Summary
- Start
Nagoya - Finish
Kanazawa - Mileage
Total 600km
150km per day - Travel Pace
Normal - Onsen Stay
Max.2 nights - Recommended Seasons
All year round
It is a one-way itinerary from Nagoya to Kanazawa. Due to standard mileage, you can travel at a normal pace.
Nagoya – Gero(Sample)
Start: Nagoya (名古屋)
Finish: Gero (下呂)
Mileage:140㎞
Travel Pace: Normal
On this day you are heading from Nagoya to Gero.
1
Inn in Nagoya
2
Nagoya Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
4 348 423What is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_44971905_M-1024x682.jpg)
9:10
The first destination is [Nagoya Castle], which is famous for the golden Shachihoko(imaginary creature) statue on the roof. Nagoya Castle is recommended not only for its huge and majestic exterior but also for its interior, such as the ceiling and fusuma paintings inside the Honmaru Palace.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_48487779_M-1024x682.jpg)
40 min
3
Inuyama Castle
Parking MAPCODE:
70 157 834What is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_75216870_M-1024x682.jpg)
10:50
Next, you will head to [Inuyama Castle] on the south bank of the Kiso River. Inuyama Castle is known as the original castle tower, and Japan’s oldest castle tower is designated a national treasure. On the way from the parking lot to the castle, there is also Haritsuna Shrine and Sanko Inari Shrine with red torii gates, so you can enjoy a walk.
50 min
4
Miyachika
Parking MAPCODE:
289 413 044*37What is MAPCODE?
12:45
After visiting the Inuyama Castle, why not stop by a restaurant called [Miyachika], which boasts natural Gujo sweetfish, for lunch? The front glass is wide and open, and the feeling of liberation is outstanding. From the beginning of August to the end of October, you can also experience picking sweetfish on a bamboo gimmick called Yanaba in Nagaragawa river. Also recommended for children.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/896_飛騨はぎわら観光ヤナ20220812ミヤチカの写真内から岐阜観光協会からイメージとして落とした-中-1024x679.jpg)
Sweetfish picking experience in Miyachika
25 min
5
Gujo Hachiman
Parking MAPCODE:
289 895 728*50What is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_76022157_M-1024x682.jpg)
14:10
After that, the highlight of the day is [Gujo Hachiman]. Spring waters and waterways spread out in the old townscape designated as an important traditional buildings preservation district of the country, and it has a wonderful atmosphere. There are many attractions such as Sogi-sui, Yanaka-Mizu no Komichi, Igawa Komichi, and Gujo Hachiman Castle, so it is recommended that you spend as much time as possible in Gujo Hachiman.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pixta_41362919_M-1024x682.jpg)
60 min
6
Inn in Gero
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/20160613-164716-00-800-1024x768.jpg)
16:40
On this day you are staying at Gero Onsen. Here, enjoy Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture, which is called one of “the best three springs in Japan” along with Arima in Hyogo Prefecture and Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture. Local gourmet foods such as Hida beef, Hoba miso, and soba are also attractive.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pixta_59927015_M譛エ闡牙袖蝎・螟ァ-1024x769.jpg)
There is one of the world’s largest rose gardens, [Gifu World Rose Garden], on the way to the spot on this day. You can enjoy flowers such as roses, sunflowers, and cosmos all year round. The rose season (mid-May-early June, late October-early November) is especially recommended.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_1486440_M-1024x682.jpg)
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Gero town(下呂) which is the nationally famous Onsen town. The inns are spread over a wide area around Gero Station.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities. - Parking
Most inns will offer free parking. - Onsen
This town is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are few restaurants in this area and be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.
Gero – Takayama🔒
Start: Gero (下呂)
Finish: Takayama (高山)
Mileage:90km
Travel Pace: Relax
On this day you will head from Gero to Takayama.
1
Inn in Gero
Parking MAPCODE:
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10:00
The mileage is as short as 90km, so it is a day when you can travel comfortably.
