How to go from Takayama to Kanazawa ?

Published on : 20/09/2017
by : Japan Experience

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Kanazawa, Ishikawa
©Vladimir Haltakov, unsplash

Limited Express Wide View and Hokuriku Shinkansen

First take a Limited Express (Wide View) Hida train from Takayama to Toyama and then jump on a Hokuriku Shinkansen from Toyama through to Kanazawa. The mountain scenery between Takayama and Toyama is breathtaking.

Travel with the wide view Hida Train

On this journey you will have to make a change in Toyama as there are no through services between Takayama and Kanazawa. You should take a Limited Express (Wide View) Hida train from Takayama to Toyama and then jump on a Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tsurugi or Hakutaka) from Toyama through to Kanazawa.

The mountain scenery between Takayama and Toyama is breathtaking.

0 KM - Takayama station

15 km - 0H14 - Hida-Furukawa station

If Takayama is too big and bustling for you (this can only happen during the Takayama Festival), then Hida‑Furukawa is a great alternative in which to base yourself and also boasts a lot of preserved buildings.

53 km - 0H50 - Inotani station

A station deep in the mountains, opened in 1930.

72 km - 1H09 - Etchuyatsuo station

The first station as we start to come out of the mountains and hit the coastal plain on the north side of Japan.

89 km - 1H26 - Toyama station

If gardens are the reason you are heading to Kanazawa, then Toyama Botanical Gardens are a 20-minute taxi ride from Toyama Station.

108 km - 1h47 - Takaoka station

A port city famous for bronze production. If you have time, you can head north for 20 minutes on the train to Amaharashi, where you can see the beaches of Toyama with the Tateyama mountain range behind.

167 km - 2H05 - Kanazawa station

Discover Kanazawa

What to see ?

Kenrokuen

One of the best gardens in Japan and, unfortunately,it is not a secret. The crowds here can really detract from theatmosphere so get there early if you can, to enjoy a little peaceand tranquility. It is said to have the perfect combinationof the six attributes of a garden: spaciousness, seclusion,artificiality, antiquity, abundant water and broad views.

Open daily, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Oct. to Feb.), ¥310

21st Century Museum Of Contemporary Art

Close to Kenrokuen is a building that is worth a visit in itself, the art withinis a bonus. The modern, circular building invites you to approachfrom any direction and is set in a landscaped garden.Open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed on Mondays, fees can vary.

Nagamachi Samurai District

This is one of the bestpreserved areas of residences that have been turned into stores,museums and been restored as close to the originals as possible.The cobbled streets give this area a true old world feel and makeit a great place to have a wander.

Where to Stay ?

Sumiyoshiya Ryokan すみよしや旅館

Located very closeto the famous Kenrokuen garden and the Omi-cho fish marketis the 300-year-old ryokan (with one of the longest histories inKanazawa) The small inn is run by a very charming lady, inclinedto share her love for Kanazawa. Enjoy a simple yet relaxing stay.54 Jukken-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0906

Tel : 07-6221-0157 / sumiyoshiya-ryokan.com

Kanazawa Chaya 金沢茶屋

A few minutes by foot fromKanazawa Station. A charming Japanese ryokan with beautifulJapanese style rooms. Enjoy delicous fresh seafood and seasonalvegetables.2-17-21 Honmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0853

Tel : 07-6231-2225 / https://www.chayaryokan.co.jp/

Where to eat ?

Hizuki 日月

A popular and delicious izakaya that serves typicalKanazawa dishes and local vegetables. From the east exit ofKanazawa Station, head north up the main road. At the fork in theroad, turn left. Hizuki will be immediately on your left.

Open daily, 5 p.m. to midnight.

Tel : 07-6263-5858 / www.hizuki.jp

Akame Sushi あかめ寿司

An affordable sushi joint that alsoserves many cooked seafood dishes as well. From the east exit ofKanazawa Station, go straight and take the second left. AkameSushi is on the right, past the first intersection.

Open daily, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. except for the 2nd and 4th Thur. of each month.

Tel : 07-6263-9787 / www.akamesushi.com

Getting around

Once in Kanazawa, a JR bus line covered by the Japan Rail Pass connects Kanazawa Station to the beautiful garden Kenrokuen. An other convenient line to discover the city is the Kanazawa Loop Bus.

Discover Wakura Onsen

From Kanazawa 6 trains a day will take you north to Wakura Onsen, about an hour away. This is one of the oldest resorts in Japan and hometo Kagaya, one of Japan’s best ryokan. There are all kinds of baths in Wakura Onsen, even ones that can scald the reckless bather, so be careful.

To really enjoy the spirit of the onsen town, a night in a ryokan is the way forward(they look a lot better on the inside than the outside)as you can try the super-fresh seafood the town is also famous for.

Learn more about the Hanayome-Noren Train, a sightseeing train between Kanazawa and Wakura Onsen.