Discover Takayama’s well-preserved old town and jinya, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go on a full-day trip. Take guided walking tours at both spots along with free time to explore, eat, and shop on your own.
Meet your guide at Takayama Station and be escorted to the 300+ year-old Takayama Jinya, a local governor's office from the Edo period. Enter the jinya for a guided tour and learn all about the history of the building and the city of Takayama itself.
See several artefacts, including art, books, and tools, from its heyday in the 17th through 19th centuries. Unlike a visit to a typical museum, the Takayama Jinya offers pieces of history in a building that is as old as the items on display.
Afterwards, head to the city centre of Takayama, known as the “Sanmachi”. See as your guide points out the highlights of the area. Enjoy scenic views and conclude this part of the tour at the entrance to the Miyagawa Morning Market.
Next, enjoy 1 hour and 30 minutes of free time to walk around the market, return to the Sanmachi for a closer look at the shops, or savour the food of the Hida region at a local restaurant. You can treat yourself to a sake tasting, or feast on sushi made with wagyu beef from local ranches.
Then, meet your tour guide to continue your journey to Shirakawa-go. Sit back and soak in the scenery on your bus ride. Then, begin the second half of your tour. Go up to the famous lookout point for a breathtaking view of the town of Shirakawa-go.
Follow your guide down the road, descending into the rice paddies and quaint streets that make up the village. See the largest hamlet of gassho-zukuri-style houses in Japan. Get introduced to the highlights of Shirakawa-go, learning more about the town.
After the tour, explore the town on your own, and revisit places you want a better look at. During this time, you may also grab lunch, head to a traditional mountain farmhouse, or sample snacks sold along the high street.
Finally, start your trip back to Takayama to conclude the tour.