[Nagoya Bus Day Trip] World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go & Hida's Little Kyoto & Takayama Old Town
- Enjoy a relaxing day trip to Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site, by bus from Nagoya!
- Guaranteed departure date for all tours!
- Planned by Club Tourism, a renowned Japanese travel agency with over 70 years of experience, this tour offers high quality, peace of mind, and guarantees. Experienced and highly regarded Japanese tour leaders accompany you throughout, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience even for first-time visitors to Japan. Although the tour is conducted in Japanese, it has already garnered significant participation and high praise from travelers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and other regions.
- Take a stroll through Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri village and experience the unique charm of a traditional Japanese settlement. The tour leader will then guide you on a 20-minute walk to the Ogimachi Observatory, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri village.
- The itinerary includes a complimentary Mitarashi Dango (1 skewer per person) – don't miss this classic Japanese delicacy!
- The itinerary has no mandatory shopping arrangements, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the charming natural and cultural landscapes of the Hokuriku region.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Tour types | None |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Japanese castles, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
－Itinerary information－
・Gathering time: 07:15
・Meeting location: Nagoya JR West Exit Taiko-dori Exit Esca Underground Shopping Mall ・Itinerary length: 11 hours ・Return information: Estimated arrival at Nagoya Station at 18:30
- Introduction to attractions -
・Many overseas tourists from Shirakawa-go travel thousands of miles to visit this pristine Japanese scenery. Spring, summer, autumn and winter each have their own unique flavor. Even day and night have different styles, faithfully presenting the beauty of the four seasons and day and night! Not only can you appreciate the gassho-shaped settlement, a world cultural heritage, but you can also wander through the classic natural rural scenery.
・Hida Takayama The quaint Hida Takayama still retains the ancient streetscape from when it was prosperous as a castle town in the Edo period. Hot springs, mountain views, delicious ramen and Hida beef attract tourists, and there are many sake breweries and traditional craft shops. The "old street scene" is known as Little Kyoto.
・This tour only provides Japanese-speaking guides.
Please note that all information provided by the tour guide during the tour is only in Japanese.
However, in order to ensure the smooth progress and safety of the trip, we will provide as much information as possible (meeting location, departure time, etc.) through translation software
Please observe the following rules when participating.
・Please use your correct name and email address to make your reservation.
・Please abide by the meeting time during the trip. If the meeting time has passed, the tour will depart without waiting.
【白川郷】 Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village is a World Heritage Site. It still retains more than 100 Gassho-zukuri buildings and residents still live there. It is a precious settlement where you can personally experience the traditional rural culture and lifestyle of Japan and is known as "the Furusato of Japan". This tour includes a 20-minute walk led by a tour leader (optional) to the Ogimachi Observatory, offering a stunning panoramic view of Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri village. Photo provided by: Michiyuki Haga (Living in Tokyo)
【Hida Takayama】 Hida Takayama Old Town is a historic district that developed from a castle town and merchant town during the Edo period. The three main streets of Kamimachi and Shitamachi are designated as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings" in Japan, and still retain a strong Edo-period atmosphere. Strolling through the quaint streets, you can admire the continuous wooden lattice buildings, the clear waterways flowing along the streets, and the "Sugitama" (sake forests) hanging as symbols of sake breweries—all full of Japanese charm, making you feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Edo period. In addition, it's a popular spot for food exploration, where you can sample local specialties such as Hida beef nigiri sushi, Hida beef skewers, and Mitarashi dango. Enjoy the charm of Hida Takayama while you stroll and eat. Photo provided by: Michiyuki Haga (Living in Tokyo)
Complimentary "Mitari Dango," a specialty of Hida Takayama! (1 skewer per person) A voucher will be provided during the tour. Please redeem the voucher at the designated store during your free time in Hida Takayama.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Aichi and Gifu
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Teisan Kanko Hikari
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch (bento) 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 1
Team Leader: 1
Tour guide: 0. There will be no translator accompanying you.
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company Name: CLUB TOURISM INTERNATIONAL INC
Address: 1-9-6 Edakawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Tourism Authority Registered Travel Agent No. 1693
Travel Association Name: Japan Travel Association (Regular Member)
【Consigned Sales】 KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Tourism Authority of Singapore Registration No. 2045
Affiliated Group: Japan Travel Agents Association (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 1 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 15:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 3
This itinerary is conducted entirely in Japanese and accompanied by Japanese people. The translation software only provides language services for the meeting points and meeting times of each tourist destination. Please be aware that we do not provide language services for attraction introductions.
The scheduled tour itinerary may be changed due to the traffic conditions on the day.
Please wear light clothing and shoes for the tour.
The bus will depart on time and will not wait for late arrivals. Please note that late arrivals will be considered a no-show and no refunds will be issued.
If the number of participants is an odd number, they will be seated with other passengers.
Upon arrival in Shirakawa-go, the tour leader will guide you on a 20-minute walk to the Ogimachi Observatory. If you wish to take the shuttle bus, you can purchase tickets on-site for 300 yen one way. Reservations cannot be made in advance; during peak hours, you may not be able to board the bus during your stay.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by snow closures on the road to the Ogimachi Observatory.
FAQ
Shirakawa-go is renowned for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses, characterized by their steep, triangular thatched roofs resembling hands clasped in prayer. These traditional homes are designed to withstand heavy snowfall and provide large attic spaces for silkworm cultivation. The village was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving its unique architectural style and traditional way of life amidst picturesque natural surroundings.
While two hours allows for a quick overview of Shirakawa-go's main areas, it can feel a bit rushed. You can visit a few gassho-zukuri houses like Wada House or Kanda House, stroll through the village, and take photos. For a more relaxed experience, including visiting the observation deck, exploring shops, and enjoying a meal, three to four hours is generally recommended to fully appreciate its charm.
Shirakawa-go is nestled in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, specifically in the Shogawa River valley. It's part of the historic Shirakawa-go and Gokayama region, famed for its traditional gassho-zukuri villages. Due to its secluded location, it's typically accessed by bus from major cities like Nagoya, Kanazawa, or Takayama.
In Shirakawa-go, don't miss the iconic Ogimachi Village, home to the largest collection of gassho-zukuri houses. Key attractions include the Wada House and Kanda House, which are open to the public, offering insights into traditional life. For panoramic views of the entire village, visit the Shiroyama Viewpoint. Exploring the narrow streets, crossing suspension bridges, and enjoying local crafts also provide memorable experiences.
Yes, Shirakawa-go village is largely flat and very walkable, making it easy for visitors to explore on foot. Paved pathways and well-maintained trails connect the main gassho-zukuri houses and attractions. During winter, paths can be snowy or icy, so appropriate footwear is advised. The compact nature of the village allows for comfortable strolling between sights.
No, Shirakawa-go does not have its own train station. Due to its remote, mountainous location, the most common and convenient way to access Shirakawa-go is by bus. Visitors typically take express or local buses from larger transportation hubs such as Takayama, Kanazawa, or Nagoya to reach the village.
Hida Takayama offers several delicious local specialties. Hida beef is a must-try, often enjoyed as sushi, skewers, or grilled with magnolia miso. Another popular snack is Mitarashi dango, savory rice dumplings grilled and brushed with soy sauce. Sake breweries offer tastings, and you can find traditional sweets and handicrafts throughout the Old Town.
Hida Takayama's Old Town, also known as Sanmachi Suji, offers a glimpse into Japan's Edo period. Visitors can stroll through beautifully preserved streets lined with traditional wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and craft shops. Exploring the morning markets, visiting historical sites like the Takayama Jinya, and enjoying the nostalgic ambiance truly transport you back in time.
Get Help
