Full Day Private Tour in Takayama Old Township and Shirakawago

Takayama , Japan

Full Day Private Tour in Takayama Old Township and Shirakawago

Active

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience our Full Day Private Tour in Takayama Old Township and Shirakawago!

Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of Japan as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of Takayama and Shirakawago.

Travelers to this region can experience the natural beauty and traditional Japanese culture by visiting The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and the Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory. They can also explore the must-see attractions of Takayama town and learn about the local culture and history with the assistance of a well-trained and organized English-speaking driver as a guide.

We'll greet you directly at the city center or hotels and ensure you return with ample time to relax and relish your day.

Leave the details to us as we escort you on an extraordinary adventure, crafting memories that will stand the test of time!

Available options

Private Tour for 4 passengers

Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from Takayama hotels or city center. Private guide: Enjoy the company of a private guide in Takayama. Pickup included

Private Tour for 3 passengers

Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from Takayama hotels or city center.
 Private guide: Enjoy the company of a private guide in Takayama. Pickup included

Private Tour for 2 passengers

Private transfer : Includes private transportation to and from Takayama hotels or city center.
 Private guide: Enjoy the company of a private guide in Takayama. Pickup included

Private Tour for 7 passengers

Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from Takayama hotels or city center. Private guide: Enjoy the company of a private guide in Takayama. Pickup included

Private Tour for 6 passengers

Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from Takayama hotels or city center. Private guide : Enjoy the company of a private guide in Takayama. Pickup included

Private Tour for 1 passenger

Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from Takayama hotels or city center. Private guide: Enjoy the company of a private guide in Takayama. Pickup included

Private Tour for 5 passengers

Private transfer: Includes private transportation to and from Takayama hotels or city center. Private guide: Enjoy the company of a private guide in Takayama. Pickup included

What's included

1 hour of free time for shopping and dining

Modern, air-conditioned private transportation

Professional local tour guide in Takayama

Pick up and drop off at the Takayama city center or hotels

Detailed itinerary

This captivating Takayama excursion commences at the center of Takayama city or hotels. Step into a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle, embarking on a 45-minutes journey through the scenic beauty of Japan.

Historic villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama are a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their traditional farmhouses with thatched roofs. The roofs are made without using a single nail and are designed to withstand heavy snow.

Ogi-machi Gassho Style Village spreads out across the landscape below this observation area, the view is exceptional. It is the best point for photography lovers.

The Wada House is the largest traditional gassho-style farmhouse in Shirakawa-go. Built late in the Edo period (1603–1867), the house reflects the wealth and status of the Wada family, which for centuries was the largest landowner in the village of Ogimachi and whose members held the hereditary position of village headman (nanushi).

Step back in time as you wander through the charming streets of Takayama’s historic old town. Known for its beautifully preserved Edo-period architecture, traditional wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and local craft shops, this area offers a rich cultural experience and is considered the heart of Takayama’s heritage.

Takayama Jinya is a surviving Edo period Jinya that served as the Daikansho for Hida Province under the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan from 1692 to 1871. It is located in what is now Hachiken-machi of Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture. . It has been protected as a National Historic Landmark since 1929.

After the guided tour, relish in 1 hour of free time. Your guide will drop you off at a convenient location, allowing you to savor lunch and indulge in some retail therapy.

After a day filled with delights, our comfortable private vehicle will whisk you back to your hotel or city center, brimming with cherished memories. Trust our decade-long expertise in organizing private tours and exploring the city view with utmost comfort and peace of mind.

What's not included

Entrance fees (none will be required)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Takayama

Takayama is a charming mountain town in the Japanese Alps known for its well-preserved Edo-era streets, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a glimpse into Japan's past with its historic districts, vibrant festivals, and delicious local cuisine, particularly its famous Hida beef and sake.

Top Attractions

Old Town (Sannomachi Street)

This well-preserved Edo-era district features beautifully maintained merchant houses, wooden facades, and traditional shops. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Takayama's cultural heritage.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours Free to explore (individual shops may charge)

Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

An open-air museum featuring 30 traditional thatched-roof houses from the Hida region, showcasing the rural life and architecture of the Edo period.

Cultural/Historical 1-2 hours 600 JPY

Takayama Morning Market

A lively market offering local produce, crafts, and street food. It's a great place to experience the local culture and sample regional delicacies.

Cultural/Market 30 minutes to 1 hour Free to enter (costs vary for food and items)

Takayama Jinya

A historic government office from the Edo period, now a museum showcasing the region's history and the samurai era. It features exhibits on local governance, trade, and daily life.

Historical/Museum 1 hour 320 JPY

Shirakawa-go

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, known as gassho-zukuri. This remote mountain village offers a unique glimpse into rural Japanese life.

Cultural/Historical Half-day to full day Free to enter the village (individual houses may charge for entry)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hida Beef

A premium type of wagyu beef known for its tenderness and rich flavor. It's often served as sukiyaki or grilled.

Main Course Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Gohei Mochi

Grilled rice cakes skewered on bamboo sticks, often served with sweet soy glaze or miso paste.

Snack/Dessert Vegetarian (check for miso or soy sauce if vegan)

Mitarashi Dango

Sweet rice dumplings skewered and grilled, brushed with a sweet soy-based glaze.

Snack/Dessert Vegetarian (check for soy sauce if vegan)

Hoba Miso

Grilled miso paste on magnolia leaves, often topped with vegetables and Hida beef.

Main Course Contains miso (fermented soybean paste), may contain beef

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Japanese Alps Mountain biking River rafting in the summer Onsen bathing Traditional tea ceremonies Strolling through the old town Visiting temples and shrines Attending local festivals

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April to May) and Autumn (October to November)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. It's the best time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

10°C to 20°C 50°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

Japan Standard Time (JST, GMT+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60Hz (varies by region)Hz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Takayama is a very safe destination with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. The town is well-maintained, and the locals are friendly and helpful.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Avoid walking alone in isolated areas late at night

Getting there

By air

Chubu Centrair International Airport • 100 km
Nagoya Airfield (Komaki Airport) • 150 km

By train

Takayama Station

By bus

Takayama Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport. They are punctual and cover most tourist areas. A day pass is available for unlimited rides.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Sannomachi Street) Kamisannomachi Higashiyama

Day trips

Shirakawa-go

60 km • Half-day to full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring traditional thatched-roof farmhouses, known as gassho-zukuri. This remote mountain village offers a unique glimpse into rural Japanese life.

Kamikochi

50 km • Full day

A scenic alpine area in the Japanese Alps, offering stunning mountain views, hiking trails, and outdoor activities.

Gero Onsen

30 km • Half-day

A famous hot spring town known for its beautiful natural surroundings and historic inns. It's one of Japan's three most famous hot spring resorts.

Festivals

Takayama Festival (Takayama Matsuri) • April 14-15 (Spring Festival) and October 9-10 (Autumn Festival) Winter Light-Up Festival • December to February Hida Folk Village Festival • Various dates throughout the year (check schedule)

Pro tips

Visit the Takayama Tourism Association for a free map and guide, as well as information on local events and attractions
Try the famous Takayama ramen, a local noodle dish with a rich, miso-based broth
Experience a traditional ryokan stay, complete with multi-course kaiseki meals and onsen baths
Explore the old town in the evening when the streets are illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere
Visit the morning market for a taste of local culture and to sample regional delicacies like gohei mochi and mitarashi dango

From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Select option

Private Tour for 4 passengers