Takayama & Shirakawago

25 THINGS TO DO AROUND TAKAYAMA & WHERE TO STAY

Starting with the old town, visitors to Takayama are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do, see and eat!

EXPLORE TAKAYAMA'S HISTORIC OLD TOWN

Takayama's old town is one of Japan's best preserved Edo Period streetscapes and host of two famous annual 'matsuri' (festivals).

Best Tours and Itineraries in Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Discover Takayama's beauty and heritage through our expertly crafted tours, ensuring unforgettable experiences.

RIDE THE SHINHOTAKA ROPEWAY

Open all year round, the Shinhotaka Ropeway is one of the most famous and scenic in Japan.

LIMITED EXPRESS 'HIDA'

The Hida Line connects Takayama to Toyama in the north and Nagoya in the south and is an enjoyable experience in of itself.

Plan Your Visit

(General)

Best Places to Stay In & Around Shirakawa-go

The villages making-up Shirakawa-go and Gokyama rank among some of the most popular d…

(General)

Best Places to Stay in Takayama

One of the most popular destinations in Central Japan, Takayama offers visitors a wid…

(General / Things to do)

15 Things to Do in Shirakawa-go & Where To Stay

The villages making-up Shirakawa-go and Gokyama rank among some of the most popular d…

(General / Things to do)

25 Things to Do Around Takayama & Where to Stay

Located deep within the mountains of Central Japan, Takayama is famous for the excell…

(General)

Best Places to Eat in Takayama

Discover Takayama’s Rich Food Culture Takayama is not only known for its well-preserv…

(General)

Best Tours and Itineraries in Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama provides a serene retreat from th…

(General)

Experience the Magic of Autumn in Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Discover Japan’s Hidden Gems Amidst a Kaleidoscope of Autumn Colors As summer gives w…

(General)

Embrace the Serenity of Winter in Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Experience Japan’s Snow-Covered Treasures in the Heart of the Japanese Alps When wint…

(General)

Journey Off the Beaten Path in Takayama

Venture Beyond the Usual and Uncover the Secret Side of Hida While Takayama is famed …

(General)

The Takayama Travel Guide

Located in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a town that weaves together history, cultur…

(General)

Cherry Blossoms in Takayama: When and Where to Enjoy the 2025 Season

Cherry blossoms, known as ‘sakura,’ are an iconic symbol of Japan, celebrated for the…

(General)

Takayama: Gateway to Scenic Walks

Takayama is often celebrated for its traditional charm and rich cultural heritage, bu…

(General)

Summer in Takayama and Shirakawa-go

Journey Through Lush Landscapes and Timeless Heritage in Japan’s Heartland Takayama a…

(Access / General)

How to Travel from Takayama to Kanazawa

Traveling between Takayama and Kanazawa offers multiple scenic and rewarding options,…

(General)

Is Takayama Worth Visiting?

Why Visit Takayama? Tucked away in the Japanese Alps, Takayama offers a rich blend of…

(General)

Takayama for Photographers: Must-Visit Scenic Spots

Takayama is a paradise for photographers, offering a mix of historic streets, stunnin…

(General)

Takayama for Solo Travelers

Takayama is an excellent destination for solo travellers, offering a mix of historic …

(General)

Discover Takayama with the Whole Family

Takayama is an excellent destination for families, offering a mix of cultural experie…

(General)

Takayama’s Top Temples & Shrines to Visit

Takayama has a high concentration of temples and shrines, many of which date back to …

(General)

Summer Hiking & Nature Escapes in Takayama

Takayama is surrounded by some of Japan’s most diverse natural landscapes, making it …

Tours

(Multi-day Tour)

2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano To Takayama via Matsumoto

Spots:: Nagano Snow Monkey Takayama Matsumoto
Pick-up:: Nagano City
Drop-off:: Takayama

¥88,000

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(Private Tour)

[START FROM TAKAYAMA] Private Shinhotaka Ropeway & Kamikochi Tour

Spots:: Takayama Kamikochi Shinhotaka
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama

¥167,500 ~ / group

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(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour in Takayama: Foodie Adventure, Showa Era, & the Old Town

Spots:: Takayama
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama

¥19,800

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(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go

Spots:: Takayama Nagoya Shirakawago
Pick-up:: Nagoya
Drop-off:: Nagoya

¥24,900

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Best Selling

(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go

Spots:: Takayama Shirakawago
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama Kanazawa

