The Mogi Family Takes You on a Hidden Route Through Central Japan: Hot Spring Inns

By the MOOK Scenic Spots & Lifestyle Network Editorial Team
 
Japan has long been a top overseas travel destination for Taiwanese, and in recent years there’s been a growing trend among Taiwanese tourists to explore second- and third-tier Japanese cities. A booking platform invited the ultra-popular Facebook page “Even though Mom says I can’t marry into Japan”’s Mogi-san and Mrs. Mogi to personally explore Central Japan, venturing into uncharted highlands, Kamikōchi, and Matsumoto. They captured a series of travel videos offering fans a 360° perspective for an immersive, zero-blind-spot experience of Central Japan’s unique charm.

Matsumoto is located in Nagano Prefecture, while Takayama is in Gifu Prefecture. Whether you depart from Tokyo or Nagoya, the journey via Shinkansen takes just over two hours. Although these destinations are in two different prefectures, Takayama and Matsumoto are only about a two-hour drive apart. Kamikōchi lies between Takayama and Matsumoto, but private vehicles are not allowed in the area. Consider staying overnight in Hirayu and taking a 30-minute bus ride to and from Kamikōchi.

1. The Mogi Family’s Takayama Hidden Route: Railbike — Miyagawa Morning Market — Takayama Showa-kan — Sanmachi Old Street — Feast on Hida Beef — Shin-Hotaka Ropeway — Paragliding
Known as “Little Kyoto of Hida,” Takayama boasts many historic wooden buildings and streets. Visiting Takayama is all about experiencing traditional hot spring inns and ryokan, sampling Hida beef and Takayama ramen. Takayama Castle Site, Takayama Showa-kan, Sanmachi Old Street, and Akahashi Bridge all offer a rich taste of old Japan. The UNESCO World Heritage Site “Shirakawa-go Gassho Village” is also worth a visit.

The Hongu Hiranoya Kachoan, where the Mogi family stayed, is just a short walk from the old street. In addition to onsen baths and authentic kaiseki meals available in-room, its spacious interior made Mrs. Mogi consider spending the whole day in the inn. She was deeply impressed by the inn’s attentive and detailed service and, despite having lived in Japan for years, still spoke highly of it.