Gujo attractions

This regular sightseeing bus tour by Nohi Bus takes you to the World Heritage gassho settlements of Gokayama Aikura and Shirakawago. You will travel in a comfortable, chartered medium- or large-sized bus and be guided through these traditional thatched-roof villages that are often difficult to reach independently. Along the way, the bus guide will point out the main sights and explain the local context of each settlement. You will have time to eat your lunch at the Gassho Village in Shirakawago. Your guide will share local insights that may not be in guidebooks — the settlements’ charms, tips on how to spend your time there, and seasonal information about Hida-region foods and dialects. The tour is shared with other guests. You may be able to join on the day of departure if seats remain, but you might be refused if the bus is full.

Travel comfortably from Takayama to Kanazawa on an air-conditioned coach. Along the way, the journey includes a stop in the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawago, known for its beautiful natural scenery and the distinctive gassho-style farmhouses that dot the landscape. As you move through Shirakawago, you’ll have time to take in the views and wander among the traditional gassho houses that make the village notable. The coach journey removes the need to plan connections or navigate public transport, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery and sightseeing. You may store up to two pieces of luggage beneath the bus, plus one carry-on item inside the coach per person. The service runs between Takayama and Kanazawa with the stop in Shirakawago included as part of the route.

On this guided sake tour, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey through Takayama. Along the way, you’ll venture into several breweries for a chance to discover the secrets behind the rice liquor. You’ll set out on foot through the city, stopping at traditional Japanese storehouses known as ‘kura’. Along the way, you’ll take in the history of a neighborhood that once had over 50 distilleries. Additionally, you’ll visit an ancient winery to explore its halls and gain insight into the sake-making process. Finally, you’ll get a tasting to savor the nuances and distinct flavors of this beverage.

Held in the tranquil grounds of a historic temple, this onigiri-making and miso soup experience combines hands-on cooking with a calm, cultural setting. You will shape and personalise your own onigiri plate, experimenting with a range of fillings and flavours as you learn basic techniques for forming rice balls. Along the way, you will also make miso soup from scratch using locally renowned Hida miso, learning how the ingredients come together to create its distinctive taste. The activity is entirely vegan-friendly. As you move through the session, the peaceful temple atmosphere will give context to the food you prepare and offer a quieter alternative to typical cooking classes. You will gain practical skills you can repeat at home and a clearer sense of how these simple dishes fit into Japanese culinary tradition. The experience is suited to anyone interested in food, culture and a calm, hands-on introduction to Japanese flavours.

This comfortable journey takes you from Takayama to Kyoto, with a short stop in Kanazawa and a self-guided visit to the mountain village of Shirakawa-go. Along the way you’ll travel by bus in a straightforward, single transfer, making the trip simple and convenient. The itinerary includes a self-guided stop at Shirakawa-go, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Shirakawa-go you’ll have free time to wander through the village and take in its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses and mountain setting at your own pace. You’ll see the traditional architecture and the village atmosphere that earned its UNESCO status. Later, the journey continues to Kyoto, where you’ll arrive ready to explore the city’s vibrant and historical sites, from temples and shrines to traditional neighbourhoods. The experience focuses on comfortable travel and independent exploration, so you can enjoy Shirakawa-go and then move on to Kyoto without the hassle of organising transport between the two regions.

This service provides transport from Takayama to Kawaguchiko and is a transportation option only, not a guided tour. Departing from Takayama, a city known for its beautifully preserved old town and traditional festivals, you will travel through the Japanese countryside in comfort. The service offers freedom and flexibility, and takes care of luggage transportation and transfers so you do not have to worry about those details during the journey. Along the way the route passes Hirayu, a village nestled in the Japanese Alps that is known for its hot springs and peaceful mountain scenery. Although Hirayu is not a stop, you can admire its traditional architecture and lush greenery from the bus window as you move through the area. The journey continues to Kawaguchiko, a town famous for its views of Mount Fuji, where you will arrive to explore the lakeside and surrounding scenery at your own pace.

This full-day experience from Takayama combines high mountain views, wildlife and peaceful nature. You will travel into the Northern Japan Alps and ride the Shinhotaka Ropeway to look out over alpine peaks and broad panoramas. Along the way, there is a stop at Okuhida where you may witness the bears that live in the area. After the ropeway and the Okuhida visit, you will spend time in Kamikochi. The tour includes easy walks through this pristine natural area, where you can take in quiet forest scenery and the calm, open spaces that make Kamikochi special. As you move through the day, the contrast between soaring mountain views from above and the tranquil valleys below will be clear. The itinerary offers a blend of landscape viewpoints, a wildlife encounter, and gentle nature walks, making it suitable for people who enjoy varied outdoor experiences.

