Shirakawago & Takayama Tour Kanazawa DEP: Driver Only, No Guide
Kanazawa, JP
50% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore the beautiful mountain settlement of Shirakawa-go
- Stroll through historic streets of Takayama
- Enjoy stunning mountain landscapes
- Customize your tour according to your interests
- Experience the unique architecture of gassho-zukuri farmhouses
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Private chartered vehicle
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Customizable itinerary
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English-speaking driver
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Duration 8 hours
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Visit Shirakawa-go & Takayama
Embark on a captivating adventure to the remote mountain settlement of Shirakawa-go and Takayama on this chartered vehicle tour. With an English-speaking driver guiding your journey, you'll explore the World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, known for its fairy-tale village and unique architecture designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Wander through historic streets, immerse yourself in stunning mountain landscapes, and savor a delicious lunch made with authentic local ingredients. Visit Takayama, where you can discover the fascinating Takayama Jinya, a former government office turned museum, and stroll through the Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and local crafts. Lastly, explore Sanmachi Street, a charming area lined with shops offering regional specialties like Hida beef. With a fully customizable itinerary, this tour promises an unforgettable and efficient full-day experience tailored to your interests and requests. Don't miss your chance to discover the beauty and culture of these extraordinary destinations.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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8 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the stunning villages of Shirakawa-go and Takayama on a customizable private tour with an English-speaking driver from Kanazawa.
Included
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Private vehicle -
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list'
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English speaking driver
Excluded
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Entrance fees, lunch, and other personal expenses -
Licensed local english speaking guide
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You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Kanazawa Station
Your driver will picks you up at anywhere else as per your request around Kanazawa.
Takayama
Because of its valuable timber resources, the Hida Region around Takayama was put under direct control of the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1692. The Takayama Jinya (高山陣屋) served as the local government office headed by the officials dispatched from Edo (present day Tokyo). The building complex was in official use until 1969, and is now open to the public as a museum. It includes various nicely maintained tatami mat rooms that once served as offices, conference rooms, guest rooms and residential space. There is also an interesting interrogation room. Beside the main building stands a large storehouse built in the 1600s. Known as the biggest traditional rice storehouse in Japan, it now functions as a museum, showcasing belongings and official documents of past feudal lords, old maps of the Hida Region and historic town plans.
30 minutes
Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market
Two morning markets (朝市, Asaichi) are held in Takayama on a daily basis from around 7:00 (8:00 in winter) to noon: the Miyagawa Market along the Miyagawa River in the old town, and the Jinya-mae Market in front of the Takayama Jinya. The stands sell local crafts, snacks and farm products such as vegetables, pickles and flowers. There is typically a pleasant atmosphere around the markets, as tourists and locals alike saunter from stall to stall purchasing goods and food and talking. Read more about Takayama Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide 2021 - https://www.viator.com/tours/Takayama/Takayama-Full-Day-Private-Tour-with-Government-Licensed-Guide/d25943-92136P110?mcid=56757
30 minutes
Sanmachi Suji
Sanmachi Street is a popular sightseeing area in Hida-Takayama. As an old town, the area has houses and stores from the Edo period (1603 - 1868). The area is lined with shops carrying local specialties such as Japanese sake, senbei (rice crackers), barbecue yakiniku Hida beef, and croquettes. The area has a lively atmosphere with people shopping and eating. Sanmachi Street is a five-minute walk from JR Takayama Station. Be sure to stop by when you visit Takayama. Read more about Takayama Full-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide 2021 - https://www.viator.com/tours/Takayama/Takayama-Full-Day-Private-Tour-with-Government-Licensed-Guide/d25943-92136P110?mcid=56757
30 minutes
Shirakawago
The Shirakawa-go (白川郷, Shirakawagō) and neighboring Gokayama (五箇山) regions line the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains that span from Gifu to Toyama Prefectures. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, they are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms.
60 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible -
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Service animals allowed
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.
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This private tour is with an English speaking driver only. No guide.
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Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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Wheelchair accessible
What our experts say
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Try Hida beef at a local restaurant. -
Visit the morning market for local crafts.
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Check the weather, dress in layers.
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Explore Sanmachi Suji for unique shops.
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Don't rush; enjoy the mountain views.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Immerse yourself in the fascinating charm of the traditional Japanese villages of Shirakawa-go and Takayama on this captivating tour. Departing from Kanazawa, you will delve into the enchanting mountain settlement of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fairy-tale village and unique architecture. With an English-speaking driver as your guide, you will not only explore the picturesque streets but also discover the stunning mountain landscapes that surround these remote, snow-covered farmhouses.What to expect?
During this 480-minute adventure, you can anticipate a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment your driver picks you up at your requested location in Kanazawa, you will embark on a journey through time, discovering the rich history and cultural treasures of the Hida Region. Marvel at the beautifully preserved Takayama Jinya, a former government office turned museum, and shop for local crafts, snacks, and fresh produce at the lively Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market. Delight your senses as you explore the nostalgic Sanmachi Street, lined with charming shops offering traditional delicacies such as Hida beef and sake. Finally, the crown jewel of the tour awaits as you arrive at Shirakawa-go, renowned worldwide for its serene gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which feature unique thatched roofs perfectly suited for the region's heavy snowfall.Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for adventure-seeking travelers eager to experience the rich cultural heritage of Japan. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, this tour promises to captivate and charm you. The visit to Shirakawa-go and Takayama offers a unique insight into traditional Japanese village life, making it an ideal option for those who wish to immerse themselves in local customs and heritage.Why book this?
Embark on this extraordinary tour to indulge your wanderlust and discover the hidden gems of Shirakawa-go and Takayama. With a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests and requests, this private tour grants you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Enjoy the convenience of a private chartered vehicle and the expertise of an English-speaking driver, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. From admiring historic buildings to sampling local cuisine, this tour will create lasting memories of Japan's rural beauty.Good to know
It is worth noting that the journey to Shirakawa-go and Takayama involves scenic mountain roads, adding an element of adventure to your experience. As you travel through Gifu Prefecture, bask in the breathtaking vistas of this picturesque region. Be sure to dress comfortably and wear appropriate footwear, as you may find yourself strolling through historic streets or exploring the snow-covered landscapes. Marvel at the unique architectural style of the gassho-zukuri farmhouses, ingeniously designed to withstand heavy snowfall. With this tour, you can savor a delicious lunch made using authentic local ingredients, further immersing yourself in the region's culinary delights.Reviews
Travelers who have embarked on this tour rave about the once-in-a-lifetime experience of visiting Shirakawa-go and Takayama. They praise the picturesque beauty of the villages and the warm hospitality of the locals. Many were captivated by the architectural marvels of the gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which transported them back in time. The freedom to customize the itinerary and the wealth of knowledge shared by the English-speaking driver were also highly praised. Travelers felt that this tour offered them a unique glimpse into the authentic cultural heritage of Japan, leaving them with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the country's traditions.
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