Feedback on central Japan itinerary

[goldenhorn]

Mr G. and I are heading to Japan for our second Japan adventure in mid-March 2023. This is our first post-Covid trip since 15 nights in Japan in Jan 2020 before the world went to hell in a handbasket.

I've got QF J award flights to Tokyo and we have a total of 10 nights in Japan before flying to Hawaii to catch up with my US family on Kauai.

Unfortunately, QF sucked away a day in Japan by changing our 11-hour SYD-MEL-HND flight to 26 hours: SYD-BNE-HND overnight in BNE (!)

I'd love feedback on my central Japan itinerary. I fear it is way too short, but it's the best I could do. Curious to know if you think this is too fast-paced and suggestions for days 6 and 7. Wondering if a farmhouse stay in Shirakawago is worthwhile.

Here's my proposed itinerary so far:

Day 1 - evening arrival in Tokyo
Day 2 - Tokyo - ANA Intercontinental
Day 3 - Tokyo - ANA Intercontinental
Day 4 - Nagoya - Hotel Indigo: Inuyama Urakuen Garden.
Day 5 - Nagoya - Hotel Indigo: Inuyama Urakuen Garden. Visit Takayama?
Day 6 - Okuhida - stay onsen?
Day 7 - Farmhouse stay in Shirakawago?
Day 8 - Kanazawa - ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa
Day 9 - Kanazawa - ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa
Day 10 - Tokyo - InterContinental Tokyo Bay
Day 11 - ZipAir lie-flat to Hawaii
Day 12-19 - Kauai
Day 20-21 - SFO
Day 22 - SFO-SYD

Any feedback and input are appreciated!

 

[love_the_life]

Having visiting Japan several times and knowing you have a short time only (we have been for that sort of time in the past), maybe put off the farmhouse for another day. Takayama is lovely to visit - can actually stay over on the way to Kanazawa and worth a night/day on its own anyway. We have stayed at a ryokan in Takayama on a couple of occasions. I would like to see 3 nights in Kanazawa as it is a great place - there is a loop bus around the important areas and the gardens (Kenrokuen) can take at least half day to wander through. We tend to stay near the station - easy for arrival/departure and getting around. That's just my two cents - but very envious!

 

[goldenhorn]

Having visiting Japan several times and knowing you have a short time only (we have been for that sort of time in the past), maybe put off the farmhouse for another day. Takayama is lovely to visit - can actually stay over on the way to Kanazawa and worth a night/day on its own anyway. We have stayed at a ryokan in Takayama on a couple of occasions. I would like to see 3 nights in Kanazawa as it is a great place - there is a loop bus around the important areas and the gardens (Kenrokuen) can take at least half day to wander through. We tend to stay near the station - easy for arrival/departure and getting around. That's just my two cents - but very envious!

Thank you - great tips. I was thinking it looked a bit too busy in the middle.

I think I'll take your advice and scrap the farmhouse and stay a night in Takayama and make Kanazawa 3 nights. Sounds like there's a lot to do there.

I think the ANA Crowne Plaza is very close to the station.

For Nagoya, it looks like the Hotel Indigo is about 17 min from the station. The ANA there is much closer but Indigo looks quite special. Hoping it's worth the extra hassle from the station.

 

[drron]

The Indigo hotels in Japan do seem be special. I am looking at the Nagoya property for December next year so very interested to see what you think if you do stay there
I am another who likes Kanazawa. Three days would be good there. If you are using a JR rail pass the loop buses are run by JR so they are covered by the pass. This applies to all JR buses so do look up their bus routes when in Japan and using a JR pass.

We do love the Kenrokuen gardens though for us they are free as we are over 60. Plenty of other things to do including the castle, a very good art gallery as well as Samurai and Geisha districts.

 

[love_the_life]

Thank you - great tips. I was thinking it looked a bit too busy in the middle.

