All Gifu Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

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.

Experience the full splendor of Takayama’s mountainous beauty on a day trip that covers the Hida Folk Village, caves, and ropeway in one seamless experience—saving you from having to arrange visits to each attraction separately. This experience blends nature and culture while helping you avoid the hassle of arranging logistics.

Join this exclusive day tour from Nagoya to Seki City, Japan’s legendary knife capital, and experience the art of Japanese blade-making under the guidance of a master craftsman with over 50 years of experience. Craft your very own personalized kitchen knife using premium Damascus steel, renowned for its beauty and sharpness, and engrave your name on the blade for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Forget the hassle of complicated public transport. Travel in comfort and style in a luxury private vehicle directly from Nagoya – a stress-free, full-day cultural adventure for those seeking something truly authentic and unforgettable.

Kitsuki, often referred to as a "Little Kyoto," invites you to discover its captivating history and unique landscape. This walking tour explores beautifully preserved samurai districts and the bustling merchant valley, where every stone and lane tells a story. Visit several magnificent samurai residences to understand the lives of feudal lords and their retainers. Experience tranquility with a traditional tea ceremony at a local tea shop before concluding your journey at a cozy samurai castle, offering stunning views of the sea. Immerse yourself in the authentic culture of the samurai era with insights from your personal expert guide. - Discover Kitsuki, a town renowned for its samurai history and architecture. - Visit historic samurai residences to learn about feudal life. - Participate in a serene tea ceremony at a local tea shop. - End your tour at Kitsuki Castle, the smallest castle in Japan.

Go beyond a simple knife-sharpening or engraving workshop. Create your own full-size Damascus Japanese kitchen knife through polishing, hand-drawn blade design, etching, sharpening, and test cutting with guidance from a master craftsman with over 50 years of experience. Your handwritten name, message, symbol, or small artwork becomes part of the finished blade through the etching process. Your design is revealed together with the beautiful Damascus pattern. In Seki, one of Japan’s most historic Sword Town —you will complete your own Damascus kitchen knife, enjoy a local Japanese lunch, and discover the culture behind Japanese blades. Choose from Santoku, Gyuto, Nakiri, or Bunka, depending on availability. Each guest is guided step by step at their own pace, making the experience suitable even for beginners. At the end, test the sharpness of your finished knife on fresh vegetables and take home both your Damascus knife and a deeper appreciation of Seki’s blade-making tradition.

Immerse yourself in the world of sake on this guided tour through Takayama's renowned sake breweries. Begin at Nakabashi Park, where you’ll learn about the region’s rich sake culture and the significance of local ingredients. Visit three historic breweries, Harada, Funasaka, and Hirase, each showcasing unique flavors and brewing techniques. Conclude at the Hida Local Sake Store, exploring a variety of local beverages. This tour provides a comprehensive understanding of Hida–Takayama sake, known for its clean taste and quality ingredients. - Start your day with a tour starting at Nakabashi Park, available at multiple times - Explore three different sake breweries and their signature offerings - Learn about the unique climate and water that influence Hida sake production - Enjoy insights into local drinks including sake, wine, and whisky

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.

We are going to see the morning markets on the Miya river side (Miyagawa river) abundant with plenty of local fruits vegetables antiques and local delicatesse that you can try! The Market is very old more than 300 years and from there we will also experience Takayama's old town the Sanmachi suji road. A great lip into a place where time has almost stopped since 350 years ago.

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.

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.

Follow in the footsteps of a real-life ninja during an authentic samurai and ninja experience in Takayama. This hands-on experience is more immersive than visiting a museum, as it allows you to don a costume and try your hand at moves during a training session—it’s ideal for kids and adults alike.

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.

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.

Explore the peaceful morning atmosphere of Takayama on this 2.5-hour tour designed to introduce you to local culture and everyday life. Begin at Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine and learn about its connection to local festivals while observing early morning worship. Continue along the Higashiyama Walking Trail, where you’ll discover quiet residential areas, local industries, and scenic photo spots. The tour finishes at the lively Miyagawa Morning Market, offering opportunities to meet friendly vendors and explore traditional local products. Perfect for culture lovers and early risers wanting an authentic look at Takayama’s morning rhythm. A 4-hour option is also available, adding visits to the Takayama Festival Float Exhibition Hall and the Jinya-mae Morning Market.

There are plenty of cooking classes on offer in Japan, but this Takayama onigiri (rice ball) and miso soup experience has the distinction of taking place in the tranquil setting of a historic temple. Personalize your own onigiri plate by experimenting with various fillings and flavors, and learn the process of creating a delicious miso soup from scratch using locally renowned Hida miso.

We walk and the guide will explain about the local history of Takayama and let you taste Japanese local sake! One of the best in Takayama. Takayama and its surrounding with traditional houses and history and sake breweries all around. Here there are more than six within downtown. We are going to taste local sake, the history of sake and this town, how sake is made and much more. The guide will explain in detail how sake is made in a clear, simple and step by step explanation. For sake lovers, for Takayama lovers!

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.

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.

Enjoy a comfortable journey from Takayama to Kyoto, featuring a short stop at Kanazawa and a 2.5-hour self-guided stop at the charming mountain village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ●Explore Kyoto's vibrant and historical sites. ●Experience the unique beauty of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site ●Seamless bus transportation from Takayama to Kyoto with a stop at Shirakawa-go ●Convenient and stress-free travel experience Itinerary Time Table: Takayama (Dep. 8:20) → Shirakawago (Arr. 9:20, Dep. 11:50) → Kanazawa (Arr. 13:10, Dep. 13:20) → Kyoto (Arr. 17:40) *Please note that times may vary due to traffic conditions. **Please arrive at the station 10 minutes before the departure time.

Overview Enjoy a casual matcha experience at a long-established tea shop in Hida Takayama. This is not a formal tea ceremony, but a relaxed session designed to help you enjoy matcha in a way you can easily recreate at home. Our staff will introduce the basic tools, such as a bamboo whisk (Chasen) and tea caddy(Natsume), and demonstrate how to prepare matcha. After that, you will whisk and enjoy matcha yourself. Seasonal Japanese sweets and a small souvenir are included. You may choose between tatami seating or tables and chairs. Recommended For ・Travelers who want to experience Japanese culture in an easy, welcoming way ・Matcha lovers who would like to learn how to prepare it at home ・Beginners looking for a comfortable and friendly introduction to matcha

Why choose us? We offer an exclusive "One Group Per Day" private activity, meaning the entire river experience belongs only to you! No crowds, no rush—just pure adventure with your favorite people. Led by Shintaro, a professional guide with 12 years of experience and expert rescue certifications (SRT/WFA), you’ll tackle thrilling rapids in a magnificent canyon with total peace of mind. To top it off, we provide high-quality GoPro video footage of your splashes and smiles, delivered to your phone on the same day for free! Don’t just go rafting; create a VIP memory in Japan's beautiful nature. Book your private escape now!

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.

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.