All Gifu Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

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!

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.

Exploring the Japanese Alps independently can involve juggling different transportation connections and attraction tickets, so take the guesswork out of planning with this hassle-free day tour from Takayama. With transportation and Shinhotaka Ropeway admission arranged, you can concentrate on enjoying the scenery rather than worrying about logistics. The trip also includes guided walks through the mountain scenery, including the beautiful Kamikochi.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

[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!

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.

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!

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.

Learn more about Japanese history and culture and the beautiful UNESCO-listed houses in Shirakawa-go on a small-group walking tour of the village. You can ask your guide questions and get a better insight than you would wandering around by yourself. Meet your guide at the bus station and expect to walk for 2–4 hours.

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.

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.

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.

Seki has been a center for Japanese blacksmithing since the thirteenth century, and this small-group workshop takes you behind the scenes with the master craftsmen. Tour the Knife Museum, then try your hand at forging your own Damascus knife under the guidance of local craftsmen. Learn how to polish, sharpen, and engrave your own blade to take home.

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.

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.

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.

You can call Rickshaw your hotel and you can go to center of Takayama city. You can experience Japanese old style of transportation.

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.

Discover the flavors and history of Takayama on this 4-hour private walking tour with a government-licensed local guide. This tour follows a fixed itinerary and visits three of Takayama's most iconic attractions. Depending on your hotel location or meeting point, the order of the visits may vary. Sanmachi Suji, the beautifully preserved old town lined with traditional merchant houses, sake breweries, and local specialty shops. Takayama Jinya, Japan's only remaining Edo-period government office. Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market, one of Japan's most famous morning markets, where you can browse fresh local produce and regional specialties. As this is a private tour, you can enjoy the experience at a relaxed pace with your own group while learning about Takayama's history and culinary traditions from your knowledgeable local guide. Please note that food, drinks, sake tastings, and admission to Takayama Jinya are not included and will be at your own expense.

This isn’t just a walk through a museum — it’s a journey into Japan’s rural soul. Starting from Takayama Station, your guide leads you through the charming streets to Hida no Sato, where centuries-old thatched-roof houses come alive with stories of mountain life, craftsmanship, and tradition. With insider knowledge, your guide reveals the hidden meanings behind architecture, tools, and seasonal rituals that most visitors miss. You’ll even get the chance to join hands-on experiences when available, making history feel personal. Perfect for curious travelers who want to go beyond the brochure — and discover the heart of old Japan in just three enriching hours.