Miyagawa Morning Market

Discover the mountainous city of Takayama and the village of Shiragawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on this full-day trip from Nagoya. Explore the markets and try local specialties in Takayama, then admire the picturesque landscapes in Shiragawa-go. To begin the tour, make your way to the meeting point, meet your guide, and board your transportation. Then, drive to the mountainous Hida region in the Gifu Prefecture to reach the beautifully preserved city of Hida Takayama. Upon arrival, take a walk along Sannomachi Street, taste local delicacies like Hida beef and Takayama ramen, and see the work of local craftsmen. Head to one of the morning markets — Miyagawa Market or Jinya-Mae Market — and get a taste of local life. You will also receive recommendations for the best spots to have lunch (not included). After lunch, head to Gasyomura in Shiragawa-go and take in the scenery of mountains, paddy fields, and trickling rivers. Come to understand why Shiragawa-go is known as the kingdom of forests and streams, and see why the origin of the name Shirokawa-go means "the white river." Head to the Ogimachi Castle Site Observatory to enjoy the beautiful views of Gassho-mura village and Mount Hakusan. Have some time to pop into the Ochiudo cafe, famous for its big dogs, decorative coffee cups, and snacks. Afterward, the tour returns to Nagoya.

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.

Located in Gifu Prefecture on the main island of Honshu, Takayama (or Hida-Takayama) is filled with historic charm and is also renowned for its natural beauty. Explore this ancient city with a local guide and see the best of what it has to offer on a private walking tour. Below are some things included as part of a typical itinerary that can be customized based on your wishes. Sanmachi Street has many houses and stores that date back to the Edo period (1603-1868). The area is lined with shops carrying local specialties and has a lively atmosphere with many people stopping to shop and eat here. Hida Folk Village is an open-air museum exhibiting over 30 traditional houses from the Hida Region, the mountainous district of Gifu Prefecture around Takayama. The houses were built during the Edo period and were relocated from their original places to create the museum in 1971. The Takayama Jinya served as the local government office headed by the officials dispatched from Edo (present-day Tokyo). The building complex was in official use until 1969 and is now open to the public as a museum. Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market is held daily in Takayama between 7:00 AM (8:00 AM in winter) and 12:00 AM. The Miyagawa Market along the Miyagawa River in the old town and the Jinya-mae Market in front of the Takayama Jinya sell local crafts, snacks, and produce. Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall shows key aspects of the Takayama Festival. The festival takes place for two days each spring and autumn and, along with Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and the Chichibu Yomatsuri, is considered to be one of Japan's three most beautiful. Hida Kokubunji Temple is a Buddhist temple. Its iconic three-storied pagoda was constructed in 1820. A Buddhist statue thought to have been made in the Heian period is enshrined in the main building. Be sure to check out the huge gingko tree on the grounds. It is over 1260 years old. Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine in Takayama is the venue for the Takayama Festival in the autumn. Next to the shrine is the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, or Yatai Kaikan, where four of the actual floats used in the festival are on display. The Kusakabe Folk Museum is a historic private residence that has been opened to the public. The building was constructed during the Meiji period in an Edo architectural style. The entire building is designated important cultural property of Japan.

