Takayama Explore Gokayama and Shirakawa go
Active
9h
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
Discover Japan's rich cultural heritage on this one-day tour from Takayama to the UNESCO World Heritage villages of Gokayama and Shirakawa-go. Visit the serene Ainokura village, participate in a traditional papermaking experience, and explore the charming streets of Suganuma. The tour culminates in Shirakawa-go, famous for its unique thatched-roof farmhouses, where you'll get stunning views and enjoy free time to soak in the atmosphere. With an English-speaking guide sharing insights about the area's history and architecture, this tour provides an enriching glimpse into Japan's rural life.
- Visit three UNESCO World Heritage villages: Ainokura, Suganuma, and Shirakawa-go
- Engage in a hands-on traditional papermaking workshop in Ainokura
- Explore Shirakawa-go, with options to enter a farmhouse and enjoy the lookout point views
- Tour runs year-round with a 9:00 A.M. start from Takayama Station, returning around 5:30 P.M.
Available options
End in Kanazawa Station
End Tour at Kanazawa Station: Start the tour from Takayama and end at Kanazawa Station
Start and End in Takayama
Start and End the Tour in Takayama
What's included
English-speaking guide
Entry to the museum at Suganuma
Transportation from Takayama to (Gokayama) Ainokura, Suganuma, and Shirakawa-go
Guided walks at (Gokayama) Ainokura, Suganuma, and Shirakawa-go
Traditional papermaking experience
Detailed itinerary
1
Arrive at Ainokura Village, the most secluded of the Gokayama World Heritage villages. Enjoy a guided walk through this peaceful settlement and take part in a hands-on traditional papermaking experience.
2
Continue to Suganuma Village, a compact riverside hamlet known for its preserved gassho-zukuri homes. Visit a museum highlighting the village’s role in producing materials used for traditional gunpowder, followed by free time to explore and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or picnic-style.
3
Arrive at Shirakawa-go, the most iconic of the three UNESCO-listed villages. Walk through the historic village with your guide, enter one of the traditional farmhouses, and visit the famous lookout point (weather permitting) for panoramic views.
What's not included
Lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
The meetup point is outside of the ticket gates at JR Takayama Station. Once you have left the gates, look to your left to see a walkway and a carving depicting an ornate wagon. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Please look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tag
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
Instant confirmation
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