Top Gifu Prefecture Art & Culture

Avoid the stress of navigating remote mountain roads and infrequent public transport service with this bus tour to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Ainokura from Takayama. Visit the UNESCO-listed villages, known for their unique gassho-style houses, with a guide who shares insights into local history, food culture, and traditions that you'd miss on your own.

Travel conveniently from Takayama to Kanazawa in our air conditioned buses. Along the way, stop for two hours in UNESCO village Shirakawago, famous for its beautiful natural scenery and gassho houses. Finally, arrive at Kanazawa. Avoid the hassle of planning and navigating public transportation, as we take care of the logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip. Store up to two pieces of luggage beneath the bus, and one carry on item in the bus (per person).

See more of Japan in less time with this guided tour that checks off Takayama and Shirakawago in a day. To save time organizing car rental, transport between sites is included, as well as guided walks to elevate the trip. Places showcased on the route include a morning market, the traditional district of Sanmachi, and Takayama Jinya. Lunch is not included, so plan accordingly.

Discover Takayama’s old town through its sake, culture, and history. On this guided walking tour, visit local sake breweries, taste authentic Hida sake, and learn how the region’s cold climate, clean mountain water, and long brewing traditions shape its unique flavors. Along the way, explore charming historic streets and hear stories about Takayama’s merchant culture, festivals, and local life. A relaxed and enjoyable experience for travelers who want more than just sightseeing. Please note that the breweries visited may change depending on the operating status of each sake brewery on the day of the tour. In such cases, we may guide you to other local sake breweries instead.

Experience Japan’s greatest battle at Sekigahara from the perspective of the samurai. A local guide will lead you to key sites like Ishida Mitsunari’s and Tokugawa Ieyasu’s camps, explaining the strategies and stories of the warriors in an easy-to-understand way. Stand at reconstructed camps, memorials, and vantage points to feel the battle’s intensity firsthand. You’ll also visit the modern, multilingual Gifu Sekigahara Battlefield Memorial Museum, designed to help international visitors grasp the full story. This isn’t just sightseeing — it’s a unique chance to truly feel history come alive.

Step into one of Japan's most timeless landscapes on a private day tour from Takayama. Walk through Shirakawa-go's UNESCO World Heritage village with your own English-speaking guide, step inside centuries-old thatched farmhouses, and take in panoramic views from above the valley. No coach crowds, no fixed pac. Just your group, your guide, and a village that has changed little in 300 years.

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.

Dive into a day of tranquility and cultural richness with our group tour to Gero Onsen, a haven celebrated for its healing hot springs. This full-day excursion from Takayama offers a harmonious blend of scenic natural beauty, historical insights, and the rejuvenating charm of onsen. Your journey starts with a soothing riverside stroll, setting a peaceful tone. Explore Gero Onsen Gassho Village to witness traditional living, delve into the mystical world of onsen at Gero Onsen Museum, and seek spiritual solace at Onsenji Temple. Cap your experience with a relaxing onsen bath, immersing in the local hot spring culture. This tour is an ideal fusion of relaxation, cultural discovery, and historical exploration, making it a perfect getaway to one of Japan’s most famed onsen towns.

Step back in time on this 2-hour private guided walking tour of Takayama’s beautifully preserved old town. Your journey begins at Takayama Jinya, the only remaining government office of its kind from the Edo period, where you explore tatami-lined rooms and learn how officials oversaw regional governance under the Tokugawa shogunate. From there, wander into Sanmachi Suji—Takayama’s iconic old town district filled with wooden merchant houses, traditional crafts and atmospheric sake breweries. Enjoy opportunities to photograph the centuries-old streetscapes and learn how the town prospered as a key mountain settlement. To complete your experience, visit a historic brewery for a sake-tasting session featuring locally brewed varieties. Your guide explains how Takayama’s cold climate, clear water and long-standing craftsmanship influence the flavors. Combining history, architecture and food culture, this private tour offers a rich and personal introduction to Takayama.

While many Machiya buildings have lost their original appearance, our house still shows how life was in those days. Machiya architecture follows a certain format, and how each house pursued beauty within that format is quite different. Our townhouse was formerly run as an obstetrics and gynecology clinic. The combination of the main house and the clinic is very unique, and the strange harmony of the two is very beautiful. You will get to know the Machiya architecture and enjoy Japanese tea with seasonal fruits and sweets.

Takayama boasts a vibrant food scene, but deciphering Japanese characters alone can be challenging. This private food, sake, and culture tour offers a comprehensive introduction to the city and helps you overcome the language barrier and get your bearings with ease. Immerse yourself in Edo-era history as you admire the finer details on foot at your own pace.

Embark on a walking tour around Takayama and discover parts of the city you'd likely miss on your own. At a leisurely pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop to ask questions, follow your guide through both the old and new parts of town.You'll see such landmarks as the Yamazakura Shrine and Nakabashi Bridge and learn all about Takayama's unique culture and history.

