4 tips for Central Japan (NOT CLICKBAIT!!)
4 tips when travelling to Central Japan (Not clickbait!!)
Get the right regional pass
The Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is incredibly worth it.
1⃣ Here’s how we used it:
Kyoto --> Kanazawa (via Thunderbird Limited Express to Tsuruga, then Shinkansen)
Kanazawa --> Toyama (Shinkansen)
Toyama --> Takayama (Hida Limited Express)
Takayama --> Nagoya (Hida Limited Express)
We travelled in winter, so we skipped Matsumoto and Kamikochi. If those are on your route, consider the Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass instead.
2⃣ Base yourself in Takayama for at least 3 nights
1–2 nights will feel rushed.
Takayama is a great base for day trips:
Shirakawa-go (or do Takayama --> Shirakawa-go --> Kanazawa via bus)
Shinhotaka Ropeway
Toyama (with access to Kamikochi from spring to autumn)
Gero Onsen
Gokayama
You can also spend 1–1.5 days exploring the old towns around Takayama Station.
3⃣ Give Kyoto more time!
There’s so much more to Kyoto than the usual tourist spots. I would recommend staying at least 3–4 nights.
Easy day trips from Kyoto:
Lake Biwa (best with a rental car)
Amanohashidate
Ine
Uji + Nara
Kobe
Himeji
Things to do within Kyoto:
Hike from Kurama to Kibune
Visit Heian Shrine, Okazaki Shrine, and Kamigamo Shrine
Underrated neighbourhoods worth exploring:
Demachiyanagi
Higashiyama
Pontocho
Nakagyo Ward
4⃣ Don’t skip Nagoya
Nagoya often gets labelled “boring,” but it’s great if you enjoy museums and slower travel.
Underrated spots:
Kiyosu Castle
Matcha Museum Saijoen Wakuwaku (a little further out)
Nabana no Sato
Himakajima
Traveling around Central Japan offers a unique glimpse into Japan's rich culture and beautiful landscapes. From my own experience, securing the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass was a game-changer—it provided great value and flexibility on connecting trains, making the journey between Kyoto, Kanazawa, Toyama, Takayama, and Nagoya seamless and stress-free. I found that basing myself in Takayama for at least three nights allowed me to fully appreciate the region without feeling rushed. Day trips to the iconic Shirakawa-go village, known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, and adventures like the Shinhotaka Ropeway, gave a perfect balance of nature and culture. Visiting hot springs like Gero Onsen brought relaxation after days of exploration. Kyoto deserves more than just a passing visit; spending multiple days there uncovered lesser-known neighborhoods such as Demachiyanagi and Nakagyo Ward, which have charming streets and less tourist traffic. A hike from Kurama to Kibune is a personal favorite for its scenic forest trail leading to a cozy riverside village. Nagoya often surprises travelers who overlook it, with fascinating spots like Kiyosu Castle and the Matcha Museum Saijoen Wakuwaku offering rich history and culture. For those who enjoy thematic gardens, Nabana no Sato's winter illumination is a breathtaking experience. When planning your itinerary, consider the seasonal accessibility of places—Kamikochi, for instance, is best visited from spring to autumn. Relying on local buses and trains as shown in the post enriches the travel experience and gives a true sense of regional life. Overall, Central Japan blends traditional charm with modern convenience, ensuring every traveler finds something memorable.
