Top Gifu Prefecture Seasonal & Special Occasions

Experience the serene beauty of Hida’s winter landscape on this immersive snowshoe tour in the mountains of Takayama. Guided by certified experts from the Japan Mountain Guides Association, you’ll trek through quiet snow-covered forests to reach a scenic waterfall area deep in nature. At the base of the falls, your guide—who is also a professional barista—will hand-brew specialty coffee using pure mountain spring water, offering a warm and reflective moment surrounded by winter silence. A light meal featuring homemade soup and sandwiches made with local ingredients is also included. Centered around the theme of “snow,” this tour invites adventure seekers, coffee lovers, and anyone wishing to reconnect with nature through a uniquely Japanese winter experience.

Learn more about traditional Japanese sake on a brewery tour in Takayama. While the city is home to several sake breweries, you’ll visit the oldest, which is also the largest. See how the alcoholic drink is made, and learn some of the tricks that go into making it. This is a great rainy or snowy-day activity in the mountains.

Learn more about sake, the traditional Japanese drink, on a tasting tour of six to seven sake breweries in Takayama. Your guide is an experienced sake brewer who can answer your questions and give insider tips as you taste a variety of sake samples at each brewery. When available, you can take an optional behind-the-scenes tour to learn even more.

The village of Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its traditional gassho houses and serene mountain setting. On this tour, discover the town at its most magical during the winter Light-Up festival. Every weekend throughout the winter months, the town is lit-up with dazzling illuminations and it’s a spectacular sight, with the colorful lights dancing off the snow-covered landscapes.

What makes this tour unique is its blend of cultural immersion and culinary excellence. From the once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend the Shimotsuki Festival with locals to savoring one of the region’s finest winter gibier dinners, every moment is designed to be truly unforgettable.

Enjoy an otherworldly nature experience on this private tour that is customized to your preferences. Follow your guide deep into the snow-covered forest, experiencing the Japanese art of *shinrin-yoku,* or "forest bathing." Before you know it, a tower of blue ice stands before you. Soak in the scene, feel Japan's ethereal side, and find yourself one with Mother Nature.

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Takayama through its most iconic festival traditions. This half-day walking tour takes you through the history and artistry behind the Takayama Festival, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful celebrations. Explore the elaborate festival floats at the Takayama Matsuri Yatai Museum, learn about the intricate craftsmanship that brings them to life, and visit Hachimangu Shrine, the spiritual home of the festival. Walk through the Old Town, where merchant houses and sake breweries reflect the enduring legacy of Takayama’s past, and start the day at the Takayama Morning Markets, where local flavors and crafts set the scene for this culturally immersive experience. Led by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide, this tour is perfect for those looking to discover Takayama’s cultural treasures in just a few hours.

Experience the timeless beauty of **Takayama** after dark on a guided walking tour through its beautifully preserved historic district. Wander along lantern-lit streets lined with traditional wooden merchant houses, discover the fascinating history of **Takayama Jinya**, and hear captivating stories that bring the city's Edo-period heritage to life. Away from the daytime crowds, the tranquil evening atmosphere offers a unique perspective of one of Japan's best-preserved old towns. The softly illuminated streets, historic architecture, and charming alleyways create exceptional opportunities for stunning nighttime photography, making this an unforgettable cultural experience.

A skilled guide will give you this tour of the taverns and charming Takayama nights that only locals usually enter. You will learn about the local culture and history as well as the nightlife of the locals. You may also take this opportunity to ask your guide any questions you have about Japan or anything else you would like to know. The tour will stop at no less than 3 Izakaya or Bar. For safety reasons, we cannot accept groups of men only when a female guide is available. Sometimes Izakaya or bar we are planning to visit is not open, in which case we will go somewhere else. Please contact us in advance if you have any allergies or food restrictions or the case only table seat available.

Hirata Sake Brewery, which celebrates its 130th anniversary this year, offers tours of its new brewery, which relocated in 2024. Each tour is limited to a small number of participants, and staff members will guide you through the brewery and offer tastings, allowing you to learn more about sake brewing up close. The roots of Hirata Sake Brewery were put down way back in 1769 during the Edo period. It was started by a merchant who ran a bintsuke oil and candle shop in the center of Hida Takayama. In 1895, during the Meiji era, the 5th generation owners converted this to a sake brewery which then was the beginning of Hirata Sake Brewery. The source of Japanese spiritual culture and the distinct advantage of Hida with its severe winters and rich tradition of sake making brings forth a fine range of exquisite sake. That is Hirata Sake Brewery.

Immerse yourself in the special charm of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the history and architecture of its iconic gassho-zukuri houses. As it is a self-guided tour, you can enjoy meals and sightseeing at your own pace. Enjoy a hassle-free journey from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go, with non-stop direct bus service. Please select an option with one-way or round trip bus tickets. One-way ticket from Nagoya to shirakawa-go: 6:45 AM from Nagoya 10:35 AM at Shirakawa-go One-way ticket from Shirakawa-go to Nagoya: 2:15 PM from Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal 6:10 PM in Nagoya One-way ticket from Nagoya to shirakawa-go: 9:40 AM from Takayama green Hotel 10:35 AM at Shirakawa-go One-way ticket from Shirakawa-go to Takayama: 2:15 PM from Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal 3:15 PM in Takayama

Explore the rich traditions of sake-making at Okuhida Brewery in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, established in 1720. This guided experience, available in Japanese and English, takes you through atmospheric corridors filled with original tools and wooden structures that showcase the brewery's historic craftsmanship. Learn about the brewing process from your knowledgeable guide and experience the unique sound of a century-old foot-operated organ that fills the space with nostalgia. This cultural experience is perfect for both seasoned sake lovers and newcomers eager to delve into Japan's sake heritage. Guided experience at Okuhida Brewery, established in 1720 Available in Japanese and English for diverse visitors Discover historical tools, wooden structures, and the brewing process Listen to the unique sounds of a preserved foot-operated organ

You can experience not only History and culture but also local food & Sake brewery of Takayama. include food fee and experience of making Rice cracker and Sake tasting in Hirase brewery. sometimes Rice cracker factory suddenly rest, so we need confirm if it's possible to do making rice cracker This is walking tour around in Takayama city. local guide could satisfy you! If you need other language guide, please let us know. If you wanted to private tour let us know. Not less than 2 person. Please call us if you want to do our tour within few hours. If it's raining possible to do this tour.

