdy walls. While many castle buildings no longer remain, several structures have been reconstructed, with others currently in progress. However, the sprawling castle park, with its well-preserved representation of castle wall building techniques, remains a place for visitors and locals alike to enjoy the natural beauty of the changing seasons and glimpse the samurai world of the Edo Period.

Within the park Gyokuseninmaru Garden, a lovely example of Japanese garden design is not to be missed. Enjoy a cup of matcha and Japanese sweets there while enjoying its tranquil atmosphere.

Located south of Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden is another of Kanazawa's iconic locations. Constructed over several centuries with the six attributes that make the perfect garden, it's no wonder Kenrokuen is considered one of the three famous gardens of Japan. What's more, a stroll through the garden is an entirely different experience in each of the four seasons."
--https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/trip-idea...


"Takayama and the surrounding area boast traditional architecture, opulent festivals and a range of the best mountains and onsen in Japan.

Widely considered Gifu's crown jewel, Takayama is a fantastic destination surrounded by the scenic alpine countryside of the Japan Alps . A destination in itself, Takayama is also an excellent base from which to explore the Japan Alps and the surrounding Hida area.

akayama is a popular destination year-round but is paticularly busy for the Takayama Festival in spring and autumn.

On festival days, the streets throng with visitors and locals who come to watch the festival procession and see the ornate floats. Accommodation can be hard to come by, so booking ahead is essential if you want to be in town to catch either festival.

The heart of Takayama city, the Sanmachi area of preserved buildings, attracts tourists from all over the country. You could spend a whole day wandering these old streets, buying souvenirs from the many craft shops, sampling local tea and digging into local treats like wagyu sushi.

A number of sake breweries are also located in and around the Sanmachi district, and tasting is possible.

Explore the two markets, one on the bank of the Miyagawa River and another in front of Takayama Jinya. Every morning, merchants set up their stalls, selling local produce and artisanal craftworks."
--https://www.japan.travel/en/destinati...