In the east of Gero Onsen Town, the [Ideyu Morning Market] is held every morning from mid-March to early December, so nice to stop by.
80 min
2
Hida Furukawa
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![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_42537304_M-1024x682.jpg)
11:20
The first destination is [Hida Furukawa] town after passing Takayama. This is the Town of White-Walled Storehouses. There isn’t much to see along the road to Hida Furukawa, so let’s move around for about 1 hour and 20 minutes without stopping.
You can enjoy a leisurely stroll while gazing at the traditional white-walled storehouses that stand along the river. Hida Furukawa Station is also famous as the setting for the anime “Your Name.”
15 min
3
Utsue 48 Waterfalls
Parking MAPCODE:
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![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_66530088_M-1024x683.jpg)
12:30
Next, we recommend going to [Utsue Forty-eight Waterfall]. The various waterfalls are wonderful, and in the fall you can enjoy the collaboration between the waterfall and the autumn leaves (mid-October-early November).
30 min
4
Inn in Takayama
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pixta_59927015_M譛エ闡牙袖蝎・螟ァ-1024x769.jpg)
14:00
On this day, you are staying at [Hida Takayama], the center of the Hida region where you can feel the history and culture. If you book inn near Old town, it is good idea to check-in your inn first.
After checking in at the hotel, let’s take a leisurely stroll around the old town.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Beef1-2-1024x682.jpg)
5
Takayama Old Town
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
If your inn is located far from old town, please use above MAPCODE.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_79528021_M-中-1024x683.jpg)
15:00
After check-in, enjoy walking in the [Takayama Old Town] called “Little Kyoto”. The appearance of castle towns and commercial towns in the Edo period (1603-1868) is preserved. Shopping while looking at the old cityscape, a tour of the sake brewery, eating Hida beef, minced meat cutlet, pudding, etc. are fun, and time passes in no time.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pixta_26503715_M鬮伜アア鬟溘∋豁ゥ縺阪Γ繝ウ繝√き繝・さ繝ュ繝・こ-螟ァ-1024x669.jpg)
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_9330-中-1024x683.jpg)
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pixta_46547026_Medit-1024x682.jpg)
Please drop in at [Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan]. The stalls used at the nationally famous Takayama Festival are always on display.
5 min
The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Driving-Map-closed-1024x769.png)
On this day, you will stay in Takayama(高山) city which is famous for its old townscape.
Many inns are concentrated between Takayama station and Miyagawa river.
- Inn Type
There are a variety of inns like 3-star western-style hotels and 5-star Japanese Ryokans. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Luxury Ryokans provides free parking. But middle-range hotels may ask you to park in a nearby public paid parking lot. - Onsen
Many of the inns provide Onsen. However, some western-style hotels don’t have it. - Meal Plan Reservations
There are many restaurants in and around the hotel for dinner, so please make reservations according to your preference.
Takayama – Toyama🔒
Start: Takayama (高山)
Finish: Toyama (富山)
Mileage:200km
Travel Pace: Fast
On this day, you will head from Takayama to Toyama. You will visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, the biggest highlight of the Chubu area!
1
Inn in Takayama
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
7:00
The mileage is as long as 200km, and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route requires about 5-9 hours. We recommend that you leave as early in the morning as possible and leave by about 8 o’clock at the latest.
90 min
2
Jinzukyo Gorge
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_63435786_M-1024x683.jpg)
8:30
On the way to Tateyama, there is [Jinzukyo Gorge] where you can enjoy the beauty of the gorge created by the flow of the Jinzu River. The fresh green of spring and the autumn leaves (late October-late November) are especially beautiful and recommended stopover spots.
