Takayama

Tours

Explore the world famous UNESCO village on our Nostalgic Shirakawago Shirakawa-go AM tour from Kanazawa station! Admire the picturesque landscapes in Shirakawa-go in the morning. You can enjoy a variety of local foods as you walk around, including Hida beef, the famous local pudding, and ice cream made with unfiltered sake called "Doburoku". How do you spend your time here? Our bus departs from Kanazawa Station and heads straight to Shirakawa-go via the expressway. Enjoy the hour-long journey in a comfortable bus equipped with Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Shirakawa-go, a village built in the unique "Gassho-zukuri" architectual style, was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1995. Stroll with your guide through Shirakawa-go, a place lined with traditional buildings that embody Japan's heritage. Local people still live in Shirakawa-go. While interacting with the locals, try some local delicacies such as Hida beef and Doburoku soft serve ice cream. After enjoy Shirakawago, our bus head to Kenrokuen Garden. This tour finish at Kenrokuen Garden around 13:00. The tour includes commentary from both our friendly tour guide and a Multilingual audio guide from English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Ukrainian. The coach is always antibacterial coating and regularly ventilation, a comfy airconditioned bus with free wi-fi.

Depart from Nagoya to head to your stop, Gujo Hachiman. Located in the center of Japan in Gifu Prefecture, the streets of Gujo Hachiman have retained an atmosphere unchanged since the Edo period. See the rows of old houses that have been selected as a group of important traditional buildings by the national government. Explore the town known for its waterway that runs past the eaves of the houses. Your second tour stop is Hida Takayama, a castle town from the Edo period. Enjoy local gourmet food and shopping while strolling through the old streets, including traditional Hida handicraft stores and candy stores. The third and final stop of your tour is the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Gassho-Zukuri. These villages are known for their gassho-zukuri (steep thatched-roofed) houses of various sizes. Admire the building's unique architecture surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes before returning to Nagoya.

Explore the world famous UNESCO village on our full-day Shirakawa-go & Kanazawa tour starting from Kanazawa Station! Enjoy the picturesque landscapes in Shirakawa-go in the morning, then return to Kanazawa to visit must-see attractions: Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District. In Kanazawa, you will make Japanese sweets with an artisan and experience the traditional craft using a gold leaf. Stroll through the geisha district while savoring luxurious ice cream adorned with a gold leaf. Experience unique activities on this one-day tour that you wouldn't have on your own! Our bus departs from Kanazawa Station and heads straight to Shirakawa-go via the expressway. Enjoy the hour-long journey on a comfortable air-conditioned bus equipped with free Wi-Fi. Shirakawa-go, a village where the houses were built in the unique architectural "Gassho-zukuri" style, was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1995. There, take a walk with your guide, feeling Japanese culture and tradition. Also, while interacting with local people living in Shirakawa-go, try some specialties such as Hida beef and Doburoku ice cream.You can have lunch by yourself. After a wonderful adventure in Shirakawa-go, we will return to Kanazawa. There, walk through "Kenrokuen Garden", one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, and discover the beauty of its design. As you stroll around Kenrokuen, you will learn the landscape theory that the ground has an abundance of viewpoints: water, trees, flowers, stones, bridges, teahouses, and hidden nooks. The beauty of this Japanese garden changes with the seasons. After that, you will learn from an artisan how to make Japanese sweets. The adorable sweets you create must be delicious! You can take them home as a souvenir. ※Depending on the craftsman's schedule, this experience may be making traditional crafts (painting of Daruma dolls). The final destination is Higashi Chaya District, a historically popular entertainment area where Geisha performed various forms of traditional art. Geisha culture still flourishes there. In the evenings, you can hear the sound of Shamisen instrument and drums from teahouses. Kanazawa produces 99% of gold leaves in Japan, so we recommend you to try a gold leaf ice cream. In Higashi Chaya District, you can also make a unique postcard by pasting a gold leaf. It's a great opportunity to experience Kanazawa's traditional craft. The tour includes commentary by both our friendly English-speaking tour guide and a multilingual audio guidance available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Ukrainian. The coach has an antibacterial coating and is regularly ventilated. Enjoy your tour on a comfortable air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi.

