If you’re looking for a truly unique experience that brings a deeper appreciation and understanding of Japan’s cultural heritage against the dramatic backdrop of Japanese Alps, then consider taking part in the village tour of Takayama Gifu. Situated in a remote valley, these historic villages were hard to access until the 1950s.
Price begins at SGD$75+ for adults and SGD$57+ for children.
Itinerary
- 08:30 Departure from Takayama Nohi Bus Center
- World Heritage Gokayama Ainokura Gassho Village (Free walk for about 50 minutes)
- Walk at World Heritage Shirakawa-go Gassho Village and enter Gassho-Zukuri Minkaen (stay in Shirakawa-go for about 2 hours and 40 minutes)
- Shiroyama Castle Tower Observatory (stay for about 20 minutes)
- 15:50 Arrive at Takayama Nohi Bus Center
1. Gokayama Ainokura Gassho Village
At the first stop, you will visit the Ainokura Village in the Gokayama region. This region is set far back within the valley on a high but narrow terraced plateau. Ainokura is quiet and sees less tourist traffic than the other villages, being harder to access via public transport. Being so remote, Ainokura was able to maintain a lot of its traditional culture, isolating from outside influence.
With around 20 well-preserved Gassho-Zukuri thatched roof buildings and about 40 inhabitants, this village offers a close look at the pre-modern Japan.
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2. Shirakawa-Go Gassho Village
At the second place, the Shirakawa-Go region is the more popular and touristy side, with the largest village and an observation deck.
Ogimachi has over a hundred Gassho-Zukuri buildings, many of which have turned into restaurants, museums, or minshuku.
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At Ogimachi, enter the Gassho-Zukuri Minkaen Museum, an open-air museum with traditional farmhouses, temples, watermill, and café. A number of farmhouses from the surrounding villages have been relocated into this museum, preserving the architecture. Gassho-Zukuri Minkaen entrance ticket is included in the tour package.
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This region, there are washi paper artisans, a traditional Japanese paper made from the fibers of plants. Take a visit to their stores and see the artisans at work, and try your hands at making some yourself!
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3. Shiroyama Tenshukaku Observation Deck
At the last stop, an observation deck situated at the top from the valley will give you a bird’s eye view of the entire region.
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Book tickets to the Shirakawago & Gokayama Ainokura Tour here!
RESTRICTIONS
- Age Criteria
Adults: 13 years and older
Children: 6-12 years old
REQUIREMENTS
- Please check in at the Takayama Nohi Bus Center and collect a ticket.
- Please note that Gassho-zukuri Minkaen is closed every Thursday, so we won’t be able to visit on that day. However, passengers who join us on the days will receive a unique souvenir as a token of our appreciation.
REQUIRED ITEMS TO BRING & ATTIRE
- Please wear warm clothes and non-slip shoes.
OTHER INFO
- Arrival may be delayed due to snow pileups or traffic congestion. In such cases, please note that the tour time may be shorter than scheduled.
- Tour departs at 08:30 (Please complete the reception 15 minutes before the departure time)
Operating hours and address
Takayama Nohi Bus Center
6-125 Hanasato-cho, Takayama-City, Gifu, Japan
Departs at 08:30 (Please be early and complete the reception 15 minutes before the departure time)
