Sanmachi Suji, Takayama

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.

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.

This self-guided tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience Takayama independently and at their own pace. With the audio guide, you can learn about the history and culture of the city as you explore its historic streets. You can also enjoy Takayama's delicious cuisine. With our audio guide (multi-language), you will have access to detailed information and fascinating facts about each place you visit. Places with audio guide to visit at your own pace - Sanmachi Suji - Yoshijima family house - Kusakabe family house - Nakabashi Red Bridge - Hida Kokubun Temple - Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine - Matsuri no Mori Museum - Hida Village - Higashiyama Promenade - Historical Government House - Takayama Museum of History and Art - Shishi Hall - Hida Archaeological Museum Don't miss the opportunity to discover Takayama in a unique and personalized way! Book your self-guided experience with audio guide now and be captivated by the magic of this charming Japanese town.

Get an insider’s view of Takayama’s most vibrant neighborhoods on a walking tour of the Old Town alongside a local guide. Begin your urban walking adventure by meeting your guide in the city center. Make your way through the Old Town and learn about the local people's lifestyle and culture from your local guide. Discover why Takayama was listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. Turn the corner towards Nakabashi bridge and snap photos with this famous red bridge. Stroll to Takayama Jinya, the former government office. Witness the hustle and bustle of the Jinya morning market and grab a bargain with the help of your guide. As you stroll, your friendly local guide will tell you interesting facts and anecdotes about the city’s past and the people who have lived here.   Finally, arrive at Yamazakura shrine, your last stop, where you can learn about Japanese religion. Your guide will be happy to point you in the direction of the nearest subway station or bus stop. Or feel free to ask them for local recommendations on great places to eat or drink nearby.This is normally English tour but if you need other languages like Chinese, Italy, French, etc. please let us know.

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.

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.

Takayama Morning Market: This bustling market is perfect for exploring local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. It's a great opportunity to interact with local vendors and sample regional delicacies. Takayama Old Town (Sanmachi Suji): Takayama's historic district, Sanmachi Suji, is a preserved area that gives visitors a glimpse of traditional Japanese architecture and ambience. The well-preserved merchant houses, sake breweries, and charming streets offer a nostalgic journey back in time. Strolling through the cobblestone streets, visitors can enjoy local crafts, antiques, and traditional sweets. Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall: Delve into the artistic and cultural significance of Takayama's festivals by exploring the elaborate floats in this exhibition hall. The craftsmanship and historical context behind these floats are truly captivating.

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.

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.

Takayama Morning Market: This bustling market is perfect for exploring local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. It's a great opportunity to interact with local vendors and sample regional delicacies. Takayama Old Town (Sanmachi Suji): Takayama's historic district, Sanmachi Suji, is a preserved area that gives visitors a glimpse of traditional Japanese architecture and ambiance. The well-preserved merchant houses, sake breweries, and charming streets offer a nostalgic journey back in time. Strolling through the cobblestone streets, visitors can enjoy local crafts, antiques, and traditional sweets. Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall: Delve into the artistic and cultural significance of Takayama's festivals by exploring the elaborate floats in this exhibition hall. The craftsmanship and historical context behind these floats are truly captivating. Higashiyama Walking Course: This walking path takes visitors through the scenic Higashiyama Temple Area, featuring temples, shrines, and beautiful gardens. It's a serene way to connect with nature and explore Takayama's spiritual heritage. Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine: Set on a hill, this shrine offers panoramic views of Takayama and its surroundings. The approach to the shrine is lined with cherry trees, making it a particularly picturesque spot during cherry blossom season. Takayama Jinya: This former government office provides insight into the Edo period's administrative operations. Visitors can explore various rooms, including interrogation rooms and an extensive garden, to learn about local governance during that era. These attractions offer a well-rounded experience of Takayama's cultural heritage, history, and natural beauty, making them ideal for older guests who appreciate a mix of tradition, history, and leisurely exploration.