Experience the charm of Edo-period Japan in Takayama and the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village, enhanced by a delightful meal at Koshiyama. Your journey begins at the Nagoya VIP Liner Bus Stop, where you’ll board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus for a scenic ride toward Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Enjoy the picturesque views of the Japanese countryside as you travel. Stroll Through Takayama’s Historic "Old Town" Step back in time as you explore the beautifully preserved streets of Takayama’s "Old Town". Meander through narrow alleys, visit quaint shops, and admire traditional wooden houses that capture the essence of old Japan. Delight in a Delectable Meal at Koshi-yama Restaurant (Optional) Choose between two exceptional Hida region meals that offer a taste of local heritage: Hida Beef Steak (Yakiniku): Savor a tender, marbled Japanese Wagyu steak, grilled to perfection on a sizzling hot plate. Each bite of this melt-in-your-mouth beef is rich in flavor and showcases the best of Hida’s renowned wagyu. Gokayama Tofu Oden: For a comforting alternative, enjoy a bowl of oden made with locally produced Gokayama tofu. Crafted using traditional methods and clear regional water, the tofu has a firm texture and authentic soybean flavor. And perfect for vegetarians! Whether you opt for the tender Hida Beef or the wholesome tofu Oden, each meal offers a true taste of the region’s culinary excellence. Please choose your preferred option when booking for a personalized dining experience. Next, the adventure continues to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient gassho-zukuri (thatched-roof) houses. These distinctive structures, with steeply pitched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfalls, are a testament to the region’s rich history. Surrounded by serene rice paddies and mountains, the village offers a peaceful and picturesque escape. End the Tour & Return to Nagoya Winter Note: During winter, snowfall may occasionally cause road closures to Shirakawa-go. If this occurs, the tour will seamlessly transition to a visit to Gujo Hachiman, known as the 'Little Kyoto of Gifu.' Explore this picturesque town, with its historic streets, traditional buildings, and beautiful castle town atmosphere. Wander through charming shops and enjoy the tranquil waters flowing through the town. ※The itinerary is as follows for the selected lunch: Lunch Option: Travelers will have 45 minutes for lunch at Koshiyama Restaurant and 90 minutes (1.5 hours) to explore Shirakawa-go. No Lunch Option: Travelers will have 120 minutes (2 hours) to explore Shirakawa-go.

Itinerary Time Table: Takayama (Dep. 8:20) → Shirakawago (Arr. 9:20, Dep. 11:40) → Kanazawa (Arr. 13:10) *Please note that times may vary due to traffic conditions. **Please arrive at the station 10 minutes before the departure time. Begin your adventure with a comfortable ride departing from Takayama. Enjoy the beautiful scenery as we leave the city behind and travel through the countryside. Our first stop will be a 2.5 hour visit to Shirakawa-go. You will receive a suggested path for your self-guided visit to Shirakawa-go from the bus driver, giving you the confidence and freedom to enjoy Shirakawa-go. Tucked away in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is known famously for its unique architecture: houses with towering triangular roofs, called gassho in Japanese, meaning "to bring ones hands together in prayer." It's also home to two of Japan's National Parks, and is surrounded by lush nature that changes dramatically with the seasons. You can see bold and vibrant fall leaves, stunning snowy scenery in the winter, speckled-pink flowery sights in the spring, and vibrant verdure in the summer. After experiencing the rustic beauty of Shirakawa-go, we will continue our journey towards Kanazawa. En route, enjoy picturesque landscapes and a relaxing bus ride. Kanazawa is home to some of the best preserved buildings and districts in Japan, and is especially well-known for its beautiful gardens, tea-house districts and samurai district! Below are some of our suggestions for Kanazawa: - Eating fresh seafood in Kanazawa: Kanazawa has access to the Sea of Japan, making it home to some of the freshest sashimi and sushi in Japan. - Enjoy Japanese teahouse tradition in the Higashi Chaya District: the tea houses, or chaya, of Kanazawa have been preserved since the Edo period. We recommend the Higashi Chaya District, home to museums, tea houses, and other shops and restaurants. - Visit Kanazawa Castle: Kanazawa Castle is home to several free of charge walking paths, where you can admire the castle turrets and gardens. We especially recommend Gyokusenin Maru Garden! - Experience striking scenery at Kenrokuen Garden: Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan's 3 most beautiful landscape gardens, boasting seasonal flowering trees, elaborate aquatic features including waterfalls, fountains, still ponds, and more. Please note: This is a transfer service only and not a guided tour. This transportation option offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore Japan without needing to worry about organizing your own transporation schedule.

