Japan's Thrilling and Fiery Dragon Route Adventure!
The infamous yet less spoken-about route of Japan for explorers, tourists, and expats is the Dragon Route. For years this has been a must-do challenge for visitors who want to see the variety of culture Japan has to offer.
Known in Japanese as “Shoryudo,” the Dragon Route cuts across the main Japanese island from north to south. Why is it called The Dragon Route – It is an area shaped like a dragon that ascends into the sky from Nagoya.
How to navigate The Dragon Route.
An excellent reason to use this route as a guide for your trip is that the Dragon route cuts straight through Japan, meaning there are plenty of airports to choose from to start your experience. Covering ground won’t be an issue during this trip; expect mountains, cherry blossoms in the spring, and Hot Springs in Shirakawa-gon! You won’t get bored following this plan, and don’t worry, you’re never too far from the bustling madness of major cities, meaning you can dip in and out of the Japanese city life and serenity.
Take a Look at What's on The Dragon Route
Takayama: Japan’s most beautiful rural town. Old shops, coffee houses & sake breweries dating back to the 1600’s.
Shirakawago: A Unesco World Heritage site with historic farmhouse famed for their steep thatched roofs.
Kanazawa: Japan’s best preserved samurai & geisha district. Also the site of one of Japan’s best 3 traditional gardens, Kenroku-en.
Matsumoto: Location of the famous/beautiful Matsumoto Castle and access point for the Japanese Alps.
Magome: A staging point for visitors of old travelling between Tokyo & Kyoto – the town still retains its stone walkways as part of the Magome-Tsumago trail.
Komagane: A quiet city of 30,000 inhabitants & a good starting place for hikes in the Central Japanese Alps.
The Dragon Route Buss Pass
Although it is the dragon route, you do not complete this route by air but by bus! The Dragon Route Bus Pass, (Shoryudo Bus Pass), is a heavily discounted ticket only available to foreign tourists with unlimited use of designated buses in the region – with rail transport included to/from Nagoya Airport (OK, Chubu Centrair)!
The 3-Day Pass (Takayama, Shirakawago, Kanazawa) - From ¥14,000
If you make it this far & you have the time, make it your mission to visit all 3 listed major destinations. The 3-Day Pass doesn`t give you to time to pause & rest, but when in Japan, do as the Japanese do!
Where the 3 day pass stops at:
- Nagoya
- Gifu
- Takayma
- Shirakawago
- Kanazawa
- Toyama
- Takaoka
- Wajima
- Suzu
You can only buy this ticket online in advance of travel – you exchange your ticket for an actual pass on arrival in Japan.
The 3-day Pass is fabulous value covering;
- Unlimited use of Highway & Local Buses
- Return set of tickets to/from Nagoya (Chubu Centrair) Airport
- Valid for 3 days – each day is based on a calendar day (midnight to midnight)
- Connects to multiple airports along the way
Must be used by the Pass holder in conjunction with holder’s passport.
The 5-day Area Wide Pass - From ¥20,000
By now you know that these passes offer amazing value. When you consider that a bus from Nagoya to Takayama alone costs 4,000 yen, this is really a good deal! If you’ve got the time and are happy to book your itinerary on arrival and play it all by ear- this is the ticket for you.
Where the 5 day pass stops at:
- Nagoya
- Gifu
- Takayama
- Shirakawago
- Takaoka
- Kanazawa
- Hirayu
- Wajima
- Suzu
- Gokayama
Visit all the above – add some hot springs & enjoy your own Japan.
Purchase your ticket!
Click the link below to find out more and purchase your chosen bus pass!
