1-Day Tour from Takayama: Hida's Hidden Gems - Limestone Caves and the Shinhotaka Ropeway
Period
All Year Round
Time
09:00 - 17:30
Meeting Place
Takayama Station
Price
Adult (13+) | 28,800 | JPY |
Child (6-12) | 23,000 | JPY |
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Hida's Hidden Gems - Limestone Caves and the Shinhotaka Ropeway
Embark on an enchanting exploration of the Hida region’s natural splendors with our ‘Natural Wonders of Hida: Limestone Caves, and Ropeway’ tour. Setting off from Takayama, this full-day journey takes you through awe-inspiring landscapes and experiences. Discover the captivating depths of the Hida Great Limestone Cave and experience the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Japan Alps with a journey up the Shinhotaka Ropeway, offering panoramic views from the observation deck. This tour blends adventure, education, and the unrivaled beauty of nature, providing an unforgettable experience in Japan’s great outdoors.
This tour is sure to delight nature enthusiasts and those seeking an immersive experience in Japan’s stunning outdoor settings. The combination of exploring a captivating cave and experiencing the grandeur of the Northern Japan Alps from above creates a truly well-rounded and memorable day.
Highlights
- Venture into the depths of the Hida Great Limestone Cave, a geological marvel, and be captivated by the stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and the unique subterranean atmosphere.
- Elevate your experience with a ride on the Shinhotaka Ropeway, ascending through the breathtaking scenery of the Northern Japan Alps to reach the observation deck for unparalleled panoramic views.
- At the observation deck, immerse yourself in the 360-degree vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys, an awe-inspiring experience that showcases the raw beauty of Japan’s alpine landscape.
- Witness the ever-changing face of the Japan Alps, adorned with lush greenery, vibrant autumn colors, serene snowscapes, or the fresh blossoms of spring, each visit offering a distinct and memorable view.
Description
Your adventure begins at 9:00 AM at Takayama Station, where you will be warmly greeted by your guide, ready to embark on a journey to uncover the natural wonders of the Hida region. As the excitement builds, you’ll soon find yourself leaving the bustling streets of Takayama, setting course for a day filled with exploration and discovery among Hida’s stunning landscapes.
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PXL_20231122_0127268445.jpg)
Your first destination is the Hida Great Limestone Cave, a remarkable geological spectacle nestled in the highlands of the Hida region. As you delve into this subterranean world, you’ll find yourself in awe of its vast network of caves, each segment revealing its own unique beauty. The journey through these ancient limestone formations, illuminated to accentuate their dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, takes you through a series of enchanting spaces offering a mesmerizing experience of nature’s artistry.
![Takayama-Shinhotaka](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/27237575_m.jpg)
![Takayama-Shinhotaka](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/27237577_m.jpg)
![Takayama-Shinhotaka](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PXL_20231122_013246689.MP_-1.jpg)
![Takayama-Shinhotaka](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PXL_20231122_014946450.jpg)
As we continue our journey deeper into the heart of the Japanese Alps, the scenic drive unfolds a tapestry of breathtaking landscapes, each turn offering views more captivating than the last. Your adventure reaches new heights as you embark on the Shinhotaka Ropeway, an exhilarating ascent into the heart of the Northern Japan Alps. As the gondola gently glides upwards, each moment elevates you further into a world of awe-inspiring natural beauty. The journey upwards is a visual feast, with each elevation revealing more breathtaking vistas of the sprawling alpine landscape below.
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/24432228_m.jpg)
Upon reaching the observation deck, you are greeted by panoramic views that stretch across the horizon. Here, above the clouds, the majesty of the Northern Japan Alps unfolds in its full glory. The observation deck offers an unparalleled vantage point, providing a 360-degree view of the rugged peaks, deep valleys, and the lush forest canopy below that truly must be seen to be believed, as no photograph can fully capture the vastness and beauty. Being in the midst of such grandeur is a humbling and unforgettable experience.
The Shinhotaka Ropeway isn’t just a journey through altitude; it’s a voyage through the seasons. Whether it’s the lush greenery of summer, the vibrant hues of autumn, the pristine snowscapes of winter, or the fresh bloom of spring, each season paints the alps in a unique light. The ever-changing scenery ensures that every visit to the observation deck is a unique experience, forever etched in memory.
![Takayama-Shinhotaka](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PXL_20231122_054304304.jpg)
![Takayama-Shinhotaka](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PXL_20231122_054017476.jpg)
![Takayama-Shinhotaka](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PXL_20231122_054229495.jpg)
![Takayama-Shinhotaka](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/PXL_20231122_054204658.MP_.jpg)
This part of the tour offers not just spectacular views but also a moment of reflection and connection with nature’s grandeur. It’s a reminder of the extraordinary beauty of the Japanese Alps, a beauty that’s both timeless and ever-changing.
