Page 18 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

16  INTRODUCING JAP AN

A Gourmet Tour of gardens, and the striking
Central Japan architecture and art on display
at the 21st Century Museum
• Airports Arrive and depart of Contemporary Art. Sample
from Narita or Haneda succulent sushi at Omicho
airports, both serving Tokyo. Ichiba market, or seek out a
An alternative international restaurant serving the refined
access point is Chubu cuisine known as kaga ryori.
International Airport
(Centrair), 30 km (19 miles) Day 3
south of Nagoya. Freshly caught seafood is a
• Transport Trains are must-try on a trip around the
generally the best way to get scenic Noto Peninsula (p154).
around the mountainous Continue to Wajima (p154), a Tsumago, in the Kiso Valley, where time
region, with Nagano con- port at the northern end of the seems to have stopped
nected to Tokyo by a Shin- peninsula that hosts a daily
kansen line that also runs market and is renowned for its some of the elaborate floats
to Kanazawa. Hire a car in high-quality lacquerware. On used in the town’s twice-yearly
Kanazawa to travel around the way back to Kanazawa, take festivals. Takayama is the place
the Noto Peninsula. Bus (or in the strange rock formations to sample mitarashi-dango –
hired car) is the best way to around Sosogi. rice balls dipped in soy sauce
travel between Kanazawa, and roasted on skewers.
and Takayama. From there Day 4
on, use the train to access Three picturesque villages in Day 6
the charming post towns of the Shokawa Valley (p150) Of the 11 Edo-era post towns
the Kiso Valley and connect make up a UNESCO World staged along the Kiso Valley
up with either Matsumoto Heritage Site. Aim for Ogimachi (p146), the most picturesque
or Nagoya. (p150), where there’s an is Tsumago, where it feels like
architectural park that displays you’ve stepped back in time.
the distinctive thatched A-frame Consider hiking part of the
The alpine regions of Central houses and other traditional Nakasendo, the Edo-period
Honshu and the Japan Sea buildings from the region. stone-pathed post road that
coast are the ideal places Guesthouses and restaurants runs between Tsumago and
to sample a wide range of here will serve sansai ryori Magome. Spend the night in
Japanese cuisines – from (mountain vegetable dishes). one of the Kiso Valley’s
simple noodles to elegantly Continue to Takayama for your traditional minshukus (B&B).
prepared banquets. overnight stop.
Day 7
Day 1 Day 5 Matsumoto (p155) has a
The venerable temple of Zenko-ji Takayama (pp148–50) is one of splendid 16th-century castle,
is the prime attraction of Nagano the most characterful towns in the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, with
(p155), the gateway to the Japan the Japan Alps. The Sannomachi its collection of woodblock
Alps. From Nagano, you can Quarter is packed with wooden prints, and the Matsumoto City
also make a half-day trip to buildings housing cafés, shops, Museum of Art, displaying works
Jigokudani Onsen (p155), the and sake breweries. Drop by the by local artist Yayoi Kusama.
hot pools famous for attract ing Takayama Festival Floats Sasamushi (eel steamed inside
snow monkeys. Soba noodles Exhibition Hall (p150) to see rice wrapped in bamboo leaves)
made with buckwheat are a is one of the town’s delicacies.
specialty here. If you pause in
quaint Obuse (p155) on the To extend your trip…
way back from Jigokudani Onsen, The lively metropolis of
you could also sample chestnut Nagoya (p147) offers a
confectionery and good sake. castle, the Tokugawa Art
Museum, and several
Day 2 fascinating sights linked
Kanazawa (pp152–3), by the to its industrial heritage.
Japan Sea, has an illustrious The Fuji Five Lakes area
heritage. Visit the impressive (pp144–5) has several
castle, the Nagamachi Samurai lovely lakeside resorts;
Quarter, and the Higashi (Eastern) if the weather is favorable,
Pleasure District of traditional you’ll be able to see and,
teahouses. Other highlights depending on the season,
include Kenroku-en Garden, The bucolic landscape of Kenroku-en climb Mount Fuji.
one of Japan’s “great three” Garden, in Kanazawa
For practical information on traveling around Japan, see pp380–85

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Country itinerary template “UK” LAYER
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Date 21st March 2014
Size 125mm x 217mm