[Snow Season Limited] Gifu, Japan｜World Heritage "Shirakawa-go" & Northern Alps Juice Ropeway "Shin-Hotaka" & Romantic Gassho House Illumination "Hida No Sato" & Hida Takayama Old Town Tour 2-Day Tour｜Stay in Takayama Hot Spring Hotel｜Departure from Nagoya

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－Itinerary information－

Meeting time: 08:15 in Nagoya

Meeting point: In front of the police station at the west exit of Nagoya Station (Taiko-dori Exit Station Square)

Departure time: 08:30 from Nagoya

Return: Arrive near JR Nagoya Station at about 18:30

－Introduction to attractions－

• Hida Takayama Old Town

Takayama Old Town, the famous old town of Shitamachi in Japan, once prospered as a merchant town, and the three main streets, Uemachi and Shitamachi, in particular, are known as the “Old Town”. As you stroll through these streets, you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere of the continuous latticework of buildings, the water canals running under the eaves, and the sake breweries with their “Sakurin” signs made of cedar leaves. These old buildings and stores are filled with traces of history and are symbols of Takayama City's history and culture. In Uemachi, you will find many nostalgic candy stores, traditional craft stores, and gourmet food stores featuring the local specialty “Mitsukoshi Dumplings,” which attract many tourists. Shimodachi, on the other hand, has retained many stores that are closely related to the daily lives of its citizens, such as bakeries, antique stores, farm equipment stores, and stationery stores. The town still retains the atmosphere of the olden days, making it a secret spot not to be missed by those who want to experience the local culture in depth.

• Shirakawa Township Gassho Village

Shirakawa-go, located in the Hida region of Japan, is a village known as the “Secret Land of Japan,” and is famous for its distinctive hodachi-zukuri architecture. These traditional buildings were designated as an Important Traditional Building Group Preservation Area in 1976 and were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1995, along with Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture. Shirakawa-go is known as “Japan's Original Countryside” because it not only exhibits the untouched landscape of the Japanese countryside, but also preserves the deep-rooted rural culture and way of life. Shirakawa-go is located in the Hida mountainous region, where the Sho River flows through, creating this unique village. This is a famous snowy region in Japan, and in winter the snow isolates the village from the outside world, making Shirakawa-go a secret place that is difficult to reach. However, it is this natural environment that has shaped the unique way of life in the area. In summer, it is cool and pleasant, while in winter, the village is covered by thick snow, which can reach a depth of 170 centimeters or more in February. Shirakawa-go has a rich history, and local residents follow the three principles of “don't sell, don't rent, and don't demolish” to protect the appearance of traditional buildings and maintain the overall appearance of the community. This spirit of preserving cultural heritage has been highly praised internationally, not only for the preservation of buildings and landscapes, but also for the spirit of “Knot”, the spirit of mutual support, which is carried on by the residents here. Due to the harsh natural environment in winter, local residents need to help each other to survive the harsh winter. This tradition of helping others and supporting each other has been preserved in modern times. The villagers work together to repair the thatched roofs of the Hapoji-zukuri, which is not only a practical necessity, but also an important activity to pass on the wisdom of the ancestors. Shirakawa-go's thatched roofs are famous for their mountain-like structures with interlocking wooden beams, which were designed to fit the region's heavy snowfall. The unique style of these buildings makes you feel like you are in an ancient world where time has stopped and you can experience the charm of traditional Japanese culture.

• Shinhotaka Ropeway

Shin-Hotaka Cable Car Famous for its unique double-deck cable car, the Shin-Hotaka Cable Car is the only double-deck cable car in Japan that allows passengers to easily ascend to a height of more than 2,000 meters and enjoy the spectacular natural scenery of the Northern Alps surrounded by mountains. From the Peak Observation Deck on the roof of Nishihotaka-guchi Station, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from an elevation of 2,156 meters, and the breathtaking scenery has been rated as a two-star attraction by the Michelin Green Guide, making it a must-visit destination for many tourists. In winter, the new Hotaka Gondola takes you into a world of pure white snow, where the cold but magnificent snow creates a dreamlike atmosphere, offering visitors a fascinating sight that can only be seen in winter. Whether you want to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of nature or enjoy the changing seasons, the Shin-Hotaka Gondola offers an unforgettable experience. 

