2-Day Japan Tour | Shirakawa-go, Gifu, Cultural and Natural Tour | No Accommodation | Departs from Nagoya
- History and nature blend together: Explore Inuyama Castle and the Ena Gorge Observatory, experiencing the perfect blend of Japanese history and natural beauty
- Enjoy a delicious meal in the old streets of Hida Takayama and savor Hida beef, Takayama ramen, and other local specialties.
- World Heritage Tour: Visit the Gassho-style village of Shirakawa-go and experience the tranquility and beauty of this World Heritage site and traditional Japanese culture
- Magome-juku: quaint Edo-era architecture and shops line the old streets. Enjoy a free lunch here.
- Tsumago-juku: A quiet little place that retains the charm of traditional Japanese architecture, allowing you to experience the simple Japanese style
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 2 travelers |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Japanese castles, Historic site tour, Food tour・Izakaya Hopping, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
- Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free, with no size limit. Please note this when registering (if the carriage is crowded due to failure to make this note, the driver has the right to refuse you boarding and the fee will not be refunded). If the number of pieces of luggage exceeds the limit, a fee of 2,000 yen per piece will be required.
- Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard or similar; 9-14 seater: Toyota HAICE or similar; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22 seater and above: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only and will be adjusted according to the number of people in the group on that day.
- Driver-guide service fee (for small groups of 1-13 people (the driver also provides tour guidance); for bus groups of 14-45 people, the actual number of people in the group will be adjusted based on the number of people leaving on the day).
- Due to unpredictable factors such as traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds, the arrival time of each tour is subject to change. Japanese law stipulates that drivers' maximum working hours are 10 hours. To ensure driver safety and smooth driving, we may adjust the itinerary based on actual circumstances, including shortening the time spent at attractions, adjusting the order of attractions, or even eliminating certain attractions. We sincerely hope that our passengers will understand and support these adjustments made while ensuring safety. In the event of these or other force majeure factors, we deeply regret any inconvenience caused. Please understand that we cannot provide refunds. This decision is made out of a sense of responsibility for the safety of our drivers and passengers, and to ensure the smooth operation of the entire tour. We always strive to provide you with the best travel experience, but in some cases, we need to flexibly adjust the itinerary based on actual circumstances. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Inuyama Castle: Inuyama Castle is one of the oldest surviving castle towers in Japan, built during the Warring States period and overlooking the Kiso River.
Ena Gorge Observation Deck: The Ena Gorge Observation Deck overlooks the magnificent canyon and dam lake, making it an ideal spot for viewing autumn leaves and natural scenery.
Magome-juku: Magome-juku is an old post station on the Nakasendo Road. It retains the style of the Edo period, with traditional wooden houses lining the cobblestone road, full of nostalgic atmosphere.
Tsumago-juku: Japan's first ancient post station to implement block preservation, it retains the Edo style and prohibits modern signs. Walking through it feels like traveling through time.
Hida Takayama: Known as the "Little Kyoto of Hida," it retains the ancient street style of the Edo period and combines mountain culture with artisan craftsmanship, making it extremely charming.
Shirakawa-go Gassho Village: Famous for its unique Gassho-style houses, it offers picturesque scenery in all seasons. It has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage and showcases the traditional mountain village life.
Purchase Notice
【Travel conditions】
Departure place and destination: Aichi and Gifu
Travel days: two-day tour
Transportation: Bus
Bus company name: TT Sightseeing Bus, etc.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum number of people in a group: 2
Team leader: 0
Tour guide: 0
【Travel planning/implementation】
Operating company name: Shuzenji Takitei Co., Ltd.
Address: Shuzenji 722, Shizuoka Prefecture I▖ City
License exemption number: Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registration Tourism No. 2-723
Travel Industry Association Name: Regular member of Japan Travel Industry Association
Reminders
A minimum of 2 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
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
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Pregnant women, Epilepsy
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This is a fixed carpooling itinerary. Please be sure to abide by the stopover time at each attraction and follow the driver's instructions.
