Starting from Nagoya, this 3-day loop takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go, the historic city of Kanazawa, the Edo-period streets of Takayama, and one of Japan’s top hot spring towns, Gero Onsen.
It’s a well-balanced route where you can experience culture, nature, and hot springs all in one trip — highly recommended for visiting riders.
Each day covers around 150–250 km, keeping the riding manageable while leaving plenty of time for sightseeing.
Note: Due to Google Maps’ waypoint limit, some stopovers are not shown here. Please check the daily route details for full maps.
This route is also featured in the Top 10 Motorcycle Touring Routes in Japan.
Day 1: Nagoya → Kanazawa
Route overview
Depart from Nagoya, ride through Gujo Hachiman and pass Shirakawa-go before tackling the scenic Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road. End the day in Kanazawa, a former castle town on the Sea of Japan coast.
Approx. distance: 250 km ｜ Mainly local roads with some expressway
Highlights
- Monet’s Pond (Seki City) – A crystal-clear pond with koi and water lilies, perfect for photos.
- Gujo Hachiman Castle (Gujo City) – A mountaintop castle often called the “castle in the sky,” offering panoramic views.
- Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa Village) – UNESCO-listed thatched-roof village. On Day 1 you’ll just pass through with a photo stop.
- Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road – A mountain pass at 1,400m with waterfalls and dramatic valleys.
- Higashi Chaya District (Kanazawa) – Traditional geisha district. At night, enjoy dinner and the beautifully lit streets.
Day 2: Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go → Hida Furukawa → Takayama
Spend the morning exploring Kanazawa before riding south into the mountains. Visit Shirakawa-go for an in-depth look, then continue to the quieter town of Hida Furukawa before finishing in Takayama.
Approx. distance: 140 km ｜ Local roads
Highlights
- Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa) – One of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens.” Best visited in the morning before crowds.
- Higashi Chaya District (Kanazawa) – Traditional wooden houses, tea shops, and cafes.
- Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa Village) – Take your time here: view the village from the observation deck and wander among the gassho-style houses (allow at least 2 hours).
- Hida Furukawa (Hida City) – White-walled storehouses and canals filled with koi carp. Known as a filming location for the anime Your Name.
- Takayama Old Town (Takayama City) – Edo-period merchant streets, sake breweries, and cozy restaurants. Beautifully atmospheric in the evening.
Day 3: Takayama → Gero Onsen → Magome-juku → Nagoya
The final day takes you south, with a stop at one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns before finishing along the historic Nakasendo route.
Approx. distance: 200 km ｜ Local roads
Highlights
- Gero Onsen (Gero City) – One of Japan’s “Three Great Onsen.” Drop by for a foot bath or stroll through the hot spring town.
- Magome-juku (Nakatsugawa City) – A beautifully preserved Edo-period post town along the old Nakasendo trail. Cobblestone streets and wooden inns make it a step back in time.
- Nagoya Castle (Nagoya City, optional) – If time allows, visit this iconic castle before ending your ride.
Estimated Costs (2 nights / 3 days)
| Item | Details | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle Rental (3 days) | 250cc: ¥35,000 ｜ 400cc+: ¥45,000–55,000 | |
| Accommodation (2 nights) | Business hotels or ryokan | ¥20,000–40,000 |
| Food | Hida beef, Kanazawa seafood, local specialties | ¥10,000–20,000 |
| Fuel | ~620 km total | ¥4,000–6,000 |
| Expressway tolls | Tokai-Hokuriku & Hokuriku Expressways (partial use) | ¥3,000–5,000 |
Budget guide
- Budget plan: ¥70,000–80,000
- Standard plan: ¥90,000–110,000
- Premium plan (large bike + ryokan + gourmet meals): ¥120,000+
Summary
- Day 1: Ride from Nagoya through the mountains to Kanazawa (mainly a riding day).
- Day 2: Explore Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and Takayama (culture-focused day).
- Day 3: Relax at Gero Onsen and step back in time at Magome-juku before returning to Nagoya.
This route combines riding, culture, and hot springs into one well-rounded journey. It’s a perfect introduction to central Japan and highly recommended for both domestic and international riders.