Private Tour
1 Day Private Charter Tour to Shirakawa-go & Takayama
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
We focus on comfort, exclusivity, and cultural depth. Designed as a fully private experience, it allows guests to enjoy a flexible itinerary tailored to their interests, free from the constraints of group schedules. Travelers are provided with a dedicated vehicle and professional driver, ensuring a smooth, safe, and relaxing journey through the scenic mountain landscapes. The tour highlights the UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawago and the preserved Edo-period streets of Takayama, offering an immersive encounter with Japan’s heritage. By combining personalized service with authentic cultural exploration, this tour delivers a refined and memorable experience.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses
The world heritage site, Shirakawago, is a free walk. Take a stroll at your own pace and enjoy the countryside at your leisure. with a delicious lunch full of mountain food.
Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory
Enjoy the unique view of Shirakawago village from the best angle and height.
What‘s Included
Customisable Tour( Guests can add 1-2 sites of their choice that are not included itinerary of Tour)
Private transportation
Bottled water
English speaking driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Fuel surcharge
Lunch
Snacks
Wada House
Takayama Jinya
Hida no Stao
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Up to 3 persons
Sedan
Pickup included
Up to 5 persons
Pickup included
Luxurious Conveyance( 3person)
Land Cruiser Prado
Pickup included
Up to 13 persons
Toyota Hiace commuter 14seater
Pickup included
Up to 9 Persons
Toyata Hiace Commuter 10seater
Pickup included
Reviews
275 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Nice Day!
Freedom53499779896,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice day. Would do it again.☺️
Wonderful daytrip
marcf423,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome trip and our guide Mois did an amazing job. Thank you very much for this memorable day.
Great day with this Private tour
Q8738BVjulief,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day and our guide Moiz was really nice and convenient, thanks
Extremely disappointed. Poor vehicle. No in depth knowledge
5KB55,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Driver was not a guide. Expensive booking agency Viator. Saw the places but no commentary English speaking (from Pakistan) but not Japanese so no in depth knowledge. Very disappointing and absolutely not worth the money. Vehicle had dark tinted windows so impossible to see out from back seat. Absolutely worthless. Skip booking with Viator. Exact same trip booked with Get your guide $110 less expensive Likely not go with smile tours again due to not providing the service described.
Very Disappointed
Gilbert M,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Not what we have expected from Viator. The van had dark film on the back seat windows , so dark that we couldn’t see out and it produced distorted views. The driver was just a driver and not a guide. He was a 21 year old from Pakistan on a one year visa. He was difficult to understand and had only basic knowledge of the area . He could tell us little about the areas we drove through. He didn’t provide commentary on the areas we drove through!! Viator charges $100. More than other providers for the same trip. This was not a guided tour but an expensive van ride. The driver (Abdul) asked whom we booked the tour with. When we said Viator charges $100 more; we asked if HE got more than with other booking agents and he said no. So we really don’t understand what your agency had to offer that would make it worth $100 more than other agencies. When I asked Abdul about the extra 100 dollars more he said all Americans are rich and 100 dollars is nothing. We were quite insulted. At for the places we went : Shirakago, there were 72 buses in the parking lot and the path to the town was crowded. The town itself was interesting but too many milling people. Other parts of the tour were less crowded. We resent paying $100. For this tour. On a previous tour we had a woman from Japan, a teacher who spoke excellent English and was well versed in Japanese history and culture. It was an excellent experience and one of the reasons we booked again with Viator. The name of this tour operator was “Smiles tours “ I did not smile. I think Viator did not provide the service they describe! Beware
Japan
Beverly K,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00We got out of the city to see the countryside and 2 towns. Beautiful scenery along the way. It was a long ride.
Highly recommended this tour, this agency and Moiz
aremon,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have spent a great day in the Japanese Alps visiting these two charming villages. The driver-guide has been very friendly and has infamous us of everything we have visited
Highly recommended: peace and relaxation
aremon,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It's been a perfect day. Although it is a long journey, the atmosphere is relaxed between nature and traditional Japanese villages. The tr
Private tour, beautiful places
CZdavidr,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect day, you can see 2 distance places in one day. Shirakawo go, nice walk and best view from observatory desk. Takayama, old town and very special Takayma Jinya day
Excellent family adventure
Vacationer367056,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a wonderful and relaxed experience. Our guide Moiz was excellent and helpful. We particularly enjoyed the museum at Takayama and the Hida Folk Village - make sure you leave enough time! We are a great meal at Mensho Junsai which catered for vegetarians and chestnut ice-cream at Meet Tree.
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Operated by Smile Tours