Shirakawago & Hida Winter Illumination 2-Day Bus Tour (from Osaka)

Overview

Immerse yourself in the enchanting winter landscapes of Shiga and Gifu Prefectures on this 2-day, 1-night guided bus tour from Osaka. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gassho Zukuri Village of Shirakawago, glowing under magical illuminations, and explore the historic charm of Hida Takayama’s old town. Savor a premium Omi beef sukiyaki lunch, try on traditional Uchikake and Jinbaori costumes at the Seki Cutlery Museum, and indulge in shopping at the expansive Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo. With comfortable accommodation at a 3-star hotel near Takayama Station, trilingual guides, and all meals included, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and winter romance for families, couples, or solo travelers.

Why Choose This Tour?

• Winter Magic: Witness Shirakawago’s Gassho houses illuminated in snow, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.
• Cultural Depth: Stroll Hida Takayama’s Edo-era streets, visit folk villages, and experience traditional costumes.
• Culinary Highlights: Enjoy Omi beef sukiyaki lunch, local breakfast, and dinner options near your hotel.
• Convenient Logistics: Round-trip bus transfers from Osaka, with guided tours and free time for shopping.
• Group Experience: Shared tour with at least 20 participants, ensuring lively interactions and English guidance.

Highlights

• Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Village: Explore the UNESCO site with guided tours of thatched-roof houses, enhanced by winter illuminations.
• Hida Folk Village: Stroll through illuminated gassho-style structures, blending shadows and light in a surreal winter setting.
• Hida Takayama Old Town: Wander preserved wooden streets, sake breweries, and shops, evoking Edo-period charm.
• Miyagawa Morning Market: Interact with locals, browse souvenirs, and enjoy a food stroll in a vibrant atmosphere.
• Seki Cutlery Museum (Hamonoya Sanshu): Try on historic Uchikake and Jinbaori garments for a unique cultural experience.
• Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo: Shop tax-free at one of Kansai’s largest outlets, with Japanese and international brands.

Package Options

1. 2 People/1 Room Standard Plan (Price per Person)

• Shared room for two, includes all meals, guided tours, and admissions
• Price: ¥49,000 per person

2. 1 Person/1 Room Standard Plan (Price per Person)

• Single occupancy, includes all meals, guided tours, and admissions
• Price: ¥54,000 per person

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Itinerary

Day 1

• 08:30 – Departure from Osaka (exact meeting point confirmed via email)
• 11:30 – Lunch at Hanaibuki Restaurant (1 hour, Omi beef sukiyaki)
• 12:30 – Souvenir shopping at Hanaibuki Restaurant (30 minutes, guided)
• 13:30 – Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Village (2 hours, guided tour)
• 16:00 – Hida Folk Village (45 minutes, guided tour)
• 19:15 – Check-in at Hotel Amanek Takayama or Washington Hotel Plaza Hida Takayama (3-star, standard room with single bed)

Day 2

• 09:30 – Breakfast at hotel (included)
• 10:00 – Miyagawa Morning Market (30 minutes, guided tour)
• 10:30 – Takayama Old Town (1 hour 30 minutes, guided tour; lunch at own expense)
• 12:30 – Hamonoya Sanshu / Seki Sword Museum (50 minutes, guided tour)
• 14:00 – Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo (1 hour 30 minutes, self-guided shopping)
• 19:30 – Return to Osaka

What to Expect

Day 1: Snowy Wonders and Village Lights

Depart from Osaka for a scenic drive to Hanaibuki Restaurant in Sekigahara, a historic battlefield site, where you’ll enjoy a 1-hour Omi beef sukiyaki lunch. Follow with 30 minutes of guided souvenir shopping. Arrive at Shirakawago, the UNESCO-listed Gassho Zukuri Village, for a 2-hour guided tour of its unique thatched-roof houses blanketed in snow. In the evening, visit Hida Folk Village for a 45-minute guided stroll through illuminated gassho-style structures, where shadows and lights create a magical ambiance. Check into your 3-star hotel near Takayama Station, with dinner options at nearby local restaurants.

