Shirakawa-go & Takayama by Car from Kanazawa, Licensed Guide

Visit Shirakawago in the Japanese Alps to see the historical and beautiful old thatched houses of Japan stand strong. These houses are over 150 years old and still are lived in today. After seeing the natural beauty of Shirakawago, head to Takayama to see the various traditional crafts the area keeps alive. Join one of our tour guides and learn about history and culture in a way that you would have never been able to on your own! This private and customizable tour will take you to Shirakawago and Takayama at your own pace. Once you place your reservation, a guide will be in touch with you to plan out the details of your tour. Be sure to let your guide know where you would like to visit and your interests so they can plan out an itinerary for you! If you will not have time to visit all the sights on your must-see list, contact us directly regarding extension fees. Learn about this world heritage site with us! We hope to guide you soon!

1. 1

   Kanazawa

   1 hour

   Start your adventure here! Meet your Guide and driver and off to beautiful Shirakawago!

2. 2

   Wada House

   1 hour

   Learn about old Japanese farm houses and how they were made. The Wada house is still lived in today!

3. 3

   Kanda house

   30 min

   Another beautiful thatched roof house that still stands after it was constructed in 1850.

4. 4

   Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory

   1 hour

   Take in the beautiful view of Shirakawa village from these castle ruins.

5. 5

   Sanmachi Suji

   30 min

   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.

6. 6

   Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall

   1 hour

   Matsuri no Mori (Festival Forest Museum) offers a glimpse into the vibrant world of Takayama’s famous festivals. The museum features full-sized replica floats (yatai), richly decorated with gold leaf and lacquer, as well as mechanical karakuri dolls that perform traditional dances in a dramatic underground hall. In addition to the festival exhibits, visitors can explore a nature museum with a global insect collection and meet cute animals like squirrels and rabbits. There is also a peaceful tea house and a small art gallery on-site(10min walk from Matsuri no Mori). Blending culture, nature, and local charm, Matsuri no Mori is an enjoyable stop for visitors of all ages.

7. 7

   Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

   1 hour

   Hida Folk Village (飛騨の里, Hida no Sato) is an open air museum exhibiting over 30 traditional houses from the Hida region, the mountainous district of Gifu Prefecture around Takayama. The houses were built during the Edo Period (1603 - 1867) and were relocated from their original locations to create the museum in 1971.

8. 8

   Kanazawa

   1 hour

   Return to Kanazawa after a wonderful day sightseeing with your private guide. Enjoy the view as you relax on the way back to your hotel.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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