We began our morning in Takayama, where the mountain air felt crisp and alive. Just minutes from our hotel, the Miyagawa Morning Market stretched along the river, already buzzing with locals setting up wooden stalls.
The air carried the scent of roasted chestnuts and sweet miso as we wandered past baskets of shiny apples, golden pears, and bottles of fresh-pressed apple juice glowing in the sunlight. A grandmother handed out samples with a smile while her granddaughter sat beside her, nibbling fruit — the kind of quiet, everyday beauty that makes Takayama feel timeless.
It’s one of those places where you immediately feel part of something — the chatter of vendors, the gentle hum of the river beside you, and the soft buzz of locals doing their morning shopping. We sampled snacks, browsed hand-made crafts, and picked up a few treats for the road before heading out to our next stop.
The Journey to Shirakawa-go
From Takayama, we caught the express bus through the Japan Alps — a ride that’s breathtaking from the first turn. The winding mountain roads opened up to deep valleys and misty peaks until we arrived at Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels untouched by time.
The village is known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses — “praying-hands” style homes built with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfalls. Some date back over 250 years, yet they’re still perfectly preserved and alive with daily life.
We spent hours exploring the quiet lanes, crossing tiny bridges, and admiring the ponds filled with lilies and koi. The sound of water trickling through rice fields and the sight of golden stalks drying in the sun made everything feel still and cinematic.
We hiked up to the observation platform, where the view of the village below looked straight out of a storybook — rows of A-frame rooftops surrounded by emerald fields and forested mountains. The air was thick with summer heat, hovering around 98 degrees, and by the time we reached the top, we were more than ready for something cold.
Back down by the main street, we found a small stand serving soft-serve ice cream, each cone topped with adorable local designs. Around the shop, cool mist sprayed through the air — the kind that instantly revives you — and we stood there laughing, trying to eat our ice cream before it melted faster than we could finish it. Sweet, simple, and exactly what the moment called for.
Arriving in Kanazawa
In the afternoon, we continued by bus to Kanazawa, checking into the Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, perfectly located right at the West Exit of Kanazawa Station. The hotel felt sleek and calm — a modern contrast after a day spent in the countryside.
After dropping off our bags, we took a moment to recharge before heading out for dinner.
Evening in Katamachi-Korinbo (and an Unexpected Food Find in Kinoshimbomachi)
Before exploring Kanazawa’s nightlife, we stopped for dinner at a mall restaurant in Kinoshimbomachi — and it turned out to be one of our favorite meals of the trip. We ordered spicy noodles piled high with red chili peppers and a bamboo basket of steaming soup dumplings, both so good they instantly earned a spot on our “best bites of Japan” list.
From there, we made our way to the Katamachi-Korinbo District, about ten minutes by taxi, to see the city light up for the night. Izakayas lined the streets, glowing under paper lanterns, with locals spilling out into the cool air. We hopped between a few spots, sampling yakitori, sashimi, and sake — each one more inviting than the last.
It was the perfect mix of adventure and comfort — a spontaneous evening that ended up being one of the most memorable of our honeymoon.
Wander Weekly Tips ✨
🍎 Morning Market: Go early (around 8 a.m.) for the freshest fruit and a calm riverside atmosphere. The bottled apple juice is a must.
🚌 Getting There: The Nohi Bus connects Takayama → Shirakawa-go → Kanazawa. Easy to book online or at Takayama Station.
🍦 Sweet Moment: Don’t skip the soft-serve in Shirakawa-go — it’s a small joy with a big memory.
🍜 Dinner in Kanazawa: Try the local mall restaurants in Kinoshimbomachi — casual, flavorful, and surprisingly incredible.
🍶 Nightlife: Katamachi-Korinbo is filled with cozy izakayas perfect for hopping between bites and drinks.
🏨 Stay: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
Wander Weekly 
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