Shirakawago & Takayama Bus Tour from Nagoya w/Optional Lunch

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Takayama

   Experience Edo-period Japan in Takayama and the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village. You will have lunch at your own expense in Takayama, a town filled with interesting sights and serving as the gateway to the Japanese Alps. Be sure to explore the Sanmachi Suji District, which consists of three streets in the heart of Takayama's Edo town, located just east of the Miya-gawa River. These streets are lined with traditional houses, shops, restaurants, sake breweries, and cafes.

   90 minutes here

2. As part of your experience, savor a delectable Japanese-style teppanyaki set lunch at the renowned Koshiyama restaurant in Shirakawa-go. Indulge in the local specialty, Japanese Beef 'Hida Gyu,' which is raised in Gifu Prefecture and renowned for its rich marbling and exquisite flavor. Alternatively, you can opt for the Oden lunch, a comforting and flavorful dish featuring ingredients simmered in a savory broth. Both offerings highlight the authentic flavors of the region and provide a delightful culinary experience.

   45 minutes here

3. Shirakawago

   Then you will head to the famous Shirakawa-go to explore the old gassho-zukuri (thatch-roofed) style houses that dot this mountain village. Surrounded by rice paddies, you can hear the sounds of insects and birds if you listen closely. Located in a mountainous region that was cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time, these villages with their Gassho-style houses subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. The large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs are the only examples of their kind in Japan. Despite economic upheavals, the villages of Ogimachi, Ainokura, and Suganuma are outstanding examples of a traditional way of life perfectly adapted to the environment and people's social and economic circumstances.

   90 minutes here

4. The Encounter Bridge is made of concrete and is narrow and swaying, making it thrilling. It is an important bridge connecting the parking lot and Shirakawa-go.

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5. The view from the observation deck in the countryside overlooking the valley scenery of forest-covered hills, rice fields, and village farms is beautiful. It costs 300 yen one way by shuttle bus, but it takes 10 minutes to walk there.

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6. Shirakawago Tajimake Yosan Sericulture Museum

   A place where you can learn about the history of sericulture (raising silkworms) in Shirakawa-go.

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7. This is a preserved area with wooden houses built in the gassho style in the late 19th century.

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8. Have a wonderful time at this powerful shrine, which felt as if it were imbued with the power of a real god.

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Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Hida Beef lunch (7:50 Meet up)

  Hida Beef Lunch Option.: Japanese Top 3 beef, a symphony of flavors showcasing the unparalleled quality of Hida beef in Japanese culinary excellence. Nagoya VIP Liner Departure.: (Meeting time: 7:50AM/Departure time: 8:00AM) from Otake Parking Lot near JR Nagoya station.

• Kobe Beef Lunch (7:50 Meet up)

  Kobe Beef Lunch Option.: Kobe beef shabu-shabu (hotpot)— thinly sliced premium melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef gently swished in a hot pot. Nagoya VIP Liner Departure.: (Meeting time: 7:50AM/Departure time: 8:00AM) from Otake Parking Lot near JR Nagoya station.

• Vegetarian Lunch(7:50 Meet up)

  Traditional Japanese Oden: Enjoy traditional Japanese oden featuring locally made tofu, fried tofu. Nagoya VIP Liner Departure.: (Meeting time: 7:50AM/Departure time: 8:00AM) from Otake Parking Lot near JR Nagoya station.

• Pork Lunch (7:50 Meet up)

  Hida Pork Lunch Option.: Premium Hida Pork, one of Japan’s top pork brands. The tour comes with a Hida Pork lunch — a regional specialty known for its Nagoya VIP Liner Departure.: (Meeting time: 7:50AM/Departure time: 8:00AM) from Otake Parking Lot near JR Nagoya station.

• No Lunch (7:50 am Meet up)

  Lunch is not included.: Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at their own expense in Takayama or Shirakawa-go. Nagoya VIP Liner Departure.: (Meeting time: 7:50AM / Departure time: 8:00AM) from Otake Parking Lot near JR Nagoya station.

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

cmn, en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 30 travelers per booking

Operated by

VIP Japan Tours

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please be at the meeting point no later than 10min before departure. The bus will not wait for late arrivals.
• English and Chinese commentary might be given on the same bus in case of low amount of participants.
• Please note that the tour schedule may be subject to traffic conditions on the day.
• In the event of severe traffic caused by holidays or adverse weather conditions, there may be a reduction in planned attractions without refunds.
• Be present at the right meeting point 10 minutes before the departure. Contact number may not be responsive outside of business hours, 9:30am~6pm JST (MON-FRI)
• Please check the photo in the product page & scan the QR code for the meeting point reference.
• Regarding luggage, we allow one piece of luggage per person during the excursion. Please also ensure that the luggage is manageable and fits comfortably within our vehicle. Please also be aware that any items stored in the trunk will not be accessible in between stops on the tour, so keep all valuables with you.
• Upon arrival, please confirm your name with the guide or staff on the participant list.
• Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please book under the child's price.
• The tour schedule may change without prior notice due to weather, road traffic conditions, and other unforeseen reasons. (There might be delays in returning to the designated location.) If the tour is cancelled by the supplier due to extreme weather or natural disaster, you will receive a full refund.)
• In general, we do not send out confirmation emails prior to departure. If you would like more information or need to clarify something, please contact us and we will send you the relevant details.

Photos

Traveler reviews

54 verified traveler reviews for Shirakawago & Takayama Bus Tour from Nagoya w/Optional Lunch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.