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Old Japan Alive at Takayama & Historical Hidden Village at Shirakawa-go

Shirakawago

HidaTakayama

Car used

Old Japan Alive at Takayama & Historical Hidden Village at Shirakawa-go

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2025

Masayuki K.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Nagoya

English (Native), Japanese (Native)

9 hours

Private tour (only you and Masayuki K.)

Up to 4 people

Experience the spirit of Old Japan on this full-day tour from Nagoya. Walk through the Edo-period streets of Takayama, known for its preserved wooden townscape, sake breweries, and Hida beef cuisine. Then head to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri thatched-roof houses. Nestled in the mountains, this hidden village offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s rural past. Enjoy a perfect mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty in one unforgettable trip.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Nagoya station

- Please meet us at the rotary right outside the Gold Clock or Sakura-dori Exit of Nagoya Station, next to the taxi stand.

11:30 AM

Discover the Timeless Charm of Hida-Takayama

Step into the heart of Japan’s preserved past in Hida-Takayama, a beautiful mountain town often called “Little Kyoto.” Known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets, traditional wooden merchant houses, and rich cultural heritage, Takayama offers a rare glimpse into the elegance of old Japan.

Stroll through the Sanmachi-suji District, where charming shops, sake breweries, and local crafts await. Visit the Morning Markets, where locals sell fresh produce, handmade goods, and regional snacks. Don’t miss the chance to taste Hida beef, one of Japan’s finest wagyu, served grilled, on skewers, or in sushi form.

For a deeper cultural experience, explore the Takayama Jinya, a historic government building, or enjoy the Takayama Festival, one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional festivals (held in spring and autumn). Surrounded by the Japanese Alps, Takayama also offers stunning natural scenery year-round, from cherry blossoms to autumn foliage and snowy winter views.

Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or nature enthusiast, Takayama will leave you with unforgettable memories of authentic Japan.

02:00 PM

Step into a Hidden World: Shirakawa-go

Tucked away in the mountains of central Japan, Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like a journey back in time. This peaceful village is famous for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses—traditional wooden homes with steep thatched roofs, designed to withstand heavy snowfall and passed down through generations.

Wander through the quiet lanes of this storybook village, surrounded by rice fields, mountains, and crystal-clear streams. Some houses are over 250 years old and still inhabited today, offering a rare glimpse into Japan’s rural lifestyle and deep connection to nature.

Don’t miss the Shiroyama Viewpoint, where you can capture breathtaking panoramic views of the entire village, especially beautiful in winter when the rooftops are blanketed in snow. In any season, Shirakawa-go offers unmatched tranquility, picturesque scenery, and a chance to feel the soul of old Japan.

Perfect for photography, cultural exploration, and peaceful reflection, Shirakawa-go is truly one of Japan’s hidden treasures.

03:00 PM

Heading back to Nagoya

Ending Point

Nagoya station

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

・Guide fee

・Driving fee

・Private transportation fee

・Type of a car used: Toyota Hiace van

・Car insurance fee

・Tip for the guide

・Arrangement fee

・pick-up and Drop-off fee

・gasoline fee

・Toll fee

What‘s not included

・parking fee around 1000yen per place

・Price for the foods and drinks for you and the guide

Around 3000yen per person per day

・Your souvenirs and personal expenses during the tour

As much as you are going to buy:)

Tour Important Information

Important message from the supplier

if you could make a permanent reservation 1 month before the travel, I can support you well and you'll be able to enjoy Japan to the most.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Joined 2025

Masayuki K.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Masayuki K.

Hello!

my name is Masa

“Private Car Tour Guide”, anywhere in Japan.

Just send me a message of where and what you wanna do!

——-

I was born in Japan and grew up in the United States.

After returning to Japan, I've worked all across the country. I spent a year traveling around Japan in a car that I DIY-converted into a camper. I hope to share the experiences and the knowledges of how to enjoy our culture to the most with people from all over the world.

I would like to introduce Japan's beautiful tourist spots that you can enjoy in every season—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—along with local delicacies beloved by the people in each area, and how to enjoy the unique cultures rooted in each region, such as: sushi, wagyu beef, cherry blossoms, rich milk bread, fluffy pancakes, convenient store's meals and snacks, maid cafe, izakaya(restaurant specialized to drink an alcohol), sake factory and so on.

I can create an original itinerary based on your interests! I’ll guide you with my private van anywhere in Japan from Hokkaido(top part of Japan) to Okinawa(bottom part of Japan). Without being restricted by public transportation schedules, allowing for more freedom in your travel. This is something only someone who has traveled the entire country, like me, can do! I’ll support you to the most, so please enjoy your time in Japan to the fullest!