At least I know my memory is not failing me, cause few weeks back I saw some renovation.

IT is just a small dept I handle.

damn nice... able to get japan
i oni JB, Spork and Bangkok

thanks for the tips , added music box museum to my itineary =D
now is preparing kyoto full day itineary step by step ,bus + train in depth info...
later ill post in the afternoon ... correct me if got anything wrong , or got better alternative route ya =D

Well holiday and working in Japan is two totally different things.

i totally understand u

my oversea job is jus project based, work for few weeks then chow
eveyday work until 1/2am then 8am continue again
WORST THAN JAIL kekeke slave type of works

but i think ur one still better

Hi there, just wonder what is the best way to enjoy the Shirakawago Winter Light Up Event as overnight there is not an option, fully booked. So, have to resort to a Day trip...
a) by Bus (Nohi Bus) from Takayama to Shirakawago? It is difficult to secure a bus ticket? From their website, can only do reservation by phone call? Also, their last return bus is scheduled at 17:20? Any other mode of transport other than Nohi esp while at Shirakawago.
b) by Private tour
Thanks in advance

Need to ask for some advice.

As initially Osaka and Kyoto were not part of my plan but since Nagoya flights are temporarily suspended I got no choice but to head there first before get back to my original plan.

I would love to know whether: -

a. Could we able to walk around Minami (Namba) - Doton, Mura and Shinsai with an entire day itinerary? As it is not my main place to visit for this trip, just want to make it quick and simple.

b. After Osaka, just do a quick drop to Arashi for half day before head back to my original plan - Nagoya? Is that Romance train worth a ride? Share with me your thoughts.

I was there last week and i asked the Tourist information counter there. They said fully booked jor. Alot tours also sold out d... You can email to info-e@shirakawa-go.gr.jp see if they can still help you but my guess is no chance liao...

a and b are 2 separate days? If yes, then it is possible.

Answer to a. yes. It is all walking distance....Namba walk, Dotonbori (go at night), Kuromon Ichiba market, Shinsaibashi

Cool, Thanks. So how you get there? Via bus from Takayama? or by tour? Did you manage to stay on for the Light Up?

really too bad I couldn't see the lights up. My trip timing not ngam but still, very worth it. See the scenery also satisfied liao. but my guess is, if during light up, sure alot ppl and like no fun walk around ler with the crowds. Even onsen will be full of ppl. My timing was just perfect and not too many ppl. Can take so many photos!

Yeah, i took nohi bus from takayama. stayed one night in takayama too

your only option now should be private taxi

not cheap ohhh.....RM1k
http://www.travelarrangejapan.com/item/spe...wa-go-light-up/

Yes, two separate days to counter my flight issues.

How about (b)? Just a quick drop to Toge bridge, Tenryuji, Okochi, and Bamboo. Half day, then head straight to Nagoya, night sight seeing, rest and head else where again.

Worse come to worst, stay additional night at Nagoya since my main purpose was to Nagoya.

i took a tour organized by the Nohi group
booked and paid online through their website

You don't need transport in Shirakawago itself actually

To be honest, your time spent in Otaru is quite short
With the expected human traffic, you may not have time for much things to do there
Plan properly and have a list sorted by priority

for (b) half day at Arashiyama to me not enough... I spent there 1 day cos you need include time of walking, taking transport, eating...and during winter time 4pm dark dark liao like our malaysia 8pm

Depends where you want to go. If you are to Toyamake house, you need to get a cab or bus.

To explore entire Gokayama, that's the challenge.

Spring time I am targeting.

As a backpacker, I can explore pretty fast and we will discard off those eating place like Komichi and Yoshimura.

If sweet time to take picture then maybe take longer.

That is why I am wondering whether worth to take a way route using the Romance train before walk back to Arashiyama station and head back to Nagoya.

Lets put it this way.

Earlier train from Osaka to Kyoto (1.5 hours train) start do the things, bla bla bla then Arashi to Nagoya (2 hours train). Targeted to reach Nagoya about 6-7 PM

This post has been edited by aidono: Jan 21 2015, 01:44 PM