![shirakawa-go](https://japanrailandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/201903ci0401-1080x720.jpg)
- TOP
- Itineraries
- Central Japan
- [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](https://japanrailandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/201905wt0402-768x512.jpg)
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](https://japanrailandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/201905wi1004-768x512.jpg)
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](https://japanrailandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/201905wi1104-768x512.jpg)
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
![](https://japanrailandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ee0b0d9f872975bddb35bb9e0a948876-e1551786759150-768x512.jpg)
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.
![](https://japanrailandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/edb4b31e415aab219c59aacca9d89658-768x512.jpg)
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
![](https://japanrailandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/0dfe58944f82d943c4af9d22e78cfd70-765x512.jpg)
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](https://japanrailandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/201903ci0401-768x512.jpg)
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](https://japanrailandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/1121125150125-e1551941731588-768x512.jpg)
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
![](https://japanrailandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/select2018050177-768x512.jpg)
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
![](https://japanrailandtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/f32d17eaf18d15a9a463d32e1afe901f-768x512.png)
The Shinhotaka Ropeway
After getting off the ropeway, you can visit the observatory and other facilities.
16:00
Stay overnight at Shinhotaka Spa