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The Golden Route of Japan feature the country's major tourist spots such as Tokyo, Fuji, Hakone and Kyoto; but equally impressive, albeit less well-known, is the The Second Golden Route which takes in Takayama, (Kanazawa and Matsumoto.
The Second Golden Route showcases the charm and natural beauty of traditional Japanese culture.
Featuring places such as Kanazawa Kenrokuen Garden, Takayama (the Hida area's Little Kyoto) and Shirakawago (a World Heritage site);
The Second Golden Route allows you to slip back in time and experience traditional Japanese culture at its finest.Let's take a closer look! |
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Kanazawa  Experience Kanazawa
Kanazawa is located in the western part of the Chubu region, in the centre of Ishikawa Prefecture, and faces the Japan Sea.It is also the Chubu region's largest city.During the Edo Period (1603-1867), Kanazawa flourished with the largest kokudaka (value of the income and fields of the feudal lords) among all feudal lords in Japan.
 Kanazawa typifies the charms of traditional Japan with its idyllic combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Perhaps the most famous attraction of Kanazawa is Kenrokuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Rich in color, Kenrokuen Garden showcases its beauty in all four seasons.
 Taking a stroll around the Higashi Chaya district (Teahouse District) is something not to be missed. This area retains the look and feel of pre-modern Japan with its low wooden houses.
Kanazawa is also proud of its traditional culture such as Noh (a traditional masked dance-drama), Kanazawa-Haku (gold which is beaten into a paper-like sheet) and Kagayuzen (dyeing crafts).
Access:
Air: About a one hour flight from Tokyo.
Shinkansen (from Tokyo): About 3 hours and 50 minutes from Tokyo (Change at Echigoyuzawa.)
Train (from Osaka): About 2 hours and 30 minutes by JR. |
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Takayama
 Takayama city is located in the northern part of Gifu prefecture, south of Kanazawa.
The city is known as Hida's (old province name of the northern Gifu) little Kyoto as it retains the traditional atmosphere of old Japan.
The beautifully preserved city is itself a worthy tourist destination. In particular, Sannomachi Street contains a number of old wooden houses dating from the Edo period which have been converted into shops, sake breweries and coffee shops.
 At the Takayama morning market, held in front of the Takayama Jinya (local government office), you can find an array local food and local crafts.
The city also hosts the Takayama festival, regarded as one of the three most beautiful festivals in Japan each spring and fall.
Access:
About 1.5 hours from Tokyo to Nagoya on the shinkansen.
From Nagoya, it takes about 2 hours by JR line. |
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Shirakawago
Shirakawago is a world heritage site located between Kanazawa and Takayama Shirakawago. It is famous for its Gassho - Zukuri (houses with steep rafter roofs). Gassho - Zukuri have been built since the Edo period but they are a rare sight nowadays. The snow-capped Gassho-Zukuri houses in winter are particularly beautiful.
 
Access:
Take a bus from Takayama Station or Kanazawa Station. |
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Matsumoto
Matsumoto is located in the central part of Nagano Prefecture, the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics. Nestled amongst the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains all-year-round.
A highlight of the city is Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's national treasures and most beautiful castles. Also known as Crow Castle because of it has black walls and black spreading wings, it is believed that much of the castle was completed between 1593-4. The castle is a must-see for any visitor to Matsumoto.
Matsumoto is also well-known for its numerous historical buildings.
One such example is Kaichi School. Built in 1873, the school is designated as an important cultural asset.
Access:
1 hour and 50 minutes by shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano.
It takes about 50 minutes from Nagano to Matsumoto by JR line. |
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