Takayama, Shirakawago & Kanazawa 3-Day Tour
96,900
Discover the enchanting regions nestled between Tokyo and Kyoto, where traditional Japanese culture meets breathtaking landscapes. This unique itinerary takes you through the picturesque towns of Kanazawa, Takayama, and the stunning Shirakawa-go, providing an unforgettable journey that highlights the beauty and history of Japan.
- Kanazawa is a city where tradition meets tranquility. Home to the renowned Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, it boasts seasonal beauty and serene ambiance. Strolling through the historic samurai district reveals remnants of a vibrant past, while the Higashi Chaya teahouse district invites visitors to experience the essence of the Edo period (1603-1868). The exquisite architecture and rich cultural traditions make Kanazawa a captivating destination.
- Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its iconic gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses. In the picturesque village of Ogimachi, visitors are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes that showcase Japan’s traditional rural lifestyle. This charming area, particularly stunning during seasonal transitions, offers an immersive experience into a simpler, yet culturally rich, way of life.
- Takayama is celebrated for its well-preserved old town, characterized by Edo-period houses that transport you back in time. The atmospheric streets are lined with traditional wooden structures, each with its own story to tell. Highlights include Yatai Kaikan Hall, where intricate festival floats can be admired, showcasing the city’s vibrant cultural heritage. Takayama’s timeless charm and welcoming ambiance create a memorable experience for all who visit.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Kanazawa
Our guide will pick you up at your hotel at 9:00 AM (or meet at Kanazawa Station) to begin your journey. Start with a visit to Kenroku-en Garden, celebrated for its seasonal beauty. Continue to Kanazawa Castle Park to explore samurai-era architecture, then head to the Higashi Chaya District for lunch at a local eatery and exploration of traditional teahouses. After lunch, visit Myouryu-ji (Ninja Temple), known for its hidden passages and architectural secrets dating back to the 1600s. Wrap up the day with further exploration in Higashi Chaya before an overnight stay in Kanazawa.
Overnight: Kanazawa
Meal: Lunch - Day 2: Shirakawa-go and Takayama
Depart from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Explore Ogimachi village and the nearby ruins of a 14th-century castle, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Takayama, nestled in the Hida mountains, where the traditional old town preserves the ambiance of the Edo period. Visit Yatai Kaikan Hall, home to hand-carved floats used in Takayama’s major festivals.
Overnight: Takayama
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch - Day 3: Takayama (Non-Guided Day)
Enjoy a free day in Takayama to explore at your leisure. Stroll through the old town, visit local markets, or simply relax and soak in the historic charm and culture of this mountain city.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
- 2 nights’ accommodation (1 night in Kanazawa and 1 night in Takayama)
- National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter for Days 1 and 2
- Lunch on Days 1 and 2
- Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
Exclusions
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Other fees not included in the tour
- Optional activities at guests’ discretion
- Drinks (other than water) and additional food items during meals
- Transfers to and from the airport
Booking Request
Questions?
Additional Information
Attire
The tour operates in all weather conditions (except when there is a typhoon or other extreme situations). Please dress appropriately for all weather conditions. In such case, please note that the tour may change slightly to accommodate for the weather.
Non-Smoking
While most places we visit may be non-smoking establishments, there are some places along the way that may allow smoking in designated areas. Please take note of this for guests who are sensitive to smoke.
Age Requirement
There is no age requirement, but a reservation must be made for all guests. For children (Age 12 and below), the children must stay in the same room as adults. For guests age 13 and up, guests may stay in a separate room, or may share a room with parents or other members of the group at request. Maximum of 5 people (adults and children) can have a shared room at request. Passports may be required to verify age on the day of the tour.
Payment
All bookings are payable via Stripe (Booking Checkout) or Flywire. Confirmations regarding your booking will be sent at least 10 days before your activity date.
Cancellation Policy
Moderate Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 14 days or less before the event
- Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 21 days or less before the event
- Cancellation fee of 25% is charged if cancelled 30 days or less before the event
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Q&A
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Japan Awaits is a licensed tour operator in Japan, with hundreds of registered and vetted tour guides nationwide. We offer tours in any location in Japan and manage all details, including transportation and tickets. Contact us and inquire about a custom experience today.
How far in advance should I book?
Preparing a customized tour requires some time, especially if reservations for restaurants or other venues are required. We recommend making a reservation as early as possible. Ideally, it should be 3 months before your travel date, or 1 month before the travel date at the very least. For Custom Tour bookings that are requested with less than 7 days before the travel date, we may not be able to arrange your custom tour in time so your booking request may be cancelled and you will receive a full refund.
Why am I charged a service fee if I make a cancellation after you started planning the trip?
Organizing and planning a trip requires a lot of time and if we have made reservations on your behalf, it may be very challenging to cancel some booking requests. Once we receive your booking and your answers from the Custom Tour form, we will begin putting together your Itinerary Sheet and will start arranging your tour guide, buying tickets, making reservations at venues for your tour, etc. If you cancel the tour any time after we have sent you the custom Itinerary Sheet, the service fee of 15% of your total tour cost will be nonrefundable If your cancellation falls within the fees applied to the Standard Cancellation Policy, the service fee of 15% will no longer take effect. You will only be responsible for the cancellation fee specified in the Standard Cancellation Policy. Please carefully review the terms and conditions specified on the checkout page.
