Discover two of Japan's most beautiful historic destinations in one unforgettable day. Join a guided small-group tour from Nagoya to Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go, where traditional streets, thatched-roof farmhouses, and spectacular mountain scenery offer a glimpse into life in rural Japan.

Travel comfortably by tour bus, explore with a knowledgeable guide, and enjoy free time to discover each destination at your own pace. With luggage storage on the tour vehicle and flexible drop-off options, this experience is ideal for travelers who want to explore the Japanese countryside without the hassle of arranging separate transportation.

Highlights

  • Explore historic Hida Takayama: Walk through the beautifully preserved Sanmachi district, known for its traditional architecture, shops, and local food.
  • Discover UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go: Visit the famous mountain village, celebrated for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
  • Step inside a traditional farmhouse: Learn about the distinctive architecture and the history of life in this remote mountain community.
  • Enjoy time to explore independently: Take photographs, browse local shops, sample regional snacks, or visit the village's scenic viewpoints.
  • Take in the Japanese Alps: Enjoy a scenic journey from Nagoya through the changing landscapes of the Hida region.
  • Travel with greater convenience: Benefit from tour transportation, luggage storage on the vehicle, and an English, Spanish, French or Chinese-speaking guide.
  • Continue your journey beyond Nagoya: Ask about available drop-off options in Shirakawa-go, Takayama, or Kanazawa.

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo or end the tour in Shirakawago, Takayama, or Kanazawa, please see the FAQ Section.

Review

Description

This tour will start at Nagoya Station at 8:30 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Silver Clock tower near the Shinkansen Gates. You will have the opportunity to store your belongings on our tour bus if you feel the need.

takayama

Settle in for a scenic journey into the Japanese countryside. Your guide will introduce the history of the Hida region and point out notable sights along the way. A brief stop at a roadside station provides an opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

takayama

Discover Takayama's beautifully preserved Sanmachi historic district on a guided walking tour. Admire the traditional streetscape, browse local shops, and learn about the area's history and culture.

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You will then have plenty of free time to grab lunch, shop for souvenirs, or fill your camera roll with photos of this picturesque town.

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shirakawago
shirakawago-ainokura

Continue to Shirakawa-go, a picturesque mountain village famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses and distinctive steeply pitched thatched roofs.

Follow your guide through the village's streets and rice paddies before visiting a traditional farmhouse. Learn about its architecture and discover how people lived in this remote mountain community during the Edo period.

After the guided visit, explore the village at your own pace. Take photographs of the traditional houses, browse local shops, sample regional snacks, or walk to a scenic viewpoint for a panoramic view of the village, time permitting.

Your guide will be happy to help with photographs and offer suggestions for making the most of your visit.

At the end of the tour, return to Nagoya or use an available alternative drop-off option in Shirakawa-go, Takayama, or Kanazawa*.

*If you're planning to continue your travels elsewhere, please review the FAQs before booking to confirm the appropriate drop-off option and any relevant requirements.

Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

Itinerary

8:30
The tour begins with a meetup at Nagoya Station at 08:30. Guests should wait inside the station, in front of the SILVER clock tower across from the Shinkansen exit gates. Your guide will greet you there.Your guide will provide you with a brief history of the region and set the scene as we depart from Nagoya Station toward Takayama via our tour bus. We will make a short stop at a roadside rest area to stretch our legs about halfway through the drive.
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11:00
Arriving in Takayama, your guide will provide you with a brief tour of the historic Sanmachi district of Takayama and make sure you don’t miss any of the beautiful views. You will then have about two hours of free time to grab lunch, shop for souvenirs, or fill your camera roll with photos of this picturesque town.
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13:30
Back on the tour bus, we will make our way to Shirakawa-go, enjoying breathtaking views along the way.
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14:30
Your guide will provide you with a tour of Shirakawa-go. Enter historic thatched-roof houses and learn about their construction along with the history (and the drama) of life in Edo-era Shirakawa-go. We will also take a short hike up to a lookout point offering a dramatic vista. Your guide will be on hand to take photos to commemorate your visit.
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16:00
We will head back to Nagoya station via our tour bus. Guests wishing to end the tour at Shirakawa-go will be able to do so at this time.
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18:30
The tour concludes at Nagoya Station, where the guide will say their goodbyes.*We cannot guarantee the end time as traffic could cause delays. For guests booking onward tickets to other destinations, we recommend doing so for times of 18:30 or later.
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Meetup Points

NAGOYA STATION @ 8:30 A.M.

Meet your guide at 8:30 AM at the Silver Clock Tower, inside Nagoya Station near the Shinkansen gates. Look for a guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign.