This hands-on mochi making experience in Takayama gives you a chance to learn a traditional Japanese craft. You’ll learn the art of transforming steamed glutinous rice into chewy mochi, a food long associated with celebration and good fortune. Guided by a local host, you’ll pound the rice with traditional tools and then shape it into small, shareable treats. Set in a tranquil temple, the workshop emphasises the communal side of mochi making. Along the way you’ll handle the rice, join in the rhythm of the pounding, and finish your mochi with toppings such as kinako and sweet red bean paste. The activity is designed to help you connect with Japan’s culinary heritage and to create enjoyable memories with loved ones.

Hidden high in the mountains of central Japan, far from the hustle and bustle of metropolises like Tokyo and Osaka, you will find the well-preserved townscapes of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. In Takayama — once a direct land holding of the Shogun — you will stroll streets lined with fine wooden buildings and traditional shopfronts. The town’s woodwork and calm atmosphere offer a different, more relaxed kind of beauty than cities such as Kyoto and Kanazawa. Shirakawa-go, by contrast, will show you a rural way of life. The village presents a strong example of the life Japanese farmers lived in ages past, a lifestyle still experienced today by the few who call it home. Led by a locally based, English-speaking guide, you will move between both towns and take in their preserved architecture, traditional streetscapes and glimpses of a bygone era. Along the way, the local perspective will help bring the history and everyday life of these mountain communities into clearer view.

Ninja Cafe Takayama in the historic city of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture offers an immersive samurai and ninja experience in a convenient central location. You can don a ninja costume and take part in authentic ninja training designed for both adults and children. Along the way, you'll learn about the natural history of Japan and the historical role of the ninja, gaining context for the skills you try. The cafe also displays historical helmets, swords and tea utensils that are useful for understanding old Japan. These items are presented alongside the hands‑on activities, so you can see artefacts and then relate them to the training and stories you hear. Visitors coming from Nagoya, Gifu or Takayama often stop here to add a memorable cultural experience to their trip.

At a historic tea shop in Hida Takayama, you'll take part in a relaxed, authentic matcha experience. You will grind tencha using a stone mill, then whisk the freshly milled powder into matcha. Along the way, you'll enjoy a tasting comparison that highlights the aroma and flavour of freshly ground matcha. The session is not bound by strict tea ceremony rules, so it keeps a casual feel while still showing traditional techniques. It is suitable for anyone who wants a gentle encounter with Japanese culture, matcha or tea lovers curious about flavour differences, and visitors hoping to create a special memory in Takayama.

This comfortable journey takes you from Takayama to Osaka, with a self‑guided visit to the mountain village of Shirakawa‑go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a short stop in Kanazawa along the way. You’ll travel by coach between the towns and have time to experience the changing landscapes as you move toward Osaka. At Shirakawa‑go you’ll have a self‑guided visit, so you can explore at your own pace. You may wander the village streets, take photographs, visit viewpoints and learn about its UNESCO‑listed heritage. The stop is designed for independent sightseeing, so you can choose how to spend your time there. The brief pause in Kanazawa gives a chance to step off the coach and see a little of the city before continuing to Osaka. Overall, the experience focuses on comfortable travel between Takayama and Osaka with a substantial self‑guided visit to Shirakawa‑go and a short stop in Kanazawa along the route.

Explore the mountain settlement of Shirakawa-go on a private chartered vehicle reserved just for you and your travelmates. Your English‑speaking driver will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, where a remote, fairy‑tale village awaits. As you arrive, you will see the farmhouses known for their distinctive steep roofs, built to shed heavy winter snowfall. You will learn more about this unique village as you wander its historic streets, take in the surrounding mountain landscapes and enjoy a lunch made from authentic local ingredients. The trip departs from Takayama, letting you leave the city behind for a peaceful day in one of Japan’s most memorable rural settings.

You will travel from Takayama to the Tokyo metropolis with a scenic stop at the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, where the cultural history and natural value of Mount Fuji are showcased. At the centre you'll encounter displays that explain the significance of the mountain and its place in Japanese culture and nature. Along the way you'll pass through Hirayu and Kawaguchiko, taking in views of the beautiful Japanese mountainous countryside during the ride. The route offers changing landscapes and a chance to relax while you move between rural scenery and the city. Your journey finishes in the Tokyo metropolis, and you will enjoy flexible and comfortable travel as you make the transfer.

The exhibition room is arranged into four themes—art, history, natural history and books—so you can move easily between different displays. Along the way you’ll see artworks and objects presented alongside the building’s attractive architecture and open spaces. The combination of collections and design gives the rooms a calm, considered feel. You’ll be immersed in the art world within a healing space framed by French limestone. The setting highlights both the exhibits and the architectural details, so the experience is as much about the space as the works on display. It’s designed to be enjoyable for visitors of all ages, making it a pleasant outing for the whole family.