2-Day Bus Tour from Nagoya: Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Kamikochi

Leave Nagoya for a Journey Through Old Towns and the Northern Alps

You'll start by meeting at the Silver Clock in Nagoya. From there, the bus takes you on a 2-day, 1-night trip to Takayama's old town, the gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go, and the mountain scenery of Kamikochi.

From wandering through a town to gazing up at the mountains, the appeal of this tour is how it combines three places with very different views. With the transport taken care of, you can focus on what you'll see and taste along the way.

Below is an example of the highlights you might enjoy. For the actual order of visits and each day's schedule, please check the plan you book.

First, Takayama: Old Streets and Hida Flavours

When you arrive in Takayama, you'll begin by walking through the old town. Take in the historic buildings and eaves, and soak up the atmosphere of the town. Stepping off the bus and exploring on foot reveals details you'd never notice from a window.

During the free time at lunch, you can enjoy Hida beef dishes. Dine at a restaurant that catches your eye, or spend more of your time wandering the streets. Spend your time here however suits you best.

Next, Shirakawa-go: A Village of Thatched Gassho-zukuri Roofs

Next comes the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go. Gassho-zukuri houses with their large thatched roofs line the village, offering a mountain-village landscape quite different from Takayama's old town.

Start by taking in the houses together with the surrounding mountains, then look closer at the slope of the roofs and the texture of the thatch. As you walk through the village, you can see how the buildings blend into the landscape and sense the rhythm of daily life here.

Finally, Kamikochi: Looking Up at the Northern Alps from Kappa Bridge

Last, you'll visit Kamikochi, cradled by the Northern Japan Alps. Around Kappa Bridge (Kappabashi), you can gaze at the flow of the Azusa River and the mountains rising beyond it. After walking through towns and villages, the journey opens up here into a vast natural landscape.

First, take in the river and mountains together, then notice the colours of the trees and water. The mood of Kamikochi changes between the season when snow still clings to the peaks and the season when the greenery deepens.

Then, Capture Your Own Shot with the Mountains in View

After taking in the scenery, it's time to capture it in photos. Try different compositions, such as framing the mountains large or including the trees and river in the foreground. From the walking paths and viewing spots, look for a shot that feels like yours.

If you're travelling with friends, take a souvenir photo with the mountains behind you. Being able to preserve both the view and the time you spent there is part of the joy of this trip.

While strolling, you may spot wild monkeys. If you do, keep your distance and observe them quietly. Sightings aren't guaranteed, but it's a special moment to see them living in the wild.

What to Check Before Booking

• Please check the meeting time at the Silver Clock in Nagoya, as well as the return location and estimated arrival time.
• Please check the accommodation, room type, and whether rooms are shared.
• Please check which meals are included in the price and which costs are extra.
• Please check the order of visits, the time at each stop, and the walking area at Kamikochi for each day.
• Please check your preferred language and the available guide support.
• Please bring comfortable walking shoes, plus a jacket and rain gear for changes in temperature.

For the latest information on prices, available dates, accommodation conditions and cancellation policy, please check the booking page.

Summary

The 2-Day Bus Tour from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Kamikochi is a 2-day, 1-night trip by bus through Takayama's old town, World Heritage Shirakawa-go, and Kamikochi in the Northern Alps. You'll meet at the Silver Clock in Nagoya, and the tour is available in Chinese, English and Japanese.

In Takayama, enjoy the old streets and Hida flavours, then continue to the gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go. Finally, at Kamikochi, take in the clear river and the Northern Alps. It's a 2-day bus tour from Nagoya through the many faces of both town and nature.

It's ideal for anyone who wants transport taken care of so they can enjoy walking, looking and tasting along the way. Check the itinerary and accommodation conditions that suit your travel dates, and set out from Nagoya for a journey into the mountains.

Book here: 2-Day Bus Tour from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Kamikochi