Departing from Takayama [Regular sightseeing bus] World Heritage Sites Shirakawago and Gokayama Ainokura
Overview
Available languages
7 hours 20 minutes
Mobile ticket
This is a regular sightseeing bus that visits the world heritage sites of Gassho Village in Gokayama Aikura and Shirakawago guided by a bus guide.
We will guide you through the Gokayama and Shirakawago Gassho settlements, which are difficult for individuals to reach, by a safe and comfortable chartered bus.
Please eat your lunch at Gassho Village in Shirakawago.
This tour is a regular sightseeing bus guided by a Nohi Bus bus guide. We offer you a comfortable bus journey to the next level, sharing information about the charms of the World Heritage Site, how to spend your time there, and seasonal information about foods and dialects in the Hida region that are not found in guidebooks. You can join on the day of departure if you have a seat. (However, we may refuse if the seats are full.)
※This tour will be shared with other guests.We operate by medium or large bus.The maximum number of participants on the application form is the maximum number of people who can apply at one time.
※Please beware of fake site products.
Regular sightseeing bus tours of Nohi Bus on Viator are only here.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Ainokura Gassho Community
We will guide you to the Gassho Village of Gokayama Ainokura, a World Heritage site. In the Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, there are 20 Gassho-zukuri houses still in existence, and you can see a variety of Gassho-zukuri houses. People still live in these gassho-zukuri houses.
The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses
Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site, is a village where 114 thatched gassho-zukuri houses still retain the nostalgic scenery of old Japan. The steeply sloped triangular roof, which is unique to regions with heavy snowfall, resembles the shape of hands joined together, which is why it is called a gassho-zukuri house. Feel free to stroll around the village for as long as you like. * You can also enter "Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Minkaen".
Options
Departing from Takayama [Regular sightseeing bus] World Heritage Sites Shirakawago and Gokayama Ainokura
What‘s Included
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
165 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour with the family visiting UNESCO heritage sites
Emmalee B,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour of Ainokura and Shirakawa-go. We were able to do a washi making experience in Ainokura and enjoy a traditional lunch at Shirakawa-go. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and helpful during the transit. Would recommend it if you are looking to visit these sites without driving yourself!
Wonderful landscapes.
Vrodriguezsotelo,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Although there was no excursion in our language, it is worth doing since the landscapes are amazing, and the guide and driver were very kind. It is a pity we did not learn about all the historical aspects, but with the brochures and maps, we learned quite a bit.
Lovely trip
thomasaY2094AI,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. You had more than enough time at each stop to take it all in without rushing.
Exploring Edo villages
135SandyP,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was well organized and guide was informative. The villages we visited were stunning!
Awesome sites to visit!
Passport23638029572,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, great value, very knowledgeable and accommodating guide.
Stress-free travel experience
238sallyb,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful way to get to see the World Heritage Sites. Relaxing and out tour guide was knowledgeable and informative in both Japanese and English. We were very happy we took this tour/experience
Awesome experience
798lyndallc,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip. Guide was amazing with her recommendations - even highlighted the map in different colours for us all.
We absolutely loved our...
Mairead P,May 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We absolutely loved our day trip to Shirakawa-Go and Ainokura. The coach was comfortable and we had excellent views from the window, with the bus slowing down at photo spots. The tour guide was lovely and very helpful! Ainokura was definitely a highlight - although a much smaller village- it was much quieter and we were able to walk around some spots without anyone else being around. Just a short 10 minute uphill walk to the most amazing view of the village & Japanese Alps. Shirakawa-Go was definitely more crowded (& loud) but still very enjoyable. Sadly, most restaurants seemed to be closed when we visited but we were stilll able to try the Hida Beef skewer which was delicious. It’s 100% worth spending more time at the Museum area as it is much quieter and absolutely beautiful- you can also enter most of the buildings (+ free green tea inside the resting building). Definitely recommend trying the icecream shop too!
Beautiful weather, right timing with no crowds
sisiliai2022,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Relaxing tour, big clean bus, informative and friendly lady tour guide, best to go before or after golden week so no crowds
Must do tour when you are in Takayama
Wonseok N,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Easy way to visit 2 UNESCO world heritage sites without having to think about the logistics of getting there. Given enough free time to roam on your own. A guide onboard the bus with good English was very helpful. Ainokura was a highlight. Shirakawa-go was very touristy, but I am glad that I went there.
Related Experiences
Operated by Nohi Bus