Top Gifu Prefecture How to Get Around in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Make the most of the journey from Takayama to Osaka with this one-way transfer that includes a stop in the traditional thatched roof house village of Shirakawago. Board your comfortable bus in Takayama; explore the UNESCO-listed village at your leisure on a self-guided tour; then disembark in the city of Osaka.

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!

Explore the historic towns of Magome and Tsumago more efficiently with a private guide on this walking tour. Save energy by traveling between the towns by local bus or taxi, and avoid the risk of getting lost by going with a guide. Learn more about Japanese history and culture from your guide and get plenty of time to explore the two historical villages.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

What sets this tour apart is its rare blend of intimacy, authenticity, and storytelling. Led by a local guide who knows Takayama inside and out, this experience takes you far beyond the typical tourist spots and into the hidden heart of the town — one bar, one story, one conversation at a time. You won’t just taste local sake or sample delicious dishes — you’ll step into places where locals gather, hear the stories behind each drink, and connect with real people in cozy, welcoming settings. This is more than a bar-hopping tour — it’s a cultural journey through Takayama’s nightlife, offering travelers a chance to feel like part of the community, even if just for one unforgettable evening.

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.

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.

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.

Discover the charm of Takayama’s historic old town on this immersive 2-hour walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide. The journey begins at Takayama Jinya, the last remaining government building of its kind from the Edo period, where you'll gain unique insights into its historical significance. Next, wander through Sanmachi Suji, the heart of Takayama’s old town, with its atmospheric streets lined with traditional wooden buildings. Enjoy opportunities for memorable photos and explore local shops offering handcrafted goods, miso, and fragrances. The experience concludes with a sake-tasting session at a historic brewery, where you can savor the rich flavors of locally brewed sake. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a lover of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, this tour offers a perfect blend of heritage, culture, and authentic local experiences—all guided by a local expert to deepen your understanding of this timeless town.

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.