Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

7 DAY PASS – Autumn Country Itinerary
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Kyu Usui Toge Miharashidai – The Kyu Usui Toge Miharashidai, or Usui Pass Observation Platform, offers scenic views of the Gunma mountain
range and Mount Asama, as well as the valley of red and yellow foliage below. Board the Karuizawa Aka Bus, which is a red tourist bus that links
the Manpei Hotel and the Karuizawa Ginza to the observation platform. A one-way ticket costs 500 yen, while a return ticket is 800 yen.
Karuizawa Autumn Festival – Observed between 2 October and 3 November, the Karuizawa Autumn Festival is one of the most important
events in the region. During this time, you can enjoy different events and enjoy discounted rates at some museums and inns. Information about
the festivities is available at the Tourist Information Office at the Karuizawa Station.
Day 5: Karuizawa to Takayama (Spend 2 nights in Takayama)
Next stop is Takayama, which is a city located in the mountainous region of Hida in Gifu Prefecture.
From Karuizawa Station, board a Shinkansen going to Toyama Station, and then transfer to the Ltd Exp (Wide View) Hida Line to Takayama Station. The
entire trip takes a little less than four hours, and is covered by the JR Pass.
Kumobaike Lake at Japan Karuizawa
Hida-Takayama
Day 6: Sightseeing in Takayama
Here are the must-see spots in Takayama:
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Old Town – With many well-preserved Edo Period buildings and structures, Takayama’s Old Town is the best place to be for a glimpse of what life
was like many centuries ago. It is only a ten-minute walk from Takayama Station.
Shiroyama Park – Covering an area of about 60 acres, Shiroyama Park is a public park around the Takayama Castle ruins and is home to various
trees, including more than a thousand Yoshino cherry trees. From Takayama Station, it takes twenty minutes to walk to the park.
Higashiyama Temple area – The Higashiyama Temple area can be explored via the Higashiyama Walking Course, a 3.5 kilometre trail that passes
by about a dozen shrines and temples, the old Takayama Castle ruins, traditional houses, and through a wooded area inhabited by interesting
wildlife and various trees and plants. At a leisurely pace, you should be able to complete the round trip in about two hours. From Takayama
Station, walk about 15 minutes to the Museum of History and Art, which is where the trail both begins and ends.
Kitayama Park – Home to different types of trees that create beautiful red and yellow canopies in autumn, Kitayama Park is a popular viewing
spot for great views of the stunning autumn foliage. It is located near the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall and the Miyagawa Market in the city’s
Old Town area.
Takayama Festival (Autumn) – Held from 9-10 October, the Autumn Festival in Takayama is celebrated every year in honour of the Hachiman
Shrine. Its highlights include a procession around town, a karakuri performance, and a festival float display and exhibition. Hachiman Shrine is
located a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town district.
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