All Gifu Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

Craft Your Own Damascus Knife in Seki, Japan’s Historic Blade-Making Town This one-day tour offers more than a standard workshop. In Seki, Gifu, a city with a long history of Japanese sword and knife craftsmanship, you will make your own Damascus kitchen knife, enjoy a local Japanese lunch, and learn about Japanese blade making and take home your own knife. Hand-draw your own name, message, symbol, or artwork on a Damascus blade, then finish, sharpen, and test it side by side with a master craftsman with more than 50years of experience. Choose your preferred kitchen knife style from Santoku, Gyuto, Nakiri, or Bunka, depending on availability. One highlight is the sharpness test with vegetable. You might be surprised. This is not a rushed group workshop. Each guest is guided step by step at their own pace, making it comfortable even for beginners. You will leave Seki with a Damascus knife you helped create and a deeper appreciation for Japanese blade craftsmanship.

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.

Discover the cultural heart of Gero Onsen, a renowned hot spring town in Japan, known for its soothing alkaline waters and rich heritage. This guided walking tour dives into the significant role hot springs play in Japanese culture, history, and daily life. Start in the town center to learn about Gero’s evolution as a healing destination, visit the Gero Hot Spring Museum for insights into the science behind the springs, and hear the enchanting White Heron Legend at Onsenji Temple. Conclude your journey with local onsen street food, bringing a taste of Gero's vibrant hospitality to life. - Explore Gero Onsen’s unique history and cultural significance - Visit the Gero Hot Spring Museum and learn about bathing customs - Discover the White Heron Legend at Onsenji Temple - Enjoy local onsen street food with your guide, embracing Gero's hospitality

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.

Shirakawa-go is known for its abundance of stunning outdoor sights—from hot springs to waterfalls and fantastic places to go hiking. With this tour, avoid potential language barriers as a private guide accompanies you to show you around and translate. Highlights on the itinerary include the Gassho-style houses of Shirakawa-go, Hirayunomori hot springs, and Hirayu Falls.

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.

Japanese Cutlery Factory Tour Embark on a fascinating journey of the most advanced kitchen knife factory tour. You can see the highest technology, offering you an in-depth look into the history and technology of Japanese cutlery, rooted in the rich tradition of Samurai sword craftsmanship. Craft Your Custom Pocket Knife Under the expert guidance, you will create a pocket knife tailored to your preferences. This hands-on experience allows you to delve into the meticulous process of knife-making. Discover Samurai Sword History Learn about the legendary history of Samurai swords and how their craftsmanship has influenced modern Japanese cutlery. Explore Advanced Japanese Cutlery Technology Witness the highest level of Japanese cutlery technology, a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. Join us for a tour that promises not only the creation of a unique pocket knife but also a deep appreciation for the enduring legacy and advanced technology of Japanese cutlery craftsmanship.

Avoid the risk of getting lost in the Japanese Alps when you take a private day hike with a guide. Enjoy a beginner-friendly hike along the Nakasendo Trail between two traditional villages, Magome and Tsumago. Learn more about Japanese history and culture from your guide, and enjoy getting some exercise in the beautiful landscape.

Get a taste of the ancient Nakasendo Trail that runs between Kyoto and Tokyo on a guided five-hour walk through the Kiso Valley. Walk between two scenic medieval towns without the risk of getting lost as your guide will keep you on the right path. Learn more about local culture and traditions while enjoying the landscapes along the way and getting some exercise.

Walking tour with expert guide and multifacedet artist: I am the only foreigner expert guide living in Japan for almost 20 years, and living in Takayama for almost 10 years. I speak Italian, English and Japanese. More than 20 years in customer service and hospitality. Where and what: Takayama's downtown Sanmachi Suji, the old town of Takayama, with the traditional houses since Edo period and much more... I will present to you the best of this city within 30 minutes, from different aspects: Geography Economy Art & Culture History Local crafts, focal foods For the guide and the dear guests: All the expences such as drinks, food, tickets etc., must be covered by the dear guest, tour guide included. All expences other than the tour reservation fee, are considered as extras and are not included in this service. Help the guide improve, tips are welcome!

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.

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.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture with a hands-on Mochi Making Experience in Takayama. At this unique workshop, you'll learn the art of transforming steamed glutinous rice into chewy mochi, a symbol of celebration and good fortune. Guided by a local host, you'll pound rice using traditional tools, shaping it into delightful treats complemented by toppings like kinako and sweet red bean paste. Set in a tranquil temple, this activity fosters community and joy, allowing you to connect with Japan's culinary heritage while creating delicious memories with loved ones.

Embark on an enchanting exploration that combines the thrill of the Shinhotaka Ropeway, and the serene beauty of Kamikochi. Our ‘Alpine Splendor’ tour is a captivating journey from the heights of the Northern Japan Alps to the tranquil depths of Kamikochi, with a unique stop to witness the majestic bears at Okuhida. This full-day experience from Takayama is a perfect blend of awe-inspiring landscapes, wildlife encounters, and serene nature walks, offering an immersive journey into the heart of Japan’s alpine wonders. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a diverse outdoor experience, this tour presents the opportunity to admire Japan’s alpine grandeur from above, interact with fascinating wildlife, and explore one of the country’s most pristine natural areas.

Go off the beaten track to parts of Hida missed by most travelers on this guided biking tour. Pedal at a relaxed pace through a historic tow and past farming villages and rice fields, and get a taste of local daily life in the Japanese countryside as your guide shares insights into the history and culture for the area. This small-group tour is limited to eight people to ensure a personal experience.

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.

Please note: This is a transportation service only and not a guided tour. This transportation option offers you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy the Japanese countryside in comfort during the journey to your destination, without having to worry about luggage transportation or transfers. Departing from Takayama, a city known for its beautifully preserved old town and traditional festivals, travelers will journey through scenic landscapes and charming villages, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Japan. As the bus passes through Hirayu, nestled in the Japanese Alps, travelers can enjoy views of this charming village known for its hot springs and serene mountain scenery. Although it is not a stop, you can admire the traditional architecture and lush greenery from the comfort of the bus. We then finally arrived at Kawaguchiko famous for its breathtaking view of Mount Fuji.

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.

[PRIVATE TOUR] If you're seeking an authentic connection with a local family, this is for you! We are a warm, fun-loving family of four, deeply rooted in Takayama. Here, you won’t just learn to cook Japanese food—you’ll experience how locals live and savor life together. Our 200-year-old wooden townhouse stands on Old Town’s main street, yet stepping inside feels like entering a quiet world where time slows down. Its small quirks remind us of its beauty and history. We’ll welcome you with Japanese tea and snacks before guiding you in preparing a traditional meal in our kitchen. As we cook side by side, we’ll share stories of life in Takayama and living in harmony with nature and the seasons. Hisa and Bob pour their hearts into every class. This is more than a cooking lesson—it’s a moment of connection, culture, and feeling at home far from home. Feel free to write us your request on food or any restrictions, we are happy to accommodate as much as possible!

Discover the city of Takayama your own way by booking this private and personalized tour. Enjoy the flexibility of creating your own customized itinerary to ensure that you only spend time visiting places that you are interested in, such as Sanmachi Suji and Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market. As you explore the city, your private guide will fill you in on all the city's fascinating history and culture.

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.