Hi friends! We are heading to Japan this November and visiting Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama, Okuhida onsen and Nagoya (entry and exit is through Tokyo). I've got most of the trip nailed down but having some difficulty deciding how to do the section between Okuhida onsen and Nagoya.
The original plan was to take the bus back to Takayama, then the Hida express train to Nagoya. From Nagoya, we would base ourselves for some day trips like the Nakasendo. However, I'm doing some research and the Kiso Valley seems like a beautiful place to traverse through and explore, possibly by car. We have driven in Hokkaido before. We are from Canada so have some winter driving experience as well.
We have 1, possibly 2 nights (Nov 18 – 19) between Okuhida and Nagoya that can be allocated to the Kiso Valley. I would like to hike a portion of the Nakasendo trail, at least between Magome and Tsumago for 1 day. The other day could be relaxing in nature and exploring some easy hikes, gorges and waterfalls (Atera valley looks beautiful!). Catching some fall foliage would be a bonus. Driving seems to make this portion of the trip easier, but if public transport is a relatively convenient option that's fine too.
I recognize this is a bit last minute, but if there is a way to connect Okuhida to Nagoya while exploring a bit of nature, the countryside and quaint little towns in between that would be lovely. We would need to be back in Nagoya on the night of Nov 20 as we have tickets to Ghibli Park the next morning.
How would you allocate our time and which town would you base yourself in? If you've done something similar, any tips and recommendations would be greatly appreciated 🙂 Thank you in advance!
by chloe_1024