Special Forces Travel Through the Shoryudo Route—Shirakawa-go Edition

In recent years, the "special forces" travel style has become a popular trend among young travelers. This typically involves same-day round trips or at most, two-day, one-night journeys. This time, however, I decided to extend the trip to eight days and seven nights, covering seven prefectures instead of just one, expanding the scope to the entire Shoryudo region.

First, let me introduce the preparations for the trip. Since I was traveling solo, I initially ruled out self-driving. Instead, I opted for a five-day bus pass to explore Nagoya and the must-visit spots along the Shoryudo route. To maximize sightseeing time, I arranged hotel check-ins for the evenings. In this article, I’ll share the highlights of the first and second days of the trip, focusing on the Sakae shopping district and Shirakawa-go.

My flight landed at Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya at around 4 PM Japan time. Considering the immigration process and the airport express train ride, I reached Nagoya city center at nearly 6 PM. For convenience, I chose a hotel near Meitetsu Nagoya Station. After checking in, it was already dark. I planned to head straight to enjoy the famous Hitsumabushi (grilled eel rice), but upon arrival, I found there was still over an hour's wait. Honestly, the Hitsumabushi was worth the wait. The eel was rich and juicy, and the three ways of eating it made the experience delightful. First, savor the eel’s natural flavor; then, add green onions, wasabi, and seaweed for a refreshing twist; and finally, pour tea over it for a harmonious blend of flavors.

The next day, I officially set off for Shirakawa-go. Since the bus ride took nearly three hours, I departed from Nagoya at around 8 AM. Upon arrival, I first visited the observation deck to take in the panoramic view of Shirakawa-go. Luckily, the weather was excellent, making for great photos. Unfortunately, it wasn’t peak autumn foliage season yet; otherwise, the red leaves would have added a touch of autumn charm. The Gassho-style houses in Shirakawa-go are also worth admiring, especially the thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snow. It’s no wonder this site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For dining in Shirakawa-go, you can either try the local snacks in the village or, like me, enjoy Hida beef with Hoba miso. The Hoba leaf reduces the greasiness of the Hida beef, which is tender and flavorful. Paired with miso and green onions, and a bite of white rice, it’s simply divine.

After lunch, while waiting for the bus to Toyama and with some time for afternoon tea, I visited a nearby café for an iced coffee and cheesecake. Although I didn’t know the coffee’s variety, it wasn’t bitter or sour, leaving a fragrant coffee aroma in my mouth. The cheesecake was simple yet not greasy, with a dense texture. Paired with the coffee, the two complemented each other perfectly.

Afterward, I headed to Toyama. For the rest of the journey, stay tuned for the next update.

Post by 龍哥講生活 | Aug 15, 2025