I am planning a trip with my wife to Tokyo in Mid May 2023. We have been to Tokyo before so we want to explore outside the city. We have a flexible budget and don’t want to rush between locations. Does it make sense to drive one way and take the Shinkansen back? Please feel free to make suggestions or confirm whether the itinerary makes sense. Thanks!
**Day 1 – May 15 (Tokyo to Kamikochi):**
Morning: Toyota Rent a Car (Pick up at Tokyo Station, Drop off at Kanazawa Station on Day 5) – Compact Economy 31,350 JPY
Drive 3.5 hours to Sawando Bus Terminal, park the rental car
Take a taxi to Kamikochi
Hiking trail #1 at Kamikochi
Spend the rest of the day at Kamikochi
**Day 2 – May 16 (Kamikochi to Takayama):**
Spend 1/2 day at Kamikochi. Hiking trail #2 at Kamikochi
Take a taxi back to Sawando Bus Terminal, pick up the rental car
Drive 1 hour to Takayama
Spend the rest of the day at Takayama
Dinner: Hida beef at Maruaki
**Day 3 – May 17 (Takayama to Shirakawa-go to Komatsu):**
Spend 1/2 day at Takayama. Morning: Miyagawa Morning Markets
Drive 1 hour to Shirakawa-go
Lunch at Shirakawago Restaurant Irori
Spend 1/2 day at Shirakawa-go
Drive 1.5 hours to Houshi Ryokan near Komatsu
**Day 4 – May 18 (Komatsu to Kanazawa):**
Spend a full day at Kanazawa
Higashi Chaya District
Ōmichō Market
Kazuemachi Chaya District
Japanese garden – Kenroku-en
Kanazawa Castle Park
**Day 5 – May 19 (Kanazawa to Tokyo):**
Spend 1/2 day at Kanazawa
Return rental car at Kanazawa Station
Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo (2.5 hours)
2 comments
There is nothing you cannot do by public transport. On top of car rental, you have to add gas, toll and the fee to return the car in a different prefecture.
I guess that if money is not a concern, you do have a bit more flexibility on where to stop along the way.
Looks alright… just take note that Takayama and Shirakawa-Go’s sightseeing spots closes around 5pm. The gist is that when the sun sets, there’s not much to do around the area aside from some dining options.
I skipped Irori the other time because of really long queues – ended up having udon at some other house which was alright. Just be prepared to change some plans in case of queues, since your itiernary is packed on those two days.