1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go

Hidden deep within the mountains of Central Japan, the historic towns of Hida-Takayama and Shirakawa-go provide an excellent retreat into the scenic countryside and an authentic example of life during Edo-era (1603-1868) Japan.

Hida-Takayama, historically a vibrant trade center, enriched by its natural resources, stands as a testament to Japan’s past. Wander the charming streets of Takayama’s old town, where history comes alive, and taste local delicacies including premium wagyu beef. Your guide will provide insight into the history of the region, allowing you to glimpse into the lifestyle and crafts of a bygone era.

UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go—a picturesque village famed for its gassho-zukuri (thatched-roof houses)—is a quintessential representation of the Japanese countryside and a living museum of Japan’s rural traditions. Experience the enchantment of Shirakawa-go and delve into the village’s traditional way of life with the unique chance to enter one of these picturesque homes.

Step into the past and savor the views of the Japanese countryside as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide on this full-day tour from Nagoya.

Highlights

• Enjoy a guided tour through Hida Takayama’s charming Sanmachi (old town) district. 
• Tour a thatched-roof house in UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go as your guide shares the history (and dramas) of Edo-era life in this remote mountain village.
• Taste premium wagyu beef or any number of local delicacies as you set off to explore the town or shop for souvenirs during a bit of free time in both Takayama and Shirakawa-go.
• Utilize the luggage storage and relax as you are driven on our private tour bus from Nagoya, taking in the breathtaking views along the way.

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section.

Description

This tour will start at Nagoya Station at 8:30 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Silver Clock tower near the Shinkansen Gates. You will have the opportunity to store your belongings on our tour bus if you feel the need.

Your guide will provide you with a brief history of the region and set the scene as we depart Nagoya JR Station via our private tour bus towards our first destination, Hida-Takayama. Before reaching Takayama, we will make a brief stop to stretch our legs at a roadside station with breathtaking views of the famed Japanese Alps.

Arriving in Hida Takayama, your guide will provide you with a tour of the historic Sanmachi district of Takayama and make sure you don’t miss any of the beautiful views. You will then have about one hour of free time to grab lunch, shop for souvenirs, or fill your camera roll with photos of this picturesque town.

After lunch, we will make our way to Shirakawa-go.

Your guide will lead you through the rice paddies and quaint streets that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have the opportunity to enter one of the famed thatched-roof houses where your guide will explain the architecture as well as the history (and drama) of life in Edo-era Shirakawa-go. We will also take a short hike up to a lookout point offering a dramatic vista. Your guide will be on hand to take photos to make your friends and family back home jealous of your time in Japan.

You will also have some free time to explore at your own pace or sample some of the snacks that are sold along the main street.

From here, we will return to the Nagoya Station via our tour bus and say our goodbyes there. Guests wishing to end the tour at Shirakawa-go will be able to do so. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

NAGOYA STATION @ 8:30 A.M.

The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. 

If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the clock tower should be located directly in front of you as you exit the gate.

If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

For those coming from outside the station, you will most likely be entering through the Sakura-Dori gate (the side with the gold clock). In this case, please walk straight through the station towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 8:30 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded. 

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Transportation during the tour
• Entry fee into a thatched roof house in Shirakawa-go

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to/from Nagoya Station

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.
• Winter temperatures may drop below freezing, and may not exceed 1-2℃ (~35℉) on some days. Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for snowy and icy conditions.
• In the summer, temperatures are around 35 °C (95 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol is highly encouraged.
• There will be free time along the way for guests to purchase souvenirs to remember their trip.