[FROM TAKAYAMA/KANAZAWA] Private Takayama & Shirakawa-go Private Tour from Kanazawa City

Explore a more traditional side of Japan, the towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. You are free to start your tour from either Takayama or Kanazawa, and also end the tour at either of the destinations.
The first activity on this tour will be a 1-hour guided experience inside the Jinya where your guide will explain about the history of the building and the city of Takayama itself. The Jinya includes both rooms for official business as well as rooms that were used by high-ranking officials for their own relaxation.

The Jinya also houses a number of artifacts, including art, books, and tools, from its heyday in the 17th through 19th centuries. Unlike a visit to a typical museum, at the Takayama Jinya you will be able to enjoy viewing these pieces of history in a building that is as old as the items on display!

Afterwards, you will be heading to the traditional downtown of Takayama, known as the “Sanmachi”, for a 30-minute guided walk, wherein your guide will show you around the area and make sure you don’t miss any scenic views. This portion of the tour will conclude at the entrance to the Miyagawa Morning Market, where your guide will give a brief introduction to the market and its place in Takayama culture.

You will then have around 1 hour and 30 minutes of free time, where you may peruse the market, return to the Sanmachi to get a closer look at some of its shops, or head to some local restaurants to enjoy the delicious food of the Hida region.

Once this time is up, you will meet your guide at the entrance to the market. From there, you will begin your journey to Shirakawa-go. Taking roughly 1 hour, this drive will not be boring as there is scenery of great beauty just outside the window for almost the whole ride. If you are lucky, you may even spot some pheasants or deer on the way!

You will then arrive at Shirakawa-go, and start the second half of your tour. You will start at the famous look-out point from which the whole town of Shirakawa-go may be seen at once. Your guide will then lead you down the road, descending into the rice paddies and quaint streets that make up the village. Your guide will then lead you through the town of Shirakawa-go, introducing its highlights, during which time they will explain more about the town and answer any questions you may have about the sights you will be seeing.

Once the guided portion is complete, you will have around 1 hour of free time – if you choose – to explore at your own pace, and revisit places you want a better look at. During this time, you may also eat lunch, enter into those farm houses which allow you to do so, or sample some of the snacks that are sold along the main street.

Finally, you will meet up again with your guide at 17:00 to conclude the tour and start your trip back to Takayama, a journey which will take roughly 1 hour. You can expect to be back in Takayama around 18:10. Guests who wish to continue onwards to Kanazawa should not expect to be back any earlier than 18:40.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.