¥20,800 / 22,800

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(Private Tour)

[START FROM TAKAYAMA] Private Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour

Spots:: Takayama Shirakawago
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama Kanazawa

¥159,000 ~ / group

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(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Takayama: Hida's Hidden Gems - Hida Folk Village, Limestone Caves and the Shinhotaka Ropeway

Spots:: Takayama Shinhotaka
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama

¥28,800

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Best Selling

(Day Tour)

1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village

Spots:: Kanazawa Shirakawago
Pick-up:: Kanazawa
Drop-off:: Takayama Kanazawa

¥23,800 / 25,800

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(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour in Takayama: Immerse in Takayama's Rich History and Temples

Spots:: Takayama
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama

¥18,800

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(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Takayama: Unveiling the Charm of Gero Onsen

Spots:: Takayama Gero
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama

¥19,800

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(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore the Hida Locations of 'Your Name'

Spots:: Takayama
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama

¥17,800

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(Multi-day Tour)

(Green Season) 4-Day Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa: The Ultimate Central Japan Tour

Spots:: Nagano Snow Monkey Takayama Kanazawa Matsumoto Kamikochi Shirakawago
Pick-up:: Nagano City
Drop-off:: Kanazawa

¥99,000

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(Private Tour)

[START FROM KANAZAWA] Private Shirakawa-go & Takayama Tour

Spots:: Takayama Kanazawa Shirakawago
Pick-up:: Kanazawa
Drop-off:: Takayama Kanazawa

¥210,500 ~ / group

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(Day Tour)

1-Day Tour from Takayama: Gujo Hachiman -History, Traditions and Crafts

Spots:: Takayama Gujo
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama

¥24,800

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Recommended

(Day Tour)

(Seasonal) 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Alpine Splendor - Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi

Spots:: Nagano Takayama Matsumoto Kamikochi Shinhotaka
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Nagano City Takayama Matsumoto

¥27,800

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(Day Tour)

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

Spots:: Takayama
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama

¥17,800

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New Tour

(Day Tour)

(Seasonal) 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Discover Mt. Norikura - Alpine Flower Fields and Panoramic Peaks

Spots:: Takayama Norikura
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama

¥24,900

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(Private Tour)

[START FROM NAGOYA] Takayama & Shirakawa-go Private Tour

Spots:: Takayama Nagoya Shirakawago
Pick-up:: Nagoya
Drop-off:: Nagoya

¥255,100 ~ / group

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New Tour

(Day Tour)

Half-Day Walking Tour: Takayama’s Hidden Gems & Temple Walk

Spots:: Takayama
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama

¥14,500

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New Tour

(Day Tour)

Half-Day Walking Tour: Takayama’s Festival Floats & Historic Streets

Spots:: Takayama
Pick-up:: Takayama
Drop-off:: Takayama

¥14,500

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Access

(Destination info)

How to Get to Shirakawa-go

Most visitors to the villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama will use public transport …

(Destination info)

How to Get to Takayama

Boasting one of Japan's best preserved Edo Period (1603-1868) town centres, Takayama …

(Destination info)

How to Travel from Takayama to Kanazawa

Traveling between Takayama and Kanazawa offers multiple scenic and rewarding options,…

(Access)

Hirayu Bus Terminal: Your Gateway to the Japanese Alps

The Hirayu Bus Terminal is a key transportation hub nestled in the heart of the Japan…

(Access)

Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal

The Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal serves as the main transportation hub for this iconic U…

(Access)

Takayama Bus Terminal (Takayama Nohi Bus Center)

The Takayama Bus Terminal, also known as the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, serves as the …

(Access)

From Takayama: How To Get To The Snow Monkey Park

Takayama is one of the most popular destinations in Central Japan and a stop on many …

(Access)

Limited Express Hida (Nagoya--Takayama--Toyama)

Running from Nagoya Station to Takayama Station - with some services continuing direc…

(Access)

Limited Express Hida Timetable

The Limited Express Hida operates from Nagoya Station to Takayama Station with some s…

(Access)

Local Bus From Takayama to Hirayu Onsen / Kamikochi

The Nohi Bus Company is the main bus operator in Takayama City, connecting visitors t…

