The famous snow monkeys in the hot springs are located about 40km away from the city of Nagano, but how do you get there? Our guide explains the best routes and gives some tips for when you arrive.
Central Japan
Tips and tricks for cities in Central Japan. These include Nagoya, Nagano, Toyama, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawa-go. Find itineraries, accommodation advice and transport tips.
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.
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…
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.
The 8 Most Interesting Shrines in Kanazawa
Okay, so the shrines and temples in Kanazawa aren’t quite as visually jaw-dropping as some of the ones in Kyoto, but that doesn’t mean you should skip them. Hidden behind some of the simple facades are cartoon characters, hidden rooms, revolutionary statues, and more. Here are our favourite Kanazawa shrines – and what to look out for when you visit them.
How to Spend One Day in Kanazawa
If you only have one day to spend in Kanazawa, how should you spend it? Here’s my guide to making the most of your time.
Where to Stay in Kanazawa
Kanazawa is a fairly big city with a lot to do, so where should you base yourself? We pinpoint the best areas to stay in and suggest some excellent hotels to check out in each of them.
5 Hands-On Craft Experiences Not to Miss in Kanazawa
Kanazawa is one of the best places in Japan to visit if you enjoy crafts. The history of the city means it became home to many artisans, and it boasts a long history of making pottery, working with gold leaf and other crafts. And today there are a whole heap of classes and workshops that you can take as a tourist to learn their skills. Like these….