I think I'll take your advice and scrap the farmhouse and stay a night in Takayama and make Kanazawa 3 nights. Sounds like there's a lot to do there.

I think the ANA Crowne Plaza is very close to the station.

For Nagoya, it looks like the Hotel Indigo is about 17 min from the station. The ANA there is much closer but Indigo looks quite special. Hoping it's worth the extra hassle from the station.

From memory have stayed at the Crown Plaza - there is an underground passageway which makes it easy as it is well sign posted.

 

[Quickstatus]

Paging @rbjhan to the TRphone

 

[drron]

The CP Kanazawa is at Kanazawa station and you can get there under cover.

 

[rbjhan]

There is no MEL - HND flight atm, probably why they changed it. I'm in the same boat - as in have to overnight in BNE next year.

I'm guessing you have status with IHG re the choice of hotels. IMHO there are much better choices in the price range but you must have your reasons.

However do not stay at Hotel Indigo Inuyama, certainly not for two nights. That is nowhere near JR Nagoya station and it's not in Nagoya - Inuyama is another city. Unless you have specific reasons want to be next to the Castle - because there's literally nothing else there. Inuyama is where people go for a day trip out of Nagoya so I imagine at night it would be quite dead. I went there in Nov, see this.

Takayama is lovely and I love Okuhida onsen! I've stayed there, see this TR.

Another lover of Kanazawa! I prefer stay near Korinbo or Omicho Market but JR Kanazawa area is not bad either.
Shout out to Le Musee de H in Kanazawa! Also mori mori sushi.

 

[goldenhorn]

There is no MEL - HND flight atm, probably why they changed it. I'm in the same boat - as in have to overnight in BNE next year.

I'm guessing you have status with IHG re the choice of hotels. IMHO there are much better choices in the price range but you must have your reasons.

However do not stay at Hotel Indigo Inuyama, certainly not for two nights. That is nowhere near JR Nagoya station and it's not in Nagoya - Inuyama is another city. Unless you have specific reasons want to be next to the Castle - because there's literally nothing else there. Inuyama is where people go for a day trip out of Nagoya so I imagine at night it would be quite dead. I went there in Nov, see this.

Takayama is lovely and I love Okuhida onsen! I've stayed there, see this TR.

Another lover of Kanazawa! I prefer stay near Korinbo or Omicho Market but JR Kanazawa area is not bad either.
Shout out to Le Musee de H in Kanazawa! Also mori mori sushi.

Ah - thanks for explaining the change of flights.

I am Diamond Elite/Ambassador so was staying with IHG to take in the benefits (early check-in/late check-out/breakfast amenity/guaranteed upgrade). I want to try the Club access at the ICs in Tokyo, but I'm really not tied to staying with IHG outside of Tokyo.

Thanks for the tip about Hotel Indigo - I didn't realise it's not in Nagoya, so I'm going to cancel that booking based on your advice.

Would love to hear your accommodation recommendations for Nagoya and Kanazawa if you have any. Love seeing the photos of the onsens/ryokans you stayed at in your trip report and would totally be up for a similar experience. We love onsens!

I've booked one night at Sumiyoshi Ryokan in Takayama for day 6 on the way to 3 nights in Kanazawa.

If you are using a JR rail pass the loop buses are run by JR so they are covered by the pass. This applies to all JR buses so do look up their bus routes when in Japan and using a JR pass.

Thanks! That's really helpful to know.

 

[rbjhan]

Ah - thanks for explaining the change of flights.

I am Diamond Elite/Ambassador so was staying with IHG to take in the benefits (early check-in/late check-out/breakfast amenity/guaranteed upgrade). I want to try the Club access at the ICs in Tokyo, but I'm really not tied to staying with IHG outside of Tokyo.

Thanks for the tip about Hotel Indigo - I didn't realise it's not in Nagoya, so I'm going to cancel that booking based on your advice.

Would love to hear your accommodation recommendations for Nagoya and Kanazawa if you have any. Love seeing the photos of the onsens/ryokans you stayed at in your trip report and would totally be up for a similar experience. We love onsens!

I've booked one night at Sumiyoshi Ryokan in Takayama for day 6 on the way to 3 nights in Kanazawa.


Thanks! That's really helpful to know.

Ah no worries. It's the same cough everywhere to trick people I guess, like Paris Beauvais airport, man that's like closer to Rouen than Paris!

Re Kanazawa, I have been twice and stayed in Via Inn directly connect to the station and Mitsui Garden which is close to the castle. Much prefer the 2nd one. For my trip next year I booked Onyado Nono Kanazawa, both this one and the Mitsui Garden Hotel have public bath which is a big plus in my book. If you check the map, somewhere between Omicho Market and Korinbo IMHO is ideal for sightseeing in Kanazawa, walking distance to the castle, Kenrokuen, Samurai district, 21st Century Museum, etc. Numerous buses from the JR station, taxi cost under 1000 Yen as well.

Nagoya is a bit different, in the sense that it's a proper big city. I would stay either near JR station for the convenience or Sakae which is the main shopping area. It really depends on what you plan to do in Nagoya.
I've been twice but stayed at the same hotel both times, as a solo traveller I loved it however its rooms are quite small so I would not recommend it for you.

 

[Monya Meow Meow]

I too have pencilled in 3 nights in Kanazawa sometime in May and am tossing up between
Tokyu Stay Kanazawa vs. Hotel Forza Kanazawa

The former is in Korinbo and the latter is opposite Omicho Market.

 

[goldenhorn]

Ah no worries. It's the same cough everywhere to trick people I guess, like Paris Beauvais airport, man that's like closer to Rouen than Paris!

Re Kanazawa, I have been twice and stayed in Via Inn directly connect to the station and Mitsui Garden which is close to the castle. Much prefer the 2nd one. For my trip next year I booked Onyado Nono Kanazawa, both this one and the Mitsui Garden Hotel have public bath which is a big plus in my book. If you check the map, somewhere between Omicho Market and Korinbo IMHO is ideal for sightseeing in Kanazawa, walking distance to the castle, Kenrokuen, Samurai district, 21st Century Museum, etc. Numerous buses from the JR station, taxi cost under 1000 Yen as well.

Nagoya is a bit different, in the sense that it's a proper big city. I would stay either near JR station for the convenience or Sakae which is the main shopping area. It really depends on what you plan to do in Nagoya.
I've been twice but stayed at the same hotel both times, as a solo traveller I loved it however its rooms are quite small so I would not recommend it for you.

Thanks for the recommendations! I was actually already looking at Onyado Nono Kanazawa, but Mitsui Garden is going to be my choice. The breakfasts sound amazing. Love a good breakfast.

For Nagoya, I might stay with the Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya. It has a public bath and is close to Sakae.

 

[rbjhan]

I too have pencilled in 3 nights in Kanazawa sometime in May and am tossing up between
Tokyu Stay Kanazawa vs. Hotel Forza Kanazawa

The former is in Korinbo and the latter is opposite Omicho Market.

Tokyu Stay normally will have washing machine in the room, not sure if it's a big plus for you...

 

[rbjhan]

Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya

If you don't mind the room size it's a great hotel!
Connected to Hisaya Oodori station there's an underground shopping mall, loads of shops and restaurants.

 

[goldenhorn]

If you don't mind the room size it's a great hotel!
Connected to Hisaya Oodori station there's an underground shopping mall, loads of shops and restaurants.

Good to hear!

I'm now rethinking staying at any IHG properties. I think staying at ryokans with baths will be much nicer AND more cost-effective.

 

[rbjhan]

Good to hear!

I'm now rethinking staying at any IHG properties. I think staying at ryokans with baths will be much nicer AND more cost-effective.

I thought you are staying in IHG hotels in Tokyo??