(Access)

Express Bus From Takayama to Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa

The Nohi Bus Company is the go-to bus operator in Takayama City, connecting visitors …

(Access)

Express Bus Timetable From Takayama to Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa

The Nohi Bus Company operates express bus services between Takayama and several major…

(Access)

Local Bus Timetable From Takayama to Hirayu Onsen / Kamikochi

The Nohi Bus Company operates express bus services between Takayama and several major…

(Access)

Takayama Station

Takayama is a small but modern and busy station servicing the historic old town of Ta…

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Charters

Private Charters

NOZAWA ONSEN → TAKAYAMA

Duration:: 3-4 Hours
Spots:: Takayama, Nozawa Onsen

¥131,200~

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Private Charters

SHIGA KOGEN → TAKAYAMA

Duration:: 5-6 Hours
Spots:: Takayama, Shiga Kogen

¥131,600~

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KANAZAWA → TAKAYAMA

Duration:: 2-3 Hours
Spots:: Takayama, Kanazawa

¥86,600~

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TAKAYAMA→KAMIKOCHI (3HRS)→TAKAYAMA

Duration:: 6-7 Hours
Spots:: Takayama, Kamikochi

¥74,700~

View Details

Private Charters

MATSUMOTO → TAKAYAMA

Duration:: 2-3 Hours
Spots:: Takayama, Matsumoto

¥69,000~

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TATEYAMA STATION → TAKAYAMA

Duration:: 2-3 Hours
Spots:: Takayama, Alpine Route

¥79,800~

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KARUIZAWA → TAKAYAMA

Duration:: 4-5 Hours
Spots:: Takayama, Karuizawa

¥131,500~

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HANEDA AIRPORT → TAKAYAMA

Duration:: 6-7 Hours
Spots:: Tokyo, Takayama

¥204,100~

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KANAZAWA → SHIRAKAWA-GO (3HRS) → KANAZAWA

Duration:: 5-6 Hours
Spots:: Kanazawa, Shirakawago

¥89,200~

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TAKAYAMA → SHIRAKAWA-GO (3HRS) → TAKAYAMA

Duration:: 5-6 Hours
Spots:: Takayama, Shirakawago

¥71,400~

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KANAZAWA→SHIRAKAWA-GO

Duration:: 1-2 Hours
Spots:: Kanazawa, Shirakawago

¥65,700~

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TAKAYAMA → SHIRAKAWA-GO

Duration:: 1-2 Hours
Spots:: Takayama, Shirakawago

¥50,500~

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KOMATSU AIRPORT→TAKAYAMA

Duration:: 2-3 Hours
Spots:: Takayama, Kanazawa

¥104,800~

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Private Charters

HAKUBA → TAKAYAMA

Duration:: 3-4 Hours
Spots:: Takayama, Hakuba

¥114,300~

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Private Charters

NAGANO STN → TAKAYAMA

Duration:: 3-4 Hours
Spots:: Nagano, Takayama

¥105,400~

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Explore Charters

Hotels

Takayama City Area

: Takayama & Shirakawago

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Shirakawa-go & Gokayama Area

: Takayama & Shirakawago

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Okuhida Onsen Area

: Takayama & Shirakawago

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Hirayu Onsen Area

: Takayama & Shirakawago

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Gujo Hachiman Area

: Takayama & Shirakawago

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Gero Onsen Area

: Takayama & Shirakawago

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Find Hotels

Eat

(Japanese)

A Gourmet Guide to Wagyu: Japan's Finest Beef from Region to Region

Find Eat

Events

(Arts & Culture)

Takayama Festival: A Spectacle of Tradition and Elegance

The Takayama Festival, known locally as Takayama Matsuri, is one of Japan's most cele…

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Itineraries

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(Tour)

5-Day Best of Takayama: History, Culture & Scenic Beauty

Duration:: 4-6 Days
Start / End:: Takayama / Takayama
Spots:: Takayama, Kamikochi, Gujo, Hida-Furukawa
Theme:: Historic & Castle, Nature & Adventure, Temple & Shrine, Local Food & Drink, Arts & Culture, Autumn Leaves, Summer Activities
Transport:: Tour

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(Tour)

4-Day Takayama Autumn Adventure: Shihotaka Ropeway, Kamikochi, Gujo and Shirakawa-go

