Routes · Asia

Tel Aviv to central Japan: Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go and Takayama

Tel Aviv → Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go → Takayama

Gardens, gassho villages & Edo streets Best season (general guide): Apr–May, Oct–Nov

Central Japan, between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps, holds traditional towns and mountain villages less visited than Kyoto. This route spends six nights in Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go and Takayama. From Tel Aviv you'll connect through Asia or Europe, and you can also reach Kanazawa by train from Tokyo.

How to pace it: Spend days one to three in Kanazawa: day one, Omicho Market; day two, Kenroku-en and the castle; day three, Higashi Chaya District. Then spend day four in Shirakawa-go: bus to Shirakawa-go, then overnight in a farmhouse. Then spend days five and six in Takayama: day five, bus to Takayama, then Sanmachi; day six, morning market and Hida Folk Village.

Kanazawa's Kenroku-en is considered one of Japan's three great gardens. The Higashi Chaya District has wooden teahouses where geisha once entertained. Omicho Market sells fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan.

Shirakawa-go is a mountain village of gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with steep thatched roofs built to shed snow. UNESCO lists it with Gokayama. Staying overnight in a farmhouse lets you see it after the day visitors leave.

Takayama has well-preserved Edo-period streets, with sake breweries and shops. Morning markets sell local produce. The Takayama Festival, held in spring and autumn, features decorated floats.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons. Winter brings heavy snow, which is beautiful but can affect travel.

Kanazawa is known for gold leaf, and shops sell everything from gold-leaf ice cream to lacquerware. Its samurai district has old houses and walls. In Shirakawa-go, the village is lit up on some winter evenings. Takayama's Hida beef is a local speciality, served grilled or as sushi. The mountains around the town offer hiking in summer and autumn.

Good to know: Buses link the three places and should be booked ahead. Farmhouse stays in Shirakawa-go fill quickly.

Forward large bags by courier between hotels, a common service in Japan, so you travel light on the buses. Carry some cash, as small restaurants and shops may not take cards, and bring slip-on shoes for farmhouse and temple visits.

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