Shirakawa-go & Takayama

Experience first-hand the traditions and culture rooted in the blessings of the land in Shirakawa-go and Takayama, regions that embody the very essence of Gifu Prefecture, preserved through the wisdom and efforts of the communities who live in harmony with nature, passed down through the generations.

Area Map

Experience Content

Interweavings of History and Culture: Encountering Hida Takayama

Unravel the threads of Hida Takayama's culture steeped in history and cultivated in centuries of relative isolation as you visit its key locations accompanied by a local guide in this popular walking tour recommended for first-time visitors.

North Gifu

Hidden Charms: Uncovered Wonders of the Hida Region

Go beneath the surface, right into the heart of the lesser known gems of the Hida Region from Takayama City, to Hida City, to Shirakawa-go, and finally, Gero City in this special tour made convenient and very accessible by car.

North Gifu

Streams of Refreshing: Shower Climbing at Kijiya Valley, Takayama

Beat the sweltering heat and humidity of summer with this invigorating, thrilling, and wildly popular seasonal activity! Bask in the wonders of the great outdoors as you soak in the waters and enjoy summer to your heart's content.

North Gifu

Summer Steps Onwards: Sawaaruki (River Trekking) Tour with Specialty OFF THE GRID COFFEE

Immerse yourself in the grand outdoors of Hida Takayama through this gentle, leisurely summer hike through sparkling clear waters, flowing over massive rocks formed from volcanic activity thousands of years ago.

North Gifu

Winter Steps Onwards: Snow Trekking Tour with Specialty OFF THE GRID COFFEE

Wander into the winter wonderland wilderness of Hida Takayama through this private trekking tour in snowshoes, with the great Hida Choshi Falls (named after its likeness, a choshi - sake bottle) in its semifrozen state, as a journey highlight.

North Gifu

Crafting in the Heart of Nature: Nokutare Green Woodworking (Premium Course)

Introducing the world of green woodworking with natural and limitless potential of creativity. Take in the crisp scent of freshly shaved unseasoned wood, and find enduring joy in creating a keepsake of your own making right in the heart of nature. This Premium Course starts a visit at the forest nearby the workshop to safely remove wood, and includes a packed lunch.

North Gifu

Crafting in the Heart of Nature: Nokutare Green Woodworking (Regular Course)

North Gifu

Merging Lands, Bridging Lives: Kokufu E-bike Tour, Immersive Satoyama Scenery and Lifestyle Experience

Grab an e-bike and ride into a refreshing and exhilarating exploration of Japan's satoyama (areas where foothills and farmlands overlap) and the roots of its thriving. Swing by wellsprings before enjoying a delectable lunch of Hoba-zushi, a local Hida cuisine, at Sakurano Park.

North Gifu

Merging Lands, Bridging Lives: Miyagawa E-bike Tour at the Fountainhead of Takayama

Set forth on a thrilling e-bike adventure highlighting the very best of North Gifu's nature and tradition. Race towards the headwaters of the Miyagawa River and discover not only this fountainhead of Takayama, but also the regional way of life that preserves it.

North Gifu

Reveries of Wedded Bliss: Wedding Photoshoot at Japanese Traditional Town Takayama

A picture is worth a thousand words. Preserve your precious wedding moments into a series of everlasting photos taken in the dreamy Japanese Fairytale Village Shirakawa-go. Begin eternal memories of your wedded bliss right here, right now.

North Gifu

Reveries of Wedded Bliss: Wedding Photoshoot at Japanese Fairytale Village Shirakawa-go

A picture is worth a thousand words. Preserve your precious wedding moments into a series of everlasting photos taken in Takayama. Begin eternal memories of your wedded bliss right here, right now.

North Gifu

Intertwinings of Sake and Culture: Experience Hida Furukawa

Invigorate your senses as you experience the way of life in the mountains of Hida Furukawa, and how it connects and blesses people across generations.

North Gifu

Savor the Rich Flavors of Takayama: Regional Cuisine Cooking Class

Welcome to the tasty culinary world of Hida Takayama! Featuring the mouth-wateringly rich and earthy flavors cultivated deep in the heart of the mountains, prepared using the very best of nature's bounty.

North Gifu

Artisanal Legacy in Motion: Takayama Festival Master Craftsmen and Workshop Tour

Get an exclusive look behind the scenes of the Takayama Festival, one of Japan's three most beautiful festivals in Japan featuring 23 gorgeously elaborate floats, with a history of about 350 years.

North Gifu

Takayama Townhouse Culinary Lessons and Connections: Regional Cooking Class and Fellowship with Locals

Chop, simmer, and boil your way to making tasty seasonal culinary delights in the local way using ingredients such as Hida beef, Hida vegetables and seafood from the Hokuriku region, with a huge Japanese machiya (townhouse) built 200 years ago in an old merchant town as a very special setting.

North Gifu

Paths of Righteousness: Samurai tea ceremony and iaido activity

From the calm and graceful steps of the tea ceremony, to the swift but deadly moves of iaido, walk the paths of righteousness the way the samurais did, in the spirit of bushido.

North Gifu

Exquisite Hospitality: 400 years of Sowaryu-style tea ceremony and Sowaryu Honzen Kuzushi kaiseki

Rediscover fine dining done the way of the samurai with Sowaryu Honzen Kuzushi and the Sowaryu-style tea ceremony in Hida Takayama, a town famous for its well-established traditional crafts and historical districts.

North Gifu

Across the Land of Clear Waters: E-bike 1-Day Tour from Takayama City to Gujo Hachiman (approx. 90km)

Savor the lush greenery of Gifu's grand outdoors as you e-bike the approximately 90km course from Takayama City to Gujo Hachiman. There's also a chance of meeting the local wildlife on your way too!