Hi, My partner and I are going to Japan on 8/17.
We will hike up mount Shirouma on 8/26, after that we want to stay in Nagano, Gifu region and hit some Japanese country towns.
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Between these option which ones do you recommend the most?
1- the Nakasendo train: is it touristy? are the post towns cool, someone online compared it to disney lan and that it doesnt have a real feel? we will have just finished climbing mt Shirouma so would this hike be unnecessary?
2- staying in Nagano and going to Togakushi Shrine Okusha.
3- going to shirakawa-go and staying the night there.
We have a gap of 3 days to fil in this region until we go to Kyoto and Osaka. I would like to fill it with some Japanese country side exploring.
Thanks,
Wafa
3 comments
I guess you mean Nakansendo trail. I guess you specifically mean the part between Magome and Tsumago. While the hike seems nice, it’s not a hike up a mountain with an incredible view, so in that regard, it might not be essential as is seems to be more of a walk in the forest. But the post town are as real as you can wish. They have not been build for the sake of tourist, they have been build there for the purpose of serving the post town. Yes of couse there is shops in many of the buildings in it can give a touristy vibe, but at that rate don’t go anywhere that is remotely known as a tourist destination. I have not been yet but from what I’ve seen, it seems really nice.
Do 2 if your focus is on hiking. Do 1 or 3 if you want to see older Japanese architecture and lifestyle. Both are really different because they are not showcasing the same type of lifestyle. You could also make your choice based on what make the most sense regarding transportation.
I did the Magome – Tsumago hike and it was nothing short of lovely. I stayed overnight at Tajimaya in Magome and the owners made it such a warm experience. My favourite accommodation out of the six I stayed at during my Japan trip. I can answer any questions you have about this particular hike, the towns etc but to be short, this was a top highlight experience of my entire 3 weeks in Japan.
Having said that I think 1 day 1 night was enough time for this particular hike and to explore the towns but I’m sure there are others in the region you could explore. 3 days would certainly be overkill. The hike itself took a very leisurely 2-3 hours.
We stayed in Megome (Tajimaya with free parking) and hiked up the trail to Tsumago. There was a lovely resting area in the middle, staffed by volunteers. There was a traditional hearth and free hot tea. We chatted about the history and the area. We then took took the bus back down to Megome. I highly recommend doing this hike.
Re. Shirakawa-go, I agree that it’s a village with thatched roof. It felt super touristy and would suggest ~3 hours to take pictures and visit the museum. Still worthwhile to visit and learn about the history.