Product Description

Experience the cultural heart of Japan with a full-day guided bus tour departing from Nagoya. This scenic day trip takes you to the beautifully preserved town of Hida Takayama, known for its traditional Edo-period architecture, and the iconic Shirakawa-go Gassho Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its unique steep-roofed farmhouses nestled in the Japanese Alps.

Tour Highlights

1. Hida Takayama – The “Little Kyoto of the Alps”

Stroll through the charming Sanmachi Suji district, lined with historical wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and artisan shops.
Enjoy tasting authentic Hida beef, a regional delicacy served as sushi, grilled skewers, or hot pot at popular local restaurants like Maruaki, Ajizo Tengoku, and Hida Kottegyu. Don’t miss the chance to try Takayama ramen and browse for souvenirs such as hand-carved wooden crafts and traditional chopsticks.

2. Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Village

Step into a traditional mountain village untouched by time. The gassho-zukuri houses, with their steep thatched roofs resembling praying hands, are designed to withstand heavy snowfall.
Explore this picturesque village and its surroundings at a leisurely pace. If open, visit the Shiroyama Observatory for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire village and the surrounding mountain landscapes. This viewpoint is ideal for photography and nature lovers.

3. Cultural Stop: Rakuto Coffee House

Visit Rakuto, a traditional coffee shop set in a gassho-style house featured in the globally popular manga series ONE PIECE. Enjoy traditional Japanese sweets like red bean porridge and dango cooked over a sunken hearth, while surrounded by illustrations and tributes from manga creator Eiichiro Oda.

Flexible Itinerary Notes

• Due to traffic, weather, or seasonal road conditions, the tour guide may adjust the duration of stops at Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go.
• When the Shirakawa-go Observatory is included, the time spent in Hida Takayama may be reduced to allow more time in Shirakawa-go.
• The observatory is closed on specific dates each month. Please check the calendar before selecting the package.
• Travel time is subject to change depending on road and weather conditions.

Meeting and Pickup

• Departure Location: Mitsubishi Building (Ming Station Tsubakicho Store), Nagoya
• If hotel pickup is included, guests should wait outside the hotel lobby at the confirmed time.
• Final tour details including vehicle and guide contact will be sent via email the night before (between 20:00–21:00). Please check your inbox and spam folder.

Important Reminders

• This is a shared vehicle tour. Seat arrangements follow a first-booked, first-served policy. Specific seat requests can be noted at checkout.
• Each traveler may bring one piece of luggage. If not notified in advance, oversized baggage may be refused for safety reasons.
• Please arrive at the designated meeting point on time. Delayed arrivals will not be refunded.
• Due to Japan’s transport laws, vehicle operation cannot exceed 10 hours. The itinerary may be adjusted accordingly.
• Tours operate rain or shine, but some attractions may close or alter hours due to inclement weather or special events.

Tour Package Options

• Meeting Point + Chinese-Speaking Tour Guide: ¥7,200
• Meeting Point + English-Speaking Tour Guide: ¥7,200
• Meeting Point (No Observatory Visit, Chinese or English Guide): ¥5,950

Buy Ticket

Why Choose This Tour

• Depart conveniently from Nagoya and explore two major cultural destinations in one day
• Perfect for travelers seeking an immersive Japanese countryside and heritage experience
• Great for photography, culinary discovery, cultural appreciation, and anime fans
• Small-group format with experienced local guides

Customer Reviews

“This tour was the highlight of our trip. The scenery in Shirakawa-go is unreal, like stepping into a postcard. Booking last minute was smooth and hassle-free.”
“Our guide was knowledgeable and very flexible with the itinerary. We got to enjoy great food and beautiful sights without feeling rushed.”