Takayama Express, Shirakawago and Kanazawa (3 days)

This tour will give you an opportunity to experience historical Japan. Our adventure starts with a ride on a shinkansen for Nagoya where we will be transferred to a limited express for the ancient and tranquil city of Takayama.

We will take an afternoon stroll through Takayama, also known as “Little Kyoto” and see its historical structures and environment. We will visit the Yatai Kaikan Hall, where colorfully decorated traditional festival floats are displayed and the Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum, formerly the residence of powerful merchants under government patronage. Wander through the streets of Kami Sannomachi where the traditional Japanese wooden houses have been preserved.

We will also visit the famous morning market of Takayama before going on a scenic drive to Shirakawa-go and pass by Lake Miboro and Shokawa River, designated in 1995 as part of World Heritage. See the unique structures called Gassho-Zukuri and Gokayama, another World Heritage Village where we will see how traditional Japanese paper is made.

There will also be a sightseeing tour in Kanazawa where we will have an opportunity to visit the Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s three most beautiful traditional gardens. We will also see Kutaniyaki Pottery Kiln and stroll through the Higashi-chaya street and visit the former guest house “Shima.”

Itinerary/Activity Schedule
Day 1:
- Shinkansen ride to Nagoya
- Transfer from Nagoya to Takayama
- Walking tour of Takayama (Yatai Kaikan Hall, Kusakabe Folkcraft Museum and Kami Sannomachi Street)

Day 2:
- Morning market of Takayama
- Former Toyama Family Residence (if closed, visit to Gassho-Zukuri Folklore Park)
- Scenic drive to Shirakawa-go (pass by Lake Miboro, weather permitting)
- Gokayama

Day 3:
- Kenroku Garden in Kanasawa
- Kutaniyaki Pottery
- Higashi-chaya Street

Includes
- Services of an English-speaking guide (except on board shinkansen)

Excludes
- Meals and drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional activity costs

Please Note
- Child rates apply from ages 6 to 11 years.
- We recommend that you prepare casual clothes and comfortable shoes for the walking tour on the first day. Guests are advised to bring an overcoat or any warm clothes during the months of October to February.
- Kindly inform us of your accommodation details before/after this tour upon booking.
- This tour is offered only for travelers from overseas.
- Depends on traffic/weather condition or other operational reasons, motorcoach will be used for transfer from Nagoya station to Takayama station.

Your Confirmation Voucher includes full information (e.g. local telephone numbers) about the Local Operator. To ensure your peace of mind, we select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination.

You can book in 3 easy steps!
1. Select date and number of persons. You will be redirected to the Shopping Cart Page.
2. On the Shopping Cart Page, continue shopping or check out.
3. Enter basic travel, name, and payment information in the Check-out Form.

Upon booking, you will receive a voucher by email containing all details about the tour. You can check the status of your booking at anytime.

After you book
Please print the electronic voucher sent to you. It contains the operator's complete contact details and local telephone numbers. Give the voucher to the operator on the day of the activity.

What if I need to change or cancel my booking?
That's ok. We will try to be as flexible as possible. But you must inform us by email of the change or cancellation as soon as possible. The appropriate amount will be credited back to your credit card account. Contact our Customer Service for help with changes or cancellations. Or read our Cancellation Policy.