Discover Japan's Culture, History, and Scenic Beauty in a Day from Nagoya Embark on a full-day tour from Nagoya to experience the best of Japan’s culture, history, and nature. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go, two of Japan’s most scenic and culturally significant locations. Hida Takayama: A Journey Back in Time Your day begins with a scenic bus ride to Hida Takayama, a city known as "Hida's Little Kyoto." Explore the well-preserved Edo-period streets, where traditional wooden merchant houses transport you to a bygone era. During your free time, you can choose to visit the Miyagawa Morning Market, one of Japan’s top three morning markets, offering over 60 stalls with fresh produce, pickles, local crafts, and snacks like Hida beef skewers and Japanese dango. For dining, we suggest: Ajizo Heaven: Specializing in Hida beef, offering various platter options in a cozy setting. Located at 4-147 Huali, Takayama City. Maruaki Hida Takayama Store: Famous for its melt-in-your-mouth Hida beef barbecue. Located at 6-8-1, Temma-cho, Takayama City. Hida こって Beef: A top spot for beef sushi in Takayama, at 34 Kamisanomachi. Please note that these are suggested locations for self-guided exploration, and your guide will not escort you to them. Feel free to visit them at your own pace if they appeal to you. Shirakawa-go: Timeless Beauty Next, visit Shirakawa-go, known for its gassho-style farmhouses with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snow. The village of Ogimachi, the largest in Shirakawa-go, is surrounded by mountains, paddy fields, and rivers, offering a picturesque glimpse into rural Japan. The Shiroyama Observation Deck provides stunning views of the village and the Hakusan Mountains. During your free time in Shirakawa-go, consider visiting Rakuto, a Gassho-style café featured in the popular manga ONE PIECE. Enjoy their famous red bean porridge with dango in a cozy, traditional setting. The café is located at 792 Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village. Like the other stops, this is a suggested, self-guided visit. Explore at Your Own Pace This tour provides ample free time to explore Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go at your leisure. While your guide will introduce you to these beautiful locations, any visits to suggested markets, restaurants, or cafés are entirely up to you to discover on your own.

Visit the historic and scenic Hida Takayama. The enduring charm of the old castle town and merchant district is evident as you stroll through the “Sanmachi” streets. Food is plentiful here, from succulent Hida beef to the local specialty Takayama ramen. The riverbank hosts a vibrant morning market called Miyagawa, offering a colorful array of fresh produce, spices, handicrafts, and food stalls. For an exceptional dining experience, Ajizo Tengoku and Maruaki Hida Takayama are highly recommended, serving exquisite beef dishes. Next, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa Gassho Village, home to 152 Gassho-style farmhouses. Overlooking from the Hakusan Observatory, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Gassho Village and the majestic Hakusan Mountains. Among the hidden treasures of the village is a cafe called “Falling Man,” famous for its connection to the beloved manga “One Piece,” which offers a unique atmosphere and delicious food for an unforgettable experience. Finally we returned to Nagoya and ended the trip successfully at 6:30 pm at the MINI STOP convenience store at the back door of BIC CAMERA at the west exit of Nagoya.

Your guide - a native English speaker and long-term resident of Hida Takayama - will lead you through the old town, telling you about the architecture and how it relates to the region's unique history. There are tasty things to eat and drink along the way, as well as beautiful sights and many other discoveries to be made. There is too much to cover in just a few hours, so the route and the explanation will be tailored to your particular interests. Whether you are here for sake or Hida Beef, or to get off the beaten path, we can help you to find what you are looking for, and maybe something you weren't expecting. If the tour goes over lunch time, we will introduce you to a local restaurant upon request.

Starting at Nagano Station, the tour opens with a bang by including a visit to the Zenkoji Temple. One of the most important Buddhist temples in Japan, the main building here is 300 years old and displays amazing craftsmanship; Meanwhile, the history of the temple complex as a whole stretches back well over 1,000 years. With some quick stops for sake tasting and lunch, the day continues with a hike through pristine forest to reach the onsen baths and volcanic valley which the Snow Monkeys call their home. Here you can get up close and personal with the monkeys as they walk mere centimeters away from you, or bathe in the hot spring baths right before your eyes. On day two of the tour, our tour bus will pick you up in the morning and drive you to Matsumoto to walk through the streets of this beautiful and cultured city before ascending to the top of Matsumoto Castle. At over 400 years old, this castle is considered one of the best in Japan. Descending from the castle, the tour bus will next escort you deep into the Japanese Alps, to a breathtaking river valley known as Kamikochi. One of the original National Parks of Japan, the reason it has been registered as such will be immediately obvious by its stunning natural beauty and well preserved environment. Afterwards, the tour bus will take you on to Takayama city, where you will stay the night to be ready for the next day of the tour. The second half of this tour kicks off in Takayama, a city with preserved traditional streets lined with handsome wooden buildings that could rival Kyoto. Located in the middle of all this is the Takayama Jinya, once the administrative office of the Shogun in Takayama and today the last remaining building of its kind in Japan. Access to the interior of the Jinya is of course included on our tour, and your guide will regale you with stories and information about the heyday of Takayama while showing you around this unique cultural site. With a break to try some local snacks and do some window shopping, the tour bus will once again pick you up to deliver you to Shirakawa-go, the Unesco World Heritage village of steep, thatched roof homes designed to withstand the snow and cold during the long winters in Central Japan. While the winter scenery of Shirakawa-go is deservedly world-famous, the area is beautiful in any season. Leaving Shirakawa-go, the tour bus will continue to our final destination, Kanazawa. Upon waking up the next morning, your guide will meet you at Kanazawa Station to start a complete one day walking tour of the city that includes entrance to a Samurai house, Matcha tea on the grounds of Kanazawa Castle, and a visit to the Geisha District of Higashi-chaya, the symbol of Kanazawa. On the way back, your guide will lead you through the small but maze like district of Kazue-machi, a lesser known geisha district across the river from Higashi-chaya which still has working geisha wandering its streets.

