World Heritage Shirakawago and Gokayama Tour by Nohi Bus

Takayama , Japan

World Heritage Shirakawago and Gokayama Tour by Nohi Bus

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This bus tour offers a flexible and scenic journey to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, including a ticket to Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, shuttle bus fare to the Tenshukaku Observatory, and a 5% discount coupon for the Takayama Nohi Bus Center shop.

Explore the unique, snow-resistant Gassho-zukuri houses, enjoy breathtaking views, and learn about traditional rural life. You can also leave the tour at Shirakawago, though no refund will be provided. (Minkaen is closed on Thursdays, with an alternative souvenir offered.)

Available options

World Heritage Shirakawago and Gokayama Tour by Nohi Bus

What's included

5% discount coupon for the Takayama Nohi Bus Center shop

Guide

Admission fee

Shuttle bus fare to Tenshukaku Observatory

Japanese Speaking Assistant

Nohi Bus Fee

Detailed itinerary

※ Travel from Takayama Nohi Bus Center to Gokayama by Nohi Bus in approximately 75 minutes.

Gokayama Ainokura is a picturesque village in Japan, renowned for its traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into centuries-old rural life and breathtaking natural scenery.

※ Travel from Gokayama to Shirakawago by Nohi Bus in approximately 45 minutes.

Shirakawa-go is a charming, UNESCO World Heritage village in Japan, famous for its iconic Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, offering a unique glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and rural culture amidst stunning natural landscapes.

This tour includes a shuttle bus to the Tenshukaku Observatory in Shirakawa-go, offering stunning panoramic views of the village's beautiful landscape. Use the shuttle bus to the observatory by presenting the bus ticket provided with this tour.

The entrance ticket to Gassho-zukuri Minkaen is included, where you can explore and experience the traditional culture and how people in the past lived in harmony with nature. (Please note that Minkaen is closed on Thursdays; in such cases, an original souvenir will be provided as an alternative.)

※ You may leave the tour at Shirakawa-go; however, no refunds will be issued in such cases.

Transportation hour

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a shared tour operates as a Nohi shuttle bus, and you will be joining other guests.

The tour is led by a Japanese-speaking assistant.

Seats are not provided for infants (0 to 5 years old). If you require a seat for an infant, please book the tour with the child rate.

Delays in arrival may occur due to snow or traffic conditions.

The Japanese-speaking assistant will not guide you to the observatory. Please use the shuttle bus with the tour ticket on your own.

Shuttle buses run every 20 minutes. To avoid missing the bus, please check the shuttle schedule carefully before heading to the observatory.

Sanitize your hands when boarding and exiting. Mask-wearing is optional, but please follow cough etiquette and wear a mask during conversations.

To prevent COVID-19, avoid changing seats unless necessary. Inform us of health concerns at booking or consult the guide during the tour.

Eat and drink silently; alcohol is prohibited.

Odd-numbered group members may need to share seats with others.

Seat belts must be worn as required by Japanese law.

Remain seated while the bus is in motion.

Do not change seats during the tour.

Arrive on time; the bus will not wait for latecomers.

Do not recline or adjust the seats.

Set all electronic devices to silent mode.

Phone calls and video calls are prohibited.

Smoking is strictly forbidden on the bus.

Drone use is prohibited.

Arrival times may vary due to traffic.

Avoid perfumes, sprays, or diaper changes on the bus.

Meeting point

Exchange your voucher into a bus ticket and a participant badge at Takayama Nohi Bus Center.

Important notes

Exchange your voucher for a bus ticket and participant badge at the Takayama Nohi Bus Center.

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