1-Day Tour from Takayama: Delve into Hida-Furukawa's Cultural Treasures

Embark on a captivating journey to Hida-Furukawa, a hidden treasure nestled high in the Japanese mountains, far from the bustling metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka. This enchanting town transports you to a bygone era with its beautifully preserved Edo-period architecture, rich history, and artisanal traditions. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this immersive experience offers a glimpse into the heart of traditional Japan transporting you to a bygone era. Visit the Hida-Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall to unravel its cultural tapestry, wander through the charming streets steeped in history, and discover the cultural gems of Hida-Furukawa in a single day.

Highlights

• Explore the picturesque Shirakabe Dozogai Street, showcasing Edo-period architecture and the tranquil canal inhabited by friendly carp.

• Dive deep into Hida-Furukawa’s history and vibrant festivals at the Hida-Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall, where artifacts and exhibits narrate tales of the town’s traditions.

• Journey through the Santera pilgrimage, visiting revered temples and uncovering the significance of the town’s diverse festivals. Along the way, encounter charming artisanal shops that echo Hida-Furukawa’s rich craftsmanship traditions

• Immerse yourself in a traditional weaving session and craft a unique keepsake that encapsulates the essence of your journey through Hida-Furukawa’s rich traditions and culture.

Description

Begin a day of deep cultural immersion at Takayama Station. Your guide will greet you promptly at 9:30 A.M. in front of the ticket gates, setting the stage for your journey to the enchanting world of Hida-Furukawa, where a rich tapestry of heritage awaits. The journey commences with a scenic train ride, and by 10:00 A.M., you’ll find yourself at Furukawa Station, ready to step into a day filled with history and tradition.

Your first footprints will mark the historic Shirakabe Dozogai Street. Named after its iconic white plaster walls — a stark contrast to the dark wooden beams — the street translates to “White Wall Warehouse District.” Once a bustling commercial heart of Furukawa, these streets saw warehouses brimming with goods like rice, sake, and miso. Today, the well-preserved Edo-period architecture stands testament to its rich past.

As you venture through, admire these well-preserved Edo-period architecture and the serene canal. The friendly carp playfully navigating the waters add a touch of nature’s whimsy to the town’s historical charm.

Transitioning from streets to museums, you’ll venture into the Hida-Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall. Dive deep into the heart of Hida-Furukawa’s festive legacy, echoing with tales of festivals and traditions that paint a vibrant picture of the town’s cultural journey through the ages.

The Hida Furukawa Festival is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage festival that takes place in Hida-Furukawa once a year, in April. The festival is known for its elaborate floats, colorful costumes, and traditional music and dance. While the actual festival is a once-a-year spectacle, the Hida-Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall offers year-round insights into its grandeur. Through detailed exhibits and artifacts, the hall immortalizes the festival’s essence, allowing visitors to experience the magic and allure of this renowned event regardless of the season.

The afternoon’s adventures are carefully woven with both the spiritual and the artisanal. Embarking on the revered Santera pilgrimage, you’ll traverse paths trodden by countless before, each step a connection to the ages gone by. The pilgrimage offers more than just spiritual insights; it’s also a gateway to the town’s artisanal heart. En route, quaint shops beckon, showcasing crafts that have defined Hida-Furukawa’s identity for centuries.

Your artistic journey unfolds as you delve into the intricate world of traditional weaving. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship up close. This hands-on experience not only lets you appreciate the craftsmanship but also allows you to craft a piece of art yourself, a tangible keepsake that intertwines your memories with the town’s rich traditions.

Your guide, having illuminated the soul of Hida-Furukawa for you, will lead you back to Furukawa Station. For those wishing to return to Takayama, the guide is available to accompany you all the way to Takayama Station. With a heart full of memories and newfound appreciation for Hida-Furukawa’s unique cultural heritage, you’ll depart with a sense of fulfillment and wonder.

*See our FAQs below for details. Or please inform your guide, and they will offer any additional help you may need.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

1 / TAKAYAMA STATION @ 9:30 A.M.

The meetup point is outside of the ticket gates at JR Takayama Station. Once you have left the gates, look to your left to see a walkway and a carving depicting an ornate wagon. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:30 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. There is also a waiting room with benches nearby for guests who have arrived early and would like to sit down; however, please make sure that you have left the waiting room and are in place at the meetup point at 9:30.

2 / FURUKAWA STATION @ 10:00 A.M.

If your meetup point is Furukawa Station: The rendezvous is located inside JR Furukawa Station, near the main entrance. Your guide will be arriving by train to meet you and is easily identifiable with a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. For those arriving a bit early, there are seating areas inside the station where you can comfortably wait. Nonetheless, please ensure you are at the designated meetup point by 10:00 AM.

NOTES

Included

• Admission to the Hida-Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall and Hida Crafts Museum
• Hands-on Experience: Traditional weaving session
• Travel between Takayama and Furukawa
• Guided walk through Hida-Furukawa
• English speaking guide

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking in the 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 rain coat if necessary.

• In winter the temperatures may drop below freezing, and even during the daytime temperatures may not exceed 1-2 ℃ on some days. Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for snowy and cold conditions. There may also be snow and ice on the road/sidewalk, and so you should take care to not slip by preparing the correct shoes for such conditions.