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!
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel lobby or anywhere in central Takayama
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!
Old Town
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!
Local Sake Brewery
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!
Ending Point
At your hotel lobby or anywhere in central Takayama
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
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.
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
Sierra T.
“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.
“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.
“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!
$417/ per group