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- [Osaka/Kanazawa/Takayama] Make the Most of the “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass”!
[Osaka/Kanazawa/Takayama] Make the Most of the “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass”!
Have fun exploring central Japan! Visit the bustling metropolis of Osaka, the historic city of Kanazawa, and the World Heritage Site at Shirakawa-go
- Tickets for this trip
- Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass
- Travel theme
- Enjoy a rich variety of Japanese experiences with a Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass
Day 1
Experience the vibrant city life and delicious food of Osaka
9:12
Depart Kansai International Airport for Osaka Castle
→ Take the Haruka Limited Express train to Tennoji Station (36 minutes) and transfer to the JR Osaka Loop Line. Get off at Osakajo-koen Station (12 minutes).
Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA”
The Haruka Limited Express train conveniently links the airport and the city of Osaka.
10:30
Tour of Osaka Castle, the symbol of Osaka
→ Around 20 minutes’ walk from Osakajo-koen Station
Osaka Castle
From the top floor of the castle you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
The moat surrounding the castle is also a good place to take a cruise on the gozabune sightseeing boats.
13:00
Get your fill of the many delicious foods on offer in Dotonbori and stay overnight in Osaka
→ Get on the JR Osaka Loop Line at Osakajo-koen Station and proceed to Shin-Imamiya Station (14 minutes). Transfer to the JR Yamatoji Line and proceed to Namba Station (4 minutes). Dotonbori is around 15 minutes’ walk from Namba station.
Dotonbori
Osaka is a treasure trove of culinary delights, from casual meals to fine dining. The signs of the stores and restaurants that line the streets of Dotonbori are very photogenic.
Day 2
Experience the historic city of Kanazawa with all five senses
7:45
Depart Osaka Station on a comfortable ride to Kanazawa with the Thunderbird
→ Limited Express train (2 hours 45 minutes)
11:00
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
→ Around 10 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
One of the most prominent contemporary art museums in Japan, where both adults and children can experience art up close.
14:00
After lunch, take a walk in the garden at Kenrokuen
→ Kenrokuen is within walking distance of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Kenrokuen
One of the three greatest Japanese-style gardens in the country, Kenrokuen is a must-see, and extremely beautiful no matter the season.
17:00
Stroll along the Higashi Chaya-gai at night and stay overnight in Kanazawa
→ Around 20 minutes’ walk from Kenrokuen
Higashi Chaya-gai
Take a leisurely stroll through Kanazawa to the popular Higashi Chaya-gai.
Enjoy the evening at a bar or izakaya (Japanese-style pub).
Day 3
Be amazed by a World Heritage Site
8:10
Take the bus from Kanazawa Station to Shirakawa-go
→ Around 1 hour and 25 minutes by local bus
9:35
A scenic Japanese landscape that evokes nostalgia
→ A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Shirakawa-go
The impressive Gassho-zukuri village is unique to Japan.
Some of these distinctive structures also serve lunch inside.
12:35
Board the bus for Takayama
→ Around 50 minutes by local bus
14:00
Explore the old town of Takayama and stay overnight there
→ Around 12 minutes’ walk from Takayama Station
Takayama Traditional Buildings Preservation Area
Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stroll through an area that still retains the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1868).
It is also a good idea to take a break at a cafe located in one of the neighborhood’s quaint renovated houses.
Day 4
Meet the locals at the morning market!
7:00
Get up early and go to the morning market
→ Around 10 minutes’ walk from Takayama Station
Takayama Asaichi (Morning Markets)
The morning market is lined with stalls offering a variety of local goods.
Enjoy conversation with the shop owners.
9:40
Head to Shinhotaka Ropeway overlooking the Northern Alps
→ Around 1 hour and 45 minutes by local bus (not included in the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass)
11:30
Ride through the sky on the Shinhotaka Ropeway
→ A double-decker gondola offering spectacular views
The Shinhotaka Ropeway
After getting off the ropeway, you can visit the observatory and other facilities.
16:00
Stay overnight at Shinhotaka Spa