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The UNESCO World Heritage villages Tour - Shirakawa-go & Gokayama Ainokura

Travel Activity
Japan
Toyama
Checked out by 2.1k travelers
Sightseeing Tours
City Sightseeing

Availability

Every day

Minimum Pax

1 Person

Confirmed

Instantly

Ticket

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Languages
  • English
Meet Location
  • Takayama Nohi Bus Center
Included
  • Round-trip bus fare
  • Gassho-Zukuri Minkaen entrance ticket
  • Shuttle bus fee to access the Tenshukaku observation deck
Excluded
  • Meal
  • Other personal expenses
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The UNESCO World Heritage villages Tour - Shirakawa-go & Gokayama Ainokura Options

Shirakawa-go & Gokayama Ainokura Tour

Overview

Explore Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama!

Visit Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Ainokura on a scenic day tour through rural Japan, home to UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses and well-preserved historic villages. Enjoy countryside views from the Shiroyama Castle Tower Observatory and explore highlights such as the Wada House and Gassho-Zukuri Minkaen, with free time to experience the calm atmosphere of Japan's traditional heritage villages at your own pace.

Why this tour?
  • Visit Japan's UNESCO World Heritage villages in one day
  • See traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses unique to rural Japan
  • Enjoy panoramic views from Shiroyama Castle Tower Observatory
  • Explore historic sites including Wada House and Gassho-Zukuri Minkaen
  • Relax on a well-organized sightseeing tour with free time to explore at your own pace

[Attractions]
UNESCO Heritage villages in Japan: Shirakawa-go & Gokayama Ainokura
UNESCO Heritage villages in Japan: Shirakawa-go & Gokayama Ainokura
UNESCO Heritage villages in Japan: Shirakawa-go & Gokayama Ainokura
▶ Shirakawa-go
Known as the "kingdom of forests and streams," Shirakawa-go boasts picturesque landscapes surrounded by mountains and flowing rivers. The village of Ogimachi, with its 152 households, is one of the three UNESCO World Heritage villages in the region, offering stunning views of Gassho-mura Village and Mount Hakusan from the Ogimachi Castle Site Observatory.

▶ Gokayama Ainokura
A quieter, less commercialized village, Gokayama Ainokura is renowned for its well-preserved gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful, authentic cultural experience, with attractions like the Ainokura Folklore Museum and a serene rural atmosphere.



Views from Shiroyama Castle Tower Observatory
▲ Shiroyama Castle Tower Observatory (photo credit: Discover Kagoshima)
Located atop Shiroyama, a historic hill once home to a castle, this observatory is reached via a scenic promenade lined with over 600 plant species. Despite its urban setting, the area offers rich natural surroundings, and the observatory provides a popular photo spot with views of Mt. Sakurajima and Kinko Bay.

Price

PriceIncludedIncluded
Adult (13 yrs~)
Child (6~12 yrs)
- Round-trip bus fare
- Gassho-Zukuri Minkaen entrance ticket
- Shuttle bus fee to access the Tenshukaku observation deck

  • Check-in is required at the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, where tickets must be collected prior to departure.
  • Please arrive at Takayama Nohi Bus Center at least 15 minutes before departure.
  • Please be advised that Gassho-zukuri Minkaen is closed every Thursday. As a result, visits to the site will not be possible on that day. Passengers traveling on Thursdays will receive a special souvenir as a gesture of appreciation.
  • Warm clothing and non-slip footwear are strongly recommended.

Itinerary

8:30am
Depart from Takayama Nohi Bus Center
Gokayama Ainokura Gassho Village
(50 min)
Arrive at Shirakawa-go Gassho and enter
Gassho-Zukuri Minkaen
(2 hr 40 min)
Shiroyama Castle Tower Observatory
(20 min)
3:50pm
Arrive at Takayama Nohi Bus Center
  • The itinerary is subject to change depending on local/traffic/weather conditions.

How to book

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Please keep in mind

  1. Check-in is required at the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, where tickets must be collected prior to departure.
  2. Please arrive at Takayama Nohi Bus Center at least 15 minutes before departure.
  3. Please be advised that Gassho-zukuri Minkaen is closed every Thursday. As a result, visits to the site will not be possible on that day. Passengers traveling on Thursdays will receive a special souvenir as a gesture of appreciation.
  4. Warm clothing and non-slip footwear are strongly recommended.

Cancellation policy

All times are based on Korea Standard Time (KST) (GMT + 9 hours)
2 days before the reserved date (no later than 5:00pm): 100% refund
Less than 2 days before the reserved date: Non-refundable

FAQ

Please arrive at the Takayama Nohi Bus Center at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow sufficient time for check-in and ticket collection.
Gassho-zukuri Minkaen is closed every Thursday, so visits to this site are not available on that day. Guests traveling on Thursdays will receive a special souvenir instead.
Warm clothing and non-slip footwear are strongly recommended, especially during colder seasons or when walking on uneven village paths.

Destination

Shirakawa-go

Address: 517 Hatotani, Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu 501-5629, Japan

Gokayama Ainokura

Address: 445 Ainokura, Nanto, Toyama 939-1915, Japan

Takayama Nohi Bus Center

Address: 6-chōme-125 Hanasatomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0026, Japan

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