Duration:: 4-6 Days
Start / End:: Takayama / Takayama
Spots:: Takayama, Kamikochi, Shirakawago, Gujo, Norikura
Season:: May - October
Theme:: Historic & Castle, Nature & Adventure, Wildlife, Autumn Leaves, Top Attractions
Transport:: Tour

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(Tour)

3-Day Takayama Nature Retreat: Walking Trails & Mountain Scenery - Kamikochi, Norikura and More

Duration:: 1-3 Days
Start / End:: Takayama / Takayama
Spots:: Takayama, Kamikochi, Shinhotaka, Norikura
Season:: May - October
Theme:: Nature & Adventure, Wildlife, Autumn Leaves, Summer Activities, Health & Well-being
Transport:: Tour

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(Tour)

7 day Nagoya Autumn Leaves Itinerary With Kamikochi, Korankei, and the Nakasendo Trail - October & November

Duration:: 7-9 Days
Start / End:: Nagoya / Nagoya
Spots:: Takayama, Nagoya, Kiso Valley, Kamikochi, Shirakawago, Gujo
Season:: Fall Only
Theme:: Historic & Castle, Nature & Adventure, Temple & Shrine, Local Food & Drink, Arts & Culture, Autumn Leaves, Top Attractions
Transport:: Tour

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(Tour / Public Transportation)

10-day Discover Central Japan Itinerary With Snow Monkeys, Geisha, and the Nakasendo Trail Starting and Ending in Nagoya - Spring & Fall only

Duration:: 10+ Days
Start / End:: Nagoya / Nagoya
Spots:: Nagano, Snow Monkey, Takayama, Nagoya, Matsumoto, Kiso Valley, Kamikochi, Shirakawago, Shinhotaka, Ise, Inuyama, Hikone, Omi
Season:: Spring & Fall only
Theme:: Historic & Castle, Nature & Adventure, Temple & Shrine, Local Food & Drink, Snow Monkeys, Arts & Culture, Wildlife, Cherry Blossoms, Autumn Leaves, Top Attractions
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation

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(Tour / Public Transportation)

5 Day Winter in Japan Itinerary with Skiing, Mountains and Snow Monkeys From Tokyo December - March

Duration:: 4-6 Days
Start / End:: Tokyo / Kanazawa
Spots:: Nagano, Snow Monkey, Tokyo, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Shiga Kogen, Hakone
Theme:: Snow Activities, Top Attractions
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation

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(Tour / Public Transportation)

14-Day Japan New Golden Route Itinerary with Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima from Tokyo All Year

Duration:: 10+ Days
Start / End:: Tokyo / Hiroshima
Spots:: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Osaka, Mt. Fuji, Nara, Fukui, Nikko, Himeji
Season:: All Year Round
Theme:: Historic & Castle, Top Attractions
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation

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(Tour / Private Charter / Public Transportation)

6 Day Central Japan Itinerary With Shirakawago, Sumo and Snow Monkeys From Tokyo All Year

Duration:: 4-6 Days
Start / End:: Tokyo / Tokyo
Spots:: Nagano, Snow Monkey, Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kamikochi, Shirakawago
Theme:: Arts & Culture, Top Attractions
Transport:: Tour, Private Charter, Public Transportation

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(Tour / Public Transportation)

7 Day Cultural Highlights of Japan Itinerary With Shirakawago, Shrines and Snow Monkeys From Tokyo All Year

Duration:: 7-9 Days
Start / End:: Tokyo / Tokyo
Spots:: Nagano, Snow Monkey, Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Shirakawago
Theme:: Arts & Culture, Top Attractions
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation

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(Tour)

6-Day Japan Fall Highlights Itinerary with Kurobe Gorge, Shirakawa-go and Mt. Shinhotaka from Kanazawa October-November

Duration:: 4-6 Days
Start / End:: Kanazawa / Takayama
Spots:: Takayama, Kanazawa, Kamikochi, Shirakawago, Shinhotaka, Kurobe Gorge, Fukui
Season:: October-November
Theme:: Historic & Castle, Nature & Adventure
Transport:: Tour

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(Tour / Public Transportation)

8-Day Japan Highlights Itinerary with Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go and Takayama from Kanazawa All Year

