1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore the World Heritage Villages of Gokayama & Shirakawa-go

Step back in time as you explore three of Japan’s most scenic and culturally rich mountain villages in a single day. Beginning with the peaceful village of Ainokura, tucked away in the forested valleys of Gokayama, and continuing through the riverside charm of Suganuma to the iconic thatched-roof homes of Shirakawa-go, this tour takes you deep into Japan’s rural heritage.

Led by a locally based, English-speaking guide, you’ll walk historic village streets, take part in a traditional papermaking experience, and learn how these UNESCO-listed communities have preserved their culture and architecture for centuries. With the option to end in Takayama or transfer onward to Kanazawa, this is a seamless and enriching way to experience the timeless beauty of central Japan.

Highlights

• Visit three UNESCO-listed villages in one day: (Gokayama) Ainokura, Suganuma, and Shirakawa-go.

• Take part in a traditional papermaking experience in the peaceful village of Ainokura.

• Explore Shirakawa-go, enter into one of the traditional farmhouses and enjoy panoramic views from the lookout point.

• Option to end your tour in Takayama or transfer onward to Kanazawa (when selected at booking).

Description

This one-day tour begins at Takayama Station at 9:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you and lead you on a journey through some of Japan’s most scenic and culturally rich mountain villages.

First, you’ll travel to Ainokura, a quiet settlement in the Gokayama region and a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. With far fewer tourists than Shirakawa-go, Ainokura offers a rare opportunity to explore gassho-zukuri farmhouses in a peaceful rural setting.

Surrounded by forested hills, the village is known for its well-preserved architecture and strong sense of tradition, giving visitors a more intimate and authentic experience of Japan’s mountain culture. During your visit, you'll also take part in a traditional papermaking experience, a hands-on introduction to the area's enduring craftsmanship.

From there, the tour continues to the nearby Suganuma Village, a compact and well-preserved Gokayama settlement set along a quiet river. Smaller than Ainokura but equally rich in history, Suganuma is home to a museum that highlights the village’s role in the production of materials used in traditional gunpowder.

Your guide will lead a short visit inside, where you’ll learn about this unique aspect of the region’s past. After the museum, you’ll have time to walk through the village and enjoy lunch — either at a local restaurant or with a packed meal in one of the rest areas.

After lunch, you’ll continue with a scenic drive deeper into the mountains toward Shirakawa-go, the most iconic of the three UNESCO World Heritage Site villages. Famous for its steeply pitched gassho-zukuri rooftops, designed to withstand heavy snowfall, Shirakawa-go is larger and more lively than its Gokayama neighbours.

The village offers a unique look into traditional rural life that still continues today. Your guide will lead a short walk through the village, sharing its history and highlighting key landmarks. You’ll also have the chance to enter one of the traditional farmhouses and, if conditions allow, visit the panoramic lookout point for sweeping views over the entire village.

You’ll then have free time to explore Shirakawa-go at your own pace — visit shops, enjoy a local snack, or simply soak in the atmosphere.

Finally, you’ll reunite with your guide at 16:30 to conclude the tour and begin the return trip to Takayama, a journey that takes roughly one hour. You can expect to arrive back at Takayama Station around 17:30. Guests who have booked to end their tour in Kanazawa will transfer from Shirakawa-go at this point. The drive to Kanazawa also takes just over one hour, with arrival expected around 18:40. Your guide will offer any assistance needed to ensure a smooth transition to your final destination.

Meetup Points

TAKAYAMA STATION @ 9:00 A.M.

The meetup point is outside of the ticket gates at JR Takayama Station. Once you have left the gates, look to your left to see a walkway and a carving depicting an ornate wagon. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour tag. There is also a waiting room with benches nearby for guests who have arrived early and would like to sit down; however, please make sure that you have left the waiting room and are in place at the meetup point at 9:00.

Notes

Included

• Transportation from Takayama to (Gokayama) Ainokura, Suganuma, and Shirakawa-go
• Traditional papermaking experience
• Entry to the museum at Suganuma
• Guided walks at (Gokayama) Ainokura, Suganuma, and Shirakawa-go
• English-speaking guide
• Option to end the tour in Takayama or Kanazawa (must be selected at time of booking; prices may vary)

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation

Tour Availability Disclaimer

All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.

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 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.