I would love to hear opinions on what to prioritize/see in Central Japan during cherry blossom season. We will be staying in Kanazawa for 2 days and then traveling to a ryokan in Hirayu Onsen to stay for 2 nights which is an hour east of Takayama by bus. We need help deciding what to do or which route to take to Kyoto, where we will stay for 4 days. Not sure if it’s worth accounting more time for Takayama, hiking the Nakasendo, or going to see Matsumoto Castle (especially since we may go to Himeji Castle when in Kyoto). Our itinerary looks as follows:
Day 1 – Leave Kanazawa early, stop in Shirakawago for about 2 hours, then board bus to Takayama. Spend 3-4 hours in Takayama, then travel to ryokan at Hirayu Onsen for dinner and stay.
Day 2 – Take Shinhotaka Ropeway to observation point, relax and enjoy onsen. Dinner at ryokan.
Day 3 – Option 1 – Leave Hirayu Onsen midmorning and travel to Takayama (1 hr), either explore Takayama more or just depart for Kyoto on the “Wide View Hida” train through Gero for a scenic route down to Nagoya (2 hrs), then train to Kyoto (40 min), arrive in Kyoto midafternoon. (4 hours total or more if we choose to sightsee more in Takayama.)
Day 3 – Option 2 – Leave Hirayu Onsen, travel to Takayama (1 hr), take the JR Takayama Line to Kiso Valley/Nataksugawa \[3.5 hours\]. Pick up lunch in Magome for picnic. Hike Magome to Tsumago Trail. (3-4 hours) Travel to Nagoya, then to Kyoto (\~12 hours total time)
Day 3 – Option 3 – Leave Hirayu Onsen, travel to Matsumoto (90 min). See Matsumoto Castle, hopefully cherry blossoms are in bloom March 31. Travel to Kyoto (3 hours). (\~7-8 hours total time)
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Any thoughts you may have would be much appreciated! Thank you!
by Agreeable-Answer-326