{"id":39708,"date":"2022-06-22T10:08:28","date_gmt":"2022-06-22T02:08:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/?p=39708"},"modified":"2022-11-02T17:32:55","modified_gmt":"2022-11-02T09:32:55","slug":"japan-road-trip-takayama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/japan-road-trip-takayama\/","title":{"rendered":"YouTrip\u2019s Japan Road Trip Guide To Takayama\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You might have missed this year\u2019s Sakura season due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, there\u2019s still plenty of time to plan for the ultimate wintery getaway to Japan this year! Read on for our best tips and tricks to getting the most out of your Japan road trip to Takayama.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When one considers the possible places to visit in Japan, it\u2019s likely that Tokyo<\/a>, Osaka<\/a> and even Hokkaido<\/a> come to mind. However, when my friends and I planned our trip to Japan back in 2020, we were looking to go somewhere off the beaten track \u2014 enter Takayama, a historic town, removed from the usual hustle and bustle of the city, in the heart of the Japanese Alps. Best explored by car, Takayama\u2019s vast landscapes, architecture, culture, and rich history (not to mention local cuisine) truly blew us away! If you, too, would like to see a different side of Japan, I hope that this Japan road trip guide to Takayama will give you the insights you need to plan for a similar experience in 2022 and beyond! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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But First! Here\u2019s How To Make Full Use Of The Falling Yen<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Before we begin the guide, let\u2019s address the golden opportunity in the room: the lowest SGD to Yen exchange rate we\u2019ve seen in the past 20 years<\/a>! At this moment, the exchange rate between the Yen and the Singapore dollar hovers just shy of the \u00a5100 (~S$1) mark. Coupled with the reopening of Japan\u2019s tourism market, this is the perfect time for travellers to Japan (i.e. you)<\/em> to stock up on the Yen (or at least lock down the best rates on your YouTrip app now for future use). <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okay, now that you\u2019ve got your pocket money sorted \u2014 let\u2019s get on with our Japan Road Trip Guide To Takayama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Japan Road Trip Guide To Takayama: <\/strong>Planning & Pre-departure Preparations <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Timing Is Everything <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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With the right vehicle, you\u2019ll be able to drive to sights like these in no time <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Unlike our perpetually-sunny homeland, Japan enjoys four distinct seasons each year which transforms the land into starkly different environments that will greatly impact your experience there. For instance, would you rather enjoy the sunset colours of fall, bask in the summer sunshine, marvel at the cherry blossoms, or play in the snow?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takayama Seasons<\/strong>

\ud83c\udf1e Summer:<\/strong> From June to August
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Summers in Takayama tend to be hot, but evenings are cool. It also tends to rain more during mid-June to late July
\ud83c\udf41 Autumn:<\/strong> From September to November
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb September\u2019s a great time to hike in the Japan Alps, and the end of October is when Takayama\u2019s fall foliage starts
\u2744\ufe0f Winter:<\/strong> From December to February
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb We chose this because we were enticed by the snow-capped views that awaited us \u2014 and the chance to escape from Singapore\u2019s humid heat!
\ud83c\udf38 Spring:<\/strong> From March to May
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Plum blossoms come out in mid-March, and cherry blossoms<\/a> arrive end-March<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2.  Transport & Vehicle Logistics <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Away from the city, free parking is more common \u2014 a silver lining for our wallets! <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once you\u2019ve decided when to go, you should think about transport options and logistics to prepare for the trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(A) Get A Rental From The Airport<\/strong>

For all purposes of road-tripping, we strongly recommend renting a car from the airport \u2014 this way, you\u2019ll be able to set off immediately upon arrival and make the most of your time in the country. If you\u2019re going in the winter like us, make sure you rent a car with snow tires <\/strong>as per regulations.

(B) Parking At Accommodations<\/strong>

You should also take note of parking options when choosing your accommodations as parking in Japan doesn\u2019t come cheap. Be prepared to pay about S$30 for an hour\u2019s parking in the city, and upwards of S$60 for overnight parking. Ideally, you should look for accommodation options that come with free or fixed-rate overnight parking to save on these hidden costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. COVID-19 Travel Regulations <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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You can run, but you can\u2019t hide<\/em> \u2014 Covid-19 travel restrictions are here to stay for the foreseeable future, despite our small optimistic steps towards global recovery. At the moment, Singaporeans entering Japan are able to skip quarantine with a negative PCR test result<\/a>. However, you are still required to travel as part of an organised tour group. Stay tuned for more updates!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/td>Entering Japan From Singapore<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Entry Requirements<\/strong><\/td>\u2705 Be part of a packaged tour<\/a>

\u2705 Take PCR test <\/strong>72 hours before departure (ARTs are not permitted), to include:
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Testing date and time
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Name of the clinic that conducted the test
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Negative result
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Name of the lab that reported results
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Date of when the result was notified
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Name of doctor who conducted the test
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb MCR no. of said doctor
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb QR codes for verification

\ud83d\udea8 Bring a printed copy of the digital PDT certificate, provided by clinics approved by MOH
\u2705 Be fully vaccinated with one booster dose. Your COVID-19 vaccination cert<\/a> must include:
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Name of traveller
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Passport document number
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Nationality\/ Citizenship
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Date of Birth
\ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Clear indication that you have received your third dose

