Takayama Explore Gokayama and Shirakawa go

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9 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover Japan's rich cultural heritage on this one-day tour from Takayama to the UNESCO World Heritage villages of Gokayama and Shirakawa-go. Visit the serene Ainokura village, participate in a traditional papermaking experience, and explore the charming streets of Suganuma. The tour culminates in Shirakawa-go, famous for its unique thatched-roof farmhouses, where you'll get stunning views and enjoy free time to soak in the atmosphere. With an English-speaking guide sharing insights about the area's history and architecture, this tour provides an enriching glimpse into Japan's rural life.

- Visit three UNESCO World Heritage villages: Ainokura, Suganuma, and Shirakawa-go
- Engage in a hands-on traditional papermaking workshop in Ainokura
- Explore Shirakawa-go, with options to enter a farmhouse and enjoy the lookout point views
- Tour runs year-round with a 9:00 A.M. start from Takayama Station, returning around 5:30 P.M.

What's Included

English-speaking guide
Entry to the museum at Suganuma
Transportation from Takayama to (Gokayama) Ainokura, Suganuma, and Shirakawa-go
Guided walks at (Gokayama) Ainokura, Suganuma, and Shirakawa-go
Traditional papermaking experience
Lunch

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Takayama Station

The meetup point is outside of the ticket gates at JR Takayama Station. Once you have left the gates, look to your left to see a walkway and a carving depicting an ornate wagon. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Please look for the guide wearing a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tag

End point
This activity ends in a different location. You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Arrive at Ainokura Village, the most secluded of the Gokayama World Heritage villages. Enjoy a guided walk through this peaceful settlement and take part in a hands-on traditional papermaking experience.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Continue to Suganuma Village, a compact riverside hamlet known for its preserved gassho-zukuri homes. Visit a museum highlighting the village’s role in producing materials used for traditional gunpowder, followed by free time to explore and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or picnic-style.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Shirakawa-mura

    Arrive at Shirakawa-go, the most iconic of the three UNESCO-listed villages. Walk through the historic village with your guide, enter one of the traditional farmhouses, and visit the famous lookout point (weather permitting) for panoramic views.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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