Help me see where in my itinerary I can adjust or optimize for a better experience.
You can help to answer all questions or just one or two!
Understand a lot of shops and attractions are closed during the NYE period but I booked the trip to experience Japan this period (plus the winter vibes of course!) since I’ve been to other parts in the past 2 years (Kyushu, golden triangle, Hokkaido) during sakura season!
25 Dec (1 night in Nagoya)
– Land in the morning in Nagoya.
– Osu Kannon shopping district (Morning)
– Nagoya Castle + Honmaru Palace (Afternoon)
– Hisaya Odori Park + Oasis 21 + Sakae (Evening)
Planned it as such but I still have time to explore Nagoya when I'm back from 1 to 3 Jan so I'm not in a rush.
26 Dec (2 nights in Takayama)
– Ghibli Park (booked tickets) from morning to late afternoon
– Take train to Takayama in the evening
27 Dec:
– Sanmachi Suji Old Town + Takayama Jinya + Nakabashi Bridge (Morning)
– Shirakawago (Afternoon)
– Explore more of Takayama (Evening)
28 Dec (2 nights in Kanazawa)
– Miyagawa morning market + Takayama Showa Kan museum (Morning)
– Take train to Kanazawa in the late morning
– 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art + Kenroku-en (Afternoon)
– Kanazawa Castle Park light up + Korinbo (Evening)
29 Dec:
– Higashi Chaya district (Morning)
– Nomura Samurai Heritage Residence (Afternoon)
– Korinbo (Evening)
30 Dec (1 night in Shibu Onsen)
– Take train to Shibu in the morning
– Jigokudani Monkey Park (Afternoon)
– Onsen hop in the evening
31 Dec (1 night in Nagano)
– Tokagushi Shrine (Morning + Afternoon)
– Hatsumode at Zenkoji Temple (Evening)
1 Jan (3 nights in Nagoya)
– Explore Matsumoto (mainly Castle + Nawate shopping street) in the morning en route to Nagoya
– Explore Nagoya in the evening
2 Jan:
– Day trip to Inuyama (Castle + Urakuen)
– Nabana no Sato (Evening)
3 Jan:
– Day trip to Gujo Hachiman (Castle + Hakurankan museum + Yoshida river + Sample Village Iwasaki+ Sogi spring)
– 1 last night in Nagoya
4 Jan:
– Fly back in the morning from Chubu airport (maybe spend some time exploring the Boeing and the airport onsen)
Some questions:
- I am going to use the Takayama Hokuriku pass from 26 to 30 Dec (understand the Kanazawa to Nagano part isn’t covered).
For the Nohi bus to and from Shirakawago from Takayama on 27 Dec, should I just wing it and queue for the unreserved time buses? Or it’s best to get a reserved bus timing via phone or at the counter in the morning itself?
2) On 31 Dec, is a trip to Togakushi worth it or should I just spend my time in Nagano city before the hatsumode at midnight? (Sadly the art museum I wanted to go will be closed)
3) Pls recommend some restaurants and cafes where I can enjoy the local cuisine each city/area offers!
4) Is Nabana no Sato worth the travel? I am considering to go either on 2 or 3 Jan evening when I’m based in Nagoya
5) How is transportation to Togakushi from Nagano, and Gujo Hachiman from Nagoya? For Inuyama I think it’s pretty straightforward from Nagoya (can use Suica if I’m not wrong unlike the 1st two places I mentioned).
6) Any other considerations to note during this 25 Dec to 4 Jan period? I’ve researched what attractions there are in each city but do let me know any ‘gem’ you found particularly great to spend more time in or a less well-known tip!!
Really appreciate any kind of help or advice (or critique of my itinerary) I can get! 🙂
by ashandburnnn