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.

2 Masterclass Brewery Tastings. From Meiji-era bubbly Nigori cloudy sake to a rare, ruby-gold Koshu aged premium sake. Your Own Masu Cup. Get a complimentary wooden Masu cup from Japan's No. 1 producer, use it for tastings today, keep it as a lifetime souvenir. 70-Year Tradition Sushi Lunch. Indulge in a premium sushi lunch, hand-crafted with fresh market seafood. Door-to-Door Private Transport. Skip the trains and relax with your dedicated English-speaking driver.

Discover the authentic nightlife of Gero Onsen on this guided bar hopping tour. Experience the charm of local bars and eateries where Gero residents unwind over drinks and conversations. Tailored to your preferences, the tour adapts to your tastes, whether you prefer beer, sake, or light snacks. Visit two unique bars, each offering a distinct atmosphere, with a food and drink allowance of 1,500 yen per venue, so you can enjoy the local cuisine without worry. Gain cultural insights from your guide and connect with the warm hospitality of this quaint hot spring town. - Guided tour exploring two local bars in Gero Onsen - Personalized experience based on your drink and food preferences - Enjoy up to 1,500 yen allowance for food and drinks at each venue - Learn about local customs and bar culture from your guide

Visit skilled artisans whom you normally wouldn't have the chance to meet and learn about traditional crafts. Afterward, enjoy a hands-on experience painting your favorite design on a Gifu Lantern or a mini Gifu Japanese Umbrella made by the artisans. The finished piece will be an unforgettable souvenir from your trip.

Explore the art of sake at Funasaka Sake Brewery, where tradition meets innovation. Begin your visit with a guided tour through the brewery’s production areas and uncover the rich history and techniques that shape each bottle. The highlight is a tasting session featuring a variety of Funasaka sakes, from smooth junmai to fragrant ginjo and regional specialties. Guided by knowledgeable staff, deepen your understanding of flavor profiles and brewing methods while discovering your personal favorites. With three daily time slots—11:30, 13:30, and 16:30—you can easily fit this enriching experience into your Takayama itinerary. - Guided tour of Funasaka Sake Brewery’s production areas - Sample a selection of various sakes, including junmai and ginjo - Learn about the history and craftsmanship behind each bottle - Choose from three convenient daily time slots for your visit

Discover the Art of Japanese Sake in Takayama Join a guided tour of historic sake breweries in the heart of Takayama’s old town. Learn the traditional brewing process, explore normally off-limits areas inside the breweries, and enjoy tastings of carefully crafted sake, from time-honored classics at Hirata Brewery to modern flavors at Funasaka Brewery. With an English-speaking guide, deepen your appreciation for Japan’s iconic drink in a truly immersive setting.

If you’re interested in learning how sake is made, then this is the tour for you. In the company of an English-speaking guide, you'll visit the historic Tenryo Sake Brewery, one of the oldest sake breweries in the Hida region. A sake brewer will show you the step-by-step process of making sake, and take you on a behind-the-scenes tour. A highlight is being able to taste different sakes; all tastings are included in the tour cost.

Experience Takayama’s spiritual heart on this private walking tour. Begin at Daiou Temple, a serene spot perfect for reflection. Continue to Koryuzan Sogenji Temple, where Zen gardens invite calm contemplation. Visit Myogenzan Tensho and Joeizan Hokke Temples, discovering historical artifacts and tranquil surroundings. Stroll along the Higashiyama Promenade, lined with temples and seasonal landscapes. Conclude at Zennoji Temple, where lush gardens and peaceful grounds provide the perfect moment for meditation. This private tour offers a quiet, immersive experience, blending Takayama’s history, spirituality, and scenic beauty.

Unwind in the tranquil halls of Iwamura Brewery during an exclusive after-hours tour, where the art of sake making comes alive after dark. This intimate experience, limited to just six participants, offers a unique opportunity to learn from the brewery's president, who shares his passion and stories in both Japanese and English. Explore the serene atmosphere as you taste fermenting moromi directly, gaining insight into the craft of sake production and its rich heritage. Engage in open dialogue and enjoy a sensory journey that deepens your appreciation for this traditional Japanese beverage. - Exclusive after-hours tour limited to 6 participants for a personal experience - Guided by the brewery’s president for authentic insights into sake making - Unique opportunity to taste fermenting moromi, a rare privilege in sake tours - Bilingual experience available in Japanese and English for wider accessibility

Rather than simply visiting sake breweries, this experience offers a deeper understanding of “jizake,” or locally rooted sake culture. Your guide tailors the tour to your preferences, selecting breweries based on your interests and curiosity. You will step inside working breweries, including areas not typically open to the public, and gain insight into traditional brewing methods and seasonal processes. At one brewery, you will taste multiple varieties in the place they were made, with guided explanations that help you understand differences in flavor, style, and craftsmanship. This is not just a tasting, but an experience that connects what you drink to where you are. As a fully private tour, it also allows you to explore at your own pace in a relaxed and personal setting.

*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