 

[goldenhorn]

I thought you are staying in IHG hotels in Tokyo??

I'm still booked into ANA IC at the beginning, but after reading some recent poor reviews (not sure I want to pay $600-700 per night for something subpar), I'm thinking of ditching it for a more traditional ryokan with baths. reviews on this one are amazing, but not sure they will have availability. I've sent a request.

Will probably keep IC Tokyo Bay for the final night to live it up in the Club Room.

 

[rbjhan]

I'm still booked into ANA IC at the beginning, but after reading some recent poor reviews (not sure I want to pay $600-700 per night for something subpar), I'm thinking of ditching it for a more traditional ryokan with baths. reviews on this one are amazing, but not sure they will have availability. I've sent a request.

Will probably keep IC Tokyo Bay for the final night to live it up in the Club Room.

Tokyo really is not known for ryokans...but holy cough I didn't realise that ANA would be this expensive!

 

[Monya Meow Meow]

Tokyu Stay normally will have washing machine in the room, not sure if it's a big plus for you...

Don't really need a washer so all good in that sense.
I booked Forza in the end as I managed to find a really incredible deal even with a Saturday night (higher costs) involved.

 

[goldenhorn]

I’m in Japan at the moment on the last day of our trip and want to update you on the final itinerary and hotels I chose.

Day 1 - evening arrival in Tokyo - Ryokan Sawanoya
Day 2 - Tokyo - Ryokan Sawanoya
Day 3 - Tokyo - Ryokan Sawanoya
Day 4 - Nagoya - Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya
Day 5 - Nagoya - Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya
Day 6 - Takayama - Ryokan Sumiyoshi
Day 7 - Kanazawa - Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa
Day 8 - Kanazawa - Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa
Day 9 - Kanazawa - Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa
Day 10 - Tokyo - Hotel Mystays Premier Akasaka

Here’s my assessment of the accommodation choices:

Tokyo - Ryokan Sawanoya
-run by lovely old family since 1930s
-in Yanaka, a quiet area of Tokyo but close to subway
-lots of local bars and restaurants
-some rooms have their own toilet but most are shared bathrooms except every room has a basin, which is very handy
-the highlight is the 2 private baths with a view of a Japanese garden. A wonderful, tranquil soak at the end of each day
-I would def stay here again


Nagoya - Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Nagoya
-we were only here 2 nights but could have skipped Nagoya as it’s a bland city and we prefer the countryside.
-hotel is modern and clean but small (Queen bed fixed to one wall so you have to climb over your partner if you’re travelling as a couple)
-loved the public bath on the top floor
-buffet breakfasts were good but mostly Japanese food (which I enjoy)

Takayama - Ryokan Sumiyoshi
-300 year old ryokan on the river run by a friendly family
-the ryokan is pretty run down and looking very tired but very clean and popular
-great value for Keiseki dinner and multi-course breakfast (this was the highlight)
-make sure you book a river-view room (somehow I overlooked this when booking and we got a room on the road with no view/windows, which spoiled the experience a bit)
-we found one night was enough to see the sights in town
-beautiful and peaceful temples above the town centre were a highlight

Kanazawa - Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa
-this hotel was the highlight of our whole trip
-very popular hotel - people constantly checking in and out
-good location, room size was great compared to most Japanese hotel rooms
- great value (I think I paid A$200 per night including breakfast)
-the public bath is stunning on the 13th floor with views over Kanazawa. I was soaking morning and night
-the buffet breakfasts were spectacular and a big bonus - showcasing local ingredients and a huge array of food choices that would easily rival any 5-star hotel

Tokyo - Hotel Mystays Premier Akasaka
-stayed here back in 2020, great location, close to subway
-small rooms but friendly staff
-very good value (only paid $20 after applying $100 QF Hotel voucher)

Overall I was happy with the trip but would skip Nagoya if I had my time again and spend more time in a regional area.