This 3-day itinerary for Takayama and Nagoya in 2026 blends the serene charm of Takayama's traditional streets with Nagoya's vibrant shopping and culinary scene. Discover how to fully experience Takayama before heading to Nagoya for a taste of its famous Miso Katsu and a rewarding shopping spree.
Morning in Takayama: Onsen and Snowy Views
Our third day began with a relaxing dip in the family onsen at the Uan Hotel in Takayama. Soaking in the hot springs early in the morning eased our travel fatigue, and the Western-style breakfast was a delightful start. Outside, the falling snow created a magical, fairytale-like scene. Fortunately, the weather cleared up for our explorations, allowing us to stroll through Takayama's picturesque streets. After checking out, we headed to Takayama Station to exchange our Hida Free Pass for train tickets to Nagoya. For a detailed guide on this process, please refer to our related blog post.
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Sanmachi Suji & Funasaka Sake Brewery Tour
After exchanging our train tickets, we made our way to the Sanmachi Suji (Old Town) area, enjoying the charming shops and beautiful scenery along the way. A highlight was visiting the Funasaka Sake Brewery, where we sampled and purchased various types of sake. This unique experience, along with buying a special sake cup, made for a memorable stop. For a more in-depth look at the brewery, check out the linked post. With some time before our train, we relaxed at a cozy cafe. While the coffee itself wasn't outstanding, the ambiance was pleasant and offered a nice break.
Nagoya Transfer & Nishitetsu Kurum Hotel Review
We departed Takayama and boarded the train to Nagoya. The transfer from Nagoya Station to our hotel, the Nishitetsu Kurum Hotel, was a bit challenging with luggage, involving some sections without escalators or elevators. However, its prime location just a 3-minute walk from the station made it convenient. The hotel features a large public bath and generally provided a comfortable stay, which we've detailed in a separate review. After settling in and unpacking, we headed out for our first meal in Nagoya.
Nagoya Culinary Delights: Miso Katsu & Shopping
Our first Nagoya dining experience was at the renowned Yabaton, where we savored their famous Miso Katsu. The staff's exceptionally friendly service enhanced our meal. Following dinner, we explored the city for some shopping. We spotted some desired clothing items but opted to hold off on purchasing to manage our budget. We also visited a cafe that impressed us more with its friendly service and atmosphere than its drinks. A particularly touching moment was when a staff member retrieved something we accidentally dropped. Japan is also a fantastic destination for knitting supplies, and we found some interesting shopping experiences in this area.
Nagoya Travel Day 3 FAQ
How do I use the Hida Free Pass to travel from Takayama to Nagoya? The Hida Free Pass allows you to exchange your ticket for the train from Takayama Station to Nagoya Station in advance. For detailed instructions and tips on ticket exchange, please refer to the relevant blog post.
What are the main advantages of the Nishitetsu Kurum Hotel in Nagoya? The Nishitetsu Kurum Hotel is highly accessible, located just a 3-minute walk from Nagoya Station. It also offers a well-equipped large public bath and provides overall satisfactory service for a comfortable stay.
What is recommended at Sanmachi Suji in Takayama? We highly recommend visiting the Funasaka Sake Brewery in Sanmachi Suji to sample and purchase various types of sake. It's a unique experience and a great place to find special souvenirs.
What must-try food is there in Nagoya? Miso Katsu, a Nagoya specialty, is a must-try at Yabaton. The combination of the sweet and savory miso sauce with thick pork cutlet is exceptional, and the friendly service makes for a delightful dining experience.
For more details, check the original source below.
