Winter Day Trip from Nagoya: Shirakawa-go and Hida-Takayama by Bus

Setting Out from Nagoya for Winter Shirakawa-go and Hida-Takayama

Once you meet in Nagoya, your day begins with a visit to a village of gassho-zukuri farmhouses and a historic old town. With the travel between destinations taken care of, you can spend your time soaking in the views or seeking out the shops that catch your eye.

In Shirakawa-go, you'll wander through a village surrounded by mountains. In Hida-Takayama, you'll experience the atmosphere of a historic town along streets lined with traditional merchant houses (machiya), and taste the flavors of the Hida region.

The winter-only plan also comes with a gift of Kogen milk. Check the destinations and perks, then choose the plan that best suits your travel goals.

Walking Through the Winter Gassho-zukuri Village of Shirakawa-go

When you arrive in Shirakawa-go, start by looking up at the huge thatched roofs. Gassho-zukuri houses, with roofs shaped like hands pressed together in prayer, stand in rows, and when snow settles, both the rooftops and the surrounding fields turn white.

As you walk through the village, pay attention to the shape of the buildings. The steeply pitched roofs reflect the ingenuity of people who have lived in a heavy-snow region. Looking beyond the beautiful scenery to the way of life handed down here makes your stroll even more interesting.

Enjoying the Old Town and Local Flavors in Hida-Takayama

In Hida-Takayama, you'll visit an old town that developed as a castle town and merchant town in the Edo period. Latticed machiya houses, water channels running beneath the eaves, and cedar balls (sugidama) hanging outside sake breweries—the more you walk, the more you find to catch your eye.

Between strolls, be sure to try local specialties such as Hida beef nigiri and Takayama ramen. Hunting for the dish that tempts you is part of the fun of visiting Takayama.

When you've caught your breath, take a look at the storefronts and craft items as well. Enjoy the charm of this Hida town through its food and handcrafts.

Want to Visit Gujo-Hachiman Too? Check the Plan's Stops

Gujo-Hachiman, where waterways and rivers blend into the townscape, is another appealing stop. It shows you a different side of a castle town from mountain-village Shirakawa-go or merchant-town Takayama.

If you'd like to visit Gujo-Hachiman, check whether the plan you choose includes a stop there. Also confirm whether you can enter Gujo-Hachiman Castle and what parts of the site you can see.

Frequently Asked Questions

■ What languages is the tour guided in? English and Chinese. Please choose and book a plan that supports your preferred language.

■ Will I definitely see snowy scenery in winter? Snow conditions vary depending on the time of year and the weather. You may not see the same snowy scenery as in the photos.

■ Can I see the nighttime illumination at Shirakawa-go? The illumination is an event held on limited dates and is by advance reservation only. If you'd like to see it, check before booking whether the plan includes an overnight stay and participation in the event.

■ Can I visit the Shirakawa-go observation deck or Gujo-Hachiman Castle? For the destinations and areas you'll see, please check the detailed itinerary of the plan you book. Also confirm how to get to the observation deck, and whether castle entry is included and what it costs.

■ When will I find out the meeting place and time? In addition to the information provided at booking, check the email sent the day before departure. Check your spam folder too, and if you don't receive it, contact the tour operator.

What to Check Before You Book

• The plan's stops, the areas you'll see, and what's included in the price
• The meeting place and time, and the email you'll receive the day before
• Warm clothing and shoes with good grip on snowy roads
• What happens if the itinerary changes, cancellation terms, and travel insurance

Itineraries and stops are subject to change, so please check the latest information on the booking page before you book.

Summary

Head to Shirakawa-go, where snow turns both the gassho-zukuri roofs and the fields white. In Hida-Takayama, a street of machiya houses awaits, with shops to browse and delicious bites to find.

Mountain-village scenery, a historic old town, and the flavors of Hida. Why not turn a day in Nagoya into a short trip to wintry Gifu?

If you'd like to see snowy Gifu in a single day, be sure to check out the Shirakawa-go Gassho Village & Hida-Takayama Day Tour from Nagoya.