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
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.
