Delicious food, Beautiful Scenery: Explore Central Japan like a Local with the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass! [Part 1]

Who else misses Japan? Let’s keep optimistic and hope for leisure journey to renew quickly. For now, let your creativeness wander by way of the underrated Central Japan Area with this in depth information ready by native Japanese buddies. 

To really expertise Japan like a neighborhood, taking public transport is the way in which to go. Discover the Central Japan area with the Takayama-Hokuriku Space Vacationer Go to get pleasure from 5 days of limitless rides on designated JR standard and restricted categorical trains, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and buses throughout the Central Area. 

Right here’s a 5-day itinerary that can assist you get probably the most worth out of your Takayama-Hokuriku Go:

DAY 1

Nagoya Marriott Associa Resort  

For max comfort, think about staying at this luxurious resort which is immediately linked to the JR Nagoya station. This resort has rave evaluations for its breakfast station which serves native dishes from Kishimen, Miso Katsu or the uncommon discover Roasted Pork Ham from Mikawa, Aichi Prefecture. All freshly made and served!

Nagoya-meshi (Kishimen) 

Make sure to attempt one among Nagoya’s specialty cuisines – kishimen. Kishimen is a noodle dish identified for its hirauchi (flattened) noodles made out of wheat flour, water, and salt. Nevertheless, don’t be fooled as not all flattened noodle dishes are thought-about kishimen. By Japanese requirements, noodles with a width wider than 4.5mm and thickness of lower than 2.0mm may be referred to as kishimen. 

For individuals who usually are not a fan of miso, kishimen can be loved with pasta sauce, sizzling soup, or cooled, identical to common udon. 

Café Gentiane (Piyorin)  

Positioned in JR Nagoya Station, Cafe Gentiane is dwelling to the lovely and scrumptious chick-shaped Piyorin cake with pudding inside.

Every of the muffins is handmade utilizing Nagoya Cochin eggs below the skillful arms of the artisans. At this retailer, one can select to attempt instantly at their café or convey again dwelling to get pleasure from. One cake is at round ¥380.

Positioned on the ninth and tenth ground of the JR Gate Tower is Bic Digital camera. Bic Digital camera has a wide array of electronics, sport software program, and even alcoholic drinks obtainable for buy.

If within the temper for searching for garments, simply go up one ground to get to Uniqlo, and its barely cheaper-priced sister firm, GU, to begin rocking that Japanese-style trend!

*Be aware: Depart your baggage at resort and decide them up earlier than transferring to Takayama

Nagoya TV Tower and Hisaya Odori Park 

From Nagoya Station, take a 10-minute subway experience to see the Nagoya TV Tower. The tower was initially constructed to mark the reconstruction of town after the second world warfare and to advertise tourism and TV broadcasting in Nagoya on the time. In 2005, it was acknowledged as one among Japan’s tangible cultural properties, a recognition given to tangible cultural merchandise that possess excessive historic, inventive, and tutorial worth to Japan.

After being renovated, from the tip of September 2020 the huge space close to Nagoya TV Tower, Hisaya Odori Park, has change into probably the most modern and inventive spot in Nagoya Metropolis. Spend a leisurely afternoon right here café-hopping, do some purchasing or simply benefit from the greenery with the long-lasting Nagoya TV Tower within the background.

DAY 2

Shinhotaka Ropeway 

Shinhotaka Ropeway is the one double-decker ropeway in Japan the place you may view the magnificent Japanese Alps Mountain Vary.

On the rooftop observatory deck situated within the higher station (Nishihotakaguchi Station) at an altitude of round 2,156 meters, you may get pleasure from a 360-degree panoramic view of the encircling mountains and valleys! Merely Gorgeous! 

There's additionally a bakery situated on the 2nd ground of Shirakabadaira Station the place you may eat a crispy croissant and revel in a cup of sizzling drink.

Takayama Historic District（Takayama Furui Machinami）

Within the afternoon, go for a stroll across the Takayama Historic District. Positioned close to the Miyagawa River, the previous city of preserved and restored buildings that remained from the Edo interval permits you to soak in a historic ambiance with darkish wooden and white-washed warehouse partitions.

Feeling peckish? Attempt the Hida Beef Nigiri or Hida beef skewers.

Hida beef

Whereas within the Central Japan area, it's best to attempt the well-known Hida beef. Hida beef refers back to the Kuroge Wagyu breed of cattle raised in Gifu Prefecture identified for its prime quality, with stunning marbling, coloration, texture, and style. It's mentioned to be among the finest beef manufacturers in Japan so it's positively a must-try delicacy.

“But I can’t afford such a high-class beef”

Oh, however you may! In Takayama, you may have a Hida beef croquette for as little as 250 yen! Hida beef may be loved in a steamed bun, broiled skewer, or as sushi. 

From Takayama Station, you may take a direct bus to Shirakawa-go Village, which might be the preferred vacation spot within the Central Japan area. You may get the bus tickets from the Nohi Bus Heart proper subsequent to Takayama Station.

Shirakawa-go 

A must-see UNESCO World Heritage Website within the Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is known for its conventional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, whose roofs are constructed at a steep angle to permit heavy snow to fall off simply in winter. Whereas largely identified for the snow-covered homes throughout winter, Shirakawa-go affords great views in each season so be certain that to go to this place throughout completely different instances of the yr to really feel every season’s distinctive allure. 

A five-minute shuttle experience for 200 yen (one-way) or a 25-minute stroll up the mountain will lead you to an statement deck overlooking the entire space. That is the place the place many well-known Instagramer bought their breathtaking footage of the village.

Takaoka Metropolis

That is the hometown of Fujiko F. Fujio, father of Doraemon. You possibly can take the Doraemon Tram right here.  

Toyama Bay Sushi (Dinner) 

Toyama is situated close to the ocean and is subsequently plentiful with recent seafood merchandise. Don’t miss to benefit from the freshest elements that landed immediately from the ocean at one of many eating places situated on Toyama Bay. Try  iki-zushi氷見寿司, common with locals. One of many must-try dishes is the white shrimp (Shiro-ebi). They're sweeter and far smaller than the traditional ones. 

Observe the Itinerary for Day 3 to five right here!