Discover the charm of Takayama and Shirakawa-go on this full-day cultural and culinary tour from Nagoya. Explore historic streets, experience traditional Japanese mountain village culture, and enjoy a choice of delicious meal options, including Hida beef and vegetarian meals. You can also choose a special limited-date Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up Tour to witness the enchanting snow-covered village illuminated at night.
Shirakawa-go hosts its special winter Light-Up event on only four nights in 2027: January 11, 17, 24, and 31.
⭐Cultural & Culinary Discovery Day Tour
Detailed Itinerary
8:30 AM | Meet at Nagoya Station Shinkansen North Gate and depart.
- Hidatakayama Sanmachi Historic District (120 mins)
Stroll along Sanmachi-dori, admire traditional wooden buildings, explore the local morning market and craft shops, and sample Hida beef skewers and other local specialties at your own expense.
- Lunch Break (30 mins)
Choose from optional Hida beef or vegetarian meal sets. The specific dishes may vary slightly depending on the restaurant. If you have not selected a meal-inclusive option, you can enjoy lunch at your own expense near the attraction.
- Shirakawa-go Gassho Village (120 mins)
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, admire its unique Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, and visit the approximately 300-year-old Wada House to learn about traditional architecture and mountain village life.
Return to Nagoya
Depart from Shirakawa-go and travel back to Nagoya.
⭐Special Light-Up Tour (2027: Jan 11/17/24/31)
Adding the evening light-up—snow-capped roofs glowing with warm lights (no observatory access).
• 10:00 AM | Meet at Ministop Meieki Tsubakicho Store and depart.
- Hida Takayama Sanmachi Historic District (120 mins)
Stroll Sanmachi-dori’s historic streets, admire Edo-era wooden buildings, and browse local craft shops for traditional Hida handicrafts.
- Shirakawa-go Gassho Village (120 mins):
Arrive and continue your cultural exploration—wander the snow-dusted lanes, photograph the Gassho-zukuri houses, and learn about the village’s history before settling in to wait for the light-up.
- Shirakawa-go Light-Up (120 mins)
Witness the seasonal highlight—warm lights illuminate the snow-capped thatched roofs, casting a soft glow over the historic village (no observatory access).
Return to Nagoya: Depart Shirakawa-go
Only vehicles with up to 9 seats are allowed to enter Shirakawa-go, so each vehicle can carry a maximum of 9 participants. During the light-up event, participants will be divided into small groups and travel in separate vehicles. One English-speaking guide will lead each group of up to 27 participants (generally one guide for every 3–4 vehicles).
Please note that the Regular Day Tour does not include the Winter Light-Up event. If you wish to attend, please book the Shirakawa-go Winter Light-Up Tour.