Explore the winter wonderland of Japan’s Shirakawago and Hida regions on this 2-day adventure from Osaka. Discover the charming historic town of Takayama, wander through the UNESCO-listed Shirakawago, and embark on a thrilling 2-hour Snow Otani walk at an elevation of 2,450 meters. This immersive tour promises stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and unforgettable experiences. With guided exploration, accommodations, and convenient transfers, you’ll have the chance to fully learn about the beauty of this captivating winter destination.
Key Points
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This 1.5-day tour from Osaka showcases the UNESCO-listed Shirakawago, the preserved old town of Takayama, and a 2-hour Snow Otani walk at 2,450m elevation.
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The tour includes accommodation, transfers, select meals, and a Japanese-speaking guide, with English/Chinese video interpretation assistance available.
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The Snow Otani walk may be canceled due to poor weather conditions, and warm attire is essential as temperatures can drop below 10°C.
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Potential schedule changes and transportation suspensions could occur, leading to complimentary souvenirs or refunds for necessary adjustments.
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Cancellation fees may apply even within 10 days of departure, and single rooms are available for an additional fee.
Tour Overview
The tour, titled "Shirakawago & Hida & Takayama SnowWall 2Days Tour from Osaka," offers a comprehensive exploration of the picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage of the Gifu prefecture.
Priced from Kč 7,886 per person, the 1.5-day tour provides an immersive experience, with English, Japanese, and Chinese-speaking guides available.
Highlights include visiting the well-preserved old town of Takayama, exploring the UNESCO-listed Shirakawago village, and enjoying a 2-hour Snow Otani walk at an elevation of 2,450m.
Accommodation, transfers, and select meals are included, making this tour an accessible and convenient option for travelers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tateyama.
Itinerary Highlights
On the first day, travelers depart from Osaka and visit Takayama’s preserved old town, where they enjoy 1 hour of free time to explore the historic streets and traditional architecture. They then explore Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some over 250 years old. Overnight accommodations are at the APA Hotel Toyama, where guests can enjoy the Toyama Onsen.
| Day | Destination |
|---|---|
| 1 | Takayama Old Town, Shirakawago |
| 2 | Tateyama Toll Road, 2-hour Snow Otani Walk |
The second day involves traveling via the Tateyama Toll Road and enjoying a 2-hour Snow Otani walk at an elevation of 2,450 meters.
Inclusions
The tour includes a Japanese-speaking guide and round-trip transfers to and from the meeting point in Osaka.
Travelers will also enjoy one night’s accommodation at the APA Hotel Toyama or a similar property, along with breakfast on the second day.
An English/Chinese video interpreter is provided for language assistance.
However, lunch, dinner, and personal expenses aren’t included in the tour price.
Single rooms are available for an additional fee of 3000 JPY.
Potential schedule changes and weather-related adjustments may occur, with souvenirs offered as compensation if the Snow Otani walk is canceled.
Important Information
Although the meeting point is at 07:15 at Osaka Station 4th Building, travelers should note that English guidance may be provided via an interpreter if the guide speaks Japanese or Chinese.
The tour also offers several notable details:
- Single rooms are available for an additional fee of 3000 JPY.
- If the toll road closes due to inclement weather, a cable car option is available at an extra cost of 2500-5000 JPY.
- Schedule changes may occur, and potential refunds will be provided for any necessary adjustments.
Weather and safety considerations are also crucial, as the Snow Otani Walk may be canceled due to poor conditions, and the venue temperature could drop below 10°C, requiring warm attire.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyWeather and Safety Considerations
As weather and safety considerations are paramount for this tour, participants should be aware that the Snow Otani Walk may be canceled if conditions become unfavorable.
Temperatures at the venue could drop below 10°C, so warm attire is essential. The snow wall’s height varies with climate, so the tour’s schedule may change, potentially leading to refunds if adjustments are necessary.
Even if the tour is canceled within 10 days of departure, fees may still apply. Travelers should be prepared for transportation suspensions, which could result in complimentary souvenirs but no refunds.
Visiting Takayama’s Old Town
Wandering through Takayama’s preserved old town, visitors are transported back in time. Nestled in the Japanese Alps, this historical gem offers a glimpse into the past.
Visitors can:
- Stroll along the charming streets lined with traditional Japanese merchant houses and workshops.
- Admire the intricate architectural details, such as the distinctive latticed windows and ornate wooden carvings.
- Step into a traditional sake brewery to sample the region’s renowned rice wine and learn about its centuries-old production methods.
This well-preserved old town provides a captivating experience, allowing visitors to enjoy Takayama’s rich cultural heritage.
Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago
After visiting Takayama’s well-preserved old town, the tour continues to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawago.
This picturesque village is known for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses – some over 250 years old. These unique thatched-roof structures were designed to withstand heavy snowfall.
Wandering through the village, visitors can admire the charming historic buildings and learn about the traditional way of life. The tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings make Shirakawago a highlight of the tour.
With free time to explore, travelers can truly enjoy this cultural gem.
Experiencing the Snow Otani Walk
On the second day, travelers embark on the Tateyama Toll Road, a scenic mountain pass, to reach the Snow Otani at an elevation of 2,450 meters.
This 2-hour guided Snow Otani walk offers a unique experience:
- Visitors can stroll along a path carved through towering walls of snow, some reaching up to 20 meters in height.
- The walk provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, blanketed in pristine white.
- Travelers must dress warmly, as temperatures often dip below 10°C in this alpine environment.
Though weather conditions may impact the walk, the Snow Otani promises an unforgettable winter adventure.
FAQ
Can I Request a Specific Hotel for the Overnight Stay?
Specific hotel requests can be accommodated, but may incur an additional fee. Travelers should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about available options and any associated costs for requesting a particular hotel for the overnight stay.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Exploring Takayama’s Old Town?
The tour allocates 1 hour of free time for guests to explore Takayama’s preserved old town. This allows visitors to wander through the historic streets and soak in the traditional atmosphere at their own pace.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to 3 Days?
The tour does not offer an option to extend to 3 days. The itinerary is fixed at 1.5 days, with a visit to Takayama’s old town on the first day and the Snow Otani walk on the second day.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, any meals or snacks provided during the tour itinerary are not included if guests choose to bring their own.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?
The tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or children. Prices are the same for all participants regardless of age. However, single rooms are available for an additional fee of 3000 JPY.
Sum Up
This immersive 2-day tour from Osaka offers a captivating winter adventure through Japan’s enchanting landscapes. Witness the UNESCO-listed Shirakawago village, stroll Takayama’s historic streets, and embark on a thrilling Snow Otani walk amid breathtaking snow-capped peaks. With guided exploration, comfortable accommodations, and convenient transfers, this tour promises an unforgettable cultural experience for adventure-seekers seeking to enjoy Japan’s winter wonderland.
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