Japanese alps : Takayama & Kanazawa

🕥 10:30 AM – Arrive at Takayama Station

➡️ Go directly to the coin lockers inside the station to store your luggage. If lockers are full, there's also a luggage storage counter.

🧳 Note:
Depending on your hotel or ryokan, you might be able to leave your luggage for the day before check-in or after check-out — very practical if you plan to explore without carrying your bags.

🕚 11:00 AM – Takayama Jinya
A historic government building from the Edo period, showcasing how the region was administrated.
📍 Short 5-min walk from the station
💴 ~440 yen entrance

🕦 11:45 AM – Sanmachi Suji & Old Townscape of Hida
Wander through beautifully preserved streets lined with merchant houses, craft shops, and cafés.
Take your time here — it's the heart of old Takayama.

🕛 12:30 PM – Lunch break in Sanmachi
🍱 Choose a local restaurant for Hida beef sushi, soba, or a cozy teahouse. Let me know if you'd like suggestions!

🕐 1:30 PM – Funasaka Sake Brewery
Try some local sake in a charming sake brewery.
📝 You can do a short tasting here ( ~500 ~1000 yen for a set).

🕝 2:00 PM – Kusakabe Traditional House
Step inside a traditional merchant house with dark wooden interiors and beautiful architecture.
💴 ~500 yen entrance

🕒 2:45 PM – Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine (point 7)
This peaceful shrine is the guardian of the town and the starting point of the famous Takayama Festival.
📍 A bit uphill, but worth the walk

🕓 3:30 PM – Higashiyama Teramachi Walk
A peaceful 3.5 km trail through the forested hills on the edge of Takayama. The route takes you past a string of serene temples, shrines, and the ruins of Takayama Castle — offering a quiet, off-the-beaten-path escape from the town center.

🌿 Ideal for a reflective stroll, especially in late afternoon light.

The overall will take about 120 minutes. 

🕔 5:00 PM – Back to station to collect your luggage & check in at your hotel. 

HALF DAY TRIP OPTION. 

⚠️ Note:

This option involves more time on transportation and may feel more tiring, especially after a morning of sightseeing. Choose it if you’re excited about visiting a rural heritage village and don’t mind the extra travel.

🏔️ Option 2: Shirakawa-go (3:00 PM – Half-Day Trip)

If you'd prefer a scenic countryside experience over walking through temples, head to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs.

What to do:

• 🏡 Visit Wada House, a traditional farmhouse open to the public (¥300 entry).
  
  

• 📸 Shiroyama Viewpoint – Short uphill walk for a postcard-perfect view of the village.
  
  

• 🛍️ Stroll through the village for snacks, local crafts, and quiet photo spots.
  
  

🚌 Access:
Buses from Takayama Bus Terminal take ~50 min to 1 hour.
Check Nouhi Bus schedule and book in advance, especially during busy seasons.

💰 Budget Tip:
Round-trip bus fare is about ¥4,600.
Some JR Passes (like the Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass) may cover it — double-check.

🌙 Evening in Takayama – Dekonaru Yokocho (Optional)

After checking into your hotel and unwinding a bit, head out to Dekonaru Yokocho, a lively little alley in central Takayama filled with cozy standing bars, gyoza stalls, and local izakayas.

🍶 Perfect for a bit of bar hopping and tasting regional bites like Hida beef skewers, handmade gyoza, or local sake.
🎎 The vibe is warm, casual, and very local — a great way to end your day in Takayama.

📍 Located within walking distance from most central accommodations.

🍽️ Also, depending on your stay, you may have the option to enjoy dinner directly at the hotel or ryokan (especially in traditional ryokans offering kaiseki meals). Make sure to check in advance and reserve if needed!