Exploring Kanazawa and Gifu: A Journey through Shirakawa-go and Hida-Takayama
Join me on a remarkable journey through Kanazawa and Gifu, where we explored the picturesque streets, enjoyed local cuisine, and visited the world heritage site of Shirakawa-go along with the historic town of Hida-Takayama. This trip was truly fulfilling, and now I’ll share the memories of our adventure!
Day 1: From Tokyo to Kanazawa – A Satisfying Night with Sushi and Oden
In the evening, we boarded the “Kagayaki” Shinkansen departing from Tokyo Station at 17:04. The scenic 2.5-hour ride, with mesmerizing views from the train window, flew by in no time, and we arrived at Kanazawa Station at 19:38. The station itself was spacious and had a stylish ambiance, filling us with excitement for the journey ahead!
To kick things off, we headed to “Kōbei Sushi” to savor Kanazawa’s fresh seafood. This renowned local restaurant lived up to its reputation, and we ordered nigiri sushi. Every bite of the fish, from nodoguro to amaebi, was incredibly fresh and melted in our mouths, offering an exquisite taste of the Sea of Japan.🐟🍣
After our delightful sushi dinner, we wanted to enjoy a bit more of Kanazawa’s night scene and headed to an izakaya that serves oden. Kanazawa’s specialty oden, featuring items like “kuruma-fu” (a type of wheat gluten) and well-marinated daikon, was absolutely delicious. The warm oden and local sake were the perfect combination to combat the chilly night, making for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Accommodation: Dormy Inn Kanazawa Natural Hot Spring
We stayed at the “Dormy Inn Kanazawa Natural Hot Spring,” where the top floor features an onsen (hot spring). It was the perfect place to unwind and soothe our travel fatigue. With a sauna also available, we fully rejuvenated and felt refreshed.
Day 2: Exploring Shirakawa-go and Hida-Takayama – Enjoying Stunning Scenery and Street Food
In the morning, we rented a car at Kanazawa Station and headed to the world heritage site of Shirakawa-go. The drive, surrounded by mountains and nature, took about an hour and a half. The scenic route was breathtaking, and our spirits were high from the start! The parking area was a bit crowded, so we were glad we set out early.
Upon arrival at Shirakawa-go, we were greeted by the sight of the gassho-zukuri (thatched-roof) houses that made us feel like we had stepped into a fairy tale. Everywhere we walked, the scenery was picture-perfect, and we couldn’t resist taking numerous photos.
The best part of our visit here was definitely sampling the local street food! Here are some of the highlights:
Soft Serve Ice Cream: The rich, creamy milk flavor was simply irresistible!
Beef Skewers: Grilled over charcoal, the Hida beef was juicy and flavorful!
Gohei Mochi: The sweet and savory miso glaze added a delightful touch, making it a must-try!
After thoroughly enjoying Shirakawa-go, we set off for our next destination, Hida-Takayama. The drive took about an hour, and upon arrival, we took a leisurely stroll through the town. We then visited the “Takayama Jinya,” an impressive building that exuded the historical atmosphere of the Edo period. As a former government office, it retained the ambiance of its administrative role in those times.
Before heading back, we also enjoyed a bite of Hida beef sushi. The tender, flavorful beef was a delightful end to our visit.
For dinner, we returned to Kanazawa and enjoyed a meal at the much-anticipated “Kappō Murai.” Dishes like deep-fried pufferfish and nodoguro shabu-shabu were all incredibly delicious, perfectly complemented by local sake, Tedorigawa. It was a luxurious and indulgent evening.
Day 3: Exploring Kanazawa’s Landmarks and Enjoying Sake – A Perfect Day
We began the day with breakfast at Omicho Market, savoring a delicious kaisendon (seafood bowl). Indulging in fresh fish first thing in the morning was pure bliss, and being able to choose only our favorite toppings made it even better!🦀😋🦪
From there, we headed to Higashi Chaya District.
We strolled through the streets of the Higashi Chaya District, which still retain the charm of the Edo period. We took a break at “Kaikaro” to enjoy iced coffee ☕️ and also toured the building. One of the highlights was the Golden Tea Room, which dazzled us with its radiant splendor.
Next, we went to “Chaya Bijin” to search for souvenirs. The shop was filled with various Japanese-style goods and sweets, making the souvenir shopping experience delightful!
Additionally, we experienced a sake tasting, sampling various types of Japanese sake. We also purchased some snacks to enjoy back home, allowing us to relive the travel vibes even after the trip.🍶
Next, it was time to explore some historical spots:
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History: Gaining a deeper understanding of Kanazawa’s culture.
Kanazawa Castle Ruins: Feeling the grandeur of the remnants of this magnificent castle.
Fukuten Udon: Enjoying a warm lunch with delicious udon.
Kenrokuen Garden: Relishing the beauty of this picturesque garden in every season.
Strolling Through Kaga Hyakumangoku Maeda Clan History: Immersing ourselves in the rich history of the Maeda family.
After a day full of walking, it was time to relax. We enjoyed a soothing massage to unwind. For our last dinner, we treated ourselves to French cuisine at “A la Ferme de Shinjiro.” The calm and elegant atmosphere was the perfect way to conclude our trip, and we were thoroughly satisfied! The wine from Kanazawa Winery paired wonderfully with our meal and was absolutely delicious.🍷
Day 4: Refreshing with a Marathon and Onsen – Enjoying Every Moment Until the End of Our Trip
On the last day, we participated in the “Komatsu Kanzeon Marathon” early in the morning! Running in a new destination felt refreshing and invigorating. 🏃➡️
After the run, we had lunch at “Gyoza Saikan,” where we enjoyed delicious gyoza and recharged our tired bodies! We then spent a relaxing time at the onsen in APA Hotel, thoroughly soothing our travel fatigue.
To conclude our trip, we enjoyed the fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan one last time at a sushi restaurant near Kanazawa Station. We then boarded the “Kagayaki” Shinkansen departing at 15:57 for Tokyo. While reminiscing about our journey on the train, we found ourselves arriving back in Tokyo before we knew it.
Summary: A Three-Day Journey Fully Enjoying the Charms of Hokuriku and Hida!
During this trip, we had a fantastic time with:
- The delicious seafood and historical streets of Kanazawa.
- The stunning scenery and local cuisine of Shirakawa-go.
- The charming townscape and Hida beef in Hida-Takayama.
- Refreshing ourselves with a marathon and onsen.
Each destination, whether Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, or Takayama, had its own unique charm and was a wonderful place to visit. We were thoroughly satisfied with our packed itinerary! Next time, we hope to see the snowy winter landscape of Shirakawa-go… We definitely want to visit again.
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