50 min
3
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route(Tateyama Station)
Parking MAPCODE:
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![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pixta_43397519_M-中-1024x683.jpg)
9:30
You will reach the biggest highlight of the day, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
Please park at the Tateyama station and set off on a trip along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. You can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the mountains of the Northern Alps, Mikurigaike pond, and alpine plants. Speaking of the alpine route, “Yuki-no-Otani” (snow wall) is very famous, which approaches about 20m in height and is very powerful.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_73141252_M-1024x682.jpg)
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_53590581_M-1024x682.jpg)
The Alpine Route is a road that connects Tateyama Station in Toyama Prefecture to Ogisawa in Nagano Prefecture with six types of vehicles such as cable cars, but it takes too long to complete the itinerary for this day when going to the Nagano side. It is recommended that you park at Tateyama Station, the first station of the cable car, transfer vehicles, go to Murodo or Daikanbo and return to Tateyama Station.
Course | Time required |
Tateyama Station-Murodo round trip | 5-6 hours (1 hour lunch included) |
Tateyama Station-Daikanbo round trip | 6-7 hours (1 hour lunch included) |
Tateyama Station-Kurobe Dam round trip |
8-9 hours (1 hour lunch included) |
Modes of Transportation
70 min
Use the Expressway (E8) to reduce travel time.
4
Zuiryuji Temple
Parking MAPCODE:
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![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_39618996_M-1024x682.jpg)
16:30
After enjoying the nature of Tateyama, head to Zuiryuji Temple, which has a majestic and beautiful appearance where the financial strength of the former feudal lord can be seen.
45 min
5
Inn in Toyama
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pixta_2311169_M富山ブラック-大-1024x683.jpg)
18:00
Toyama, where you stay on this day, has many hotels on the south side of Toyama Station, and there are many restaurants in the surrounding area. Enjoy local gourmet food such as Toyama black ramen, Himi udon, and Masuzushi, as well as delicious fish and sake.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Driving-Map-closed-1024x769.png)
On this day, you will stay in Toyama city(富山).
The inns are concentrated on the south side of Toyama Station.
- Inn Type
Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star western-style hotels. - Parking
Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Toyama – Kanazawa🔒
Start: Toyama (富山)
Finish: Kanazawa (金沢)
Mileage:170km
Travel Pace: Normal
You are heading from Toyama to Kanazawa on this day. It is a day to fully enjoy the world heritage Shirakawago, Gokayama, which is one of the highlights of the Central Japan.
1
Inn in Toyama
Parking MAPCODE:
9:00
The mileage is 170km, which is a little long, but the Expressway section is fast, so you can enjoy it without rushing.
80 min
2
Gokayama Ainokura Village
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_75786513_M-1024x682.jpg)
10:10
First, you will go to [Ainokura Village] in Gokayama town, a World Heritage Site.
Although it is smaller than Shirakawago Village, there are few tourists, and you can feel the original scenery of Japan with gassho-style houses.
40 min
It is recommended to drive NOT expressway(E41) but the normal route156 from Gokayama village to Shirakawago Village. The travel time is almost the same and you can drive scenic mountain roads.
Both Shirakawago and Gokayama have restaurants housed in Gassho-Zukuri buildings, allowing you to enjoy lunch while experiencing the unique history and culture of these world heritages.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/IMG_0930-中-1024x683.jpg)
3
Shirakawago Village
Parking MAPCODE:
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![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_71547286_M-1024x683.jpg)
11:50
The first destination is [Shirakawago Village].
In Shirakawago Village, general vehicles are not allowed to enter the center of the village. Please park your car in the Village-run Seseragi Park parking lot, cross the river, and stroll through the village while looking at the gassho-style houses. You can also see the inside of typical houses, so be sure to visit them.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/pixta_53920795_M-1024x683.jpg)
The Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory on the hill is a great spot with a panoramic view of Shirakawago Village. You can go on foot or by car, so be sure to visit.
70 min
4
Kenrokuen Garden
Parking MAPCODE:
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![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_45523834_M-1024x682.jpg)
14:30
After enjoying the World Heritage Sites, head to Kanazawa, a small Kyoto in the Hokuriku region. It’s about 45km, 1 hour drive. At the beginning of Kanazawa, please go to [Kenrokuen Garden], which is widely known as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. It is a wonderful garden where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons and has been awarded three stars by Michelin Green Guide Japan.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_61434514_M-1024x682.jpg)
The cherry blossoms (Bgn April) and autumn leaves (Bgn November-End November) in Kenrokuen are especially recommended.