\ud83c\udf89 Since 1 June, Singaporean arrivals have not been required to take an on-arrival test or isolate at their place of residence!
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Japan Road Trip Guide To Takayama: Highlights & Must-sees <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Now that the planning is done, here\u2019s a brief overview of our itinerary which you can tweak according to your group\u2019s likes and dislikes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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First Stop: Takayama <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A cute snowman greeted us in Takayama <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We started off right in the heart of the region, in Takayama. Once a hub for merchants and craftsmen during the Edo period, the city still maintains its old-world charm with traditional buildings and streets in the Sanmachi District. The Takayama Crafts Experience Center<\/a> was a delightful find that we stumbled upon, and we greatly enjoyed the many folk craft activities offered \u2014 no reservations required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We had multiple servings of this throughout our stay in Takayama<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When you\u2019re there, don\u2019t forget to try Hida beef, a local delicacy sourced from a special breed of black wagyu bred only in the Gifu prefecture. We recommend snacking on the beef sushi (you\u2019ll be able to find these stalls peppered around the streets) and scheduling a visit to a Hida beef speciality restaurant<\/a> for the full gastronomical experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Second Stop: Shirakawa-go & Gokayama <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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These farmhouses were constructed without any nails and are over 200 years old!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We then ventured further up north towards the UNESCO world heritage sites<\/a> of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. Architecture is the main highlight here as the towns are famous for their gassho-zukuri farmhouses that dot the idyllic countryside landscape. Thus, we highly recommend booking a ryokan stay for this leg of the trip to fully immerse yourselves in the unique sights and atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A classic ryokan goes above and beyond your typical bed and breakfast (or Airbnb), complete with kimonos and tatami mats for the full traditional Japanese experience. Food-wise, you won\u2019t find any measly bento boxes here \u2014 each meal served was nothing short of a feast, with multiple courses and seasonal ingredients carefully prepared by the ryokan\u2019s kitchen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often, ryokans are built around onsen pools which are free for guests to use \u2014 perfect for winding down on snowy winter evenings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Third Stop: Kanazawa <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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One of the scenes from Kenrokuen<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Once we had our fill of the slow, rustic lifestyle in the Shirakawa-go area, we headed to Kanazawa. By comparison, this city was bustling yet it still had a little of everything. Here, you\u2019ll be able to find something for nature lovers, foodies, and history buffs alike \u2014 a testament to the rich culture of the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Touted as one of Japan\u2019s most beautiful landscape gardens, Kenrokuen<\/a> is not one to be missed when you\u2019re in the area. Thanks to its spacious and harmonious design, the large park offers visitors a peaceful space for contemplation and rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foodies will adore Omicho market, Kanazawa\u2019s largest fresh food bazaar, stocked with a large variety of Japanese delicacies and produce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve some time left, we also recommend checking out the Higashi Chaya District, home to geisha teahouses and gold leaf speciality stores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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BONUS: Japan Road Trip To Noto Peninsula <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Tojinbo Cliffs, jutting out into the Sea of Japan<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are also plenty of scenic spots in Takayama that make for great short day trips. During our stay, we drove out along the coast of the Noto Peninsula \u2014 a popular route for Japan road trip goers in the region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Chirihama Nagisa Beach Driveway was particularly special as vehicles were allowed to drive onto the sand, bringing us right next to the waves lapping onto the shore! On the day we went, a recent bout of rain had cleared the beach of any fellow visitors. Thus we were able to truly soak in the serene quietness of the seaside on our drive. It was an otherworldly experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Geography students will also enjoy the Tojinbo Cliffs with their distinct hexagonal shape that can only be seen in this part of Japan. The chime of the crashing waves and fresh sea air made the cliffs a refreshing pit stop before we headed back along the coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Have The Best Japan Road Trip Guide To Takayama With YouTrip!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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We hope this guide will come in handy for when Japan opens up for individual travellers in the future \u2014 hopefully in time for 2022\u2019s winter season! Now that you know how to plan the ultimate Japan road trip guide to Takayama, it\u2019s time to plot your next visit to the Land of the Rising Sun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As always, whenever you make your bookings or spend overseas, be sure to use your YouTrip card to skip out on those pesky bank fees<\/a>. If you don\u2019t have a YouTrip card yet, sign up now and be sure to check out our YouTrip Perks<\/a> page for exclusive offers and promotions too! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram(@YouTripSG)<\/a> and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here<\/a> or down below! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad<\/a>? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! \ud83d\udc9c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay safe, and happy travels!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Related Articles: <\/strong>
YouTrip\u2019s Sakura Forecast: Japan 2023 Cherry Blossom Season<\/a><\/strong>
YouTrip\u2019s Guide To Osaka 2022: Best Things To Eat & Do<\/strong><\/a><\/strong>
YouTrip\u2019s Tokyo Food Guide: What To Eat In Tokyo Japan 2022<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Japan, take the wheel.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":69,"featured_media":39709,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8119,623,624],"tags":[28209,39364,39362,39363,39129,39132,39159],"class_list":["post-39708","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides-tips","category-lifestyle","category-travel","tag-food","tag-japan-road-trip","tag-japan-travel","tag-takayama-guide","tag-travel","tag-trending","tag-vtl"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39708","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/69"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39708"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39708\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39708"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39708"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39708"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}