2-Day Walking Tour of Takayama, Shirakawa-go (World Heritage Site), and Kamikochi | Departing from Nagoya
- Visit Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village, a World Heritage Site, and experience its fairytale-like snowscape.
- 2-Day Trip to Kamikochi, Shirakawa-go: Stroll Through Kamikochi's Hidden Gems
- KKday makes booking a hassle-free 2-day tour of Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kamikochi easy.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 6 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, Arrange yourself |
| Accommodation type | Hotel, Economy (< 3 stars) |
| Seasonal | Autumn Maple, Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| 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.
The Ogimachi area of Shirakawa-go is famous for its Gassho-zukuri houses. Shirakawa-go, along with other villages like Gokayama, boasting unique landscapes, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1995 under the name "Gassho-zukuri Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama." Located in northwestern Gifu Prefecture at the foot of Mount Hakusan, Shirakawa-go is a quiet mountain village surrounded by mountains, crisscrossed by rice paddies, and traversed by rivers. Over 110 Gassho-zukuri houses (thatched, A-frame wooden houses) are clustered together, and the area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The "Gassho-zukuri Folk Houses" outdoor museum houses 25 Gassho-zukuri houses used throughout Shirakawa-go, relocated and preserved here. The park also features buildings resembling an ancient rural village, including temples, waterwheel huts, charcoal huts, and stables. Visitors can also experience traditional crafts such as dyeing and weaving through demonstrations. At the soba noodle dojo, you can experience making Japanese soba noodles. In autumn, a soju festival is held, during which tourists are offered a cup of soju mixed with rice. At Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine, one of the festival venues, there is a soju festival pavilion that uses puppet models to explain the lion dance and other festival performances. The Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory is an excellent spot for overlooking the village scenery. Many people know Hida Takayama because of the animated film "Your Name." In fact, Hida Takayama, a secluded paradise nestled in the mountains, has always been a favorite among travelers. Especially the famous Sanmachi Old Town, which is fun and delicious; be sure to try the 5A-grade beef sushi. Kamikochi is a tourist resort and summer retreat located in the upper reaches of the Azusa River in the southern part of the Hida Mountains in western Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Its elevation is approximately 1,500 meters. The entire area belongs to Matsumoto City and is part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, designated as a National Cultural Property (Special Place of Scenic Beauty, Special Natural Monument). This area features hot springs and serves as a base for climbing Mount Hotaka and Mount Yagami. The name Kamikochi comes from the hiragana "kamikouchi," which refers to the descent of the deity "Hotaka no Mikoto" (雟高見命) to Mount Hotaka, where a ritual was performed at this location (the inner shrine and Myojin Pond of Hotaka Shrine). To protect the natural environment, private vehicles are not allowed to enter.
Shirakawa-go Observatory
The largest Gassho-zukuri house, the Wada family.
Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point/destination: Aichi/Gifu/Nagano
Trip duration: 2 days 1 night
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Tobu Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 1 time, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: Three-star hotels in and around the mountainous area
Minimum group size: 6
Team Leader: 1
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: (Co., Ltd.) Japan Teleport Co., Ltd.
Address: 15th Floor, Inogate Osaka, 3-2-123 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0001, Japan
License Number: Osaka Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-2181
Name of travel industry association: Japan National Travel Industry Association (Osaka Prefecture Branch) Regular Member
Regular member of the Osaka Prefecture Travel Industry Association (General Incorporated Company)
JATA is a cooperative member.
Reminders
A minimum of 6 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 7 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
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 15:00). 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: Pregnant women, Epilepsy, Acrophobia, Heart disease, High blood pressure
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This day tour is led by a tour leader who will not provide detailed introductions to the attractions, but will only provide language services such as meeting points and times at the sightseeing sites.
To ensure a smooth trip, please fasten your seatbelt upon boarding and follow the instructions of the staff. Seats cannot be assigned, and if there is an odd number of participants, you may be seated with other guests.
Due to unforeseen circumstances such as road traffic and weather conditions, the itinerary may be changed or shortened. No compensation will be provided. Thank you for your understanding.
The time allotted for visiting each attraction may vary depending on road conditions and other factors. Depending on traffic or weather, the itinerary may include a visit to Takayama before Shirakawa-go; please be aware of this.
The vehicle type will be adjusted according to the number of people. HIACE will be used for fewer than 10 people, and medium or large buses will be used for more than 10 people.
The bus will not go up to the observation deck. After arriving at Shirakawa-go, turn left and walk up, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Guests who do not want to walk uphill can choose to take the village bus from Wada's house at their own expense.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 8 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 1 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 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 offers unique beauty throughout the year. Winter (December to February) is particularly famous for its enchanting snowscapes, transforming the village into a picturesque 'fairy-tale' setting with snow-capped gassho-zukuri houses. Spring (April-May) brings cherry blossoms, while autumn (October-November) offers vibrant fall foliage. Summer provides a lush, green landscape.
To fully appreciate Shirakawa-go Gassho Village, it is recommended to allocate at least 2 to 3 hours. This allows time to walk through the village, visit some of the gassho-zukuri houses, enjoy the panoramic views from the observation deck, and browse local shops. For a more relaxed experience and to fully immerse yourself, a half-day visit is ideal.
Shirakawa-go Gassho Village was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique gassho-zukuri (praying hands) farmhouses. These steep, thatched-roof structures, designed to withstand heavy snowfall, represent a distinct architectural style and a traditional way of life adapted to the harsh mountain environment, showcasing exceptional human ingenuity and cultural heritage.
From Nagoya, the most convenient way to reach Shirakawa-go Gassho Village is by direct highway bus. Alternatively, visitors can take a train to Takayama or Kanazawa and then transfer to a local bus. This 2-day tour departing from Nagoya utilizes a comfortable bus, providing hassle-free transportation directly to the main attractions, including Shirakawa-go.
In Kamikochi, a leisurely walk offers breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors can stroll along the Azusa River, cross the iconic Kappa Bridge for panoramic views of the Hotaka Mountains, and explore serene trails. The area is known for its pristine landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and rich alpine flora, making it perfect for photography and tranquil nature appreciation within its secret realm.
In Takayama, often called 'Little Kyoto', visitors should prioritize exploring the Sanmachi Suji Old Town, famous for its beautifully preserved Edo-period streets, sake breweries, and traditional craft shops. The morning markets (Jinya-mae and Miyagawa) offer local produce and crafts. Also consider visiting Takayama Jinya, a former government office, for a glimpse into its history.
Yes, experiencing the 'fairy-tale snowscape' in Shirakawa-go Gassho Village is definitely possible, especially during the winter months from December through February. Heavy snowfall transforms the village into a magical, pristine landscape, highlighting the unique architecture of the gassho-zukuri houses under a blanket of white. This season offers a truly memorable and picturesque visit.
For a 2-day tour covering areas like Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kamikochi, accommodation is typically arranged in comfortable hotels or traditional Japanese ryokans located in or near cities such as Takayama. These accommodations are chosen to ensure comfort and convenience, facilitating a relaxed pace of travel after a day of exploring these iconic destinations.
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