image of snow monkeys, kanazawa town and a thatched house in Shirakawa-go with the words 5-Day Itinerary written on it

Nagano, Takayama and Kanazawa – Five Day Itinerary for the New Golden Route

There’s more than one way to get between Tokyo and Kyoto – and in this plan, you’ll take the long way via the Japanese Alps region, heading past Nagano, Takayama and Kanazawa (and a few smaller spots) on the way. This region is incredibly scenic, full of traditional sights and a bit more nature than the original Golden Route people tend to take – and, right now, has a fraction of the crowds. Here’s our 5-Day plan to discover it. 

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side by side images of Takayama and Kanazawa

Takayama or Kanazawa – Which Should You Visit?

These two cities are just a short bus ride away from each other, and have a lot in common with their small streets lined with creaky old wooden buildings that demand to be photographed! But if you don’t have time to visit both on our trip, which one is the right choice for you? Here’s how to make the decision…

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yaki soba being cooked on the hot plate in Takayama

Where To Eat in Takayama

Looking for somewhere to have lunch, dinner or a quick snack in Takayama, here’s where I ate on my recent visit – and it’s going to help you out a lot if you’re a fan of yaki-soba! But, we’ll also suggest some other options for those staying longer, or wanting something a bit more gourmet.

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Front of shrine with a Gundam Head in Kanazawa Japan.

8 Interesting Shrines in Kanazawa Not to Miss

Okay, so the shrines and temples in Kanazawa aren’t quite as jaw-dropping as some of the ones in Kyoto, but don’t discount visiting a few while you’re here. Many of them have interesting touches, including cartoon characters, hidden rooms, revolutionary statues, and more. Here are our favourites—and what to look out for when you visit.

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