[Travel conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Aichi, Gifu, Toyama
Trip duration: 1 night, 2 days
Transportation used: Chartered bus
Bus company: Teisan Kanko Bus or Meitetsu Kanko Bus (or equivalent)
Meal plan: Breakfast 1, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: APA Hotel Tonami Ekimae, Western-style room (single or twin) *with private bathroom and toilet
Minimum number of participants: 20
Tour guide: 1
Guide: 0 (Guidance will be in Japanese) *A licensed tour guide will not accompany the group.
[Travel planning/execution]
Company Name: Club Tourism International Inc
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Affiliated travel industry association: Regular member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
[Consignment Sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan
Registered Travel Agency No. 2045, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
A minimum of 25 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 14 day(s) before the departure date
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
As this is a nighttime festival, depending on the event status and crowd conditions on the day, you may arrive at the hotel around 10:30 PM.
As this is a group-wide arrangement, we cannot accept requests to change the meal content except in cases where there is a possibility of endangering physical safety, such as allergies or dietary restrictions based on medical judgment. Please prepare your own meals. We also do not offer refunds for meals or allow customers to take meals home.
Due to unexpected road congestion, overcrowding at tourist spots, etc., we may be forced to omit some sightseeing locations, shorten sightseeing times, or delay our return time. Please note that even if your return time is significantly delayed, we will not be able to cover the costs of accommodation, meals, taxi fares, etc.
This tour is conducted in Japanese only.
Please be punctual during the tour. If you are late, the tour will depart.
Even if you book a room for two people, you may be assigned two single rooms.
Children (ages 3-5) are subject to the same conditions and charges as adults.
Please refrain from using the reclining function on the bus seats.
Shirakawa-go offers distinct beauty in every season. Winter (December-February) is popular for its magical snow-covered Gassho-zukuri houses. Spring (April-May) brings fresh greenery and cherry blossoms, while summer (June-August) offers lush landscapes. Autumn (September-November) is ideal for vibrant fall foliage and experiencing events like the 'Tsukimi no Owara' festival, often held in early autumn. The specific 'Tsukimi no Owara' event featured in some tours is a special reenactment designed for viewing comfort.
Shirakawa-go is located in the Ōno District of Gifu Prefecture, within the Chubu region of central Japan. It lies in a mountainous area, nestled in a river valley, contributing to its secluded and preserved traditional atmosphere. The village is famously known for its unique Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, a distinct architectural style adapted to its environment.
Shirakawa-go is unique for its Gassho-zukuri (praying hands) farmhouses, characterized by their steeply sloped thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfall and provide large attic spaces for silkworm cultivation. These traditional wooden houses, some over 250 years old, showcase a rare architectural style adapted to the local environment and represent a living example of traditional Japanese life, earning its UNESCO World Heritage designation.
Yes, Shirakawa-go is not merely a historical site but a living village where residents continue to inhabit many of the Gassho-zukuri houses. This ongoing community life is a crucial aspect of its cultural preservation and provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into traditional Japanese rural life, integrating daily routines with heritage conservation efforts, maintaining the village's vibrant heritage.
From Nagoya Station, the most common way to reach Shirakawa-go is by bus. Nohi Bus operates direct highway buses to Shirakawa-go, taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, many travelers opt for guided tours departing from Nagoya, which often include comfortable transportation to Shirakawa-go and other nearby attractions like Hida Takayama, offering a convenient and hassle-free travel experience without the need for personal vehicles or complex transfers.
Hida Takayama's old town, often called 'Little Kyoto,' allows visitors to step back into the Edo period. You can stroll along narrow streets lined with beautifully preserved merchant houses and sake breweries, some of which offer tastings. The town is known for its traditional crafts, morning markets where local produce and goods are sold, and local Hida beef delicacies. It offers a charming atmosphere for exploring traditional Japanese architecture and culture.
The 'Tsukimi no Owara' is a special event that recreates the traditional 'Owara Kaze no Bon' festival, a renowned Japanese folk dance and music festival. During this unique performance, participants can expect to witness elegant and melancholic dances accompanied by traditional instruments like shamisen and kokyū. It offers a unique cultural experience in a comfortable setting, often providing seated viewing to enhance the appreciation of this beautiful art form.
Shirakawa-go village is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot. The main area of Ogimachi village, with its Gassho-zukuri houses, is compact and easily walkable, typically taking a few hours to traverse. Visitors can follow designated paths, explore several open-air museums showcasing traditional life, and cross suspension bridges for scenic views. A popular recommendation is to walk up to the Shiroyama Viewpoint for a panoramic overlook of the entire village.