Make the most of your time in Nagoya on a 2-day excursion to Takayama and the Historic Village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, many of which are more than 250 years old; explore Takayama, known as ‘Little Kyoto’; and travel along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, home to the spectacular Snow Corridor. Overnight accommodation and select meals are included.
Meet in front of the McDonald's inside Esca Shopping Mall at the West Exit (Taikodori-guchi) of JR Nagoya Station. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled meeting time. The tour conductor will be holding a flag and a placard with the local tour operator's logo.
The bus will stop at a nearby location where it is safe and convenient for passengers to disembark.
Your adventure begins as you meet your tour conductor at Nagoya Station. Here, you’ll board the comfortable tour bus and embark on a scenic journey toward the beautiful mountainous regions of Japan. As we head toward Hida Takayama, you will have the opportunity to wander through this charming town, often referred to as "Little Kyoto" due to its well-preserved Edo-period streets. The peaceful atmosphere and the historical buildings provide a perfect setting for an independent stroll. Take your time to explore traditional merchant houses, visit the local markets, or just enjoy the tranquil surroundings. You’ll also have some free time for lunch (on your own expense), where you can savor local delicacies such as Hida beef or other regional specialties.
Next, we will visit the iconic Shirakawa-go, known for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs. This picturesque village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has remained largely unchanged for centuries. As you stroll through the village, you’ll feel like stepping back in time. With the surrounding mountains as a backdrop, the harmony between nature and these historical buildings is truly magical.
Enjoy a comfortable stay at this business hotel in Western-style rooms equipped with a private bath and toilet. Room allocation (single/twin) will be handled by us. Depending on room availability, even if you book a twin room, you may be required to stay in separate single rooms. Please note that all rooms are non-smoking, with designated smoking areas available. The hotel also features a large public bath for your relaxation. While there is no dinner included, you have the flexibility to choose from a variety of nearby dining options. Breakfast options include either a traditional Japanese set or a Western-style set. However, depending on congestion along the Alpine Route, the departure time on the second day may be earlier than usual, and as a result, breakfast may be provided as a boxed meal.
After breakfast, you will board the bus and head to Tateyama, one of the two entry points to the famous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, located at an elevation of 475 meters. Prepare to experience the grandeur of Japan’s mountainous beauty as you begin your ascent into one of the world’s most scenic mountain routes. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a renowned mountain tourism route that spans across the Northern Alps, passing through towering peaks that rise over 3,000 meters. The total length of the route is 37.2 kilometers, with a maximum elevation difference of 1,975 meters. As you journey through, you’ll be immersed in the vast, breathtaking natural landscape of Tateyama Kurobe, where the magnificent beauty of the alpine world unfolds before you.
Next, you will board the Tateyama Cable Car for 7 mins for a scenic ascent up to Bijodaira, reaching an elevation of 977 meters. As you glide up the mountainside, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, where snow still lingers even into late spring.
Your journey continues with the Tateyama Highland Bus to Murodo for about 50 mins in total, the highest point of the route at 2,450m. Murodo is famous for its dramatic Snow Walls, which can tower over 20m high in some areas, depending on the snowfall. During winter, the area is covered in thick snow, making it impassable, but as spring approaches, snowplows begin their work, sculpting the snow into towering walls over the course of 2 months. This awe-inspiring spectacle is a result of the region’s intense snowfall. For those who wish to experience it up close, a limited-time Snow Wall Walk event is held between mid-April and early June. This unique event allows you to walk between the towering snow walls, offering a rare chance to fully immerse yourself in this breathtaking natural wonder. The height of the walls can vary depending on the snowfall, and the event may be canceled due to weather conditions.
Next, you’ll board the Tateyama Tunnel Electric Bus (10 mins ride) and head to Daikanbo, located at an elevation of 2,316 meters, one of the best spots on the Alpine Route for taking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. From here, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of the Tateyama Mountain Range, snow-capped peaks, alpine valleys, and the stunning lake created by the Kurobe Dam. This location offers an exceptional vantage point, where you can take in the vast mountain landscape, with breathtaking views in every direction. The crisp mountain air adds to the sense of serenity, making it a perfect spot for photos.
From Daikanbo, you’ll board the Tateyama Ropeway for 7 mins and descend to Kurobedaira at 1,828 meters. As you glide down the ropeway, enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, with dramatic cliffs and alpine flora surrounding you. Kurobedaira offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere, where you can take a moment to reflect and appreciate the beauty of the Alps.
After, you will board the Kurobe Cable Car for a short ride (5 mins) to Kurobe Lake at 1,455 meters, where you can take in the serene beauty of the lake, surrounded by majestic mountains. From the lake, you will take a 15 min walk to the Kurobe Dam at 1,470 meters, one of the tallest dams in Japan. As you walk, you'll be immersed in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, with the pristine lake and the stunning gorge at your feet. The views from the dam are breathtaking, with the mountains towering over you and the powerful force of the water flowing beneath during water discharge period (from 26 June to 15 October).
Your final destination on the Alpine Route is Ogizawa Station, where you'll board the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus for a 16-minute journey. Once you reach Ogizawa Station, you’ll board your tour bus for the return journey to Nagoya Station, completing your unforgettable trip through the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
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If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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