Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Gassho-zukuri Village 1-Day Tour from Kanazawa | World Heritage Sites, Hida Takayama Old Town & Traditional Washi Paper Making | Optional Lunch
- A relaxing 1-day tour from Kanazawa: Experience World Heritage sites, natural scenery, and traditional Japanese culture all in one trip.
- World Heritage Gassho-zukuri villages: Shirakawa-go (both routes) + Gokayama (year-round route).
- Two routes with seasonal charm: During the White Road opening period, enjoy the mountain forests and waterfalls along the Hakusan route. Alternatively, choose the Hida Takayama route year-round to stroll through historic streets and experience traditional Japanese atmosphere.
- Year-round route includes a washi paper making experience.
- Special lunch in the Gassho-zukuri village: Choose to have lunch within the village to taste local flavors and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the mountain village.
Package Options
Product Info
Depart from Kanazawa and step into the traditional villages and natural landscapes of central Japan to explore World Heritage sites, mountain scenery, and Japanese culture!
Two tour packages are available, allowing you to experience different travel charms depending on the season.
[Limited Time] Central Japan World Heritage 1-Day Tour | Shirakawa-go & Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road
Visit Shirakawa-go to admire the traditional village scenery of thatched-roof houses against the backdrop of mountains. Then, travel along the Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road, passing through mountain forests and enjoying waterfalls and magnificent natural scenery along the way to experience the unique mountain beauty of central Japan. The White Road is only open from mid-June to early November each year; actual access depends on official announcements and road conditions.
[Year-Round Tour] Central Japan World Heritage 1-Day Tour | Shirakawa-go, Gokayama Gassho-zukuri Village, Washi Paper Making & Hida Takayama Old Town
From Shirakawa-go to Gokayama, visit two Gassho-zukuri villages full of traditional charm and enjoy the rustic thatched-roof houses and mountain village scenery. Then, try your hand at traditional Japanese washi paper making, and stroll through the old streets of Hida Takayama to admire the preserved townhouses and nostalgic atmosphere, as if stepping into Japan's past. This package is available year-round and is perfect for travelers who want to deeply experience traditional Japanese architecture, craft culture, and historic townscapes.
* For both packages, you can choose to have lunch in the Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri village or arrange your own meal, allowing you to plan your trip according to your preferences.
* The actual itinerary order, duration of stay at attractions, and White Road access may be adjusted based on weather, traffic, and on-site conditions.
Hidden in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, the World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go is famous for its centuries-old Gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses. The roofs, resembling hands pressed together in prayer, embody the wisdom of ancestors and create Japan's most classic rural landscape. It retains a simple rural atmosphere and offers stunning scenery throughout the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and a fairytale-like silver snowscape in winter.
Hida Takayama, known as the Little Kyoto of Hida, perfectly preserves the townscape of merchant houses from the Edo period. With wooden townhouses, traditional sake breweries, and Japanese-style shops, walking through it feels like traveling back in time. Besides the historic streets, don't miss local delicacies like Hida beef sushi, Hida beef skewers, gohei-mochi, dango, and local sake.
The Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road is a mountain sightseeing road that crosses Hakusan National Park, connecting Ishikawa Prefecture and Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture. Along the way, you can enjoy magnificent mountain ranges, lush forests, waterfalls, and other natural beauty. It is an excellent route to experience the mountain scenery of central Japan. 2026 Opening Period (Scheduled): June 12 (Fri) - November 10 (Tue). * Actual opening hours and road accessibility depend on official announcements and weather conditions.
![[Gokayama World Heritage | Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village] Ainokura is one of the two major World Heritage villages in Gokayama, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and preserving many traditional Gassho-zukuri houses. Stroll through the village to enjoy the mountain scenery of thatched roofs and terraced fields, and experience the quiet and simple traditional Japanese lifestyle.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_31551/20261018175642_rPFzN/jpg)
[Gokayama World Heritage | Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village] Ainokura is one of the two major World Heritage villages in Gokayama, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and preserving many traditional Gassho-zukuri houses. Stroll through the village to enjoy the mountain scenery of thatched roofs and terraced fields, and experience the quiet and simple traditional Japanese lifestyle.
![[Gokayama World Heritage | Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village] Suganuma is smaller in scale. The village is situated by the water and preserves traditional Gassho-zukuri houses and a rustic village landscape. Stroll along the village paths to experience the wisdom of the mountain villagers who developed their lives in harmony with the natural environment.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_31551/20261018175559_q56cX/jpg)
[Gokayama World Heritage | Suganuma Gassho-zukuri Village] Suganuma is smaller in scale. The village is situated by the water and preserves traditional Gassho-zukuri houses and a rustic village landscape. Stroll along the village paths to experience the wisdom of the mountain villagers who developed their lives in harmony with the natural environment.
Purchase Notice
[Travel Conditions]
Departure/Destination: Ishikawa, Toyama, Gifu
Duration: 1-day tour
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company: Ryusei Kanko, etc.
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 1 (depending on package), Dinner 0
Minimum group size: 15
Tour leader: 1
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company: LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Address: 7F, Toranomon Central Building, 1-7-1 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1892
Travel Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Full Member
Reminders
A minimum of 15 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 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The vehicle type for this tour will be arranged based on the actual number of participants. For small groups, the driver will also serve as the tour assistant throughout the trip; no separate tour leader will be provided. Travelers are free to explore each attraction on their own upon arrival.
Please arrive at the meeting point on time. Late arrivals will be considered a voluntary cancellation, and no refunds, rescheduling, or compensation will be provided.
Bus seating is arranged on-site; seat selection is not available. If the tour includes meals, you may be seated with other travelers at the restaurant. Actual arrangements are subject to the situation on the day.
The times listed in the itinerary are estimates. The actual itinerary, duration of stay, and order of attractions may be adjusted due to traffic conditions, weather, road closures, local events, restaurant reservations, or opening hours. If necessary, the duration of stay may be shortened or some attractions may be canceled. Thank you for your understanding.
The return arrival time depends on traffic and road conditions on the day. Delays may occur due to traffic jams or other force majeure factors. If the bus is significantly delayed due to accidents, traffic congestion, or weather, please plan your schedule accordingly. We cannot provide compensation for any losses caused by bus delays affecting your own connecting transportation or other arrangements.
The photos on this product page are for reference only. Actual conditions at the attractions may vary due to weather and other factors. Thank you for your understanding.
This tour involves a significant amount of travel time and walking. Please assess your physical condition before participating and wear comfortable clothing and shoes. If you have chronic illnesses, are pregnant, have limited mobility, or have other special needs, please inform us when booking so we can make arrangements and ensure your safety.
Minors under 18 years old or children must be accompanied by an adult. Travelers 80 years old and above must be accompanied by family or friends. We apologize for any inconvenience. For your safety and the rights of other group members, please inform us at the time of booking if you have any chronic illnesses or limited mobility.
Please keep your personal belongings and documents safe. The company, drivers, and tour leaders are not responsible for any loss of money or items due to theft in any situation or location.
In the event of force majeure (e.g., weather, traffic conditions, road closures), the company reserves the right to adjust the itinerary, modify activities, or cancel the tour for safety and operational reasons. If the tour is canceled, a full refund will be provided.
