[FROM TAKAYAMA/KANAZAWA] Private Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour

For travelers looking to explore a more traditional side of Japan, the towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go offer a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a world that seems far away from the hustle and bustle of major cities. Once an important economic center based on access to important natural resources, Takayama today has within it a faithfully preserved traditional town center composed of three major avenues and a number of alleyways. With crystal clear water flowing on both sides of the streets, and historical wooden buildings clustered tightly together, you will be witness to the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. Shirakawa-go, on the other hand, is and has always been a quaint village of thatched roof homes, where agriculture and cottage industries thrived for centuries. Nowadays, it has become well known as one of the few remaining villages in Japan that boasts a high number of preserved homes with thatched roofs – many of which are open to the public. For guests who purchase this private tour, both of these destinations will be within your grasp in a single day. You are free to start your tour from either Takayama or Kanazawa, and also end the tour at either of those destinations. Guests looking to travel between these cities will therefore be able to make use of this tour for that purpose.

Highlights

• Start and end your tour at or near any of the following points: Takayama Station or Kanazawa Station. Freely mix and match between the locations to fit your itinerary in Japan.
• Store your luggage on our tour bus during the tour, removing the hassle of sending your luggage to the next destination.
• Visit the unique and historic Takayama Jinya, once an outpost of the Shoguns central government. Today, it is open to the public as a place to learn about Takayama’s past.
• Visit Shirakawa-go, the UNESCO World Heritage registered village of thatched roof homes which has become one of the symbols of central Japan. You will also have a chance to enter one of homes which has been opened to the public.

This tour offers amazing value for travelers looking to get a taste of nature in Japan at their own pace, attended by a knowledgeable English speaking guide. Get a taste of tradition and nature in the heartland of Japan.

What’s typically included?

• A one-day tour starting from Takayama or Kanazawa (or any location within 5km of the above cities respective train stations), followed by a trip to the Takayama Jinya, and a guided walk in Shirakawa-go. All transport is provided in our private tour vehicles. The tour may end at Takayama Station or Kanazawa Station (or any location with 5km of the above) – you are free to choose.

A one-day tour (typically) includes:

• Private vehicle/driver for the duration of the tour
• Private English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour
• Entrance to the Takayama Jinya
• Transport to Shirakawa-go
• Entrance to a Gassho-zukuri style house

A private tour provides a different atmosphere from offered group tours, as you can truly enjoy this intimate time with your party to enjoy these amazing locations with no interruptions or unexpected happenings.

The tour cost is calculated per person (aged of 6 years and over) with infants (under 6 years of age) included free of charge.

Tour Description

Your tour will begin in Takayama at the Takayama Jinya. For guests starting from the Takayama Area, this means that our bus will arrive to pick you up from your preferred start location at 9:00 A.M. For guests starting from Kanazawa, the tour will start earlier to account for the difference – the pick up time will be 7:15 at the station or at your accommodation.

The first activity on this tour will be a 1-hour guided experience inside the Jinya where your guide will explain about the history of the building and the city of Takayama itself. The Jinya includes both rooms for official business as well as rooms that were used by high-ranking officials for their own relaxation. You will also have a chance to see a beautiful Japanese garden, and experience the simplistic beauty of traditional Japanese design.

The Jinya also houses a number of artifacts, including art, books, and tools, from its heyday in the 17^th through 19^th centuries. Unlike a visit to a typical museum, at the Takayama Jinya you will be able to enjoy viewing these pieces of history in a building that is as old as the items on display!

Afterwards, you will be heading to the traditional downtown of Takayama, known as the “Sanmachi”, for a 30-minute guided walk, wherein your guide will show you around the area and make sure you don’t miss any scenic views. This portion of the tour will conclude at the entrance to the Miyagawa Morning Market, where your guide will give a brief introduction to the market and its place in Takayama culture.

You will then have around 1 hour and 30 minutes of free time, where you may peruse the market, return to the Sanmachi to get a closer look at some of its shops, or head to some local restaurants to enjoy the delicious food of the Hida region. For guests who are interested, there are shops offering local sake for taste testing, and even sushi made with wagyu beef from local ranches!

Once this time is up, you will meet your guide at the entrance to the market. From there, you will begin your journey to Shirakawa-go. Taking roughly 1 hour, this drive will not be boring as there is scenery of great beauty just outside the window for almost the whole ride. If you are lucky, you may even spot some pheasants or deer on the way!

You will then arrive at Shirakawa-go, and start the second half of your tour. You will start at the famous look-out point from which the whole town of Shirakawa-go may be seen at once. Your guide will then lead you down the road, descending into the rice paddies and quaint streets that make up the village. Your guide will then lead you through the town of Shirakawa-go, introducing its highlights, during which time they will explain more about the town and answer any questions you may have about the sights you will be seeing. Entry into a gassho-zukuri style home is also included in the price of the tour.

Once the guided portion is complete, you will have around 1 hour of free time – if you choose – to explore at your own pace, and revisit places you want a better look at. During this time, you may also eat lunch, enter into those farm houses which allow you to do so, or sample some of the snacks that are sold along the main street. Your guide will be around to answer any questions you may have.

Finally, you will meet up again with your guide at 17:00 to conclude the tour and start your trip back to Takayama, a journey which will take roughly 1 hour. You can expect to be back in Takayama around 18:10. Guests who wish to continue onwards to Kanazawa should not expect to be back any earlier than 18:40. If you have any specific time constraints, please let your guide know

NOTES

Included

• Transportation fee to and between all listed destinations and activities on each day of the tour
• Entry ticket to all locations you visit on the tour
• Guided walk at each location
• English-speaking guide

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation

Other Information

• This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or rain coat if necessary.

• In winter the temperatures may drop below freezing, and even during the daytime temperatures may not exceed 1-2 ℃ on some days. Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for snowy and cold conditions. There may also be snow and ice on the road/sidewalk, and so you should take care to not slip by preparing the correct shoes for such conditions.

• There will be free time at both Takayama and Shirakawa-go for guests to enjoy the locations at their own pace. However, please make sure that you are at the respective meetup points at the time stated by your guide. If you get lost or need assistance, feel free to call the number which is listed on your tour pass, and our staff will assist you immediately.