See the best of Japan’s culture, history, and nature in one day with a tour from Nagoya. Explore two historic cities, Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go, which are World Heritage Sites. Travel by bus from Nagoya, with a guide who will make the journey fun and informative. Marvel at the charm of Hida Takayama as you wander through the old streets lined with wooden merchant houses with an Edo-era vibe. You will have ampel free time to visit the Miyagawa Morning Market, one of Japan's three major morning markets, where you can find all kinds of fresh produce, pickles, spices, snacks, crafts, and more. Indulge in the flavors of regional delights such as Hida beef and Takayama ramen. Continue to Shirakawa-go, famous for its gassho-style houses. These are traditional farmhouses with steep thatched roofs that look like hands in prayer. Admire the picturesque village and the surrounding mountains from the Shiroyama Observatory. Get lots of free time to discover the attractions at your own pace and try the local delicacies.

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. 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.

Embarking on this one-day tour starting from Takayama (or any location within 5km of the Takayama train station) features a guided tour of the Takayama Jinya, and an immersive walk through the historic village of Shirakawa-go. Our private tour vehicles ensure seamless transport throughout your journey. Depending on your plans, this tour can conclude at your accommodation in Takayama or at a chosen location in Kanazawa. For our guests starting in Takayama, at 9:00 A.M., our comfortable tour bus will conveniently pick you up from your chosen location within the Takayama area. Your journey then begins with a visit to the historic Takayama Jinya, setting the stage for a day filled with exploration. Upon arriving at Takayama Jinya, you will embark on a 1-hour guided journey through its historic halls. Your guide will unveil the rich history of this building and the pivotal role it played in Takayama’s past. You’ll explore rooms once reserved for official business, as well as private quarters used by high-ranking officials. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to view the Jinya’s exquisite Japanese garden. After exploring Takayama Jinya, the journey continues to Takayama’s historic old town, known as the charming ‘Sanmachi.’ Throughout the approximately 30-minute guided stroll, your guide will lead you through this picturesque area, ensuring you capture all the scenic views that epitomize the beauty of traditional Japan. This part of the tour concludes gracefully at the entrance of the Miyagawa Morning Market. After your guided tour, you’ll be given ample leisure time of more than 1 hour and 30 minutes. This period is not only your opportunity to explore the Miyagawa Morning Market and the quaint alleys of Sanmachi further but also a designated time for you to enjoy lunch. After your free time concludes, meet up with your guide at the market’s entrance for the journey to Shirakawa-go. The drive, lasting about an hour, is itself a scenic preview, with clear days offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Upon arrival in Shirakawa-go, you’ll embark on the captivating second half of your tour. Begin with a visit to the renowned lookout point, offering a panoramic view of the entire Shirakawa-go village. From there, your guide will lead you on a gentle descent through the village’s picturesque rice paddies and charming streets. Once the guided portion concludes, you’ll enjoy approximately 1 hour of free time to explore Shirakawa-go at your leisure, allowing you to take a closer look at any places that captivated your interest. Finally, you will meet up with your guide at 17:00 to wrap up the tour and commence the return journey to Takayama, expected to take about an hour. You’ll arrive back in Takayama by approximately 17:30, enriched by the day’s adventures. For those opting to conclude their journey in Kanazawa, anticipate your arrival around 18:40.