Duration:: 7-9 Days
Start / End:: Kanazawa / Nagoya
Spots:: Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Shirakawago, Shinhotaka, Toyama, Gujo, Fukui
Theme:: Historic & Castle, Top Attractions
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation

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(Tour)

7-Day Kanazawa Highlights Itinerary with Kurobe Gorge, Shirakawa-go and the Amaharashi Coast from Kanazawa May-November

Duration:: 7-9 Days
Start / End:: Kanazawa / Kanazawa
Spots:: Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Toyama, Kurobe Gorge, Fukui
Season:: May-November
Theme:: Nature & Adventure, Temple & Shrine
Transport:: Tour

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(Tour / Public Transportation)

7 Days in Central Japan with Natural and Historical Highlights Through Japan’s Riverlands and Majestic Mountains from Nagoya

Duration:: 7-9 Days
Start / End:: Nagoya / Tokyo
Spots:: Nagano, Snow Monkey, Tokyo, Takayama, Nagoya, Matsumoto, Kiso Valley, Kamikochi
Theme:: Nature & Adventure, Water Activities
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation

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(Tour)

5-Day Kanazawa Summer Highlights Itinerary with Kurobe Gorge, Shirakawa-go and the Tojinbo Cliffs from Kanazawa May-September

Duration:: 4-6 Days
Start / End:: Kanazawa / Kanazawa
Spots:: Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Fukui
Season:: May-September
Theme:: Historic & Castle, Nature & Adventure
Transport:: Tour

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(Tour)

4-Day Kanazawa Winter Highlights Itinerary with Amaharashi, Shirakawa-go and the Tojinbo Cliffs from Kanazawa December to March

Duration:: 4-6 Days
Start / End:: Kanazawa / Kanazawa
Spots:: Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Toyama
Season:: December-March
Theme:: Historic & Castle, Nature & Adventure
Transport:: Tour

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(Tour)

10-Day Japan Natural Highlights Itinerary with the Amaharashi Coast, Shirakawa-go, Ise and Mt. Fuji from Osaka May-November

Duration:: 10+ Days
Start / End:: Osaka / Tokyo
Spots:: Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Kiso Valley, Shirakawago, Osaka, Shinhotaka, Mt. Fuji, Toyama, Kamakura, Ise, Fukui
Season:: May-November
Theme:: Historic & Castle, Nature & Adventure
Transport:: Tour

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(Tour / Public Transportation)

6-Day Kanazawa Highlights Itinerary with Shirakawa-go, Amaharashi and Spring Flowers from Kanazawa April-May

Duration:: 4-6 Days
Start / End:: Kanazawa / Kanazawa
Spots:: Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Alpine Route
Season:: April-May
Theme:: Historic & Castle, Nature & Adventure
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation

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(Tour / Public Transportation)

5 Day Summer in Japan Itinerary with Nature, Mountains, and Coastlines From Tokyo May - September

Duration:: 4-6 Days
Start / End:: Tokyo / Nagoya
Spots:: Nagano, Tokyo, Takayama, Nagoya, Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Shirakawago, Hakone
Theme:: Summer Activities, Top Attractions
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation

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(Tour / Public Transportation)

10 Days Winter in Central Japan Itinerary with Traditional Experiences and Festivities from Tokyo

Duration:: 10+ Days
Start / End:: Tokyo / Osaka
Spots:: Nagano, Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Matsumoto, Kiso Valley, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Gujo, Fukui
Theme:: Arts & Culture, Festival
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation

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(Tour / Public Transportation)

10-day Student Friendly Itinerary With History, Culture, and Ninja From Tokyo to Osaka- All Year Round

Duration:: 10+ Days
Start / End:: Tokyo / Osaka
Spots:: Tokyo, Takayama, Nagoya, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Osaka, Mt. Fuji, Gujo, Ise, Inuyama, Koka
Season:: All Year Round
Theme:: Historic & Castle, Nature & Adventure, Temple & Shrine, Arts & Culture, Wildlife, Top Attractions
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation

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(Tour / Public Transportation)

7 Day Autumn in Japan Itinerary with Nagoya, Shirakawago, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima From Tokyo October - November

Duration:: 7-9 Days
Start / End:: Tokyo / Kyoto
Spots:: Tokyo, Takayama, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Kamikochi, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Osaka
Theme:: Autumn Leaves, Top Attractions
Transport:: Tour, Public Transportation