Japan 2017/18 Summary

Japan 2017/18 Summary

Again, thank you for following my trip across the Chubu region, Hokkaido and Tokyo. In this post I compiled the whole travel log series and also list some additional resources.

Japan 2017/18 Days 16 & 17: Tokyo and Departure

Japan 2017/18 Days 16 & 17: Tokyo and Departure

The last day in Tokyo was as busy as always with a visit to a Michelin star restaurant and the return flight the next day. Also, I had the chance to meet two old friends I have not seen in years.

Japan 2017/18 Days 14 & 15: Hida, Takayama and back to Tokyo

Japan 2017/18 Days 14 & 15: Hida, Takayama and back to Tokyo

A day with so many things going on, I had to split the log into two. Continuing from the last article, I arrived in Takayama in the afternoon after the bus tour to Ainokura and Shirakawago ended.

Japan 2017/18 Day 14: Ainokura and Shirakawago

Japan 2017/18 Day 14: Ainokura and Shirakawago

In a day-trip from Takayama I visited the UNESCO world heritage sites of Ainokura and Shirakawago, remote villages with a special housing style in the mountains.

Japan 2017/18 Day 13: Toyama and Takayama

Japan 2017/18 Day 13: Toyama and Takayama

From the coast into the mountains — from Kanazawa the journey went on to Toyama and Takayama. The town is well worth a visit, even in winter. And did you know that the beef of the local cattle tastes as good as the one from Hyogo?

Japan 2017/18 Day 12: Kaga Onsen

Japan 2017/18 Day 12: Kaga Onsen

The best thing to pass bad weather is taking a hot bath. Following this mentality, I visited Yamanaka Onsen today, a secluded Onsen town in a gorge south of Kanazawa. Also I enjoyed more fresh sea food in Kanazawa.

Japan 2017/18 Day 11: Kanazawa

Japan 2017/18 Day 11: Kanazawa

Located between the mountains and the coast, Kanazawa combines many opposites, which are reflected in its architecture, the cuisine and the culture. When I first visited the city in 2014, I liked it so much that I wanted to return on the next opportunity. While it was raining for during the whole day, I made the most out of it.

Japan 2017/18 Day 10: Snow Monkeys and Matsumoto

Japan 2017/18 Day 10: Snow Monkeys and Matsumoto

From Nagano I visited two well-known destinations in the prefecture. In the morning I went to see the adorable Snow Monkeys bath in a hot spring and in the afternoon I explored Matsumoto Castle, part of the World Heritage.

Japan 2017/18 Day 9: Kusatsu and Nagano

Japan 2017/18 Day 9: Kusatsu and Nagano

This Sunday we left Kusatsu and I followed the Hokuriku line to Nagano. The former Olympic town in the mountains is famous for its soba noodles and a historic temple.

Japan 2017/18 Day 8: Kusatsu Onsen

Japan 2017/18 Day 8: Kusatsu Onsen

It’s half time of my trip. Spending a night in the Onsen town Kusatsu in Gunma prefecture I had a relaxing stay with friends from Tokyo. The water from the natural hot spring is used in many ways here besides for bathing.