Step back in time as you explore Takayama, a city shaped by centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Takayama offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm, where ancient temples, well-preserved streets, and feudal history tell the story of a bygone era. This immersive walking tour takes you through the city's most significant sites, providing a deeper understanding of its rich past and architectural wonders. Designed for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and travelers who enjoy walking through picturesque settings, this tour offers a perfect mix of storytelling, scenic landscapes, and local insights. Whether you're a first-time visitor eager to discover Takayama’s hidden gems or a returning traveler looking to experience the city from a fresh perspective, this guided walk will leave you with a newfound appreciation for its enduring legacy.

You can experience History and culture of Takayama. This is walking tour around oldtownship in Takayama city. local guide could satisfy you!!! After walking tour our guide will take you to Hida Folk village. (Not include entrance fee of Hida Folk village) If you need other language guide, please let us know. If you wanted to private tour let us know. Not less than 2 person. If it's raining possible to do this tour. This is １to 2hours tour, so some places may be skipped if there is not enough time.

Pickup at your hotel by your private certified Takayama guide. Enjoy your day with an itinerary that you can discuss and customize from the moment you meet your guide, with their advice on local festivals and weather. Get the most of your time in Takayama and get the experience you want with your personal local guide.

You can experience History and culture of Takayama. This is walking tour around oldtownship in Takayama city. local guide could satisfy you!!! You can make food sample like photo if you want. Please let us know if you want to do it. If no request anything guide will not do this expelience. this tour include food sample of Takoyaki making fee ! but if you want to do this, you need time + 30min. we will do English guide this tour. If you need other language guide, please let us know. If you wanted to private tour let us know. Not less than 2 person. If it's raining possible to do this tour.

Craft and Test Your Knife Under the guidance of skilled craftsmen, you'll forge a stunning Damascus kitchen knife. Once completed, you'll test its sharpness by cutting fresh vegetables, experiencing firsthand the exceptional quality of your creation. You may be amazed at just how sharp your knife is! Learn the Art of Sharpening Throughout the knife-making process, you'll learn the essential skill of knife sharpening. This knowledge ensures you can easily maintain the razor-sharp edge of your knife, keeping it in prime condition for years to come. Choose Your Perfect Knife Select from three distinct types of knives to craft: Japanese Damascus Kitchen Knife: Ideal for everyday culinary use. Folding Damascus Hunting Knife: A versatile and portable option for outdoor enthusiasts. Chinese Damascus Kitchen Knife: Perfect for traditional Chinese cooking techniques. (Note: Prices vary based on the type of knife chosen.) Join us for a memorable and educational experience.

*Yes! It is a 'Pay as you wish' tour; ¥449 will be refunded to you in person* Step off the train and dive into Takayama’s soul with a guide so obsessed he moved here. This is no ordinary heritage stroll—it’s a 5-senses feast across 10 must-see spots: from the bustling Morning Market and iconic Takayama Jinya, to a serene shrine famed for its festival, plus the charming Old Town. Taste local bites, hear the river’s flow, see Edo-era architecture, smell crisp mountain air, and touch timeless crafts. Perfect for short stays, gain insider stories and ideas to explore beyond the surface. Ask anything—from small-town life to big-city Japan—and leave ready to dive deep into this mountain gem. Highlights: - 10 sights, not 1 or 5 - Taste my favourite street food - Hear what it’s like living here as a foreigner - See Takayama & Japan, through fresh eyes IMPORTANT notes: - Tour starts with min.8pax - max.15pax, keeping tours intimate and warm-hearted - Recommended tip: ¥4000–¥5000 per pax

Spend time outdoors and explore the rural wonders of Hida—without the worry of getting lost—on this guided half-day tour. Led by an English-speaking guide, ride an e-bike through the Japanese countryside to Maze village and discover off-the-beaten-path sites that you likely wouldn’t find alone. Along the way, hear stories about local life as you pedal past forests, rivers, and rice fields. Note that lunch is not included.

Experience the charm of Takayama on a fully customizable 4-hour private tour tailored to your interests. Start your journey at a time that suits you—8 AM, 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, or 12 PM. Your guide will meet you at your hotel or, if preferred, at the Takayama Tourist Information Center next to JR Takayama Station's East Exit. Work with your guide to craft the perfect itinerary, selecting from a variety of must-see destinations and cultural highlights. Whether you're drawn to Takayama's historic streets, vibrant markets, or tranquil walking paths, this tour allows you to explore at your own pace. Possible stops include:

Explore the village of Shirakawa-go, located in the Gifu mountains and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site for its distinctive architecture. This private tour from Takayama is exclusively for your party and can be fully customized to your interests. You'll have the chance to wander around the unique village, stroll through historic streets, and soak up stunning mountain landscapes.

This meditation session is for beginners, spoken in English. Venerable Yamamoto will guide you to the peaceful and heartwarming moment that you have never experienced before. You can exercise the real way of Buddhist meditation in the great atmosphere. Definitely you can feel something different and new. It will be a turning point to change your future. We have some chairs in the hall. You are required to be here 5 minutes before it starts. Meditation practitioners are also welcome to join in. You are welcomed to join in the prayer service starting at 7:00, too.

Escape tourist hotspots and spend a day exploring the local culinary scene in Hida. As it’s a guided tour, you won’t have to worry about getting lost, and can concentrate on the delicious food. Try multiple local specialties such as miso, beef croquettes, Japanese sweets, and tea. A highlight is visiting a sake brewery to learn about sake production and enjoy sake tastings.