This is the ideal tour for first-time visitors looking to discover Takayama's history, authentic culture, and natural beauty with a local guide! The basic itinerary includes some of the best experiences, such as the morning market, the old town, and a local sake brewery. Please let me know your interests, and I will happily arrange a customized tour just for you!
At your hotel lobby or anywhere in central Takayama
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!
Takayama's beautifully preserved old town is known as Gifu Prefecture's "Little Kyoto." You'll feel as if you've time-traveled to ancient Japan in this old merchant district built in the samurai period! Many options for delicious street food are available, and I can give you my recommendations!
Takayama's cold climate is ideal for brewing sake, and there is a unique sake culture. Learn how to enjoy Japan's national drink with your guide, a licensed International Sake Sommelier!
At your hotel lobby or anywhere in central Takayama
Guide fee
Entrance fees
Lunch (for you and the guide)
・Additional fees are not included (entrance fees, sake tasting fees, lunch, transportation, etc.)
・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.
I will guide in the Ishikawa and Aichi areas if you can pay for my transportation fee. In the case that I need to stay a night prior, please note that the hotel cost is need to be paid by customers. For Kanazawa, it is about 8,000 JPY for the transportation cost. For Aichi or Nagano, it costs around 6500 JPY, depending on where you want go.
Ying sing L.
Takayama Half-Day Tour & Sake Sensations
Customized
“Thank you Mika!”
We did the Takayama and sake sensation tour combined with Mika. It was snowing heavily that day and Mika was very patient with us as my toddler was throwing tantrums due to the unexpected snow and rain at the same time. The most interesting part was the sake knowledge that has imparted to us during the tour. Lunch planned was delicious and Takayama morning is beautiful! Amazing tour highly recommended!
Mika S.
(24 reviews)Thank you for the gracious review, Ying! I’m delighted that you enjoyed the tour despite the chilly weather. Your baby was absolutely adorable, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of his time in Takayama! Also, sake is essential in local Takayama culture, and it was a pleasure to share about it with you and Jun Lee. I look forward to welcoming you back on your next trips to Japan!
“Mika was an outstanding guide for us to Takayama & Shirakawa”
Mika was an outstanding guide for us to Takayama & Shirakawa showing us all of the little out of the way things & her knowledge was excellent. With us not knowing anything her recommendations were awesome. She helped us book our train tickets & a place to eat that night in Takayama where the food was excellent. The coffee shop was also an excellent recommendation. Would book her again as a guide in a heartbeat. 100%
Mika S.
(24 reviews)Thank you for such a kind review, Bryan! It was a pleasure hosting the tour for you and your lovely family! You had a keen interest in the local culture and I’m so happy I could help make memorable experiences during your time here. I had so much fun sharing the wonders of Takayama and Shirakawago. I hope to see you again on your next visit to Japan!
Melanie T.
Full-Day Takayama Tour for Foodies & Sake Lovers
Customized
“Best tour of our vacation!”
Our day with Mika in Takayama was a wonderful adventure! Mika's english is FLAWLESS, and she knows everything about everything!! :-) We got a beautiful tour of the town and got to try some sake. She is an expert on sake, so it was great to learn all about the process and try many different kinds. She tailored the day to exactly what we wanted to do, and had so much wisdom to share with us. She also went at a pace that we were comfortable with. Make sure you book a tour with Mika! You will have an amazing day and get to spend it with an amazing person! We loved our day with Mika and you will too!
Mika S.
(24 reviews)Thank you, Melanie! I truly appreciate your thoughtful review! It was a delight guiding you and Jeff through Takayama, and I'm so happy that you enjoyed the experience as much as I did. Sharing the unique sake and food culture of Takayama with a fellow sake lover and foodie was an absolute pleasure. Thank you for the wonderful time and I hope to see you in Japan again one day! :)