Kanazawa Trip to Two World Heritages

Discover Hokuriku with Kanazawa as your hub, a city with excellent Shinkansen and transport access. From Kanazawa, known for gourmet cuisine and samurai castle town walks, Shirakawa-go World Heritage Village is only a 75-minute drive away. Extend your trip to Takayama and you will feel like stepping back in time, wandering through streets filled with tradition. Explore three scenic driving routes, each highlighting seasonal beauty and cultural treasures, perfect for travelers seeking authentic Japan and memorable journeys.

Just 75 minutes by car from Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go welcomes you with UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses and scenery that changes beautifully with each season. After exploring this historic village, continue to Gokayama, another World Heritage site, where quiet, rustic hamlets offer a glimpse into Japan’s traditional life. With a rental car, you can enjoy both sites in a single day, creating a special driving route. Combine with Kanazawa’s castle town charm and gourmet culture for an unforgettable Hokuriku journey.

Start from Kanazawa and drive to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Enjoy timeless scenery that changes beautifully with the seasons before heading to Hida Takayama, where old streets, morning markets, and famous Hida beef cuisine await. With a rental car, you can efficiently explore these historic and cultural highlights at your own pace. On the next day, return to Kanazawa and add castle town sightseeing, combining Hokuriku and Hida in one trip. In just two days, experience World Heritage, living traditions, and gourmet delights on a luxurious drive.

Depart from Kanazawa and drive to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village famed for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. After enjoying the timeless scenery and traditional lifestyle through the seasons, continue on to the Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road, a breathtaking driving route open only during limited seasons. Here, dramatic landscapes unfold with deep valleys, waterfalls, fresh greenery, and brilliant autumn colors. This plan lets you experience both the cultural heritage and the grand nature of Hokuriku in just a single day, making it a truly luxurious day trip.

• Passable until Nov 10. Roads may close due to snow or ice. Check the Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road website for the latest status before departure.