TOKYO AND TAKAYAMA TOUR WITH SHIRAKAWA-GO VILLAGE DAY TRIP

Tokyo and Takayama Tour with Shirakawa-go Village Day Trip

Description

This tour begins with a visit to the highlights of Tokyo, including its unmatched blend of tradition and innovation, incredible food tours, shopping, convenient transport, cultural and religious events, and more. Explore the world’s largest metropolitan city to kick off your Japan adventure.

After exploring Tokyo, the tour continues with a transfer via Japan’s famous bullet train to Takayama. This historic town, nestled in the Japanese Alps, preserves its narrow samurai streets from the Edo Period. You’ll find a mix of museums, local markets, food, festivals, and rich cultural experiences in Takayama.

A guided walking tour of Takayama City will provide insight into how the town has preserved its history from generation to generation. You can enjoy local sake, visit the morning markets, and explore Takayama’s historical sites during your visit.

While in Takayama, the tour also includes a guided excursion to Shirakawa-go village via public bus. Shirakawa-go, a secluded and picturesque village, is known for its traditional thatched-roof houses. Once a major silk-producing area, the village is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley and offers stunning views of its unique architecture.

Finally, the tour returns to Tokyo, where you’ll enjoy a scenic open-deck bus dinner that takes you through the city’s highlights. As you ride, you’ll savor Tokyo’s local delicacies served right at your seat.

The tour concludes on the fifth day, after a self-guided breakfast at the hotel and an independent transfer to your next destination.

Departure/Return Location

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel in Tokyo on the first day of the tour.

Departure Time

08:00 AM on day 01.

Return Time

At approximately 9:00 PM on Day 4, after the open-deck bus dinner.

Dress Code

Casual

Included

Accommodation, transport, guide, entrance fees, insurance, and meals.

Itinerary

Day 1: Take the bullet train to Takayama and enjoy a half-day walking tour of the city.

In the morning, take a bullet train from Tokyo to Takayama. Your train tickets will be delivered to your hotel in Tokyo beforehand.

Depending on your hotel’s location, you’ll take either the Tokyo Metro or a local train to reach Tokyo Station. From there, board the bullet train to Takayama, changing trains once at Nagoya or Toyama.

Upon arrival in Takayama, transfer to your hotel. You’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own until the afternoon.

In the afternoon, a local guide will meet you at your hotel to begin your walking tour of Takayama.

Walking Tour Details:

  • Duration: ~4 hours
  • Distance: ~5 km

Sites Covered:

  1. Takayama Jinya – A historic magistrate’s office from the Edo Period (1603–1868), located about a 10-minute walk from Takayama Station.
  2. Hida-Takayama Sanmachi Historic District – Explore the charming old town with traditional wooden houses.
  3. Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan – See beautifully hand-carved floats used in the famous biannual Takayama Festival.

After the tour, walk back to your hotel and enjoy free time in Takayama for the evening.

Proposed Hotel: Residence Hotel Takayama Station (or similar)

  • Room Type: Standard Twin Room (30 sqm)
  • Meals: Not included

Day 2: Explore Takayama’s Local Market and Take a Day Trip to Shirakawa Village.

 

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, your guide will pick you up from the hotel for a short walk to the Miyagawa Morning Market, which boasts over 200 years of history. Stroll through the market to experience local flavors and crafts.

After the market, walk back to Takayama Station, where you’ll board a highway bus to Shirakawa-go with your guide.

Upon arrival, explore the charming Shirakawa-go village, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Discover over 100 of these unique houses, and step inside one of the homes to learn about its design and history.

Next, visit the Shirakawa-go Observatory, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the entire village.

For lunch, enjoy a meal at one of the Gassho-zukuri houses, prepared using fresh, local ingredients.

In the afternoon, take a highway bus back to Takayama. The rest of the day is free for you to explore or relax at your own pace.

Proposed Hotel: Residence Hotel Takayama Station (or similar)

  • Room Type: Standard Twin Room (30 sqm)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
  • Day 3: Return to Tokyo and Evening Open-Deck Bus Dinner

    Enjoy a seamless transfer back to Tokyo via bullet train. A train transfer may be required at either Nagoya Station or Toyama Station.

    Upon arrival in Tokyo, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore the city at your leisure.

    In the evening, meet your local guide in Tokyo, who will accompany you for an unforgettable open-deck bus dinner experience.

    The bus departs from Tokyo Station, so a short train transfer may be necessary. Departing at 18:00, this unique experience combines a delicious dinner with panoramic views of Tokyo’s iconic landmarks.

    Tentative Itinerary:
    Marunouchi Building (near Tokyo Station) → Imperial Palace → National Diet Building → Meiji Jingu Gaien → Harajuku → Shibuya Crossing → Omotesando → Tokyo Midtown → Tokyo Tower → Rainbow Bridge → Odaiba → (30-min sightseeing stop outside the bus) → Toyosu Market → Ginza → Marunouchi Building

    Please note: The itinerary is subject to change without prior notice.

    After the dinner tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel by your English-speaking guide.

    Proposed Hotel: Hotel Villa Fontaine Otemachi (or similar)

  • Room Type: Standard Twin Room (16 sqm)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
  • Day 4: Full-Day Guided Tour of Tokyo

    Spend the day exploring Tokyo with your guide, using the city’s efficient public transportation system.

    Your guide will take you to some of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems, providing an immersive experience that highlights the city’s rich history, culture, and modern charm.

    Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Later in the morning, your guide will pick you up for an exciting full-day tour of Tokyo, using the city’s efficient local train system for transportation.

    Tour Highlights:

    • Asakusa and Sensoji Temple – Discover the historic charm of Tokyo’s oldest temple and its bustling Nakamise shopping street.
    • Harajuku and Takeshita Street – Explore this vibrant area known for its unique fashion, quirky shops, and trendy cafés.
    • Meiji Jingu Shrine – Visit this serene Shinto shrine surrounded by lush greenery.
    • Shibuya Sky – Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo from this iconic observation deck.
    • Imperial Palace Gardens – Stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace, a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

    Experience Tokyo’s local train system like a true local, seamlessly connecting you to these diverse and exciting destinations.

    After the tour, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

    Proposed Hotel: Hotel Villa Fontaine Otemachi (or similar)

  • Room Type: Standard Twin Room (16 sqm)
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5: Self-Guided Transfer to Your Next Destination

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, embark on a self-guided transfer to your next destination at your own pace.

Tour Ends.

  • Hotel: Not included
  • Meals Included: Breakfast

Inclusion & Exclusion

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