Shirakawago and Takayama Full-Day Tour from Kanazawa

About this experience

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Japan's hidden cultural gems with this expertly guided day tour from Kanazawa. Explore the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawago, where fairy-tale gassho-zukuri farmhouses with dramatic thatched roofs have weathered centuries of mountain snow. Discover historic Takayama, the captivating "Little Kyoto of the Alps," where cobblestone Kami-Sannomachi streets house traditional sake breweries, artisanal miso shops, and charming boutiques selling handcrafted folk art and local delicacies. Marvel at spectacular festival floats at Yatai Kaikan from Japan's most celebrated festivals. Choose either a round-trip return to Kanazawa or a convenient drop-off in Takayama. Your National Government Licensed Guide unveils fascinating cultural secrets throughout this immersive experience.

What to expect

1. Stop 1 · 2h 30min

   This is one of the thatch-roofed house villages, also registered as a World Heritage Site. Look around and be fascinated by the culture and history of the village. After visiting a thatch-roofed house, customers are free to stroll around. Meal is not included. Please enjoy the local cuisine on your own during this break. A shuttle bus (additional charges apply) runs to the Shirakawago observation deck. For those who would like to use this service, please pay at the location. Depending on weather conditions, shuttle bus operation may be suspended

2. Stop 2 · 30min

   This popular facility displays some of the colorfully decorated festival floats used in the famous Takayama Festival. Enjoy seeing the many intricately made floats

3. Stop 3 · 1h 10min

   Located in the heart of the castle town, the old streets of this area which originally developed as a merchant town, retain traces from the Edo period (1603-1868), and are a must-see for visitors.

4. Stop 4

   [Only One Way Option] The tour concludes at Takayama Station at approximately 4:20 PM.

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Meeting & pickup

• Meet your guide holding a JTB Sunrise Tours sign in front of Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center, inside Kanazawa Station building

End point

• [One Way Option] The tour concludes at Takayama Station at approximately 4:20 PM.
• [Round Trip Option] The tour concludes at Kanazawa Station at approximately 6:30 PM.

• If you have arrived at the meeting location but are unable to find the meeting point, please call JTB Sunrise Tours at +81 3 5796 5454 for assistance (available from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time) • You can join the tour with this voucher • In case bookings have been made separately, you may be assigned to be on separate tour buses

Before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• After departure, the tour may stop by at hotels in Kanazawa City to pick up customers. Please note that customers may not disembark for a break here
• If sightseeing facilities are closed, the tour will be taken to alternative destinations
• The departure and arrival times and time to be spent at destinations written on the itinerary are an estimate. The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations
• Please note that customers on this plan may ride along with participants of other tours
• At Shirakawago, the tour will visit one of the thatch-roofed houses in the village of Ogimachi. Entry to the thatch-roofed house may take some time. In case of congestion, customers may explore the interior on their own
• Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with bus seats. If bus seats are required, please make a booking under the child rate
• Meals are not included
• Depending on the number of tour participants, transportation to be used may be other than a large bus (mid-size bus, small bus, hired car, or taxi)
• A shuttle bus (additional charges apply) runs to the Shirakawago observation deck. For those who would like to use this service, please pay at the location. Depending on weather conditions, shuttle bus operation may be suspended
• Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour
• Photo courtesy of Shirakawa-go Tourist Association

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.