For those looking to explore deeper into the Japan Alps, Shirakawa-go and Takayama are two of Japan’s most accessible and rewarding destinations. Between UNESCO-listed farmhouses, beautifully preserved old towns, mountain scenery, and some of Central Japan’s best food, it’s no surprise these places are high on many travelers’ wish lists.
One big question almost everyone faces, though, is this: Is it better to visit Shirakawa-go and Takayama as a day trip from Nagoya, or stay overnight in Takayama?
The short answer: both options work well, but which is best depends on your travel style, schedule, and what you want out of the experience. In this guide to visiting Takayama and Shirakawago, we give an honest breakdown to help you decide.
Visiting Shirakawa-go & Takayama as a Day Trip from Nagoya
Day trips from Nagoya to Takayama and Shirakawago are popular for good reason. Thanks to direct highway buses and organized tours, you can see a lot in one long but well-structured day.
Pros of a Day Trip
Efficient and time-saving
If your Japan itinerary is tight, a day trip lets you experience two iconic destinations without spending time changing hotels. Plus, as you return back to Nagoya the same day, you retain access to the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Takayama and Shirakawago have less variety of destinations and less frequent options for where to move to next.
Logistics are simple
Transportation in the Japan Alps can be confusing for first-time visitors. Guided tours remove the stress of transfers, reservations, and weather-related delays. This is especially valuable in winter when roads often close due to heavy snow.
Great for first-time visitors
If you want a solid introduction to Shirakawa-go and Takayama without deep planning, a day trip covers the highlights: Shirakawa-go’s gassho-zukuri farmhouses and Takayama’s historic old town.
You also get the additional benefit of a professional guide to share the history and culture of the region you can’t find elsewhere, as well as provide you with recommendations catered to your group's unique needs.
Cost-effective
Day trips are often cheaper overall than an overnight stay plus transportation, especially during peak seasons when accommodation prices rise.
Cons of a Day Trip
Limited time at each location
While our tours are carefully designed to allow you ample time to see the important sites as well as have a bit of free time, the time constraints of a round-trip tour simply provide less time for exploration than staying at a destination overnight.
A long day
If you’re planning to visit Shirakawago and Takayama as a day trip from Nagoya, expect a full 10-plus hour day. It’s rewarding, and our comfortable tour buses make it so that you can relax during the journey, but it is not a short excursion.
Miss the evening atmosphere
Takayama becomes especially charming in the early morning when the famous Miyagawa Morning Market is occurring. Our guided tours arrive with time to see the market, but if you are looking to spend a longer amount of time shopping for locally produced goods, it might be best to consider staying overnight.
Who a Day Trip Is Best For
- First-time visitors to Japan
- Travelers with limited days in Central Japan
- Families wanting a structured schedule
- Winter travelers concerned about road conditions
Recommended Tour: Savor the views of the Japanese countryside as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide on Snow Monkey Resort's 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go. This tour takes you into the famed thatched-roof houses of UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go as your guide shares the history (and dramas) of Edo-era life in this remote mountain village.
Recommended
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaNagoyaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
Staying Overnight in Takayama
If your schedule allows, spending a night (or two) in Takayama allows you to explore deeper and get a closer look at life in the Japan Alps.
Pros of Staying Overnight
A slower, deeper experience
An overnight stay gives you time to explore Takayama beyond the main streets. You’ll have time to explore local neighborhoods, small temples, and scenic riverside walks. You can also book additional tours to areas surrounding Takayama and see beautiful sights like the Shinhotaka Ropeway or Gujo-Hachiman.
Enjoy Takayama’s morning markets
The Miyagawa Morning Market is at its best early in the day, before crowds arrive. Staying overnight means you can browse at a relaxed pace, chat with vendors, and sample local snacks.
Ryokan and onsen experiences
Takayama is an excellent place to stay in a traditional ryokan, often with hot spring baths. After a day in the mountains, soaking in an onsen is hard to beat—especially in winter.
Food is a major highlight
Hida beef is one of Japan’s most celebrated regional specialties. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy multi-course dinners, casual yakiniku, or local izakaya without any time constraints.
Cons of Staying Overnight in Takayama
Higher cost
Accommodation, especially ryokan, adds to your budget, and prices increase significantly during autumn foliage season, spring cherry blossom season, and winter illumination periods.
More planning required
You’ll need to manage luggage, reserve buses, and plan return transportation. This is manageable, but less convenient than a one-day tour.
Limited nightlife
Takayama becomes very quiet in the evenings. Most shops (and even many restaurants) close by 5pm. If you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, this isn’t the destination for that. But on the other hand, the quiet and tranquility is exactly what many travelers love.
Who an Overnight Stay Is Best For
- Outdoor and adventure travelers (hiking, snow activities)
- Travelers who have been to Japan before
- Those seeking onsen and traditional accommodation
Seasonal Considerations To Know Before Traveling to Takayama & Shirakawago
Winter (December–March)
Snow transforms Shirakawa-go into a fairytale landscape, especially during illumination events. However, road conditions can be unpredictable. Day tours are often the safest and most reliable option in the winter.
Recommended Tour: Spend the day enjoying the wintery-snowy atmosphere on a day trip from Nagoya which combines a visit to the famous thatched roof village, Shirakawago, with a morning of fun in the snow of the Japan Alps! Snow Monkey Resorts' (Winter Only) 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Snow Day in the Japan Alps & Shirakawago brings you to the Japan Alps where you can enjoy sledding or playing in a field of Japan's famous powder snow, and step inside the historic houses of Shirakawago. This tour is the perfect fit for families or groups looking for a balance of winter fun and idilic locations.
New Tour
(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Snow Day in the Japan Alps & Shirakawago
- Spots:
- NagoyaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
Autumn (October–early November)
Fall foliage is stunning but extremely popular. Accommodation in Takayama books out early, making day trips a practical alternative if you plan late.
Spring (April–May)
Cherry blossoms and festival season bring crowds but also some of Takayama’s most vibrant cultural moments. Staying overnight lets you enjoy quiet evenings after day-trippers leave.
So… Day Trip or Overnight?
For many travelers, the ideal solution is a mix: start with a guided tour to understand the region, then return later for a longer stay once you know what you love most about the Japan Alps.
Fortunately, Snow Monkey Resort’s unique connectable tour system means that you have the option of ending one of our tours from Nagoya in Takayama or Shirakawago and bringing your luggage with you. This provides you with the benefits of a guided tour while also allowing you to spend the night in the quieter town in the Japan Alps.
Recommended Tour: Snow Monkey Resort's Takayama & Shirakawa-go Private Tour from Nagoya gives you a comprehensive glimpse into the cultural traditions and architectural wonders of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. And included a private transportation and guide providing the convenience of private hotel pick-up and drop-off service and eliminating the need for arranging transportation, maximizing your time for exploration.
New Tour
[FROM NAGOYA] Takayama & Shirakawa-go Private Tour
- Spots:
- TakayamaNagoyaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
