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
When traveling to Central Japan, understanding the best transport passes can dramatically enhance your experience while saving costs. The Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass stood out in my travel because it smoothly linked multiple destinations like Kyoto, Kanazawa, Toyama, Takayama, and Nagoya with reserved seating and convenient transfers—perfect for winter journeys when some routes like Matsumoto and Kamikochi were less accessible. Choosing the right base for your adventures is also crucial. I found that staying at least three nights in Takayama allowed ample time to enjoy day trips to remarkable places including Shirakawa-go, Shinhotaka Ropeway, and historic old towns nearby. Rushing through these destinations in just a night or two felt overwhelming. Kyoto deserves more than a passing visit. Aside from the well-known temples and shrines, the city offers incredible hikes like Kurama to Kibune, and charming neighborhoods like Demachiyanagi and Pontocho that reveal authentic local vibes away from crowds. I highly recommend 3-4 nights here to fully immerse yourself. Lastly, don’t overlook Nagoya. Though sometimes underrated, it’s a haven for culture lovers with attractions such as Kiyosu Castle and the Matcha Museum Saijoen Wakuwaku. Slower travel and museum visits here provide an enriching contrast to the busier tourist circuits. Bonus tip: If your route includes Matsumoto or Kamikochi during spring to autumn, consider the Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass instead for better access. These region-specific passes and thoughtful base selections helped me explore Central Japan deeply and comfortably, and I’m confident they will make your trip just as memorable.
