Hey all,
Getting a sanity check on my itinerary, especially for the Takayama/Matsumoto portion of the trip, which we intend to rent a car for to drive around the alps and see the fall colours. I've been to Japan a few times but it's my girlfriend's first, so we're doing a little taste of Kyoto and Tokyo (we'll probably be back again), but the Gifu region is less familiar to me and what I'm trying to prioritise. I've been to Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go, but that's about it.
Looking for suggestions on what is feasible/what to do in the area, as well as any tips for the logistics of car rental and where/when it makes sense to. I'd appreciate any insights!
| Date | Location | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 7-Nov | Kyoto | Arrive in Narita 8:30am – Travel to Kyoto by train – Fushimi-Inari, Gion area evening |
| 8-Nov | Kyoto | Early Morning – Kiyomizu Dera and Sannenzaka, Afternoon – Philosopher's Path, Nanzenji |
| 9-Nov | Kyoto | Morning – Nara (Todaiji Temple, Deer Park, Kasuga Taisha), Afternoon – TBC |
| 10-Nov | Kyoto > Takayama | Morning – Pickup car from Takayama or Kanazawa – Check in at Takayama. Explore the village or drive around, to be confirmed. |
| 11-Nov | Takayama | Takayama Roadtrips (Possibly Kamikochi, Hida Folk village) |
| 12-Nov | Takayama > Matsumoto | Morning – Explore Takayama Old Town, Afternoon – Drive to Matsumoto (2.5 hours) |
| 13-Nov | Matsumoto | TBC (Possibly drive to Narai? Looking for tips here). Return car in the evening. |
| 14-Nov | Matsuomoto > Tokyo | Morning – Matsumoto Castle, Nakamachi Street, Afternoon – Train to Tokyo (2.5-3 hours) |
| 15-Nov | Tokyo | TBC |
| 16-Nov | Tokyo | TBC |
| 17-Nov | Tokyo | TBC – Depart in late afternoon |
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