Takayama Jinya

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.

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.

During this tour travelers will explore hidden beauties of Hokuriku region. 1st location is Shirakawa-go . The historic village Shirakawa-go is one of japan's UNESCO World heritage site. Customers will explore old houses which were built 200 years ago, will enjoy scenery during the whole tour. 2nd location is old folk village of Takayama where customer will visit craft and art shops. 3rd Location old Takayama city visiting temples, old shops and streets . This whole tour is customizable with professional English speaking driver. Highly recommended to history and nature lovers.

Enjoy a private car tour of Nagoya with an English-speaking host. Choose from two routes: see the city’s best spots, like Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, and Osu Shopping Street; or go to the countryside, where you can relax in Gero Onsen hot springs, see Shirakawa-go and Takayama ancient houses, and walk along Sanmachi historical streets. You’ll have 10 hours of comfy and easy transportation, and you can customize own itinerary. Why Choose a Private Tour? A private tour means you get a special experience for you. You can spend more time at the places you like and skip the ones you don’t. Our English guides are only for you, ready to help you and answer your questions. Plus, private transportation means no waiting for others and more time to enjoy your day! —————————— →→City Route Start your tour with Nagoya Castle, a symbol of the city. See the castle and the golden shachihoko (tiger-fish) on the roof. Learn about the castle’s history and see the art and armor inside. Next, go to Atsuta Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. The shrine has the sacred sword Kusanagi, one of the three imperial treasures. See the old architecture and the peaceful shrine. You can also enjoy the gardens and the treasure hall. Finally, visit Osu Shopping Street, a lively and colorful area that offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. You can find anything from traditional crafts and souvenirs to electronics and anime goods. You can also sample some of the local delicacies, such as miso katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce) and tebasaki (fried chicken wings), Unadon (grill eel fish over rice). →→Countryside Route: First, drive to Gero Onsen, a famous hot spring resort in the mountains. Soothe your body and mind in the water that is good for your health. You can choose from different types of baths, like indoor, outdoor, or mixed-gender. You can also enjoy the beautifully views of the nature and the town. Then, go to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the traditional gassho-zukuri (thatched-roof) houses. These houses are made to handle the heavy snow in the area and look unique. Explore the village and learn how the people live and work. You can also visit some of the museums and temples. After that, visit Takayama, a nice town that keeps the old Japan style. Walk along Sanmachi, the historical town area with many preserved buildings and shops. You can also see Takayama Jinya, a former government office that is now a museum. You can also savor some of the local food, like Hida beef (good wagyu beef) and sake (rice wine). Finally, return to your hotel in Nagoya and end your tour. You will have a wonderful day of sightseeing and culture. —————————— End of the Tour: After a day of beauty and culture, we’ll drive you back to your hotel in Nagoya. The tour ends here, but you can keep exploring or rest. This tour is not just sightseeing, but a chance to learn and feel Japan. We hope to see you soon!

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.

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.

Embark on a scenic and cultural adventure from Kawaguchiko Station to Takayama Station. Enjoy an immersive experience through some of Japan's most picturesque landscapes and historically rich areas. 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. Depart from Kawaguchiko Station, situated near Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, providing 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. Pass through charming villages that showcase traditional Japanese architecture and culture. Some notable villages include Hirayu Onsen, a charming village nestled in the Japanese Alps, known for its hot springs and serene mountain scenery. Enjoy the lush greenery, particularly during spring and autumn when the landscapes are adorned with cherry blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. Arrive at Takayama Station, a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, known for its beautifully preserved old town, traditional festivals, and local crafts. Please note: This is a transfer service only and not a guided tour. This transportation option offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace. Embrace the adventure of discovering hidden gems, creating your own itinerary, and enjoying the authentic experiences that Japan has to offer. This service provides the perfect blend of convenience and independence, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in each destination. We recommend the following activities in Takayama: ●Takayama Old Town: Wander through Sanmachi Suji, the historic district with Edo-period houses, sake breweries, and merchant shops. ●Takayama Jinya: Visit this historical government building that offers insights into the region's history and governance. ●Hida Folk Village: Explore this open-air museum featuring traditional thatched-roof farmhouses and cultural artifacts from the Hida region. Optional Activities and Extensions: ●Hida Beef Experience: Takayama is famous for its Hida beef. 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. Throughout the journey, you'll have plenty of opportunities to take stunning photos, enjoy local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of historical Japan. This service offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable journey through Japan's countryside. The stunning mountains and the verdant vegetation make this journey unforgettable.