When it comes to the world’s most popular destinations, two travel hubs have been in a tug-of-war match for the title of ‘most-visited’ over the past few years.
21.07.2023 - 08:10 / roughguides.com
The Three-Star Road in Japan runs from Nagano to Kanazawa in the country’s central belt, taking in spectacular mountain scenery, charming UNESCO-endorsed villages and a collection of tremendous monuments. In fact, the route is named for a series of three-star sights (as recognized by Michelin’s Green Guide Japan). For landscape lovers, culture vultures and adventurous travellers of all persuasions, here’s our guide to exploring the Three-Star Road in the Japan Alps.
Historic street in Takayama © Lee Yiu Tung/Shutterstock
The Three-Star Road is a star-studded stretch. Aside from gorgeous panoramas that reach across Japan’s Alps, you’ll find welcoming communities going about their lives in pretty thatched villages, offering travellers a glimpse of traditional Japan. And that’s before we come to the big-name draws that have earned the road its name, from Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City to Kanazawa’s harmonious Kenrokuen Garden. With a unique mix of dramatic landscapes and cultural heavyweight sights, travelling the Three-Star Road in Japan should be on every traveller’s bucket list.
Bridge over the Miyagawa River, Takayama © Journey is bliss/Shutterstock
There’s excellent public-transport provision along the Three-Star Road, so it is easy to reach the gateway stations from Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen. Once you’re here, the convenient Three-Star Route Option Ticket (one way) is the way to go. It’s a convenient one-way bus ticket that connects all the major sights on the Three-Star Road, and can be used in either direction over a period of seven days. It can also be bought in combination with a Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass or JR EAST PASS (covering Nagano and Niigata) so that you can continue your exploration of the Japan Alps – and further afield.
Given it’s so well connected, there’s no real need to hire a car, though doing so will obviously give you more freedom. If you do rent a motor, consider going green with an electric vehicle.
Hida beef noodles, a delicacy on the Three-Star Road in Japan © Sitthichok Chaiprom/Shutterstock
Nagano – just beyond the start of the route – is well worth exploring as a bastion of culture and heritage. The Zenkoji Temple Hall here is recognized as a National Treasure; the temple itself was founded in the 7th century, but the hall is a more recent incarnation, having been destroyed by fire more than ten times since its initial construction. The current building was erected in 1707. Zenkoji Temple is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Japan. After you’ve taken in the city’s stand-out sight, explore the surrounding area by taking a walk around the enchanting Togakushi Shrine Precinct. The shrine in question lies at the foot of forested Mount Togakushi. Next,
When it comes to the world’s most popular destinations, two travel hubs have been in a tug-of-war match for the title of ‘most-visited’ over the past few years.
You may not be familiar with PyeongChang, the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, but it has been a popular holiday destination for South Korean tourists seeking clean air and green pastures for years—even before it gained worldwide attention. With rugged mountains, ornate temples, and delectable local cuisine, this South Korean city has much to offer.
AirHelp, the online service that files complaints against airlines on behalf of passengers entitled to compensation for air delays or cancellations, knows a thing or two about air travel. Because it’s hard for the average person to understand air passenger rights and pursue a legal claim when they’ve been wronged, AirHelp is always going toe-to-toe with airlines and airports—and reveals once a year which ones that treat their passengers for the better (or worse).
The Maldives has become an increasingly popular destination for those seeking a luxurious tropical getaway. Grand Park Kodhipparu is the epitome of this experience. Set on a private island just 20 minutes by speedboat from the capital city of Malé, Grand Park Kodhipparu is the perfect destination for those who want relaxation, comfort, and natural beauty.
Modern Bangkok, historical Hanoi and tourism-boom town Siem Reap — home to the world-famous Angkor Wat temples — are some of Southeast Asia's best drawcards, and see thousands of visitors every year.
It’s a cliché to say that Japan is a land of contrasts – but, in terms of accommodation, it really is. There are some weird and many wonderful places to stay, from personal capsules and love hotels to lodgings in five-star luxury.
Hushed voices, the scratch of a bamboo whisk, then a bow, a nod and a bowl of steaming matcha is handed around. Any delicate sounds in the room are amplified by the formality of the occasion – so quiet you can hear people holding their breath – which heightens the sense that something very important is going on. This is a tea ceremony in full swing: the ultimate in Japanese hospitality.
A sprawling capital which is home to almost 13 million people, Manila can be more than a little overwhelming for first-time visitors. But once you find your bearings, you’ll discover a buzzing, vibrant city which has a great bar scene (three of its bars were nominated in 2019’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards), some of the region’s best museums and quite possibly one of the warmest welcomes in the world. Here is our guide to Manila.
Japan is a country full of incredible sights: the ancient temples of Kyoto and Nara; Tokyo’s glittering streets; the floating shrine gate at Miyajima; Beppu’s red, steaming hot springs. The only problem with this list of alluring sights? It completely ignores half the country. So it’s time to look a little further up on the map, and head into the great unknown: Tōhoku.
Prepare for some serious stomach growls as we reveal 20 of our favourite foodie experiences around the world. These picks, taken from the pages of Make The Most Of Your Time On Earth , are some of the finest ways to truly eat authentic dishes in the countries that do them best. If you're looking for the best food in the world, look no further.
The historical gateway to Japan, multicultural Yokohama will host several important games at the 2019 Rugby World Cup this autumn, including the final. Here’s everything you need to know about this dynamic city along with some of the top things to do in Yokohama, whether you're watching the rugby or not.
Kyūshū, the most southerly of Japan’s four main islands, is pretty much left alone by tourists. Yet, the island – only a bullet-train ride from Tokyo – is one of the country’s culinary hotspots. Proximity to mainland Asia and historical legacies from trade with the British, Dutch and Portuguese has led to a fusion of styles. You can see this in the Chinese- and Korean-inspired ramen soups, Nagasaki’s famous castella cakes and the Fukuoka-style yakiudon noodles, which are typically served with a dash of Worcestershire sauce.