[Osaka/Kanazawa/Takayama] Make the Most of the “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass”!

Day 1

Experience the vibrant city life and delicious food of Osaka

1. 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).

   1. Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA”

      The Haruka Limited Express train conveniently links the airport and the city of Osaka.

      Kansai Airport Express HARUKA

      

2. 10:30

   Tour of Osaka Castle, the symbol of Osaka

   Around 20 minutes’ walk from Osakajo-koen Station

   1. 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.

      Osaka Castle

      

3. 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.

   1. 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.

      Dotonbori

      

Day 2

Experience the historic city of Kanazawa with all five senses

1. 7:45

   Depart Osaka Station on a comfortable ride to Kanazawa with the Thunderbird

   Limited Express train (2 hours 45 minutes)

2. 11:00

   21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

   Around 10 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station

   1. 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.

      21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

      

3. 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.

   1. Kenrokuen

      One of the three greatest Japanese-style gardens in the country, Kenrokuen is a must-see, and extremely beautiful no matter the season.

      Kenrokuen

      

4. 17:00

   Stroll along the Higashi Chaya-gai at night and stay overnight in Kanazawa

   Around 20 minutes’ walk from Kenrokuen

   1. 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).

      Takayama Traditional Buildings Preservation Area

      

Day 3

Be amazed by a World Heritage Site

1. 8:10

   Take the bus from Kanazawa Station to Shirakawa-go

   Around 1 hour and 25 minutes by local bus

2. 9:35

   A scenic Japanese landscape that evokes nostalgia

   A UNESCO World Heritage Site

   1. Shirakawa-go

      The impressive Gassho-zukuri village is unique to Japan.

      Some of these distinctive structures also serve lunch inside.

      shirakawa-go

      

3. 12:35

   Board the bus for Takayama

   Around 50 minutes by local bus

4. 14:00

   Explore the old town of Takayama and stay overnight there

   Around 12 minutes’ walk from Takayama Station

   1. 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.

      Takayama Traditional Buildings Preservation Area

      

Day 4

Meet the locals at the morning market!

1. 7:00

   Get up early and go to the morning market

   Around 10 minutes’ walk from Takayama Station

   1. Takayama Asaichi (Morning Markets)

      The morning market is lined with stalls offering a variety of local goods.

      Enjoy conversation with the shop owners.

      Takayama Asaichi

      

2. 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)

3. 11:30

   Ride through the sky on the Shinhotaka Ropeway

   A double-decker gondola offering spectacular views

   1. The Shinhotaka Ropeway

      After getting off the ropeway, you can visit the observatory and other facilities.

      The Shinhotaka Ropeway

      

4. 16:00

   Stay overnight at Shinhotaka Spa

   Our sample itinerary ends here. You can continue your trip further by heading to Nagoya and the surrounding area.