Hello
I am hoping for a set of eyes on a road trip I am planning in the Japanese Alps region in September/October.
This road trip is only a portion of a 10-week trip so we are fortunate to have time on our side.
As a background we are a couple travelling with an infant and are used to long distance and driving in pretty much any conditions. Though public transport is fantastic we think that a car would be ideal given our luggage and getting bub on and off trains/buses.
We have jettisoned the notion of climbing mountains though if there is an opportunity to lug the little guy we would love to do a couple of easy walk hikes and are also looking forward to exploring historic sites, getting some fresh air and really just cruising.
So, any thoughts on the following would be really appreciated.
**Day One – Kanazawa to Takayama**
• Drive the Hakusan White Road (Toll)
• Visit Shirakawa-go
• Overnight Takayama
I have read all the reports on how touristy Shirakawa-go is and would be keen to visit the Gokayama region however there is back tracking unless I ditch the Hakusan drive.
**Day Two & Three – Takayama**
• Old Town
• Showa Museum
• Hilda Beef!
• Higashiyama walking course
• Hida-Furukawa
• Hida Folk Village
**Day Four Takayama – Guji Hachaman – Gero (maybe)**
• Explore the town along the river and admire the castle on the hill.
Our next stop is the Kiso valley we are contemplating overnighting in Gero but the onsen town looks a bit overdeveloped. We are considering pushing on to Magome but it may be a bit too much driving for the day.
**Day Five – Kiso Valley**
• Stroll back through time in Magome – Tsumago-juku – Nari -juku.
• Overnight in Fukushima-Kiso.
I would love to walk a little bit of the trail.
**Day Six – Matsumoto**
• Matusmoto castle.
• Enjoy the afternoon in town.
**Day Seven – Overnight?**
• Kamikochi
We would love to do the easy/short walk along the river. I imagine the terrain isn’t for stroller so bub will be strapped on.
• Shin-Hotaka Ropeway
Is it possible to do both in one day?
We aren’t certain on where to overnight in the area. Any suggestions?
**Day Eight – Toyama**
• Toyama Glass Art Museum
**Day Nine – Unizuki Onsen**
• Kurobe Valley Railway
• Stay the night in the Unizuki onsen area. Suggestions welcome.
**Day Ten – Kanazawa**
• Drive back, stopping at whatever catches our fancy. Maybe
get around to Gokayama.
What do people think of this itinerary? Any thoughts are welcome. We are hardly set in stone.
Thanks for reading if you got this far… it’s a long one).
Cheers