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Offered languages
- English
Step into the timeless mountain town of Takayama on this private, fully guided day tour led by a government-licensed guide, with your own private vehicle and driver. Tucked in the Hida region of the Japan Alps, Takayama is famed for its superbly preserved Edo-era streets, sake breweries and lively festivals. Begin at Takayama Jinya, Japan's last surviving Edo-period government house, then wander the dark-timbered merchant lanes of Sanmachi Suji and the bustling Miyagawa morning market. Explore the open-air farmhouses of Hida no Sato, visit the forested Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, and admire the gilded floats at the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall. Stroll the peaceful Higashiyama temple trail and pause at the photogenic red Nakabashi Bridge over the Miyagawa River. With hotel pickup, a flexible customizable route and an expert local guide, you'll uncover the best of Takayama at your own relaxed pace.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in central Takayama or your preferred place around Takayama Station. Please use email for any communication before the tour.
Your guide will be waiting outside of the ticket gate at JR Takayama station holding a sign with the lead traveler's name.After meeting your guide, guide will escort to the vehicle.
Itinerary
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1Takayama Jinya
Takayama Jinya is the only surviving Edo-period government house in Japan, once the seat of the shogunate's regional administration. Tour its tatami offices, courtrooms, storehouses and gardens with your guide to understand how the Hida region was governed for centuries.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2Sanmachi Suji
Sanmachi Suji is the beautifully preserved heart of Takayama's old town, where dark wooden merchant houses, sake breweries and craft shops line narrow lanes. Stroll the atmospheric streets with your guide, sampling local sake and Hida specialties along the way.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market
Held each morning along the Miyagawa River, this lively market is a Takayama tradition. Browse stalls of fresh local produce, pickles, crafts and snacks run by Hida farmers, and sample regional treats as your guide introduces the area's food culture.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village (Hida no Sato)
Hida no Sato is an open-air museum of more than 30 traditional thatched-roof farmhouses relocated from around the Hida region. Wander the village around its pond to see folk crafts, tools and gassho-style architecture, as your guide explains rural mountain life of old Japan.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included -
5
Sakurayama Hachimangu is a tranquil forested shrine in northern Takayama and the focus of the famous autumn Takayama Festival. Admire its grand wooden hall and torii gate as your guide shares the legends and festival traditions tied to this sacred site.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
This exhibition hall displays several of the magnificent festival floats (yatai) used in Takayama's celebrated festivals. Marvel at their intricate carvings, gold leaf and mechanical puppets up close, while your guide explains the craftsmanship and centuries-old festival traditions.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
7Higashiyama Walking Course
The Higashiyama Walking Course is a peaceful temple trail winding through eastern Takayama, linking historic temples, shrines and the ruins of Takayama Castle. Stroll the quiet, tree-lined path with your guide for a serene contrast to the busy old town below.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Nakabashi Bridge
The bright red Nakabashi Bridge over the Miyagawa River is one of Takayama's most photogenic spots, especially beautiful with cherry blossoms in spring. Pause here with your guide for photos and stories of the bridge's role in the city's celebrated festivals.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Additional info
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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