• Hida no Sato

The Hida Folk Village, also known as Hida no Sato, is an outdoor museum set in a natural environment and designed to recreate the ancient way of life in the Hida region. The museum exhibits a number of traditional thatched-roof houses and offers visitors an insight into the culture and life of the Hida people. Hida no Sato not only exhibits the houses that have been removed and preserved, but also has a collection of traditional tools that were used in the Hida region. Visitors can experience Hida's history and culture through sight, touch, and hands-on experience in the natural landscape that changes throughout the seasons. There are six thatched-roof houses in Hida no Sato, and they are divided into two types of structures: the Kirisuma Gosho Zukuri and the Irimoya Zukuri. These houses were originally built in the snowy northern part of Hida, and were designed to take advantage of thatch's resistance to snow. Not only can the thatched roofs withstand large amounts of snow, but the delicate design of the inner structure reflects the wisdom of the Hida people in facing the challenges of nature. In the winter, there is a limited period of time to watch the lighting of the Happo Village, which is one of the most popular winter events in the area. 

• Hida Beef Hoba Miso Grill

Hida Beef Hoba Miso Yaki is a traditional dish from the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It combines the natural ingredients of the region with a unique style of cooking to express the essence of Hida's culinary culture. This dish originated in the Hida mountains when forest workers used readily available koji leaves as containers and barbecued their homemade koji miso on the leaves, making it a delicacy unique to the Hida region. The leaves themselves have antibacterial properties, and during the grilling process they give off a light aroma that blends with the miso to make it even more flavorful. Today, Hoba Miso Grill has become one of Hida's famous local dishes, especially when combined with the high quality Hida Beef, which adds to the flavor of the dish. Hida Beef is known throughout the country for its delicate frosting and soft texture, and is considered to be the top grade of Wagyu Beef, comparable to Kobe Beef. In Hoba Miso Yaki, thin slices of Hida beef are placed on top of hot Hoba miso, and the aroma of the miso and the freshness of the beef are elevated, making this dish a classic dish in Hida's local restaurants. 

－Hotel Introduction－

• Route Inn Grantia Hida Takayama Onsen Wakura no Yado
  

Route Inn Grantia Hida Takayama Onsen Wakura no Yado offers the natural hot spring “Tabibito no Yu”, renowned for its colorless, clear waters with beautifying effects, suitable for all visitors. During your stay, you can relax and unwind, relieving the fatigue from work or sightseeing, and rejuvenate for the next day. The hot spring water comes from Matsukura-yu no Yama Onsen and is a low-tonicity, mildly alkaline simple spring. It is known to help with chronic muscle and joint pain, neuralgia, back pain, improve gastrointestinal function, reduce stress, and promote overall health. The hotel features gender-separated large baths on the first floor, equipped with amenities such as lotion, emulsion, and cotton swabs for your convenience. There is also a relaxation area and vending machines nearby. Dinner at the hotel includes a buffet offering over 30 dishes, including Hoba Miso Grilled items and grilled beef, catering to various tastes.

• MERCURE Hida Takayama Hotel ※Stay available only on January 25 & February 5※
  

Inspired by the nature and culture of Hida Takayama, MERCURE Hida Takayama Hotel reinterprets traditional elements from a modern perspective while incorporating the European charm of the Mercure brand, creating a unique and stylish atmosphere. The hotel features a variety of hot spring facilities, including open-air baths, indoor baths, and private open-air baths, allowing guests to fully relax and enjoy a healing experience amidst the seasonal scenery.