Day trip to Takayama and Shirakawagō
Sunday 31 March 7:50am - 7:50pm
How to book in post in post #76

Takayama (高山) is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. To differentiate it from other places named Takayama, the city is often referred to as Hida-Takayama. Takayama is one of the best preserved old towns in Japan

Takayama gained importance as a source of high-quality timber and highly skilled carpenters during the feudal ages. For these important resources, the city was put under direct control of the shogun and enjoyed quite a bit of prosperity considering its remote mountain location. Carved wooden ornaments are popular souvenirs of the area today.


Old street of Takayama - Japan Guide


Shirakawagō (白川郷), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a remote mountain village famous for its traditional Gasshō-zukuri farmhouses some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms.

Shirakawagō (Japan Guide)


Wikipedia


Matcha-jp.com

Takayama is 2 hours 15 mins from Nagoya by limited express trains but to visit both Takayama and Shirakawagō in one day is logistically difficult without a car. It’s therefore suggested we go on a bus tour.

Provisional itinerary (approximate timing only)
7:50 Meet at Meitetsu Bus Center 4F (How to get to the meeting place)
8:00 Depart for Takayama
10:30 Arrive in Takayama
Two and half hours to explore Takayama and have lunch
13:00 Depart for Shirakawagō
14:00 Arrive in Shirakawagō
Two hours to explore Shirakawagō
16:00 Depart for Nagoya
19:50 Arrive in Nagoya

Cost
The cost will be ¥7,500 excluding lunch. Considering the limited express fare to Takayama is ¥6,340 one way for a 2 hour 15 min train ride, it sounds like a good value. This tour does not include a guide and the majority of passengers may be Chinese-speaking but there will be information sheets in English. Since it will be a very popular time for travel early bookings will be essential to secure seats.

How to book in post in post #76.
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