This product is a 2-day tour (accommodation not included). The tour guide and bus driver information may be different. Please be sure to check your email to confirm the day before departure.
If you leave the group during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no refund will be given. If any personal or property safety is affected as a result, the consequences will be borne by the individual.
Please note that no refunds will be given if you fail to participate or cancel the trip due to personal issues, lateness, etc.
The arrival time of each tour may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, festivals, and crowds. If the tour is delayed or cancelled due to the aforementioned or other force majeure factors, please understand that this is not a valid reason for requesting a refund.
If there are fewer people, we will use a small car with a driver and guide providing brief explanations. Please be aware that this is a shared ride and you will be traveling with other guests. Stops are not permitted outside of scenic spots.
The transportation and tourist attractions of this itinerary will be kept as close to the original plan as possible. However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as traffic congestion, bad weather, tourist crowds, or other force majeure factors, the company reserves the right to change the itinerary for the safety of the passengers and the smoothness of the trip.
Japanese law stipulates that drivers' maximum working hours are 10 hours. To ensure driver safety and itinerary stability, we may adjust the itinerary based on actual circumstances, including reducing the time spent at attractions or canceling certain attractions. We appreciate your understanding and support. Refunds cannot be requested without a refund. We sincerely hope that all passengers will understand and support this.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 4 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 3 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Shirakawa-go is celebrated for its unique "Gassho-zukuri" (praying hands) thatched-roof farmhouses, designed to withstand heavy snowfall. This traditional architectural style, combined with the village's communal spirit and the surrounding natural beauty, reflects a distinctive way of life that has been preserved for centuries. It showcases the harmonious coexistence of people and nature, earning its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visitors typically find 2 to 3 hours sufficient to experience the main highlights of Shirakawa-go's Gassho-style village. This allows time to walk through the central Ogimachi village, visit some of the open houses like Wada House, enjoy views from the Shiroyama Observation Deck, and browse local shops for souvenirs and snacks. For a more in-depth exploration or museum visits, more time may be desired.
Shirakawa-go is nestled in the mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture in central Japan. Its unique regional setting, characterized by its historical isolation and abundant snowfall, played a crucial role in preserving its distinctive Gassho-zukuri architecture and traditional lifestyle. The village is surrounded by lush forests and rivers, offering picturesque scenery that changes dramatically with each season.
In Shirakawa-go, key attractions include the historic Ogimachi Village, where most Gassho-style houses are located. Visitors should also head to the Shiroyama Observation Deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the entire village. Exploring inside a preserved Gassho-zukuri house, such as Wada House or Kanda House, offers insight into the traditional lifestyle. Sampling local delicacies and browsing craft shops are also popular experiences.
To best experience Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku, visitors should stroll along their meticulously preserved Edo-era streets. Magome-juku offers quaint architecture and shops, allowing for a delightful walk and the opportunity to enjoy a free lunch. Tsumago-juku retains a quieter, charming atmosphere with traditional Japanese architecture. Both post towns offer a glimpse into Japan's past, inviting exploration of local crafts and culture.
Exploring Hida Takayama's old streets offers a delightful blend of history and gastronomy. Visitors can stroll through beautifully preserved wooden merchant houses and sake breweries, reminiscent of the Edo period. The area is famous for its local cuisine, providing opportunities to savor Hida beef, Takayama ramen, and local sake. The morning markets also offer fresh produce and traditional crafts.
At Inuyama Castle, visitors can explore one of Japan's oldest original castles, climbing to its keep for panoramic views of the Kiso River and surrounding landscape. The castle offers a deep dive into feudal history and architecture. The Ena Gorge Observatory provides stunning natural beauty, with dramatic rock formations, cliffs, and the tranquil Ena Gorge below, perfect for appreciating Japan's scenic outdoors.
Magome-juku is renowned for its beautifully preserved traditional Edo-era architecture. The town features stone-paved streets, wooden lattice storefronts, and functioning waterwheels, offering a tangible sense of stepping back in time. Prominent cultural aspects include the historical role as a post town along the Nakasendo trail, reflected in its museums and local craft shops showcasing regional history and artisan goods.
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