| Tour Type | Shared tour |
Important Notes During Bus Tour
We ask for your cooperation in refraining from drinking alcohol on the bus.
To the members of the odd-numbered group: Please be informed that you may have to share seats with other passengers on the bus.
As it is stipulated by the law of Japan, please wear your seat belt on the tour bus.
Please do not stand up or walk while the tour bus is running.
Seating on the bus is assigned by H.I.S staff, please do not change your seat during the tour.
Please kindly be punctual and arrive at the designated meeting place on time. The bus will leave on time and will not wait for latecomers.
If latecomers wish to rejoin the group again afterward, all transportation fees will be at the customer's own expense.
Please kindly put on the sticker which will be given to you by the tour guide during the tour, make sure it can be seen clearly.
Please do not stick it on leather goods as seal marks may remain.
Please do not use the seat reclining function or change the seat setting.
Please kindly switch all your electronic devices such as mobile phones and game machines etc. to manner mode with no sound.
Talking on mobile phones and video calls are prohibited on the tour bus.
Smoking is strictly prohibited on the tour bus.
Arrival time at each sightseeing sport may differ depending on traffic conditions.
The use of drones for shooting or other purposes is prohibited during the tour.
Please do not use perfume, spray, or change baby diapers on the bus, as it may cause trouble to other customers.
Please kindly manage your valuable belongings by yourself.
After the tour, please kindly take all the garbage with you and do not leave it on the bus.
Please do not forget and leave any personal belongings on the bus after the tour.
In regards to the fruit picking tour, please note that it is consumable only within the farm. Bringing it home in your own bag is strictly prohibited.
If you are unable to follow the above regulations and cause any nuisance on the bus, you may be asked to get off the bus even in the middle of the tour.
Shirakawa-go is famous for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses, characterized by their steeply-pitched thatched roofs that resemble hands clasped in prayer. This architectural style is designed to withstand heavy snowfall and maximize attic space for sericulture. The village's recognition stems from its outstanding example of a traditional human settlement perfectly adapted to its environment, showcasing a traditional way of life that has been sustained for centuries.
To comfortably explore the main attractions of Shirakawa-go's historic village, including a visit to the Wada House, the Observation Deck, and a leisurely stroll through the streets, a duration of 2 to 3 hours is generally recommended. This allows enough time to appreciate the architecture, visit some open houses, and soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.
The most convenient way to travel between Shirakawa-go and Hida Takayama is by highway bus. Nohi Bus operates regular services connecting the Shirakawa-go bus stop and the Takayama Nohi Bus Center. The journey typically takes approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour, offering scenic views along the way. Booking tickets in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons.
Shirakawa-go is a living, inhabited UNESCO World Heritage village featuring authentic gassho-zukuri farmhouses where people still reside. It offers a larger, more immersive experience. In contrast, the Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato) in Takayama is an open-air museum showcasing over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region, including some gassho-zukuri style, relocated and preserved to demonstrate old lifestyles. It focuses on crafts and daily life displays.
While it is technically possible to visit both Shirakawa-go and Takayama in a single day, it requires efficient planning and may feel rushed. A one-day visit would involve focusing only on the main highlights of each location. A multi-day itinerary, such as a 2-day tour, allows for a more relaxed pace, deeper exploration of both sites, and the opportunity to experience unique local amenities like staying at a traditional ryokan and enjoying an onsen.
Staying at Okada Ryokan in Okuhida offers a tranquil escape with several distinct experiences. Guests can enjoy a relaxing soak in the open-air onsen, potentially under a sky full of stars. The stay includes a delightful kaiseki dinner prepared by the head chef, featuring premium Hida beef, showcasing local culinary excellence. Additionally, the ryokan provides convenience with features like early check-in and a leisurely departure, enhancing the overall relaxing getaway.
Hida beef is highly acclaimed for its exceptional quality, characterized by its exquisite marbling, rich flavor, and incredibly tender texture. Sourced from black-haired Japanese cattle raised in Gifu Prefecture, it's often compared to other top-tier wagyu. Visitors to the Takayama region can savor it in various preparations, including succulent steaks, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, or even as nigiri sushi, offering a truly memorable gastronomic delight.
The Shin-Hotaka Ropeway ascends to an altitude of 2,156 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps, also known as the Okuhida Mountains. From the observation decks at the top, visitors can marvel at majestic snow-capped peaks in winter, vibrant autumn foliage, and sprawling mountain ranges throughout the year. The two-stage ropeway provides distinct perspectives during the ascent, culminating in expansive vistas.