Itinerary Time Table: Kanazawa (Dep. 13:50) → Shirakawago (Arr. 15:10, Dep. 16:40) → Takayama (Arr. 17:40) *Please note that times may vary due to traffic conditions. **Please arrive at the station 10 minutes before the departure time. Please note: This is a transportation service only and not a guided tour. This transportation option offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace without needing to worry about transportation. Embark on a captivating journey from Kanazawa to the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of Japan. As you arrive, be prepared to step back in time and marvel at the well-preserved thatched-roof houses, a testament to centuries of traditional craftsmanship and culture. Shirakawa-go’s beauty is ever-changing, offering breathtaking views in every season. Whether it’s the snow-covered rooftops in winter, the vibrant colors of autumn, the lush greenery of summer, or the blooming cherry blossoms in spring, this village is a sight to behold. During your 1.5 hour stop, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the village with a self-guided walking tour map given to you by the driver, leading you to a carefully selected viewpoint. From this vantage point, you can fully appreciate the panoramic beauty of the village and its surroundings. Capture stunning photographs, walk along the charming streets, and perhaps visit some of the local shops. This is more than just a visit; it’s an experience that will stay with you forever. After soaking in the beauty and culture of Shirakawa-go, your journey continues to the historic city of Takayama, where more adventures await. We recommend the following activities in Takayama: ●Takayama Old Town: Wander through Sanmachi Suji, a historic district packed with Edo-period houses, sake breweries, and merchant shops. ●Takayama Jinya: Takayama is home to the Edo-period main hall of the local governor, the only of its kind still standing in Japan! ●Hida Folk Village: Explore this open-air museum featuring traditional thatched-roof farmhouses and cultural artifacts from the Hida region. ●Try wagyu beef from the Hida area: Hida beef, which has been going viral on social media, is a local specialty in Takayama. Enjoy a meal featuring this high-quality, tender beef at one of the local restaurants. ●Festivals: Plan your visit around the Takayama Festivals (Sanno Matsuri in spring and Hachiman Matsuri in autumn) to experience the vibrant local culture and traditions.

Itinerary Time Table: Kawaguchiko Station (Dep. 13:25) → Takayama (Arr. 18:15) *Please note that times may vary due to traffic conditions. **Please arrive at the station 10 minutes before the departure time. Please note: This is a transportation service only and not a guided tour. This transportation option offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace without worrying about making transportation plans during your trip. Depart from Kawaguchiko Station, situated near Lake Kawaguchi, which features stunning views of Mount Fuji. We recommend spending some time exploring Lake Kawaguchi before departure and enjoying activities such as boat rides, cycling, and lakeside walks. Please note that these activities are suggestions and are not included in our transportation service. On the way to Takayama, we will pass through charming Japanese countryside villages and landscapes. Arrive at Takayama, a city tucked away in the mountains with buildings and streets preserved since the Japanese feudal era. We recommend the following activities in Takayama: ●Takayama Old Town: Wander through Sanmachi Suji, a historic district packed with Edo-period houses, sake breweries, and merchant shops. ●Takayama Jinya: Takayama is home to the Edo-period main hall of the local governor, the only of its kind still standing in Japan! ●Hida Folk Village: Explore this open-air museum featuring traditional thatched-roof farmhouses and cultural artifacts from the Hida region. ●Try wagyu beef from the Hida area: Hida beef, which has been going viral on social media, is a local specialty in Takayama. Enjoy a meal featuring this high-quality, tender beef at one of the local restaurants. ●Festivals: Plan your visit around the Takayama Festivals (Sanno Matsuri in spring and Hachiman Matsuri in autumn) to experience the vibrant local culture and traditions.

