Visit Shirakawa-go (from Takayama)

THIS TOUR STARTS FROM A LOCATION OF YOUR CHOICE IN TAKAYAMA.

You can pick your hotel, a train station or any other location as long as it is located within TAKAYAMA CITY.

If you would like our assistance in reaching TAKAYAMA, please book a customized bespoke tour instead.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE?

+ Vehicle designated in selected package (either a Toyota Alphard or HiAce Grand Cabin)

+ English speaking driver (the driver is not a guide & may only have basic English skills)

+ Tolls, Highway Fees, Parking Fees, Fuel (and other associated vehicle costs for this itinerary)

SEAT PLAN

Toyota Alphard	HiAce Grand Cabin

HOW CAN I ADD A TOUR GUIDE?

Pick a date & package; press the PROCEED BOOKING button. The next screen will offer you the option to add on a REGION EXPERT (a local guide with expert knowledge of the area, its history and culture) for an additional fee. Other add-ons may also be available.

ITINERARY

This private package tour will start at a location of your choice within TAKAYAMA and then proceed to your chosen destination options.

Destination 01: Tenshukaku Observatory

Destination 02: Myozenji

Destination 03: Souvenir shops in Shirakawa-go

DETAILED ITINERARY

Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa Village) is a Japanese mountain settlement in what was once considered a wild and unexplored region. Because of the area’s natural environment, with high mountains and heavy snowfall, interaction with neighboring regions was limited. However, this also created the conditions for the development of unique cultural practices and lifestyles.

Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, Shirakawa-go is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means “constructed like hands in prayer”, as the farmhouses’ steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer.

We start off in the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa. After picking you up in one of our luxurious private vehicles, we will drive you through some truly spectacular views to the three iconic destinations in Matsuyama.

Destination 01: Tenshukaku Observatory

The observation area at Shiroyama castle keep is one of the best places to overlook the gassho style houses gathered below in the settlement of Ogi-machi. The Wada residence, with its massively distinctive gassho style gables, sits in the center of the scene, surrounded by seasonal nature. The quiet atmosphere of Ogi-machi gives visitors the impression of gazing out over a fairy tale landscape.

Destination 02: Myozenji Temple Museum

The monk’s residence, bell tower gate, and main hall were constructed in around 1800 following the temple’s establishment in 1748. The monk’s residence (or “kuri”) provided housing and kitchen facilities for monks living at the temple. The interior currently serves as an exhibition space displaying everyday items from the past. The bell tower gate (or “shoromon”) features a thatched roof, below which hangs the temple bell (or “bonsho”). The original bell was requisitioned for its metal during WWII, and the current bell was cast following the war. The main hall enshrines an image of Buddha.

Destination 03: Souvenir Shops in Shirakawa-go

Situated in a mountainous region, Shirakawa-go, while blessed with rich nature since long ago, has also remained relatively isolated. Combined with the lack of transport routes, the heavy winter snowfall cut off contact with the outside world, causing Shirakawa-go to be known as the “inland island” or an “unexplored region”. Adapting to this environment, Shirakawa-go produced seasonal foods and specialty products, blessed by the 4 seasons and the nature of the mountains and rivers. The goods introduced here are sold at various souvenir shops around the village.

The tour will end with us dropping you off at a location of your choice in Takayama.