Shirakawago & Takayama Bus Tour from Nagoya w/Optional Lunch
Overview
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Experience Edo-period Japan in Takayama and the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village. Enjoy lunch at Koshiyama, where you can savor Hida Beef, one of the top three Japanese beef varieties, and an Oden set (exclusive for those who choose the meal plan).
Visit the historic Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Marvel at the classic Gassho-style architecture of Hida Takayama.
Enjoy the picturesque natural beauty of mountain scenery in Gifu.
Take advantage of convenient round-trip transportation from Nagoya with guaranteed departure.
Winter Travel Note: Snowfall may occasionally lead to road closures to Shirakawa-go. If this happens, we will seamlessly transition to a captivating substitute journey, taking you to the picturesque town of Gujo Hachiman, known as the 'Little Kyoto of Gifu.' Immerse yourself in the charm of its historic streets adorned with traditional buildings.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please be at the meeting point no later than 10min before departure. The bus will not wait for late arrivals.
English and Chinese commentary might be given on the same bus in case of low amount of participants.
Please note that the tour schedule may be subject to traffic conditions on the day.
In the event of severe traffic caused by holidays or adverse weather conditions, there may be a reduction in planned attractions without refunds.
Be present at the right meeting point 10 minutes before the departure. Contact number may not be responsive outside of business hours, 9:30am~6pm JST (MON-FRI)
Please check the photo in the product page & scan the QR code for the meeting point reference.
Regarding luggage, we allow one piece of luggage per person during the excursion. Please also ensure that the luggage is manageable and fits comfortably within our vehicle. (The maximum size for luggage stored in the trunk should not exceed a total of 155cm- combined height, width, and depth.) Please also be aware that any items stored in the trunk will not be accessible in between stops on the tour, so keep all valuables with you.
Upon arrival, please confirm your name with the guide or staff on the participant list.
In general, we do not send out confirmation emails prior to departure. If you would like more information or need to clarify something, please contact us and we will send you the relevant details.
Infants under 3 years old are free of charge without seat. If a seat is required, please book under the child's price.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Takayama
Experience Edo-period Japan in Takayama and the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village. You will have lunch at your own expense in Takayama, a town filled with interesting sights and serving as the gateway to the Japanese Alps. Be sure to explore the Sanmachi Suji District, which consists of three streets in the heart of Takayama's Edo town, located just east of the Miya-gawa River. These streets are lined with traditional houses, shops, restaurants, sake breweries, and cafes.
As part of your experience, savor a delectable Japanese-style teppanyaki set lunch at the renowned Koshiyama restaurant in Shirakawa-go. Indulge in the local specialty, Japanese Beef 'Hida Gyu,' which is raised in Gifu Prefecture and renowned for its rich marbling and exquisite flavor. Alternatively, you can opt for the Oden lunch, a comforting and flavorful dish featuring ingredients simmered in a savory broth. Both offerings highlight the authentic flavors of the region and provide a delightful culinary experience.
What‘s Included
Round trip bus fare and other fees
Lunch (if this option is selected)
English or Chinese-speaking conductor
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Oden Tofu lunch (7:50 Meet up)
Oden Tofu Lunch option.: Tofu lunch that can be eaten by vegan and vegetarians.
Nagoya VIP Liner Departure.: (Meeting time: 7:50AM/Departure time: 8:00AM) from Otake Parking Lot near JR Nagoya station.
No Lunch (7:50 am Meet up)
No Lunch Option.
Nagoya VIP Liner Departure.: (Meeting time: 7:50AM / Departure time: 8:00AM) from Otake Parking Lot near JR Nagoya station.
Kobe Beef Lunch (7:50 Meet up)
Kobe Beef Lunch Option.: Kobe beef shabu-shabu (hotpot)— thinly sliced premium melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef gently swished in a hot pot.
Nagoya VIP Liner Departure.: (Meeting time: 7:50AM/Departure time: 8:00AM) from Otake Parking Lot near JR Nagoya station.
Pork Lunch (7:50 Meet up)
Hida Pork Lunch Option.: Premium Hida Pork, one of Japan’s top pork brands. The tour comes with a Hida Pork lunch — a regional specialty known for its
Nagoya VIP Liner Departure.: (Meeting time: 7:50AM/Departure time: 8:00AM) from Otake Parking Lot near JR Nagoya station.
Hida Beef lunch (7:50 Meet up)
Hida Beef Lunch Option.: Japanese Top 3 beef, a symphony of flavors showcasing the unparalleled quality of Hida beef in Japanese culinary excellence.
Nagoya VIP Liner Departure.: (Meeting time: 7:50AM/Departure time: 8:00AM) from Otake Parking Lot near JR Nagoya station.
Reviews
47 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tour guide has trouble with the English language
DMon707,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We booked this tour principally to see the high mountains in the area, but it was raining pretty nonstop, with fog everywhere. We could still get a glimpse of one side of a snowy peak. The villages themselves have interesting architecture and the beef lunch was self-cook barbecue, but good. Lots of shopping opportunities that we had little use for. The only disappointment we had with the tour was the tour guides ability to communicate in English. We could hear him fine, but what he was saying g was largely incomprehensible even though he repeated some phrases several times. His delivery was broken English with Japanese accent.
Highly recommend this tour.
Cheryl Y,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Barasan was a great guide and coordination of the trip went smoothly. The bus was very comfortable and the pace was good. The lunch was very tasty. Overall, the day exceeded expectations.
Great tour!
Curious68549606817,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great tour and tour guide. Loved the destinations and the comfortable transportation. I’m iffy on the meal. It was just ok. But it’s kind of a must because the bus stops there.
Poor quality tour. Very odd tour guide.
Graham H,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Just read a pre-prepared script in English that was hard to understand. We went through amazing mountain scenery but the mountains were treated as they weren't there. Very specific information on ice cream shops given 40 minutes in advance so it is forgotten by the time you arrive. We were told there was no waiting for late-comers but we waited twice for people who were late. Chaotic and baffling check-in system that had most people shaking their heads in disbelief. Bizarre seating plan that wasn't explained. You were supposed to know in advance who your guide was and go to them. But how would you know? Too much time spent on stupid paperwork.
Takayama & Shirakawa-go Adventure
mariamgc91,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Liu was a great tour guide! Takayama and Shirakawa-go are as beautiful in person as they are in pictures. A must see!
A well-organized visit
Sylviane R,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00An interesting, well-organized journey. It is a visit that allows to see the essentials of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. I recommend the lunch option, excellent and hearty.
Worthwhile day trip
TraveLynns,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day trip. Limited timecatveachvstop, but knew that going in and was ok with it. Basa-san was a great guide. Has lots of info and maps ready for us. Very well organized and informative. If this is your only way to see Takayama and Shirakagawa, take it.
Beautiful view shirawago village
yuetwan l,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.001st thing, my name for 2pax wasnt in their list for shirawago trip. Has 3 buses. Non of the buses had my name. At last, 1 young guide said join in, will sort out with company. Trip went well, all in order.
Very amazing experience....
Wally P,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very amazing experience. Tour coordinator handles everything well, provides us necessary information needed during the tour, very kind and very helpful to the tourists
Takayama and Shirokawago
ElricaMaria A,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful places to visit with unique local foods (Hida Beef sushi at Takayama and award winning Shirokawago, Purin no le)and mascots (Sarubobo). Anticipate line ups! Be sure to wear appropriate hiking wear should you come in the winter as grounds can be slippery.
From ¥12,800
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Operated by VIP Japan Tours