From Nagoya: Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go UNESCO Day Trip

Discover the captivating UNESCO World Heritage sites just a day trip from Nagoya. Explore the well-preserved Edo-period merchant town of Hida Takayama, where traditional wooden houses and the lively Miyagawa Morning Market await. Then, venture to the enchanting village of Shirakawa-go, renowned for its unique gassho-style farmhouses and breathtaking mountain vistas. Savor the renowned Hida beef and other regional delicacies as you learn about the rich cultural heritage of this enchanting region. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure that will leave you eager to uncover more.

Key Points

• Explore the well-preserved Edo-period streets and traditional wooden merchant houses in the charming town of Hida Takayama, often referred to as "Little Kyoto".

• Discover the vibrant Miyagawa Morning Market, one of Japan’s top three morning markets, offering fresh local produce, pickles, crafts, and renowned Hida beef skewers.

• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, known for its iconic gassho-style farmhouses with steep thatched roofs, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Shiroyama Observation Deck.

• Savor authentic Hida beef dishes, such as Hida beef platters, barbecue, and sushi, at renowned local eateries like Ajizo Heaven and Maruaki Hida Takayama Store.

• Experience the quintessential Shirakawa-go culture at the traditional Rakuto Cafe, where you can indulge in the famous red bean porridge with chewy mochi dumplings.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

The full-day tour from Nagoya to Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go offers travelers an immersive exploration of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Japanese culture, history, and nature.

Over 10 hours, you will discover the well-preserved Edo-period streets and traditional wooden merchant houses of "Little Kyoto" in Hida Takayama. They’ll explore the Miyagawa Morning Market, one of Japan’s top three, brimming with fresh produce, pickles, crafts, and local cuisine like Hida beef skewers.

The tour then ventures to the village of Ogimachi in Shirakawa-go, known for its gassho-style farmhouses with steep thatched roofs, providing stunning views from the Shiroyama Observation Deck.

Exploring Hida Takayama

On the tour, visitors will explore the charming town of Hida Takayama, often referred to as "Little Kyoto" for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and traditional wooden merchant houses. One of the highlights is the Miyagawa Morning Market, one of Japan’s top three morning markets. Visitors can browse the stalls selling fresh produce, pickles, crafts, and local cuisine like Hida beef skewers.

Dining Options in Takayama	Cuisine
Ajizo Heaven	Hida beef platters
Maruaki Hida Takayama Store	Hida beef barbecue
Hida Kotte Beef	Beef sushi

The town’s well-preserved historical character and rich cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination on the tour.

Miyagawa Morning Market

One of the highlights of the Hida Takayama tour is the Miyagawa Morning Market, considered one of Japan’s top three morning markets. This lively market offers a glimpse into the region’s vibrant culture and cuisine.

Visitors can browse stalls brimming with fresh local produce, pickled delicacies, handcrafted goods, and the renowned Hida beef skewers. The market’s bustling energy and array of traditional wares make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Takayama’s heritage.

Whether you’re looking to stock up on gourmet ingredients or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, the Miyagawa Morning Market is a feast for the senses.

Dining Options in Takayama

Several excellent dining options await visitors in Takayama, allowing them to savor the renowned Hida beef that the region is famous for. At Ajizo Heaven, guests can indulge in hearty Hida beef platters.

For an authentic Hida beef barbecue experience, the Maruaki Hida Takayama Store is a local favorite. Those seeking a unique twist can visit Hida Kotte Beef, which offers delectable Hida beef sushi.

• Ajizo Heaven – Hida beef platters
• Maruaki Hida Takayama Store – Hida beef barbecue
• Hida Kotte Beef – Beef sushi
• Rakuto Cafe – traditional gassho-style setting, famous for red bean porridge with dango

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Discovering Shirakawa-go

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, known for its picturesque village of Ogimachi, awaits visitors with its iconic gassho-style farmhouses. These unique structures, with their steep thatched roofs, have evolved over centuries to withstand the region’s heavy snowfall.

Visitors can explore the quaint streets and admire the stunning vistas from the Shiroyama Observation Deck, which offers breathtaking views of the village and the surrounding Hakusan Mountains. For a taste of local culture, the Rakuto Cafe provides a traditional gassho-style setting, where visitors can savor the famous red bean porridge with dango.

Shirakawa-go’s serene beauty and well-preserved heritage make it a must-visit destination on this comprehensive day trip.

Shiroyama Observation Deck

Perched atop the Shiroyama Hill, the Shiroyama Observation Deck commands breathtaking vistas of the Ogimachi village and the surrounding Hakusan Mountains. Visitors can soak in the stunning panoramic views of the UNESCO-protected gassho-style farmhouses and the majestic peaks beyond.

The observation deck offers:

• Unobstructed views of the Ogimachi village and its iconic steep-roofed houses
• Glimpses of the Sho River winding through the lush, mountainous landscape
• An ideal vantage point to appreciate the harmonious blend of the traditional architecture and the natural surroundings
• A peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the village below

The Shiroyama Observation Deck provides a mesmerizing visual experience that perfectly complements the cultural richness of Shirakawa-go.

Rakuto Cafe in Shirakawa-go

Nestled within the UNESCO-protected village of Shirakawa-go, Rakuto Cafe offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the traditional gassho-style architecture. The cafe’s charming interior features exposed wooden beams and a thatched roof, transporting guests back in time.

It’s renowned for its delectable red bean porridge, or oshiruko, served with chewy mochi dumplings. Sipping this warm, comforting dish while admiring the stunning views of the Hakusan Mountains is a quintessential Shirakawa-go experience. The cafe’s traditional setting, coupled with its locally-sourced ingredients, makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic taste of rural Japanese culture.

Tour Details and Inclusions

This full-day tour from Nagoya provides roundtrip bus transportation to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go. A multilingual guide accompanies the group, sharing insights into the region’s culture, history, and natural wonders.

The tour package includes highway parking fees, ensuring a hassle-free experience. While meals and attraction tickets aren’t included, the guide can provide recommendations for dining options featuring local specialties like Hida beef.

Key inclusions:

• Roundtrip bus transportation from Nagoya
• Multilingual guide
• Highway parking fees
• Insights into UNESCO sites and Japanese culture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Fit My Interests?

The tour can likely be customized to fit individual interests. Travelers should inquire about options to personalize the itinerary, such as adding or skipping certain activities or sites based on their preferences.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator offers discounts for seniors and students. Customers can inquire about available discounts when booking the tour. Discounts may vary based on age or student status and are subject to the tour provider’s policies.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy allows full refunds for cancellations made up to 7 days prior to the tour date. Cancellations within 7 days are subject to a 50% fee.

Can I Book This Tour in Multiple Languages?

The tour can be booked in multiple languages. Multilingual guides are available to provide commentary during the day trip to Hida Takayama and Shirakawa-go, ensuring a seamless experience for international travelers.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional activities. The provider offers customizable options, allowing visitors to personalize their experience and explore more of the region’s cultural and natural attractions.

Recap

Discover the well-preserved Edo-period charm of Hida Takayama and the picturesque gassho-style farmhouses of Shirakawa-go on this captivating UNESCO day trip from Nagoya. Enjoy the rich cultural heritage, savor the renowned Hida beef, and marvel at the stunning natural landscapes that make this region truly enchanting.

You can check if your dates are available here: