Places You'll See
Highlights
- Visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO-listed village, and step inside its iconic thatched-roof farmhouses for a glimpse into Japan’s rural heritage.
- See the intricately crafted festival floats at the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Museum and learn about one of Japan’s most celebrated festivals.
- Explore ancient temples and the samurai-era townscape of Takayama, uncovering its rich history and cultural legacy.
- Walk through serene temple districts, Shiroyama Park, and the beautifully preserved streets of Takayama’s Old Town, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
- Make the most of a short stay in Takayama with a curated itinerary that ensures you experience more than just Shirakawa-go.
Description
For travelers with limited time, this 3-day itinerary is designed to maximize every moment in Takayama, blending history, culture, and scenic beauty for a rich and immersive experience.
By combining two half-day walking tours with a full-day visit to Shirakawa-go, this itinerary ensures that you make the most of your travel days. Instead of spending an entire day waiting for check-ins or transfers, you can seamlessly fit in a half-day tour upon arrival or before departure, making every hour in Takayama meaningful and productive. Whether you choose to begin your journey with a temple walk or conclude it with a festival heritage tour, the interchangeable half-day tours allow for flexibility while ensuring you experience Takayama’s hidden temples, festival traditions, and historic old town without feeling rushed.
Stroll through beautifully preserved streets, visit a UNESCO-listed village, and gain insight into the rich traditions of the Japanese Alps—all while ensuring that, even with a short stay in Takayama, you experience more than just Shirakawa-go and see the region’s most important cultural and historical highlights.
*ESTIMATED BUDGET – Please note that the estimated budget advertised on this page is only for the cost of the tours and what they include. Some tours may include transportation between tour destinations via tour buses. However some tours do not include transportation between tour destinations, and you will need to book your own transportation in such cases. Please refer to each tour listed on this page for further information on what is not included.
DAY 1 HIDDEN GEMS: TEMPLE WALKING TOUR
How to Start Your Day
Arriving in Takayama finding yourself nestled in the Japanese Alps, this town is a place where history and tradition have been beautifully maintained.
Begin your visit with a guided walking tour through Takayama’s historic streets and temple district, exploring hidden gems, serene shrines, and feudal-era sites that reveal the town’s rich heritage. With scenic pathways and Edo-period charm, this half-day tour provides the perfect introduction to Takayama and its unique blend of history and culture.
HALF DAY WALKING TOUR: TAKAYAMA HIDDEN GEMS & TEMPLE WALK / all year round
Uncover the rich history and hidden beauty of Takayama with our Half-Day Walking Tour: Takayama’s Hidden Gems & Temple Walk. This immersive journey takes you through centuries-old streets, serene temple grounds, and scenic landscapes, offering a deeper appreciation of the city’s heritage. Begin at the Takayama City Museum, where you’ll learn about the samurai governance and merchant culture that shaped Takayama. Follow the historic Higashiyama Walking Course, a tranquil route lined with temples, shrines, and Shiroyama Park, once home to Takayama Castle. Conclude in the charming Old Town, where traditional wooden buildings, artisan shops, and sake breweries invite further exploration at your own pace. Ready to step back in time and experience Takayama’s enduring legacy? Book your walking tour today!
How to End Your Day
After an immersive walk through Takayama’s history, unwind with a taste of the local specialties. Stop by a historic sake brewery for a tasting, or try Hida beef sushi, Takayama ramen, or mitarashi dango from a street vendor.
If you’re up for more sightseeing, take a leisurely nighttime stroll through the Old Town, where the streets are beautifully lit, providing a quieter, more peaceful perspective of the town.
Recommended Accommodation
Takayama offers a range of accommodations, from traditional ryokan inns to modern hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay for every traveler.
For convenience, staying near Takayama Station provides easy access to transportation and tour departures. The area features business hotels and budget-friendly options, ideal for short stays. If you prefer a more traditional experience, Takayama’s Old Town is home to charming ryokan, where you can enjoy tatami rooms, onsen baths, and local hospitality.
Check out our Best Places to Stay in Takayama for more information on where to stay.
Day 2 TAKAYAMA & SHIRAKAWA-GO
How to Start Your Day
Begin your morning with a visit to Takayama Jinya, a beautifully preserved Edo-period government outpost that offers insight into the city’s historical significance. Explore its traditional architecture, learn about Takayama’s role during the shogunate, and step into rooms once used by high-ranking officials.
In the afternoon, journey to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO-listed village famous for its thatched-roof farmhouses and stunning mountain scenery. This well-balanced full-day tour ensures you experience both Takayama’s rich history and the breathtaking rural landscapes of Japan.
TAKAYAMA & SHIRAKAWA-GO TOUR FROM TAKAYAMA / all year round
Day Tour
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- Pick-up:
- Drop-off:
¥20,800 / 22,800
Hidden away in the middle of the mountains of Central Japan, but also an easy 2 hour trip from Kanazawa, Nagoya, Toyama and Matsumoto, Takayama is a popular destination for its traditional old town and surrounding natural beauty. The tour starts from Takayama Station and we head to the Takayama Jinya, the former headquarters of the Shogun's government in the city. It was made from the materials of the castle that used to exist on a mountain nearby. After learning more about the history of the city and region, we will walk down the historical merchant street lined with traditional Japanese buildings. You can eat and shop here in the atmosphere of a 200 year old market district. The morning market is also nearby and there are lots of local handicrafts, fruits and other foods. Following lunch in the area, we will get on the bus and head to Shirakawa-go, the historical village with the traditional thatched-roof houses. You will be able to see stunning views of the town from above, go inside one of the homes and learn about village life and have time to enjoy the town by yourselves.
How to End Your Day
Return to Takayama in the evening, where you’ll have time to relax and enjoy a final night in town. If you didn’t have the chance to try Takayama’s famous Hida beef dishes, this is the perfect opportunity to experience a local yakiniku or sukiyaki restaurant.
For a more authentic local experience, consider stopping by a hidden izakaya (Japanese pub), where you can try regional sake and share plates of local delicacies with fellow travelers.
Day 3 TAKAYAMA FESTIVAL FLOATS
How to Start Your Day
Takayama is home to one of Japan’s most celebrated festivals, and its legacy continues off season at the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Museum and historic Old Town. Discover the artistry behind the festival’s elaborate floats, stroll through well-preserved Edo-period streets, and gain insight into the craftsmanship and cultural traditions that define the city. This half-day tour is a fitting way to conclude your time in Takayama before your onward journey.
HALF DAY WALKING TOUR: TAKAYAMA FESTIVAL FLOATS & HISTORIC / all year around
Day Tour
¥14,500
Experience the vibrant festival culture and historic charm of Takayama with our Takayama Festival Floats & Historic Walking Tour. Begin your journey with the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Museum to see the breathtaking festival floats up close, then visit the Sakurayama Nikkokan Museum, home to intricate scale replicas of Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Continue to Hachimangu Shrine, the spiritual heart of Takayama’s autumn festival, before strolling through the beautifully preserved Old Town, where Edo-period merchant houses, sake breweries, and artisan shops reflect the city’s rich heritage. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this immersive half-day tour is perfect for those looking to experience Takayama’s cultural treasures in just a few hours. Book your tour today and uncover the traditions that make Takayama truly special!
How to End Your Day
As your time in Takayama comes to an end, take a final scenic walk through the quiet backstreets, soaking in the town’s timeless atmosphere one last time. Stop by a local shop for a last-minute souvenir or a quick bite, savoring the flavors of Takayama before your departure.
If you’re traveling onward to Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, Takayama Station provides easy connections via train or bus, ensuring a smooth journey to your next destination.
