The Dragon Route 昇龍道
Nagoya
Nagoya is one of Japan’s major cities located between Tokyo and the Kyoto/Osaka metropolitan area.
When using the Shinkansen, Nagoya is only 1.5 hours from Tokyo and 35 minutes from Kyoto.
Nagoya is commercial hub for many of Japan’s major industries but it is also a gateway to many popular tourist destinations such as Southern Nagano, the UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawa-go village, Ise Jingu shrine, the city of Takayama and the historical Nakasendo route.
The city of Nagoya itself has many attractive spots worth visiting such as the Toyota Technology Museum, Ghibli Park, Atsuta Jingu shrine, Nagoya Castle to mention just a few.
Nagoya also is famous for its distinct local cuisine called “Nagoya Meshi”; a must try for the total Nagoya experience.
Kanazawa
Kanazawa is the one of the most popular destination along the Dragon Route.
Kanazawa was one of the wealthiest feudal domains when shoguns ruled Japan.
Due to this history, Kanazawa is the center of ancient samurai culture. In this city visitors can learn about the fierceness and elegance, the luxury and refinement of the samurai culture.
Must visits include Kanazawa castle, Higashi-chaya district, and Kenrokuen, considered as one of the most beautiful traditional Japanese gardens.
Takayama
Takayama is also a very popular destination along the Dragon Route.
Must sees include: “Takayama Jinya”, the local administrative building used during the samurai period; “Takayama Matsuri Yatai Hall” that displays traditional floats used for one of Japan’s most delightful festivals. When in Takayama, do not miss dining on dishes using Hida beef, the local Wagyu beef. And do stay in one of the onsen ryokans (hot spring inns).
But the most attractive aspect of visiting Takayama is to stroll through its old town you can immerse in the atmosphere of Japan’s yesteryear.
Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are villages nestled deep in the mountains of the Hida region, known for its distinct "Gasshozukuri" farmhouses.
Both villages are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites attracting many tourists from all over the world.
Shirakawa-go is the larger and more famous of the two villages. Sekai o Tsunagu recommends Gokayama to avoid crowds and to fully experience this area with its unique architecture.
Inuyama
Inuyama is a castle town located just a half an hour away by train from Nagoya. The city boasts the Inuyama castle with Japan’s oldest surviving castle tower; Tenshu. Many consider it as the most beautiful castle along the Dragon Route.
Walk around the historical old town and stay at one of its hot spring inns. Another attraction of Inuyama is the traditional “Ukai” fishing on the Kiso River. This ancient method of fishing is when fishermen use trained cormorants to catch fish.
We also highly recommend tourists to partake in the Inuyama Festival that takes place every year on the first Saturday and Sunday of April.
Gifu city
We often get requests from clients that want to stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan but away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and Kyoto. Sekai of Tsunagu recommends the city of Gifu, located just a short train ride’s away from Nagoya. The city offers competitive hotel rates compared to other cities and we always receive very positive reviews from our customers about their stay.
Gifu is also famous for the traditional “Ukai” fishing on the Nagara River.
