Snowshoeing and Coffee Tour in Takayama
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the serene beauty of Hida’s winter landscape on this immersive snowshoe tour in the mountains of Takayama.
Guided by certified experts from the Japan Mountain Guides Association, you’ll trek through quiet snow-covered forests to reach a scenic waterfall area deep in nature.
At the base of the falls, your guide—who is also a professional barista—will hand-brew specialty coffee using pure mountain spring water, offering a warm and reflective moment surrounded by winter silence.
A light meal featuring homemade soup and sandwiches made with local ingredients is also included.
Centered around the theme of “snow,” this tour invites adventure seekers, coffee lovers, and anyone wishing to reconnect with nature through a uniquely Japanese winter experience.
Available options
Snowshoeing and Coffee Tour in Takayama
What's included
Guide fee
Private transportation
Snowboots rental
Snowshoes
Hand-dripped coffee made for you by a professional barista with sandwiches and soup made from locally sourced fresh ingredients
Insurance
Snow jacket and pants rental
Snow gloves rental
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
9:00 Meet at ONDO
ONDO is a renovated traditional townhouse in the old town of Takayama, serving as a cultural hub and café that connects local ingredients, people, and creativity. This is our meeting point and the starting place of the tour.
2
10:00 Start snowshoeing! Coffee and lunchtime in between
After a short drive, we begin snowshoeing through a quiet winter forest. At a hidden waterfall deep in the woods, we enjoy hand-drip coffee and lunch surrounded by nature.
12:30 Snowshoeing completed!
After finishing the hike, we return to ONDO to relax and warm up after the snowshoeing experience.
3
Stop 3
13:30 End of tour at ONDO
The tour concludes at ONDO, where you can continue enjoying the atmosphere of Takayama’s old town or explore nearby streets at your own pace.
4
Stop 4
Ondo
9:30 Departure for hiking spot and preparation
Before heading out, we will fit your snowshoes and other tour gear, complete a short consent form, and give a simple briefing about the route, safety, and the day’s experience.
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Private tour can be arranged.
In case of bad weather, we will propose another tour plan. If you do not wish to participate, the tour fee will be refunded.
Meeting point
Your guide will be waiting for you inside ONDO. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. If you have any trouble finding the guide or the meeting location, feel free to contact us through the Viator messaging system before the tour.
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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