Tokyo, Hokuriku, Takayama & Kyoto Northern Route

Skip the Tokaido route and travel via Karuizawa, Nagano, Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama to Kyoto.

A northern alternative for traveling from Tokyo to Kansai. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen with stops in Karuizawa, Nagano, and Kanazawa, then take a bus through the historic village of Shirakawa-go to Takayama, and finally head to Kyoto via Nagoya. This route is less crowded than the Golden Route, offering more traditional streets and crafts. However, it involves more transfers, buses require reservations, and only one and a half days are left for Kyoto. Ideal for those who have already visited Tokyo and Kyoto or want to avoid the busiest tourist paths.

Buses from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go require reservations; book early during the snow and autumn foliage seasons.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Tokyo & Explore Ueno & Asakusa

Central Tokyo（Senso-ji Temple、Ameya-Yokochō (Ameyoko)）

Take the Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport to Ueno (approx. 45 minutes), then transfer to your hotel near Tokyo Station in the evening.

Stay: Tokyo Station & Ginza

Day 2 · Tsukiji, teamLab & Shibuya

Central Tokyo（Tsukiji Outer Market、teamLab Planets TOKYO、Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky）

Connect Tsukiji, Toyosu, and Shibuya using the subway and Yurikamome Line, with each leg taking about 20 to 30 minutes.

teamLab requires timed-entry tickets; purchase them in advance.

Stay: Tokyo Station & Ginza

Day 3 · Shinkansen to Karuizawa

Karuizawa（Kumoba Pond、Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza、St. Paul's Catholic Church）

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa (approx. 65 minutes), then rent a bicycle or use the town loop bus.

Stay: Karuizawa Station Area

Day 4 · Zenko-ji Temple & Jigokudani Snow Monkeys

Nagano（Zenkō-ji） → Yamanouchi（Jigokudani Monkey Park）

Take the Shinkansen to Nagano (approx. 30 minutes), then the Snow Monkey Express Bus to the park (approx. 45 minutes). Return to Nagano in the evening.

The Snow Monkey Park requires an additional 30-minute walk; wear non-slip shoes.

Stay: Nagano Station Area

Day 5 · Kanazawa Old Streets & Market

Kanazawa（Kanazawa Station Tsuzumi-mon Gate、Omicho Market、Higashi Chaya District、Kazuemachi Chaya District）

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano to Kanazawa (approx. 70 minutes), then use the city loop bus or walk.

Many stalls at Omicho Market close in the afternoon; try to arrive before noon.

Stay: Korinbo·Katamachi

Day 6 · Kenroku-en Garden & Nagamachi Samurai District

Kanazawa（Kenroku-en、Kanazawa Castle Park、21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa、Nagamachi Samurai District）

Walk around the Korinbo area (10 to 15 minutes between sights) or take a local city bus.

Stay: Korinbo·Katamachi

Day 7 · Shirakawa-go to Hida-Takayama

Shirakawa-go（Shirakawa-go Gassho Village、Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observation Deck、Wada House）

Take the Nohi Bus from Kanazawa Station to Shirakawa-go (approx. 85 minutes). After sightseeing, continue to Takayama (approx. 50 minutes).

All bus departures from Kanazawa require reservations. Buses may be significantly delayed in snowy weather.

Stay: Around Sanmachi Old Town

Day 8 · Takayama Morning Market & Old Town

Hida-Takayama（Miyagawa Morning Market、Sanmachi Suji Old Town、Takayama Jinya、Hida Folk Village）

Explore the historic district on foot. To visit Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village), take a 10-minute bus ride from Takayama Station.

Stay: Around Sanmachi Old Town

Day 9 · Via Nagoya to Kyoto

Kyoto（Yasaka Shrine、Gion & Hanamikoji Street）

Take the Limited Express Hida to Nagoya (approx. 2.5 hours), then transfer to the Shinkansen to Kyoto (approx. 35 minutes), totaling about 3.5 hours.

Stay: Gion & Higashiyama

Day 10 · Kiyomizu-dera & Fushimi Inari before Departure

Kyoto（Kiyomizu-dera、Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka、Fushimi Inari Taisha）

Take a bus to Kiyomizu-dera, walk down to Ninenzaka, then take the JR Nara Line to Inari. Return to Kyoto Station (approx. 5 minutes).

Kiyomizu-dera is much less crowded early in the morning.