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.
1.Hidatakayama 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.
2.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 -4vehicles).
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.
