Overview
Discover two of Japan's most beautiful historic destinations in one unforgettable day. Join a guided small-group tour from Nagoya to Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go, where traditional streets, thatched-roof farmhouses, and spectacular mountain scenery offer a glimpse into life in rural Japan. Travel comfortably by tour bus, explore with a knowledgeable guide, and enjoy free time to discover each destination at your own pace. With luggage storage on the tour vehicle and flexible drop-off options, this experience is ideal for travelers who want to explore the Japanese countryside without the hassle of arranging separate transportation. - Enjoy a scenic journey from Nagoya through the changing landscapes of the Hida region. - Relax with comfortable transportation, luggage storage, and an English, Spanish, French or Chinese-speaking guide. - Ask about available drop-off options in Shirakawa-go, Takayama, or Kanazawa.
Why travelers book this
What's Included
- Entry fee into a thatched roof house in Shirakawa-go
- Optional drop-off at Takayama, Kanazawa, or Shirakawago (please see tour description for details)
- Guided tour with your choice of an English, Spanish, French or Chinese-speaking guide
- Small Group Size
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Transportation to/from the meeting point before/after the tour
- Personal purchases and souvenirs
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting point, pickup options and start time are confirmed on Viator before checkout.
Itinerary
Stop 1
Arriving in Hida Takayama, your guide will provide you with a tour of the historic Stomach 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.
Stop 2
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.
Stop 3
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, Takayama, or Kanazawa will be able to do so. Please note that guests who wish to end in either Takayama or Kanazawa will be transferring to one of our tour buses originating from those locations in Shirakawago. As such, seats are limited and you may be required to sit in a fold-out seat on the ride from Shirakawago to your destination. If no seats are available on our Takayama or Kanazawa tour bus, we will assist you in procuring tickets from Shirakawago to Takayama/Kanazawa on a public highway bus. Drop-off at Takayama/Kanazawa must be selected during booking, or by email prior to the start of the tour.
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The remaining hours are allotted for the travel time.