Venture on a remarkable day tour from Nagoya to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. This captivating experience immerses you in the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of these enchanting destinations. Savor a delicious Hida beef lunch as you explore Takayama’s historic district, witnessing traditional craftsmanship and sake brewing. Then, wander through the picturesque streets of Shirakawa-go, marveling at its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses and breathtaking mountain scenery. This personalized tour, limited to 15 travelers, promises to leave you with unforgettable memories. But there’s more to discover as you delve deeper into this captivating day tour.

Key Points

  • A comprehensive day tour that explores the historic town of Takayama and the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go, starting and ending in Nagoya.
  • The tour is led by English and Chinese-speaking guides and includes a Hida beef or vegetarian oden lunch.
  • Visitors can observe traditional Japanese craftsmanship, taste renowned Hida sake, and admire the picturesque mountain scenery of Shirakawa-go.
  • The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
  • The meeting point is at the Nagoya VIP Lounge, a minute’s walk from the station, with a non-refundable booking policy.

Tour Overview

The Takayama and Shirakawa Day Tour from Nagoya provides travelers with a comprehensive exploration of two picturesque historic destinations.

Led by an English and Chinese-speaking guide, the tour includes toll and parking fees as well as a delicious Hida beef or vegetarian oden lunch.

With a maximum of 15 travelers, this intimate outing promises a personalized experience.

The tour begins at the Nagoya VIP Lounge, conveniently located just a minute’s walk from the station, and concludes back at the same meeting point, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventures.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at the Nagoya VIP Lounge, located at 13−5 Twin Tower Building in Nagoya’s Nakamura Ward.

The meeting time is 7:50 AM, with the tour departing promptly at 8:00 AM. The meeting point is just a 1-minute walk from the VIP Lounge and 5 minutes from the Nagoya Station’s Taikotori south exit.

Travelers should look for the guide holding a blue flag. The tour ends back at the original meeting point upon completion.

Confirmation of the booking is provided at the time of reservation, and the tour is non-refundable with no cancellations allowed.

Tour Details

The tour ends back at the original meeting point upon completion. Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of reservation. However, the tour is non-refundable, and no refunds are available for cancellations. A detailed breakdown of the tour pricing is provided in the table below:

Pricing Details
From $89.42 per person Lowest price guarantee
Infants (0-3 years) Free, must sit on laps
Children (0-11 years) Charged adult rate, must be accompanied by paying adult
Children (12+ years) Charged adult rate

In case of unforeseen events or extreme weather, the operator reserves the right to cancel the tour, but offers the options to reschedule or request a full refund.

Accessibility and Age Policy

Wheelchair and stroller accessibility are available, and the tour is situated near public transportation.

Infants can join the tour, but they must sit on a lap and won’t occupy a separate seat.

Children aged 0-3 can participate for free. However, children aged 0-11 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Travelers aged 12 and up are charged the same rate as adults.

In case of unforeseen events or extreme weather, the tour operator may cancel the tour, but rescheduling or a full refund option will be available.

Highlights of Takayama

Although Takayama is known for its well-preserved historic district, the tour highlights the city’s traditional craftsmanship. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the intricate process of making Hida yosegi-zaiku, a type of intricately patterned wood crafts. The tour also includes a visit to a traditional sake brewery, where guests can observe the time-honored methods used to create the region’s renowned sake.

Traditional Crafts Sake Brewery
Hida yosegi-zaiku Observe time-honored methods
Intricate wood patterns Taste renowned Hida sake
Handcrafted process

Exploring Shirakawa-go

After exploring Takayama’s rich cultural heritage, the tour moves on to the picturesque village of Shirakawa-go.

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, this UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its unique "gassho-zukuri" farmhouses with their distinctive, steeply-pitched roofs.

Visitors can wander through the charming streets, admiring the well-preserved traditional architecture and capturing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The tour also provides an opportunity to learn about the region’s history and way of life, offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s rural heritage.

Key highlights include:

  • Exploring the quaint, historic village streets
  • Admiring the iconic "gassho-zukuri" farmhouses
  • Learning about the region’s traditional way of life
  • Taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery
  • Experiencing the tranquility and cultural richness of the village

Hida Beef Lunch

The tour’s Hida Beef Lunch features a delectable Hida beef or vegetarian oden lunch, providing a savory respite during the day’s explorations. Hida beef, renowned for its exceptional marbling and tenderness, is the highlight of the meal. Vegetarian oden, a traditional Japanese hot pot dish, offers a tasty alternative. Both options are served in a cozy, authentic setting, allowing travelers to enjoy the local culinary culture.

Hida Beef Vegetarian Oden
Tender, well-marbled cuts Assortment of simmered vegetables
Grilled to perfection Served in a dashi broth
Accompanied by seasonal sides Includes tofu and konnyaku
Paired with local rice and miso soup Garnished with scallions and grated ginger

Additional Information

In the event of unforeseen circumstances or extreme weather, the tour operator may cancel the excursion. In such cases, customers will have the option to reschedule the tour or request a full refund.

The tour is non-refundable, and no refunds will be issued for cancellations.

This tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and it’s located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and children aged 0-11 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

The tour price starts at $89.42 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.

  • Flexibility for unforeseen events
  • Non-refundable policy
  • Accessibility for all travelers
  • Age requirements for children
  • Competitive pricing with guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Specific Date?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a specific date. The tour overview and meeting details indicate that the tour operates on a regular schedule, and customers can book the tour for their desired date, subject to availability.

Do You Provide Any Discounts for Group Bookings?

The tour operator offers discounts for group bookings, but the specific discount amount isn’t provided. It’s best to inquire directly with the operator to get details on their group pricing and any available discounts.

What Type of Transportation Is Used During the Tour?

The tour includes transportation via a private coach. The coach is used to transport travelers between the meeting point in Nagoya and the destinations of Takayama and Shirakawa-go during the day trip.

Is Photography Allowed at the Historical Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the historical sites visited during the tour. Travelers are encouraged to take photos to capture the beauty and cultural significance of the destinations, as long as they respect any site-specific restrictions.

Can I Make Any Special Dietary Requests for the Lunch?

Yes, you can make special dietary requests for the lunch. The tour includes a Hida Beef or vegetarian Oden lunch, and the operator is able to accommodate dietary requirements with prior notice.

Recap

This Nagoya day tour to Takayama and Shirakawa-go offers a chance to take in Japan’s cultural heritage. Guests will marvel at the UNESCO-listed villages, savor renowned Hida beef, and discover traditional craftsmanship. With personalized attention and a small group size, travelers can expect an unforgettable experience exploring these historic and scenic destinations.