Discover Takayama’s well-preserved old town and jinya, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go on a full-day trip. Take guided walking tours at both spots along with free time to explore, eat, and shop on your own. Meet your guide at Takayama Station and be escorted to the 300+ year-old Takayama Jinya, a local governor's office from the Edo period. Enter the jinya for a guided tour and learn all about the history of the building and the city of Takayama itself. See several artifacts, including art, books, and tools, from its heyday in the 17th through 19th centuries. Unlike a visit to a typical museum, the Takayama Jinya offers pieces of history in a building that is as old as the items on display. Afterward, head to the downtown of Takayama, known as the “Sanmachi”. See as your guide points out the highlights of the area. Enjoy scenic views and conclude this part of the tour at the entrance to the Miyagawa Morning Market. Next, enjoy 1 hour and 30 minutes of free time to walk around the market, return to the Sanmachi for a closer look at the shops, or savor the food of the Hida region at a local restaurant. You can treat yourself to a sake tasting, or feast on sushi made with wagyu beef from local ranches. Then, meet your tour guide to continue your journey to Shirakawa-go. Sit back and soak in the scenery on your bus ride. Then, begin the second half of your tour. Go up to the famous lookout point for a breathtaking view of the town of Shirakawa-go. Follow your guide down the road, descending into the rice paddies and quaint streets that make up the village. See the largest hamlet of gassho-zukuri-style houses in Japan. Get introduced to the highlights of Shirakawa-go, learning more about the town. After the tour, explore the town on your own, and revisit places you want a better look at. During this time, you may also grab lunch, head to a traditional mountain farmhouse, or sample snacks sold along the main street. Finally, start your trip back to Takayama to conclude the tour.

Immerse yourself in the traditional charm of Japan with a comprehensive day trip from Nagoya to the historic towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Japan's cultural and architectural heritage. Takayama: Begin your adventure in Takayama, often referred to as "Little Kyoto" for its well-preserved Edo-period atmosphere. Wander through the Sanmachi Suji district, where you'll find rows of traditional wooden merchant houses dating back to the Meiji and Taisho eras. This area retains its historical charm and provides a glimpse into Japan's past. Explore local markets and enjoy culinary delights such as Hida beef, a premium local specialty, and Takayama ramen. Visit the bustling Miyagawa Morning Market, where you can sample local produce, crafts, and traditional Japanese snacks. Shirakawa-go: Continue your journey to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its picturesque gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These unique thatched-roof houses are designed to withstand heavy snowfall and offer a glimpse into rural Japanese life. The village, surrounded by lush mountains and flowing rivers, provides stunning natural scenery. Head to the Shiroyama Viewpoint for a panoramic view of Shirakawa-go, where you can appreciate the harmony between the traditional architecture and the natural landscape.(To access the observation deck, please choose the option that includes it) This enriching day trip combines historical exploration with scenic beauty, offering travelers a deep dive into Japan’s cultural and architectural heritage. Whether you're fascinated by traditional craftsmanship or captivated by serene rural landscapes, this tour promises a memorable experience.

Travelers to this region will be welcomed and will visualize the natural beauty, and traditional Japanese culture by visiting The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go, Ogi-machi Castle Old Site Observatory, following Takayama towns’ must-see attractions and learn more about their culture and history along the way. We have a well-trained and organized English-speaking driver as guide. As Shirakawa-go is world heritage site and if visiting Kanazawa so just allow us to make it smooth and comfortable for you rather than joining the bus groups it's always good to move at your own pace.