After an unforgettable day in Kanazawa, it was time to trade coastal charm for mountain serenity. But first take a look at our hotel room:) While most of the rooms we have reserved will run you upside of $200/night in Japan, this beauty took us back a full $75! Kinda like camping:)
We packed our bags, picked up our rental car a Toyota, and set off on a journey that would take us deep into the heart of rural Japan — winding through snowy forested hills, ancient villages, and postcard-worthy landscapes, ending with a traditional ryokan experience in Takayama.
This was my second time driving in Japan, and after a few minutes getting used to driving on the left and navigating the narrow roads, it quickly became one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. Roads were well-marked, Kellie was calm and polite in her directions, and GPS was a lifesaver.
What surprised us most was the scenery — lush mountains, terraced rice fields, and snowy valleys around every bend. It felt like a hidden world opening up before us, far from the cities and crowds.
Our first stop was Ainokura, one of the lesser-visited Gassho-zukuri villages tucked in the mountains of the Gokayama region. With only about two dozen thatched-roof houses, it felt almost unreal — like stepping into a folk tale.
These steep-roofed homes, designed to withstand heavy snow, are architectural wonders. We wandered the village slowly, admiring the craftsmanship, chatting with locals, and ducking into a small museum that showcased how families lived in these homes for generations. It was peaceful, quiet, and deeply authentic.
Next, we drove to Ogimachi, the largest and most well-known village in Shirakawa-go. Though more popular with tourists, it absolutely lives up to the hype. From the Shiroyama Viewpoint, the panoramic view of the village below — with its rows of Gassho-zukuri homes nestled in a wide valley — is breathtaking.
We strolled through the village, crossing footbridges, peeking inside open-home museums, and warming up with a bowl of soba noodles and a Bier, in a family-run restaurant. There’s something magical about Ogimachi — the way the mountains seem to protect it, the river that gently runs through, the smoke rising from chimneys even in spring.
As the afternoon faded, we arrived in Takayama, a town that feels like Kyoto’s rustic cousin — full of old-world charm and mountain hospitality. We checked into Iroriyado Hidaya, a traditional ryokan tucked away just outside the old town.
From the moment we stepped in, everything slowed down. Tatami mats underfoot, soft lighting, and a warm welcome with macho tea. Our room overlooked a quiet garden, and after soaking in the private bath and slipping into a yukata, we caught up on our blogging and social media by the irori (hearth).
There’s a kind of stillness in Takayama that you don’t find many places — the kind that makes you realize just how loud life usually is.
From the winding roads of the Alps to the centuries-old villages and the warm hospitality of our ryokan, this day felt like a journey not just through landscapes, but through time.
Leaving Kanazawa was bittersweet, but what we found in the mountains — simplicity, beauty, and quiet connection — reminded us why we travel in the first place.