Japan offers a unique travel experience in every season. April marks a special occasion: the opening of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a breathtaking spectacle that should be on everyone's bucket list. This stunning natural wonder is located in the Hokuriku region, which is also home to the charming cities of Hida and Kanazawa, offering a perfect blend of scenic beauty and culinary delights. As an avid traveler, I recently embarked on a five-day, four-night adventure through this captivating region, starting and ending my journey at Komatsu Airport. I'm excited to share my meticulously crafted itinerary, designed for a seamless, unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Kanazawa's Cultural Gems
Upon arrival at Komatsu Airport, I took a direct transfer to Kanazawa, a city steeped in history and culture. My first stop was Kenrokuen Garden, a 40-minute ride from the airport. Known as the "Little Kyoto of Hokuriku," Kenrokuen is one of Japan's three most celebrated landscape gardens, and for good reason.
Its name, meaning "Garden of Six Sublimities," reflects its masterful incorporation of six essential landscape features: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water sources, and vistas. It's rare for a garden to achieve such a perfect balance. While spacious gardens often lack intimacy, and gardens with intricate landscaping may sacrifice a sense of age-old charm, Kenrokuen seamlessly blends all these elements.
Unlike gardens designed to be viewed from a single vantage point, Kenrokuen is a "strolling garden" with seven entrances. Wandering through its varied paths reveals ever-changing perspectives and captivating scenes, each unique to the season. During my visit in April, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, creating a spectacle of color.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cherry Blossom Season | Late April to early May |
| Cherry Blossom Varieties | 20 |
| Number of Cherry Trees | 420 |
| Special Feature | Japan's only naturally cultivated Kikuzakura cherry tree, with over 300 petals per blossom |
| Evening Illumination | Special illuminations with musical performances during the cherry blossom season |
| Admission during Cherry Blossom Season | Free |
Kenrokuen also offers a unique auditory experience. During the cherry blossom season, evening illuminations are accompanied by live music, creating a magical atmosphere. The best part? This enchanting experience is free during peak season.
After immersing myself in the beauty of Kenrokuen, I worked up an appetite. Luckily, Kanazawa is known for its culinary delights, particularly its fresh seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan. I indulged in a memorable meal at Tamaizumi, a Michelin-recommended restaurant conveniently located near Kenrokuen's parking lot. The restaurant's elegant ambiance, combined with its exquisite cuisine and unique presentation (featuring miniature, handcrafted samurai hats), made for a truly special dining experience.
| Restaurant | Tamaizumi |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Michelin-recommended, featuring fresh seafood and Kaiseki-style dining |
| Price Range | ¥3,000 - ¥5,000 for lunch |
| Location | Near Kenrokuen Garden's parking lot |
Day 2: Cruising and Charming Villages
From Kanazawa, my journey continued to Toyama Prefecture, another treasure trove of natural beauty. The region boasts a dual World Heritage Site, and my first stop was a serene boat trip down the Shogawa River. This pristine waterway, flowing from Gifu Prefecture through Toyama to the Sea of Japan, is a hidden gem. Its unspoiled beauty, framed by the surrounding mountains still capped with snow in April, creates a truly magical experience.
| Activity | Shogawa River Cruise |
|---|---|
| Duration | Approximately 1 hour |
| Price | ¥1,200 |
| Highlights | Scenic views of pristine river, surrounding mountains, and the iconic red Nagasaki Bridge |
Next, I explored the picturesque Gokayama region, specifically the Suganuma village. This lesser-known destination offers a tranquil escape from the crowds. During my visit in mid-April, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their delicate beauty reflected in the water-filled rice paddies, creating a truly unforgettable sight.
Day 3: The Magnificent Shirakawa-go
From Gokayama, I traveled to Gifu Prefecture, home to the world-renowned Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While smaller than Gokayama, Suganuma offered an intimate and serene experience. Shirakawa-go, with its collection of over 100 gassho-style farmhouses, is a sight to behold. The village's preservation is remarkable, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and forests. While winter snow scenes are iconic, Shirakawa-go offers unique charm in every season. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer vibrant greenery, and autumn stunning foliage.
I highly recommend visiting the observation deck for panoramic views of the village and surrounding landscape. After a full day of exploring, I checked into Hotel Around Takayama in Gifu City. This conveniently located hotel is within walking distance of the JR station, the old town, and shopping streets. Its blend of modern and traditional Japanese design, along with thoughtful touches like hand-drawn illustrations, creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Day 4 and 5: Relaxation and Culinary Delights in Takayama and Departure
After a busy few days, I enjoyed a relaxing stay at Hotel Around Takayama. The hotel provides comfortable rooms with thoughtful amenities, including hand-drawn canvas bags perfect for carrying to the on-site onsen (hot spring). After a rejuvenating soak, I indulged in the highlight of my stay: a delectable Hida beef dinner. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor of the Hida beef, perfectly complemented by a bowl of steamed Japanese rice, was a culinary experience I won't soon forget.
| Hotel | Hotel Around Takayama |
|---|---|
| Location | Gifu City, walking distance to JR station, old town, and shopping streets |
| Amenities | Onsen (hot spring), comfortable rooms with various sizes, including family rooms with living areas |
| Dining | Hida beef dinner available |
| Price | Approximately $230 per night for a room with two meals |
After enjoying the hotel's amenities and the culinary delights of Takayama, it was time to head back to Komatsu Airport for my departure, concluding my unforgettable Hokuriku adventure. This itinerary provides a perfect balance of culture, nature, and relaxation, showcasing the best of this enchanting region. I highly recommend this experience to anyone seeking a truly authentic Japanese adventure.
