Journey beyond the cities into Japan’s mountain heartland, where communities have lived in harmony with nature for centuries and traditions remain part of everyday life. This full-day private tour from Nagoya introduces two of Japan’s most evocative historic destinations: the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go and the traditional merchant town of Takayama.
Your day begins in Shirakawa-go, a village shaped by generations of life in one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall regions. Its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses are more than visually striking architecture—they are the result of practical wisdom, resilience, and a strong culture of cooperation. Walking through the village reveals how daily life and community bonds were formed through adaptation to a harsh natural environment.
From Shirakawa-go, travel through the Japanese Alps toward Takayama, enjoying ever-changing views of mountains, rivers, and rural settlements along the way. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, offering insight into how geography influences culture and lifestyle.
In Takayama, explore a living merchant town where Edo-period streets are still home to sake breweries, craft shops, and local businesses. Surrounded by mountains, the town reflects a way of life shaped by wood, pure water, and skilled craftsmanship. Traveling by private vehicle allows for a smooth and flexible day trip, offering a deeper appreciation of Japan’s enduring beauty and mountain traditions.
Meet your English-speaking guide driver in your hotel lobby and depart Nagoya by private vehicle. As you leave the city behind, your guide will introduce the day’s journey and share insights into the mountain regions you are about to explore.
Arrive in Shirakawa-go and begin a guided walk through the village. Rather than a fixed route, the visit is shaped around your interests, with your guide adjusting the pace and focus as you explore. Walk among the gassho-zukuri farmhouses and learn how daily life, architecture, and community cooperation developed in response to heavy snowfall.
Depending on your interests, you may visit sites such as Wada House, a preserved farmhouse that offers insight into traditional village life (Admission: 400 JPY). Throughout the walk, your guide will provide context on the village’s history, lifestyle, and cultural significance.
Depart Shirakawa-go and continue through the Japanese Alps. Enjoy the changing scenery of mountains, rivers, and rural settlements while your guide explains how geography has shaped life in these regions.
Arrive in Takayama and explore the historic merchant town on foot with your guide. The walk is flexible and tailored to your interests, allowing you to focus on architecture, history, local crafts, or food culture. Stroll through Edo-period streets where traditional businesses continue to operate today.
Depending on your preferences, optional visits may include;
Lunch is enjoyed during this time at a local restaurant of your choice, with your guide happy to offer recommendations.
Leave Takayama and begin the return journey. Relax in the comfort of your private vehicle as you reflect on the contrasting yet connected cultures of mountain villages and merchant towns.
Arrive back at your city hotel, concluding a day immersed in Japan’s living mountain heritage and enduring beauty.
At your hotel in Nagoya
In Japan, the use of a child safety seat is mandatory for children under 6 years old. Please select the child seat option at the time of booking.
Some cash for optional admission fees, meals, and personal purchases.
This experience is booked on request. The owner of the experience will respond to the request within 5 days
| Cancellation Date | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| No-show or cancellation after tour departure | 100% of the tour price |
| On the tour date | 50% of the tour price |
| 1 day prior to the tour date | 40% of the tour price |
| 2 to 7 days prior to the tour date | 30% of the tour price |
| 8 to 10 days prior to the tour date | 20% of the tour price |
| 11 or more days prior to the tour date | Free |
