Hi,
We are planning our trip to Japan, this is our second time visit to Japan. Previously we visit Kyoto and Osaka in Kansai region, this time we want to extend our visit to Hokuriku region. Our travelplan from 23 Aug. till 2 Sept. 2016 is as follow
- day 0 arrive @ Osaka >> Kyoto
- day 1 Kyoto: Nara daytrip
- day 2 Kyoto: (Otsu or Uji)?? daytrip which place is better?
- day 3 Kyoto depart heading Kanazawa
- day 4 Kanazawa
- day 5 Kanazawa depart heading Takayama: Citytrip Old town
- day 6 Takayama: Shirakawa & Gokayama daytrip
- day 7 Takayama: Kamikochi daytrip
- day 8 Takayama heading to Kyoto
- day 9 Kyoto
- day 10 Kyoto to Osaka KIX heading home
Q1: We want to buy a JR pass and we are considering the Hokuriku JR 5 day pass, is this the most suitable choice?
Q2: Is it better to start at Kanazawa and go to Takayama, returning Kyoto via Nagoya (schedule above) OR start via Nagoya to Takayama and visit Kanazawa at the return way?
Q3: At Kanazawa we want to visit 1.Higashi Chaya, 2.Ninjadera, 3.Nagamachi, 4.Omicho market, 5.Kenrokuen and 6.Kanazawa castle. If we divide this into 2 days (day3 and day4), which sightseeings is the best to group together in a day?
Q4: Any suggestion on public transport of day 6 Shirakawa & Gokayama from Takayama? Any restaurant recommendations?
Q5: Any suggestion on public transport of day 7 Kamikochi from Takayama? Any restaurant recommendations?
Q6: Is the Hokuriku pass for the journey Kyoto to Osaka airport still valid if it is outside the 5 days. In our case, JR pass start at day3 and end at day8 but we are heading to airport on day 10.
Any suggestion, advice or idea are welcome. Thanks in advance for your response.
Travel greetings from a traveler.
0
Comments
Given your plans, the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass plus buying regular tickets back to Kansai comes up as cheaper than a 7 day JR Pass. It's good for 5 days, but that's it.
Actually, from Nagoya a Kintetsu Rail Pass looks like a pretty good option as well.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357_006.html
Since the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass goes by way of Kanazawa, that is the more economical way to go (unless you also get the Kintetsu Pass, maybe). Please also be aware that there is no rail access to Kamikochi - you'll need to pay for the bus there which is about 90 minutes + transfer times. There's an hourly bus from Takayama to Hirayu Onsen (¥1570, 1 hr ride) and then
you transfer to another bus for a 30 minute ride (¥1160 o/w, 2050 r/t)
to Kamikochi. It is doable as a day trip but that is a lot of time on the bus.
For Kanazawa, this guide will be helpful for you:
http://www.kanazawa-tourism.com/eng/guide/guide1.php
I believe that there is a ¥500 loop bus, as well as rental bicycles that you can use.
As far as Otsu vs Uji goes, Otsu has some sights but Uji outshines them easily. The Byodoin Temple, Mampukuji Temple, Ujigami Shrine, as well as Daigoji nearby are very highly renowned. And if you haven't seen them yet, the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Tofukuji Temple are also some of Kyoto's top sights.