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/27297894_m.jpg)
As the day concludes, your reflective journey back to Takayama Station brings a sense of fulfillment. Arriving around 5:30 PM, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for Hida’s diverse landscapes and rich ecological beauty. This tour, weaving through breathtaking vistas and intimate encounters with nature, leaves lasting impressions and stories to be cherished.
ITINERARY
09:00 | Meet your guide at Takayama Station for an introductory briefing. Prepare to embark on a journey of natural discovery in the Hida region. |
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09:45 | Arrive at the Hida Great Limestone Cave and explore its captivating depths, marveling at the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over centuries. |
12:00 | Embark on the trip to the base of the Shinhotaka Ropeway, discussing the alpine ecosystem and preparing for the panoramic views you'll encounter. |
12:15 | Take the Shinhotaka Ropeway to ascend into the Japanese Alps. As you gently glide upwards, be prepared to be awestruck by the ever-changing scenes that unfold before you. Upon reaching the observation deck, you'll be greeted with breathtaking 360-degree views of the rugged alpine landscape. This vantage point offers an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the vastness of the Northern Alps. Note: Guests will be given time to soak in the scenery on their own, providing a chance to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and serenity of the alpine environment. This personal exploration time is perfect for capturing photos, reflecting on the natural splendor, or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere at the peak. |
15:45 | It's now time to regroup with your guide and begin the return journey to Takayama. This trip back offers a perfect moment to reflect on the day's highlights and the unforgettable experiences shared. Relive the awe-inspiring scenes from the limestone cave to the panoramic vistas atop the Alps, and ponder the unique moments that made the tour special. |
17:00 | Arrive at Takayama and conclude your tour. |
TOUR MEETUP POINT
1 / TAKAYAMA STATION @ 9:00 A.M.
![](https://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023-07-05.jpg)
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 9:00 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 9:00.
NOTES
Included
- All transport required for the tour, including travel to and from each of the attractions.
- Admission to the Hida Great Limestone Cave.
- Round-trip tickets for the Shinhotaka Ropeway.
- 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.
- There will be free time at the Shinhotaka Ropeway for guests to enjoy the location at their own pace. However, please make sure that you are at the respective meetup points at the time stated by your guide. If you get lost or need assistance, feel free to call the number which is listed on your tour pass, and our staff will assist you immediately.
- Note on Lunch: For your convenience, you have the option to bring a packed lunch to enjoy during the tour. Alternatively, there are a few dining options available on the Shinhotaka Ropeway, although choices may be limited. We recommend planning your lunch accordingly to make the most of your day exploring Hida’s hidden gems.
FAQs
- Q. I’d like to join this tour from Tokyo/Nagoya. Is that possible?
- Unfortunately, it is not possible to reach the meetup point for this tour on time if leaving from Tokyo/Nagoya on the same day as the tour. We recommend guests to spend the night in Takayama or a nearby area on the day before the tour in order to be able to reach the meetup point by the starting time.
By participating in our 1 Day tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi and Matsumoto Castle, you will be able to start at Nagano Station/Matsumoto Station, view the historic Matsumoto Castle, and hike in scenic Kamikochi, from where you can take a short 1-hour bus ride to Takayama and spend the night - ready to participate in the Takayama and Shirakawa-go tour on the next day. Guests who take the early morning Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano - those departing at 6:16 or 6:28 - in order to arrive at Nagano Station for the 8:15 meet up time (or the Azusa Express leaving Shinjuku at 7:00 heading for Matsumoto) will be able to string together these two tours for an unforgettable two day experience in the heartland of Japan.
Please feel free to contact us if you would like more information.
- What should I wear/bring?
- Please wear clothing appropriate to the season in which you are taking the tour, and check the weather forecast ahead of time. Guests may wish to bring rain coats or umbrellas on rainy days, or sunscreen to avoid sunburn during the summer months. In the winter months, the air temperatures will be cold (5 to -5 ℃ on average), and so gloves, winter boots, warm hats, and hand warmers are recommended. Otherwise, please feel free to bring any other items, such as water or a snack, which you would normally carry when walking in the outdoors.
- Is this tour wheelchair accessible/appropriate for guests with limited mobility?
- The nature of this tour means it is not wheelchair accessible and may not be appropriate for guests with limited mobility, given the amount of walking involved. Should this be of concern, contact us prior to booking to discuss options.
- Is lunch included on this tour?
- No. This tour does not include lunch however there will be opportunities to purchase food and drinks during the tour. If you prefer to, please also feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you.
(Travel Agency License No: Nagano 2-562)
Snow Monkey Resorts Tours
2159 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano, 380-0921 Japan
Tel: (+81)26-219-6256
Member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association
Travel Service Supervisor: Azusa Fukuhara
Period
All Year Round
Time
09:00 - 17:30
Meeting Place
Takayama Station
Price
Adult (13+) | 28,800 | JPY |
Child (6-12) | 23,000 | JPY |