Takayama

Naše skupina šesti lidí si užila dvoudenní a jednu noc trvající prohlídku alpské trasy Tateyama Kurobe. Měli jsme obzvláště štěstí, že jsme měli tak vynikající průvodkyni, paní Zhang, 张静娟. Náš itinerář byl dobře naplánovaný a podrobné vysvětlení míst, která jsme navštívili, od paní Zhang bylo jasné a přesné. Také nám doporučila skvělé místní jídlo, které bychom měli ochutnat. Šest různých dopravních prostředků bylo zážitkem, když jsme překonávali Alpy a hory, abychom se dostali ke sněhovým stěnám. Nejvyšší bod stěny byl 11 metrů, bohužel pršelo, když jsme dorazili ke sněhové stěně, naše fotografie byly trochu rozmazané a mokré, ale naše nadšení to vynahradilo 😂

The itinerary was very tight, the tour leader was competent, and the driver—an experienced female driver—was very steady. The condition of the bus was a bit old, and the APA Hotel in Kanazawa was located in a remote area, making it difficult to find food after checking in late at night.

Before departure, we were invited to join a messaging group where we could get information or ask any questions about the trip. Tour leader Xiao Yu arranged the entire itinerary—including timing, routes, transportation, and accommodations—very satisfactorily, and proactively took photos for group members along the way. On the first day, we departed from the meeting point in Nagoya for Kamikochi. On the tour bus, the tour leader distributed images and details regarding routes 1 and 2, including estimated times, and asked everyone to choose their preferred route for coordination and information. In the evening, we stayed at a hot spring ryokan with two meals included. On the second day, we headed to Kurobe Tateyama. The weather that day was extremely severe, with heavy wind and rain. The entire schedule simply consisted of getting on and off the bus, stepping outside briefly, and using the restroom. In the evening, we checked into a nice hotel and enjoyed a Japanese-style dinner. On the third day, after having a buffet breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Shirakawa-go, Hida-Takayama, Gujo Hachiman, and returned to Nagoya.

Departing in mid-October, we seized the opportunity before the mountain trails closed. I had actually wanted to go for a very long time. Our tour guide, Ms. Yu, was extremely attentive the entire time, provided very clear explanations, answered all the group members' questions, and interacted with us a lot. We had a wonderful time, and both dinner and breakfast featured authentic Japanese-style meals.

I previously joined a Shirakawa-go day tour, and this time, because I wanted to visit Kamikochi and my family was going for the first time, I decided to take them to Shirakawa-go. Booking this two-day tour felt like a great value! The onsen hotel we stayed at was also very good. In the evening, we could leisurely stroll and dine in the Takayama Old Town, enjoying its atmosphere. The onsen hotel was excellent, and we thoroughly enjoyed the hot springs. The next day, after a good night's sleep, we headed to Kamikochi. Without the long travel time, we had a full four hours to explore, which was perfect. I would definitely consider joining this tour again in the future. Our tour leader, Liu Mei, was fantastic and very thoughtful. She even proactively helped us book a Hida beef restaurant and secured small souvenir gifts for us.

Location was superb, being right next to the train station, which was why I booked it. The public foot bath on the top floor was also very welcome, especially as I had just come in from Kamikochi. 6 mins walk away is Cafe Rin-Rin, a mom and pop cafe that felt like you were stepping back in time, and served delicious french toast. The room was comfortable and good-sized for a solo traveller, and the washing machine was a godsend. The only thing that was very annoying was the lamp sitting over the small table, as I kept hitting my head on it. It was at a very inconvenient spot and height.

The location is extremely close to the JR station and the Nohi Bus terminal, making it ideal for those taking buses to and from Nagoya or even visiting Kamikochi. The hotel is also about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the main street and the Takayama Old Town, and walking in the other direction leads to a large supermarket for shopping. The hotel's large public bath is relatively simple. I found the self-service luggage racks and lockers to be a very thoughtful touch, which can be used freely both before check-in and after check-out. The overall hotel design is modern, charming, yet refined, with cozy amenities, good tea and coffee, and comfortable beds. Overall, this is a highly recommended place to stay.

The hotel is very good. The room is spacious with a private onsen and separate air conditioning. Parking costs a small fee. There's a welcome drink of beer or orange juice. Breakfast is good and standard. It's quite far from the train station and the city, but it's peaceful.

The hotel's location is excellent, just about two or three minutes from Takayama Station. There's also a large supermarket about a 5-minute walk away. The room is spacious, and the refrigerator comes with complimentary beer, soda, a large bottle of mineral water, and a large bottle of sake, all free to enjoy. A kitchen is provided, but there are few cooking utensils, and while there's a non-stick pan, it has many scratches. I heard you can exchange it for a new one at the front desk. The room also has a washer-dryer, and two complimentary laundry pods are provided, which is great!