Hello. We are visiting Asia for first time this May/June after doing Europe four times "Rick's way". We are looking at a one full day / two night stopover between Tokyo and Kyoto. We are thinking of EITHER Takayama or Kanazawa because looking at train itineraries I don't think we could do both.
Which one of the two, in your experience, has been better? Or are there other even better places?
thanks
--matt
My vote would be Kanazawa for the stunning garden, Kenrokuen. One of the best in Japan.
Takayama is also very worthwhile (as you've identified!), but my thinking is that since you've been in Kyoto, you are likely to have seen some of the older, preserved buildings such as in Takayama. (and you can find preserved streets in Kanazawa if you want that)
I agree, the train connections are awkward, on a given trip, I've had to make the decision of one over the other also.
Do you have specific interests? Hiking, nature, historic buildings, etc? That might suggest a different answer to me.
Whatever you decide, you won't lose. Both are terrific. Hard to say that one is "better".
I like both cities.
On my return trip later this year, I am going back to Kanazawa to see more. I've seen what I wanted to see in Takayama.
Do you have specific interests? Hiking, nature, historic buildings, etc? That might suggest a different answer to me.
We are definitely not hikers but do enjoy walking cites or in nature... on level ground.
So Historic buildings, architecture of any sort and gardens.
Views.
A place with a cooler vibe / funky vs. stuffy and uptight. Nightlife. Things to do after hours, but we are not into any sort of club scene.
I would like to go to both of these in the future. If you have time for Shirakawago, then Takayama is a little closer:
https://www.vill.shirakawa.lg.jp/1414.htm
Hida Furukawa (also very quaint with far less tourists) is a short train ride away from Takayama.
Takayama was my favorite place in Japan. Kanazawa certainly had a lot of positives too but Takayama
won it all for me! They are not far apart so you can visit both cities easily.
We did all three - Shiragawa, Takayama, Kanazawa - via public transportation and enjoyed all three. But, if pressed, would return first to Kanazawa. Kanazawa has it all - the gorgeous gardens, historic sites and great food.
