Nagoya: Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go UNESCO Winter Trip

Discover Japan's Culture, History, and Scenic Beauty in a Day from Nagoya

Hit 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.