Day 2: Markets, History, and Shopping

Start with breakfast at the hotel, then head to Miyagawa Morning Market for a 30-minute guided tour, browsing unique souvenirs and chatting with friendly locals. Spend 1 hour 30 minutes in Takayama Old Town, wandering Edo-era wooden houses, sake breweries, and quaint shops (lunch at own expense). Visit Hamonoya Sanshu / Seki Sword Museum for a 50-minute guided experience, trying on traditional Uchikake and Jinbaori costumes. Conclude with 1 hour 30 minutes of self-guided shopping at Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo, one of Kansai’s largest malls with tax-free deals. Return to Osaka by evening.

What’s Included

• English-speaking guide (with Chinese support)
• Round-trip bus transfers from Osaka
• Accommodation at Hotel Amanek Takayama or Washington Hotel Plaza Hida Takayama (3-star, standard room)
• Toll fees, parking fees, and fuel fees
• Lunch (Omi beef sukiyaki) and dinner on Day 1
• Breakfast on Day 2
• Bottled water
• Admission to Hida no Sato Light Up Festival
• Guided tours at Shirakawago, Hida Folk Village, Miyagawa Market, Takayama Old Town, and Seki Sword Museum

Note: Lunch on Day 2 is at own expense. Souvenir shopping and outlet purchases are self-funded.

Pre-Departure Notice

You will be contacted via email or phone between 17:00 and 21:00 the day before departure with detailed meeting point information. Check your spam folder if you don’t receive it. During peak season, emails may be slightly delayed; refer to the latest email if multiple received. Arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point and look for the tour guide flag. Latecomers or no-shows will not be refunded. The tour requires a minimum of 20 participants; cancellations will be notified 14 days prior. Weekends, holidays, or events may cause traffic delays, potentially shortening visit times without prior notice. No refunds for weather-related changes or natural disasters (full refund only for typhoons). Seatbelts are mandatory; lost belongings are your responsibility. Inform of allergies/dietary restrictions at booking.

Good to Know

• Group Tour: Shared with other guests; minimum 20 participants required.
• Traffic and Timing: Heavy traffic on weekends/holidays may delay arrivals or shorten stops; no prior notice.
• Snow Conditions: Snow may vary by weather; illuminations proceed regardless.
• Luggage: One piece per guest; note in booking for oversized items.
• Dietary Notes: Lunch includes Omi beef sukiyaki; notify allergies in advance.
• Safety: You are responsible for valuables; no liability for losses.

Reviews

• “Magical winter escape!” – “Shirakawago’s illuminations were like a dream, and the Omi beef lunch was divine. Takayama’s old town felt timeless, and the hotel was comfy. The guide’s stories made it unforgettable!”
• “Perfect cultural tour!” – “Trying on the Uchikake at Seki Museum was a highlight, and shopping at Shiga Ryuo was fun. Hida Folk Village’s lights were stunning—great value for the price!”
• “Family favorite!” – “The market was lively, and the kids loved the village stroll. Easy from Osaka, and the bus was comfortable. Highly recommend for winter vibes!”

FAQs

Q: Are meals fully included?

A: Lunch and dinner on Day 1, breakfast on Day 2 are included. Day 2 lunch is at own expense in Takayama Old Town.

Q: Is this tour suitable for children?

A: Yes, family-friendly with guided walks and light activities. Gassho village and markets are engaging for kids.

Q: What should I wear?

A: Warm winter clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and layers for snowy outdoor stops.

Q: Can I join from outside Osaka?

A: Meeting point in Osaka; contact operator for alternative pick-ups (fees may apply).

Q: What if the tour is canceled?

A: If under 20 participants, notified 14 days prior. Full refund for typhoons/natural disasters.

Q: Are illuminations guaranteed?

A: Yes, Hida no Sato Light Up Festival admission included, weather permitting.

Location