2-Day Private Tour | Shirakawa-go Village + Hida Takayama Old Town + Kanazawa Kenroku-en Garden + 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art + Omicho Market + Higashi Chaya District | Depart from Nagoya, Classic Shoryudo Route
- Private Tour service for a relaxing 2-day trip along the classic [Shoryudo] route in Central Japan.
- Visit major attractions like Hida Takayama, Shirakawa-go Village, and downtown Kanazawa in one trip without backtracking.
- Chinese/Japanese speaking driver-guide service provided for smooth communication and a worry-free trip.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off, saving you the hassle of transfers and carrying luggage.
- Flexible itinerary, allowing you to adjust stay durations based on daily conditions and needs.
Package Options
Product Info
What You Can Expect
1 Day
- Shirakawa-go Village + Hida Takayama Old Town + Kanazawa 2-Day Tour (Times are for reference only):
- Depart from Nagoya hotel → Head to Takayama City Travel time: approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes Depart from your hotel in downtown Nagoya in the morning. Enjoy the mountain and rural scenery of the Chubu region along the way, watching the landscape change as the altitude rises. Upon arrival at the [Takayama Old Town], you are free to stroll through the streets filled with Edo-period atmosphere. Known as 'Little Kyoto,' the streets are lined with traditional wooden merchant houses and sake breweries, with the scent of sake lingering in the air. Whether you are tasting Hida beef sushi, shopping for handmade souvenirs, or taking photos in the old streets, you will feel the rich nostalgic atmosphere and the tranquility of this Japanese mountain town.
- Depart from Takayama City → Head to Shirakawa-go Village Travel time: approx. 1 hour Depart from Takayama City in the afternoon and head to the World Heritage site, [Shirakawa-go Village]. Enjoy the magnificent natural scenery of the Hida Mountains along the way. Upon arrival, you will feel as if you have stepped into a fairy-tale village—ancient thatched-roof houses stand quietly in the valley, showcasing the primitive beauty of traditional Japanese life. Whether it is fresh greenery in spring, lush mountains in summer, vibrant maple leaves in autumn, or snowy landscapes in winter, the village offers unique charm in every season. You can climb to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the entire settlement, stroll through the village, visit local tea houses, and taste Gohei-mochi and Hida beef skewers to experience the most authentic rural Japanese atmosphere.
- Overnight at a hotel in Kanazawa (hotel costs are not included in the itinerary) Travel time: approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes
![Depart from Nagoya hotel → Head to Takayama City
Travel time: approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes
Depart from your hotel in downtown Nagoya in the morning. Enjoy the mountain and rural scenery of the Chubu region along the way, watching the landscape change as the altitude rises.
Upon arrival at the [Takayama Old Town], you are free to stroll through the streets filled with Edo-period atmosphere. Known as 'Little Kyoto,' the streets are lined with traditional wooden merchant houses and sake breweries, with the scent of sake lingering in the air.
Whether you are tasting Hida beef sushi, shopping for handmade souvenirs, or taking photos in the old streets, you will feel the rich nostalgic atmosphere and the tranquility of this Japanese mountain town.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_6839/20251110033506_9wCi8/png)
![Depart from Takayama City → Head to Shirakawa-go Village
Travel time: approx. 1 hour
Depart from Takayama City in the afternoon and head to the World Heritage site, [Shirakawa-go Village].
Enjoy the magnificent natural scenery of the Hida Mountains along the way. Upon arrival, you will feel as if you have stepped into a fairy-tale village—ancient thatched-roof houses stand quietly in the valley, showcasing the primitive beauty of traditional Japanese life.
Whether it is fresh greenery in spring, lush mountains in summer, vibrant maple leaves in autumn, or snowy landscapes in winter, the village offers unique charm in every season.
You can climb to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the entire settlement, stroll through the village, visit local tea houses, and taste Gohei-mochi and Hida beef skewers to experience the most authentic rural Japanese atmosphere.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_6839/20251027071848_icWlC/png)
2 Day
- Start your [Kanazawa Day Tour]. The following attractions (and other surrounding areas) can be arranged freely according to your itinerary needs. The driver will provide flexible pick-up and drop-off services based on your route and schedule, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing day exploring Kanazawa and its surroundings. After the tour, you can choose to return to Nagoya or end the trip at your hotel in Kanazawa, offering high flexibility and freedom.
- Kenroku-en Garden One of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, famous for its six attributes: 'spaciousness, seclusion, human artifice, antiquity, water-courses, and panoramas.' The garden features a pond-strolling design with different seasonal beauties—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, maple leaves in autumn, and snow-covered trees in winter. Strolling along the paths feels like walking through a flowing landscape painting, quiet and poetic.
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa Famous for its 'circular and open' design, it is one of Kanazawa's most modern landmarks. The museum features numerous contemporary art pieces, including the popular 'Leandro’s Pool,' which makes you feel as if you are underwater—a must-visit photo spot. Whether you are an art lover or a photography enthusiast, you will find inspiration and creativity here.
- Omicho Market With over 300 years of history, this local market is known as 'Kanazawa's Kitchen.' It gathers a variety of fresh seafood, local vegetables, and traditional dishes. The most popular items include fresh sashimi rice bowls, crab, and grilled seafood skewers. The lively calls of vendors and the warm hospitality make it the best place to experience the daily life of Kanazawa locals.