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_73581068_M-1024x683.jpg)
Next to Kenrokuen, there is [Kanazawa Castle], which was the residence of the feudal lord of this area during the Edo period (1603-1868). It is currently maintained as a park, and the turrets and stone walls make you feel the history.
10 min
5
Higashi Chaya District
Parking MAPCODE:
🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/pixta_72752512_M-1024x682.jpg)
16:10
If you have time, stop by [Higashi Chaya District]. This is also one of the popular tourist spots in Kanazawa, and you can see the teahouse-style buildings that have been selected as important traditional buildings preservation district of the country.
10 min
6
Inn in Kanazawa
Parking MAPCODE:
Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?
17:30
You are staying in Kanazawa on this day. In Kanazawa, there are many hotels around Kanazawa Station and Kanazawa Castle, and there are also many restaurants. Please try local gourmet food such as phantom high-class fish “Nodoguro”, crab, and Kanazawa oden.
The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.
On this day, you will stay in Kanazawa city(金沢).
The inns are concentrated on the east side of Kanazawa Station.
- Inn Type
There are a variety of inns like 3-star western-style hotels and 5-star Japanese Ryokans. Please book at your preferred type of inn. - Parking
Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately. - Onsen
There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens. - Meal Plan Reservations
As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.
Unlock MAPCODE & Maps
We provide “Travel Kit” to make your journey much more attractive.
- Get “Hidden Gems” info along this itinerary
- Maximize travel time by parking MAPCODE for all spots
- Discover local delicacies with Restaurants List
Hotel&Car Booking
- Highly recommended to book a rental car first to book hotels with special discounts.
- Book hotels. Recommend hotels have parking and convenient locations for dining and strolling. Selected hotels can be booked with a single payment.
With rental car booking number, you can book hotels with exclusive discounts(Avg.18%, Max45% OFF)!
Rental Car Booking
Please rent a car with below “Rentalcars.com” link.
- The abundant number of rental cars
- Price comparisons with several major car rental companies
- Free cancellation
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/rentalcars.jpg)
Pick-up & Drop-off Location Guide
- Pick-up
- Chubu Centrair International Airport
The main international airport in Central Japan. Recommended for Pick-up.
If you arrive after 13:00, consider staying overnight around the airport or in Nagoya and departing the next morning.
It takes 30-60 min to Nagoya station by train and 45 min by car. - Nagoya City
The capital of Aichi Prefecture and the 3rd biggest city in Japan. Most car rental shops are located around Nagoya Station.
Nagoya Station, a Shinkansen stop, and downtown Sakae Station are only 5 min by train.
- Chubu Centrair International Airport
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RentalcarMap-Nagoya-1024x765.jpg)
- Drop-off
- Kanazawa city
Recommended for travelers who will take Shinkansen. Most car rental shops are located westside of Kanazawa Station. - Komatsu airport
30km away from Kanazawa city. 70 minutes from Kanazawa by train, 40 minutes by car.
- Kanazawa city
![](https://orion-artemis.drivejapan.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/RentalcarMap-Kanazawa-1024x765.jpg)
Important reminder for renting a car
- GPS(Car Navigation System)
MAPCODE from Drive Japan navigates you precisely to the parking lot. GPS from major car rental companies(Nippon, ORIX, Nissan, Times) are always MAPCODE compatible. However, if you are renting a car from another company, we recommend that you check with the rental company after making a reservation, just to be sure. - One-way Rental
Please note that one-way charge from Nagoya to Kanazawa is about JPY25,000 per car. - Child Seat
In Japan, the use of a child safety seat or baby seat is mandatory for children under 5 years old.
Be sure to request one from “Extras”. - Snow Tire
If you travel from the end of November to the end of March, you must book a car with snow tires.