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The thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go under snow

Cities and regions · The Japanese Alps

The Alps, the other Japan

Gardens, thatched farmhouses and a wooden castle keep.

The Alps at a glancein central Honshu

Takayama, Kanazawatwo bases, with hot spring baths

Nohi BusTakayama – Shirakawa-go – Kanazawa: book ahead

19,800 ¥the Takayama-Hokuriku pass, 5 days

April → Novemberthe Alpine Route and Kamikochi

01
Kanazawa
Kenroku-en garden, free early in the morning; the Kaikaro teahouse; Omicho market. The 21st Century Museum is set to close for works from May 6, 2027 to March 2028.
Kenroku-en 320 ¥Kaikaro 750 ¥
02
Shirakawa-go
114 thatched-roof houses, still lived in. Illuminations on January 11, 17, 24 and 31, 2027, by reservation only.
2 to 3 hr visitNohi Bus 2,800 ¥Minkaen museum 800 ¥
03
Takayama
Wooden merchant houses, a morning market every day along the Miya River. Festivals on April 14–15 and October 9–10.
market from 7 amJinya 500 ¥Hida no Sato 700 ¥
04
Matsumoto Castle
The oldest surviving five-tiered wooden keep: about 140 steep steps. About 2 hr 40 from Shinjuku on the Azusa express.
1,200 ¥ online1,300 ¥ at the gate8:30 am – 5 pm