- Higashi Chaya District Preserving the ancient appearance of the Edo period, this district is lined with wooden merchant houses and geisha tea houses, filled with a nostalgic atmosphere. During the day, you can taste Kanazawa's signature gold-leaf matcha desserts, and at night, you can experience the quiet beauty under soft lighting. It is an excellent spot for a stroll, combining traditional culture, craftsmanship, and gourmet food.
- End of tour: You may choose to return to your hotel in Nagoya or end the trip at your hotel in Kanazawa.
Purchase Notice
This tour does not include accommodation; please arrange your own accommodation in Kanazawa for the night. The driver will drop you off at your booked hotel, at which point the tour will end.
Surcharge(s)
Child car seat (second or more)
The first child seat is provided free of charge. Each subsequent seat will incur an additional charge of 2000 yen. Please note this when placing your order.
Temporary location change fee
You can change your pick-up location up to two hours before departure. Changing the pick-up location after the driver has departed may incur an additional fee (500 yen per kilometer).
Overtime fee
If you wish to depart earlier or finish later than the scheduled time, an overtime fee will be charged. The rental period is 10 hours; if it exceeds 10 hours, an overtime service fee will apply.
Driver's accommodation expenses
When using the multi-day private charter car service, an additional fee of 8,000 yen per night will be charged for the driver's accommodation.
Vehicle damage and cleaning costs
If the damage to the vehicle or a third-party vehicle is caused by the passenger's personal reasons, the passenger shall bear the costs.
If vomit is spilled on the carpet or seats, or if children's urine or feces cause soiling of the seats or carpet, the passenger shall bear the cleaning costs.
Reminders
If a guest is late, the driver will wait for 30 minutes and deduct the late time from the private charter car time. If more than 30 minutes have passed and the driver cannot contact the guest, the driver will leave without refunding the fare.
If you are unable to complete your tour within the scheduled service time due to lateness, you can choose to continue the tour and pay the overtime fee, or choose to adjust your tour to shorten the tour time to the scheduled service time.
In case of severe weather, the itinerary for the day may be cancelled or rescheduled to other attractions. Thank you for your understanding.
After you place your order, our customer service staff will be available to assist you between 8:00 and 22:00 on weekdays, and we expect to reply within 30 minutes.
If you are unable to travel due to force majeure (such as flight cancellations, natural disasters, etc.), please notify customer service as soon as possible and provide evidence so that we can cancel your order and issue a refund.
The Takayama & Shirakawa-go itinerary does not include participation in the Shirakawa-go Illumination Festival.
The Takayama & Shirakawa-go itinerary does not include a visit to the observation deck. If you wish to visit the observation deck, you will need to take the village shuttle bus, and the bus ticket will be at your own expense.
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
FAQ
1. Is Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village associated with any cultural or fictional works?
Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village is renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its unique gassho-zukuri style thatched-roof houses. While specific fictional works are not mentioned in its primary descriptions, its distinctive architecture and historical atmosphere make it a significant cultural landmark in Japan, attracting visitors worldwide for its scenic beauty and traditional charm.
2. What specific areas or villages can be explored within Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village?
Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village itself is a collective of traditional hamlets, with Ogimachi being the largest and most famous area. Here, you can explore numerous gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are open to the public as museums. Visitors can wander through the picturesque streets, admire the unique architecture, and enjoy seasonal landscapes. The entire village offers a cohesive experience of traditional Japanese rural life.
3. What is the recommended duration to visit Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village?
The private tour offers flexible stopover time in Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village, allowing you to explore at your own pace. While a comprehensive visit to appreciate the unique gassho-zukuri houses and surrounding scenery typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, your private driver can accommodate a schedule that best suits your group's interests within the overall tour framework.
4. What are the main attractions and activities to experience in Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village?
In Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village, you can stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage site to admire the distinctive thatched-roof houses. Key activities include visiting open farmhouses that function as museums, enjoying panoramic views from observation decks, and experiencing the unique atmosphere of a traditional Japanese snow country village. The scenery changes beautifully with each season, offering different photo opportunities.
5. What are the transportation arrangements for visiting Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village on this private tour?
This two-day tour provides private car pick-up and drop-off directly to Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village, eliminating the need for public transportation like buses or trains. You will enjoy the convenience of a dedicated vehicle for your group, ensuring comfortable and time-saving travel without the hassle of transfers or carrying luggage between locations.
6. Is Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village accessible by train, or what is the primary mode of transportation on this tour?
Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village does not have a train station, making direct train access impossible. On this private tour, your primary mode of transportation is a dedicated private car. This offers direct access to the village, providing a comfortable and efficient way to travel without relying on public transport schedules or transfers, making your visit seamless.
7. How does the private tour facilitate travel between Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village and Hida Takayama Old Town?
On this private charter car tour, travel between Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village and Hida Takayama Old Town is seamlessly managed by your dedicated private vehicle and driver. You will be comfortably driven directly from one location to the other, eliminating the need to navigate public transport connections or arrange separate transfers. This provides a flexible and efficient travel experience.
8. What can visitors expect to see and do in Hida Takayama Old Town?
In Hida Takayama Old Town, often referred to as "Little Kyoto," visitors can stroll through the beautifully preserved Sanmachi Ancient Town. You can admire traditional wooden merchant houses, visit sake breweries, and explore local craft shops. The area offers a tranquil and historical atmosphere, perfect for experiencing the rich heritage and culture of Hida, making it a highlight of the tour.
