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Best of Takayama & Shirakawa-go Expedition

Takayama Private Tour - Takayama and Shirakawa-go are world-famous for their well-preserved Japanese folk houses. Each section of these traditional homes has a unique purpose. Your guide will tell the stories of how the people lived in the past, using the natural resources in the Hida region.

Takayama and Shirakawa-go are world-famous for their well-preserved Japanese folk houses. Each section of these traditional homes has a unique purpose. Your guide will tell the stories of how the people lived in the past, using the natural resources in the Hida region.

The Takayama Festival is one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals!

Takayama Private Tour - Takayama and Shirakawa-go are famous for their well-preserved Japanese folk houses. Each section of these traditional homes has a unique purpose. Your guide will tell stories of how the people used to live, making use of the natural resources in the Hida region.

Takayama and Shirakawa-go are famous for their well-preserved Japanese folk houses. Each section of these traditional homes has a unique purpose. Your guide will tell stories of how the people used to live, making use of the natural resources in the Hida region.

Old town at night

Takayama Private Tour - Takayama and Shirakawa-go is well known for their well-preserved Japanese folk houses. Each section of these traditional homes has a unique purpose. Your guide will tell the stories of how the people used to live, making use of the natural resources in the Hida region.

Takayama and Shirakawa-go is well known for their well-preserved Japanese folk houses. Each section of these traditional homes has a unique purpose. Your guide will tell the stories of how the people used to live, making use of the natural resources in the Hida region.

Thatched roof houses in Shirakawa-go

Best of Takayama & Shirakawa-go Expedition

Day Trip

Joined 2017

Mika S.

4.96 / 5

(27 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Takayama

Japanese (Native), English

7 hours

Private tour (only you and Mika S.)

Up to 4 people

Start your day with a trip to Takayama's morning market, one of the 3 largest markets in Japan. Then, take a relaxing stroll through the old town, beautifully preserved for 300 years since the samurai period. In the afternoon, you will take a trip to Shirakawa-go and see its traditional thatched roof houses, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Please let me know your special interests, and I will happily customize the tour for you, especially activities or food you'd like to try!

Itinerary

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

08:30 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel lobby or anywhere in central Takayama

09:00 AM

Morning market

One of the three largest markets in Japan with a history of over three hundred years. I'll show you some of the best stalls for fresh local produce, Hida-style pickles, and more!

10:00 AM

Takayama's old town

Takayama's beautifully preserved old town is known as Gifu Prefecture's "Little Kyoto."

11:20 AM

11:20 - 12:00 Take the bus to Shirakawago

12:00 PM

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While strolling through the idyllic village with traditional thatched-roof houses, you'll feel as if you've time traveled to ancient Japan!

01:00 PM

Enjoy an authentic Japanese lunch at Shirakawa-go

We will continue exploring the beautiful village after lunch. You can try some street food or enjoy picking out unique souvenirs!

03:10 PM

Take the bus back to Takayama

We will arrive at Takayama Station at 16:05

Ending Point

Takayama 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

Hotel pick-up in the central area of Takayama

What‘s not included

Transportation for you and the guide (Round fare: 5,200 JPY / person)

Entrance fees (300 to 1000 JPY / person, depending on the sites visited)

Lunch (you and the guide)

Tour Important Information

・Transportation will be by public bus. The round-trip bus fare between Takayama and Shirakawa-go (5,200 JPY) is NOT included in the Guide Fee. You can pay for the transportation (for you and the guide) on-site.

・This is your private tour and I'm always open to making arrangements for your unforgettable experience! Please contact me if you'd like to include sake tasting at a local brewery during the tour (subject to availability).

・Please note that I cannot take responsibility for any accidents that occur during the tour. I highly recommend getting travel insurance before you come to Japan.

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 2017

Mika S.

4.96 / 5

(27 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Mika S.

My interests include art, architecture, food, sake, wine, and sustainability.

In the past, I had the opportunity to visit destinations around the world. My passion for traveling and experiencing other cultures helped me recognize the beauty in my own culture, and inspired me to become a tour guide. I’m a fun, energetic, and passionate guide who’s ready to show you an unforgettable time in Japan, whatever your interests may be!

Hida is a beautiful region tucked away in the Northern Alps, and its location helped preserve Takayama’s old town constructed by local master carpenters. On your tour, I’ll give you tips on what you should look for to appreciate traditional Japanese architecture. If you’re a sake lover, Hida is the place for you because the cold climate makes it suitable for brewing quality sake. I’m a licensed Sake Sommelier, and I’d love to take you to the breweries in town and give you some recommendations. I’ve also been trained to host art tours. If you’re interested in contemporary Japanese art, I recommend visiting Kanazawa, where you can find inspirational creativity in every corner!

My goal is to help you discover the authentic Japanese way of life while feeling comfortable like a local rather than standing out like a tourist. Please let me know what kind of experience you’re looking for, and I will happily tailor a unique experience just for you.

Fun facts about me!

I was sponsored to travel around the world twice

I was a torch runner in the 1998 Nagano Olympics

I grew up in nature, eating wild plants and seeing many wild animals

Reviews

Sierra T.

5 / 5

Apr 30, 2025

Sake Sensations: an Exclusive Tasting with a Sommelier

Apr 30, 2025

Takayama

1 hour

“Exceeded My Expectations”

We booked this tour with Mika and were blown away with how incredible it was. She is so sweet and kind, we felt comfortable throughout our entire tour. She is very knowledgeable and explained many things about the history of Takayama and the sake-making process. As a sake-sommelier, she really elevated this experience with her exceptional knowledge. The tour of the sake brewery was informative and the tasting was delicious. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to have a unique and informative sake experience - thank you Mika!!

Mika S.

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review, Sierra! I’m truly glad the timing aligned, and it was a pleasure to host the sake experience for you and your parents. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have shared a part of your time in Takayama and to introduce you to something I’m so passionate about. I hope our paths cross again on another tour in the future!

Thierry A.

5 / 5

Aug 8, 2024

Sake Sensations: an Exclusive Tasting with a Sommelier

Aug 8, 2024

Takayama

1 hour 20 mins

“Exciting Sake Tour in Takayama”

Thank you for the tour of the sake brewery. Your knowledge and passion made this tour really enjoyable.

Mika S.

Thank you for the kind review, Thierry. I was pleasantly surprised by your extensive knowledge of sake! It was a pleasure sharing my passion for sake with you, and I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour.

Deborah I.

5 / 5

Jun 15, 2024

Takayama Highlights Tour of Must-Visit Gems

Jun 15, 2024

Takayama

3 hours

“A Wonderful Half-Day with Lovely Mika”

We enjoyed strolling and learning about Takayama with Mika. We went thru the market, visited the local shrine and most fascinating was visiting the historic house. Mika was obliging and helpful and a great companion.

Mika S.

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed our stroll through Takayama. It was a pleasure showing you the market, local shrine, and historic house. I’m glad you found them fascinating. I enjoyed being your companion for the day and am happy to have been of help. I hope to see you again on another tour in the future!