Nagoya, Shirakawa-Go & Takayama Trip Review: Is It Worth It?

So, planning a trip that includes Nagoya, Hida Takayama, and the incredibly famed Shirakawa-Go? You, too, are probably trying to figure out if seeing these places is worth your time and cash. I mean, it’s a bit of a haul to get to all three, right? Hopefully, I can share my experiences that give you some help in making the best decision for your next vacation!

Why Visit Nagoya? A City with a Surprising Amount to Offer

At first glance, Nagoya may seem, just a little, like another major Japanese industrial city. Actually, you, too, might be thinking, “Is it basically just a stopover on the way to someplace way more appealing?” Well, Nagoya might just really pleasantly surprise you. It certainly took me by surprise in some respects!

You will soon see, if you visit, that the city definitely offers its fair share of things that grab your attention. Nagoya Castle, also, is very famous – arguably it’s the main reason some folks stop here. That said, it’s a reconstruction, because the war damaged the original. Still, the place provides such an absorbing peek into the history of the region. Honestly, those golden dolphins on the roof? Totally iconic, really. You’ve absolutely gotta get a snapshot of those!

For people interested in trains, and especially bullet trains, the Railway Museum actually has a wonderful, expansive collection. You’ll see, actually, some very early locomotives. It’s really a celebration of the country’s railway technology. We were all surprised at how long we spent at the museum. I mean, basically, if you are interested in locomotion and anything related to vehicles this museum would be right up your street! The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology shows, too, a piece of local industry in Japan. And, this will take longer than you think because it is so absorbing!

What is arguably, the best part of visiting a Japanese city is exploring the culinary treats. In fact, Nagoya has some tasty things it’s particularly known for, which is also very interesting. Hitsumabushi, that’s grilled eel on rice, is incredibly good! Miso-katsu, a pork cutlet that has this super tasty miso sauce, also tasted incredible. So, food is, arguably, enough of a reason all on its own to spend some time here.

Hida Takayama: The Charm of Old Japan

Now, that is interesting: Hida Takayama. Actually, it gives a completely different feel compared to Nagoya. Really, the vibe here is much more traditional. Sometimes, you might almost feel like you’ve stepped back into the Edo period, which is so very interesting. Its Old Town, basically, has wooden buildings still standing tall. These locations now actually host a number of shops, sake breweries, plus coffeehouses.

Wandering through, actually, the streets you will find yourself tasting local sake. In some respects, you will also notice intricate crafts being created. Then you should definitely stop to enjoy some Hida beef, since it truly is unbelievably tasty. In some respects, this place feels miles away from the big cities, that is.

Don’t forget, too, that Takayama Jinya, the former government building, will probably be high on your list. Its the single such complex to survive to this very day! To me, too it’s almost unbelievable. Also, the morning markets, honestly, are somewhere you really shouldn’t miss. The smells, too it’s almost unbelievable. All those sights, too it’s almost unbelievable. And yes, the sounds are, too it’s almost unbelievable. Seriously, too it’s almost unbelievable and must be seen. And that also applies if you do not usually shop for fresh goods on vacation. The colours really make a big impression as the goods are put on display. The morning market really provides such a snapshot of daily life. But just make sure you get there early so it is easier to make your way through!

Shirakawa-Go: A Glimpse into a Fairytale Village

So, finally, there is Shirakawa-Go. Actually, this UNESCO World Heritage site may have very well been what put this whole trip on your radar. The village is known for its gassho-style farmhouses. Basically, these buildings have steeply pitched roofs, since those roofs help to withstand, just a little, the weight from really heavy snow during the winter.

Viewing this area from the observatory is an absolutely classic photo op! In many respects the view definitely looks spectacular during any season. Even though the winter, honestly, has a particularly stunning vibe to it. Inside many of these houses you’ll see they operate as museums and even as places where people can actually stay! They definitely provide some insight into how life was lived way back in old times.

It may be that the village attracts huge numbers of visitors. The visitors also are from many parts of the world! You’ll also find it a completely appealing and an exceptional place. But in any event I recommend arriving there quite early to attempt and try and miss those larger tour groups.

Getting Around: Transportation Tips

So, figuring out how best to get around these destinations basically makes or breaks your travel experience. To illustrate, let’s have a look at the specifics.

From Nagoya to Takayama: I mean, basically, the train is a great idea. That is so true! That really works out conveniently. Arguably the train goes straight there. Then, just sit down! Actually, it takes around two and a half hours. And with that Japan Rail Pass you can arguably reduce those travel costs. A point often overlooked is to purchase your train ticket early. As the seats sometimes fill up faster than you expect. So if you can reserve it in advance! That could work.

Takayama to Shirakawa-Go: And in this area, buses really can fill the gaps. You may find they link both locations up. It actually takes you around fifty minutes and usually this journey runs a frequent service. The advantage for your travel budget is these buses don’t cost too much at all. To be certain on journey specifics you really should try booking it ahead of time.

Within each location: Once you get where you want to be you really will then find those smaller districts, usually easy enough, that are suited so much to exploration by strolling! To point out even further those towns give themselves up so beautifully to wandering that is great on foot.

Is the Trip Worth It? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Now that you understand what is good about it let us come to some sense and discuss some balanced points here.

Pros: In this trip what are the cultural rewards like? First you must remember you get so much from some very historic places in some unique regions that each area really delivers so many unforgettable snapshots. What about travel related things like food? Of course! Basically it gives you some awesome food too. Because arguably eating local is one of the biggest benefits you could ever hope for from Japanese cooking when on your holidays.

Cons: Sometimes time really does seem like a constraint! Even a well laid out travel itinerary really can seem too fast when you hop around a bunch of cities. It could be that transport fees sometimes, too it’s almost, becomes more pricey so a pass should be carefully considered.

Ultimately whether that entire circuit is worth your hard earned funds hinges quite heavily, more or less, around whether the rewards really outweigh such constraints! Usually speaking it all turns out awesome particularly once that preparation proves solid alongside how much importance a traveller usually places for themselves, actually. Just like personal tastes too.