  • Arriving by Shinkansen: The Silver Clock Tower should be directly ahead as you exit the Shinkansen gates.
  • Arriving on a JR line: Follow the signs toward the Taiko-Dori Gate. The Silver Clock Tower is inside the station, just before the exit.
  • Entering from the Sakura-Dori side: Walk straight through the station toward the Taiko-Dori Gate. The Silver Clock Tower is just before the exit.

We recommend arriving early to allow enough time to find the meeting point.

Notes

Included

  • Guided tour with your choice of an English, Spanish, French or Chinese-speaking guide
  • Tour transportation, including luggage storage on the vehicle*
  • Entry fee for a traditional thatched-roof farmhouse in Shirakawa-go
  • Drop-off options as specified in the tour booking conditions

*Operated by Machinovate or an equivalent charter bus company based in Aichi Prefecture.

Excluded

  • Lunch and other meals
  • Accommodation
  • Transportation to and from Nagoya Station before and after the tour
  • Personal purchases and souvenirs

Other Information

  • Walking and footwear: This tour involves several hours of walking outdoors. Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather.
  • Winter visits: Temperatures can fall below freezing, and snow or ice may make paths slippery. Bring warm layers and footwear suitable for winter conditions.
  • Summer visits: Summer temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F) or higher, with high humidity. Wear lightweight clothing, use sun protection, and bring water to stay hydrated.
  • Weather preparation: Check the forecast before departure and bring an umbrella or raincoat if needed.
  • Meals and shopping: Lunch is not included. You'll have opportunities to purchase food, drinks, souvenirs, and local snacks during the day.

FAQs

I’d like to join the tour from Tokyo / Kyoto / Osaka. Is that possible?
If you’d like to join us from Tokyo, we’d love to have you with us!

Take the following services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line:

Departing Tokyo Station – Arriving Nagoya Station

Tokyo: 07:00 – Nagoya: 08:38 – Nozomi No. 203

Tokyo: 07:09 – Nagoya: 08:47 – Nozomi No. 9

Departing Shin-Osaka Station – Arriving Nagoya Station

Shin-Osaka: 07:15 – Nagoya: 08:06 – Nozomi No. 208

Departing Kyoto Station – Arriving Nagoya Station

Kyoto: 07:30 – Nagoya: 08:06 – Nozomi No. 208

Rather than heading straight back to Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, we recommend staying in Nagoya after the tour or booking accommodation in Takayama or Shirakawago for the full experience!

For international visitors holding a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, both train services (including reservations) can be used without any additional charge.
Can I end this tour in Shirakawago / Takayama / Kanazawa?
Yes, this tour allows for drop-off in Nagoya, Shirakawago, Takayama*, and Kanazawa*.

Please select the appropriate drop-off location during check out.

And if you are bringing luggage with you, we greatly appreciate it if you contact us to inform us of the amount of luggage so we can prepare the appropriately sized vehicle.

Please note Takayama and Kanazawa drop-offs involve transferring to our vehicles originating from those locations. As such, seats are limited and you may be required to sit in a fold-out seat on the ride from Shirakawago to your destination. If no seats are available on our Takayama or Kanazawa tour bus, we will assist you in procuring tickets from Shirakawago to Takayama/Kanazawa on a public highway bus.
What should I wear/bring?
Nagoya’s summers are extremely humid and hot. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol is highly encouraged. As this tour has extended periods outside, please ensure you bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Conversely, winter temperatures may drop below freezing, and may not exceed 1-2℃ (~35℉) on some days. Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for snowy and icy conditions.

Guests must take their shoes off upon entering some of the places we visit on this tour, so we recommend wearing shoes that are easy to take on and off or bringing a pair of socks if you plan on wearing sandals.

At all times of year, please ensure you are wearing good quality footwear suitable for walking on uneven ground and we recommend always bringing a small pack or bag to carry water, snacks, umbrella, etc. Of course, your phone or a camera is a must!
Is this tour wheelchair accessible/appropriate for guests with limited mobility?
Some of the historic buildings we will be entering in this tour have stairs, are not wheelchair accessible, and may not be appropriate for guests with limited mobility. Should this be of concern, contact us before booking to discuss options.
Is lunch included on this tour?
No. This tour does not include lunch however there will be opportunities to purchase food and drinks during the tour. If you prefer to, please also feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you.
What languages is this tour provided in?
We are proud to have professional guides who speak English, Spanish, French, and Chinese.

Please select which language you wish the tour to be provided in at check-out and we will arrange for the appropriate guide.

Please note that language options are subject to our guides' availabilities.
Can I add accommodation to my tour booking?
We can provide you with accommodation recommendations in Nagoya, or Shirakawa-go. To do so, please contact us any time to discuss options.

(Travel Agency License No: Nagano 2-562)
Snow Monkey Resorts Tours
2159 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano, 380-0921 Japan
Tel: (+81)26-219-6272
Member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association
Travel Service Supervisor: Azusa Fukuhara