#triptojapan: 5 Days 5 Cities (Shirakawa-Go and Takayama)

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#triptojapan: 5 Days 5 Cities (Shirakawa-Go and Takayama)
August 13, 2015 | Adiek Sarah

Actually, Japan is not the destinations that interest me. But the temptation by AirAsia promotion a few months ago was unbearable. So, I 'accidentally bought' the tickets to Nagoya, Japan without too much thinking. Normally, I just bought a ticket in advance and then start planning slowly.


Unfortunately, AirAsia X Limited announced the closure of the route to Nagoya after 15th Feb 2015. Passengers were given the options to get a full refund or to exchange their flights to Kansai, Osaka. I chose to change the flight to Kansai.


Before flying, I had made some preparation. One of it is buying Takayama-Hokuriku Pass for 5 days worth ¥10.500 with appointed agents in Malaysia, as well as accommodation reservations for 2 nights in Takayama and 2 nights in Kyoto. I had converted some money to Japanase Yen based on my budget.


Kansai International Airport - Osaka - Kanazawa


Flight to Osaka dated 30 April 2015, at 1.00 am and arrived at Kansai International Airport at about 9am. Upon arrival the airport, I went straight to the information desk to ask about the location of ticket counters of JR (Japan Rail). Apparently, it was just at the second floor and facing outside the airport. Easy.


Along the journey


Each JR Passes can only be bought outside Japan because it was reserved for foreign visitors. Visitors can choose to buy online or through appointed agents. This pass must then be exchanged to real JR Pass at any listed JR counter.


Takayama-Hokuriku Pass

Takayama-Hokuriku Pass covers areas such as Osaka - Kanazawa - Takayama - Nagoya as in the image below. The red line means bus routes because there is no train on the route.



While converting pass, I asked for directions to get to the next Kanazawa and Takayama. The counter staff was very helpful. He had printed the train route from Kansai Airport to Kanazawa including some exchange stations as a reference for me. However, tickets from Kansai Airport to Osaka valuable JPY1190 was not included in the pass.



According to the schedule, train will leave in a few minutes. I quickly find the right platform. About 40 minutes, I arrived in Osaka. I also have a relatively short time to get the next train. Osaka Station, for me it is very crowded. I almost got lost before I could ask the clerk to the station platform is correct.


Each long-distance trains can be booked seats for an extra charge. However, there are two coach available for non-reserved. But it depends on availability. This pass allows 4 times seat reservation with no extra charge.


Travel to Kanzawa was quite far, about for 4 hours.The scenery outside is quite pretty. Japan is currently having spring, but I could not see a lot of flowers in the streets.


Kanazawa Station



I finally arrived Kanazawa station. The station is also quite large, but not as busy Osaka. Based on the small map shown in the pass, I walked towards outside the station to find the bus station. This pass also includes the bus from Shirakawago and Kanazawa to Takayama.



After asking for directions, I headed to the bus to change the ticket counter to Shirakawago. This trip requires reservations, so get transmitted in the form of tickets. Also provided is a bus itinerary also specified whether reservations should be made or not.



At first the desk clerk quite a headache with my request. We're talking like a chicken with duck. I tried to express as succinctly as possible the purpose and destination of me. I came across a couple of veterans from Malaysia. They really mean to speak in English when they knew the man did not understand.



After getting the ticket and the bus also was waiting, I boarded and began the journey to Takayama. Although tired, I am very satisfied to enjoy the view outside. Green and white mountains, blue-green rivers, dry twigs and the leaves are starting to turn green. Cool. Comfortable. Relax.



Bus stop at Shirakawago 2 hours later. I have to change buses to get to Takayama. According to the schedule, this bus does not need to be reserved. Just to show pass. Shirakawago is actually my main destination. But I need to check in advance to Takayama rooms that I've booked for two nights. I also feel exhausted after sleepless night on the plane, coupled with almost whole day journey.


View from the bus



Incidentally also buses ready to move. I stepped in and trip takes about 1 hour. Takayama arrived, as usual I went to the information desk to ask. Hopefully J-Hoppers Hida Takayama Guest House. It is only 5 minutes away from the main bus station.

Takayama Information Counter


After checking in, I freshened up and perform prayer. Then, I went down to the kitchen for dinner. The dinner menu I was carrying my cup noodles from Malaysia. I also had time to get acquainted with one of the guests of the guesthouse, Kayko, which is also my roommate. Kayko a Japanese citizen who traveled all over Japan. One reason is to become a tour guide. That's interesting. Her English was also good.



Takayama City


I didn't plan to go far today. Just having walking tour in Shirakawa-go and Takayama. With the Takayama-Hokuriku Pass, I can travel from Takayama to Shirakawa-go free.

Kanazawa - Shirakawa-go - Takayama Bus

Nohi Bus Tour to Shirakawa-go reservation can be made in Takayama Bus Terminal. The waiting area is also provided free with Wifi. There is also a convenient stores located in the same building.


Takayama Nohi Bus Centre

Takayama Nohi Bus Centre



Some information about  Shirakawa-Go.



Historic Villages of Shirakawa-Go and Gokayama are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan. The site is located in a river valley stretching across the border Shogawa Gifu and Toyama prefecture in central Japan. Shirakawa-go (白 川 郷, "White River Old District") is located in the village of Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture. The Gokayama (五 箇 山, "Five Mountains") region is divided between former villages Kamitaira and Taira in Nanto, Toyama Prefecture.





Shirakawa-go

These villages are famous for their houses built in the architectural style known as Gassho-zukuri (合掌 造 り). The Gassho-zukuri, "prayer-hands construction" style is characterized by a thatched and steeply slanting roof resembling two hands joined in prayer. The design is very robust and in combination with the unique properties of straw, allow the houses to withstand and shed the weight of heavy snow that fell in the region during the winter.


There is also provided a tour from Takayama. However, where the village is not big and you can walk to see the surrounding area. Maps are available at the bus station, which is also the information desk. In addition to walking around the village, you can also hike to a nearby viewpoint to enjoy the beautiful scenery around the village of Shirakawa-go. From here, we can see the snow capped mountain, the clear green river, and triangular-shaped traditional houses. Such a very fascinating view.




I also met a couple from Hong Kong. They ask me to take pictures of them, and they take pictures of me. Next, we walked together and they indirectly became my tour guide. Actually they are also travelers like me. Actually they had overnight in one of the houses in Shirakawa-go guest house. They've shared a lot of stories to me. According to them, the host served special Hida beef and a traditional dance performed by the host's daughter.












Frayman also told me about the histories in each place we visit. He able to read the writings because Chinese and Japanese writing about the same.



After taking some pictures with them, I return to Takayama around 11am. Travel for 50 minutes did not seem long because the scenery was very beautiful and peaceful journey. I had stopped at a mini-market near the bus terminal Takayama to buy something for lunch.



J-Hoppers Hida Guest House also provides bicycle rental services. One hour to JPY 100. JPY 500 per day calculated. I plan to hire for one day (for more than four hours).


Tour by bicycle

J-Hoppers Guest House

J-Hoppers Guest House


Takayama, there is not much to tell. I think I will just share some photos, aside from my story that got lost during cycling. The interesting thing about Japan, people are very honest. I just put the bike unlocked and without worry that it will be stolen.




















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