Matsumoto, Takayama and Kanazawa - to stay or not to stay?

Hi Joe,

The main point of interest in Matsumoto is the castle. It's easily visited in a few hours. If you catch an early morning train or bus from Tokyo (say), you could visit the castle and then take an evening bus to Takayama. There's no need to spend the night.

Takayama isn't my favourite place in Japan: it's just too touristy. My favourite things in the area are all out of town; you might consider hiring a car there too.

Kanazawa is certainly worth three nights - it's a lovely city, with lots to see and do, and of course many possibilities for day-trips by car. I haven't been to the Noto Peninsula personally, but have driven some coastal areas around Kanazawa. Many options really.

Anyway, I would perhaps suggest you visit the castle in Matsumoto, but don't spend the night. And if you're willing to hire cars, there's lots to see! If you want to see Kanazawa in any depth, you'll need at least a day and a half, preferably two full days, just in the city itself.

Thank you very much for this response and I think we'll be taking your advice.

Again, thank you, much appreciated.

Agree with Giora. The main interest in Matsumoto is the castle (2-3 hours at most). There is also an excellent ukiyo-e museum and an Art Museum (good if you like Kusama Yayoi). Other than this, it is a rather average city, with not much to do. So 2 nights seems certainly too much. If you don't need to see all three things, you could easily travel from Tokyo via Matsumoto to Kamikochi or to Takayama in one day if you start early.

Takayama on the other hand is a rather pleasant city for walking around. You could see the best there is in one day, perhaps spend two days if you are planning any day trips. You probably want to go to Shirakawago/Ogimachi which could fill half a day or a full day (either as day trip from Takayama or on the way to Kanazawa).

Kanazawa is a larger city with more to see/do. Filling two days in Kanazawa should not be a problem.

Regarding the base idea, in my experience transportation in the Alps is somewhat time consuming and you should have a clear idea where you want to go and whether you want/need a car.

I went to Noto-hanto by public transport. If you like to experience a more remote part of Japan this would be a good place to do it. Having a car here makes a lot of sense.

Much appreciated thank you.

It seems like the accommodation availability has reduced hugely so I think we may be stuck with our original plan!

Pretty much agree with above.

I have no problem filling 2 days in any of these 3 cities.But Kanazawa has the most to offer.

Takayama has some interesting day trips,and Matsumoto..has what is written above ;-) Its plenty to fill a day and a half (taking off travel time I guess).Both galleries in Matsumoto are very good IMHO.The Prefectural Art museum...great if you are interested in contemporary art in general and Kusama in particular (she was born in Matsumoto).

Matsumoto makes a nice base for the Kiso valley. It's a queit town amid beautiful surroundings, but no it isn't a place to spend 2 nights if you have other things to do. You could easily spend 1 night, or do it as a stop between Tokyo and Takayama(train then bus)

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