6 Days in the Japanese Alps: Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawa-go & Kanazawa

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The mountains of central Japan hide some of its best-preserved towns. This loop leaves Tokyo by train, crosses the Alps by bus and comes back on the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

Matsumoto Castle
  • Length6 days, 5 nights
  • RouteMatsumoto → Takayama → Shirakawa-go → Kanazawa
  • Best forSecond-time visitors, hikers, photographers
  • When to goLate April–June, September–November
  • Rail passThe JR Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass or single tickets; the Matsumoto–Takayama leg is by bus.

Make it yours: open this route in the trip planner, add your dates and get travel times, seasonal alerts and links to flights and hotels.

Open in the trip planner →

The route at a glance

  1. Day 1 · Matsumoto: Matsumoto Castle
  2. Day 2 · Takayama: Over the Alps to Takayama
  3. Day 3 · Takayama: Takayama
  4. Day 4 · Shirakawa-go: Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa
  5. Day 5 · Kanazawa: Kanazawa
  6. Day 6 · Kanazawa: Back to Tokyo

Day 1 · Matsumoto

Matsumoto Castle

The Azusa limited express takes about 2 hours 40 minutes from Shinjuku. Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's five national-treasure castles; walk Nakamachi street in the afternoon.

Matsumoto Castle
  • Matsumoto Castle
  • Nakamachi street
  • Nawate street

Tip: Between mid-April and mid-November you can add a day in Kamikochi, the Alps' most beautiful valley.

Day 2 · Takayama

Over the Alps to Takayama

The highway bus to Takayama takes about 2 hours 30 minutes through the mountains. Evening walk in the lantern-lit old town.

Takayama
  • Sanmachi Suji

Day 3 · Takayama

Takayama

Morning markets, Takayama Jinya, the Hida Folk Village and Hida beef.

Hida Folk Village
  • Miyagawa morning market
  • Takayama Jinya
  • Hida Folk Village

Day 4 · Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa

Bus to Shirakawa-go (about 50 minutes), the gassho village and viewpoint, then on to Kanazawa (about 75 minutes).

Shirakawa-go
  • Ogimachi
  • Shiroyama viewpoint

Day 5 · Kanazawa

Kanazawa

Kenroku-en garden, Kanazawa Castle, Omicho market and the Higashi Chaya geisha district.

Kenroku-en
  • Kenroku-en
  • Omicho Market
  • Higashi Chaya

Day 6 · Kanazawa

Back to Tokyo

The samurai houses of Nagamachi in the morning, then the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tokyo (about 2 hours 30 minutes).

Nagamachi
  • Nagamachi samurai district

Getting around

Azusa express Tokyo–Matsumoto; highway buses Matsumoto–Takayama–Shirakawa-go–Kanazawa; Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tokyo.

When to go

Late April–June, September–November. Add your dates in the trip planner to see cherry blossom and autumn leaf timing, the rainy season, typhoons and holidays for this route.

Where to stay

  • Matsumoto (1 night): near the station.
  • Takayama (2 nights): a ryokan near the old town.
  • Kanazawa (2 nights): near Kanazawa Station.

Frequently asked questions

Is this route possible in winter?

Yes, the buses run all year, but snow can cause delays; Shirakawa-go is especially beautiful in January–February.

Should I book the buses?

Yes, reserve the Matsumoto–Takayama and Shirakawa-go buses in advance.

Can I start from Osaka instead?

Yes: do it in reverse, reaching Kanazawa from Osaka or Kyoto via Tsuruga.

Prefecture guides for this trip

Want a different pace or more stops? The planner rebuilds the itinerary around your dates and choices.

Customise this itinerary →

Last updated: 19 October 2026 · Japan47.org, by Francesco Consalvo. Travel times are approximate; check timetables and opening days before you go. Photos: Wikimedia Commons.

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