Takayama, Shirakawago & Kanazawa 3 – Day Tour

Enjoy the enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Japan’s Takayama, Shirakawago, and Kanazawa on this captivating 3-day tour. From exploring historical merchant houses and bustling morning markets to marveling at UNESCO-protected Gassho-style farmhouses and strolling through stunning gardens, this guided adventure promises an unparalleled glimpse into the heart of Japan’s traditions. Uncover the secrets of each captivating destination as you embark on a journey that will leave you yearning for more.

Key Points

• A 3-day tour covering Takayama, Shirakawago, and Kanazawa, with 2 nights’ accommodation and an English-speaking guide for the first two days.
• Includes guided tours, admission fees, transportation, and select meals, but excludes airport transfers and optional activities.
• The tour starts and ends in Kanazawa, with pickup available at the port cruise terminal or city center hotel.
• Day 1 explores the historical town of Takayama, visiting the morning market, Takayama Jinya, and Hida Folk Village.
• The tour requires a moderate fitness level and is not wheelchair accessible, but is near public transportation.

Tour Overview and Details

The 3-day tour covers the historic cities of Takayama, Shirakawago, and Kanazawa, providing an immersive experience in Japan’s traditional culture and landscape.

Travelers will enjoy 2 nights’ accommodation, with one night each in Kanazawa and Takayama. An English-speaking guide will lead the tours on the first two days.

All admission fees and transportation costs are included, as well as 2 lunches and 2 breakfasts. The tour starts at 9 AM in Kanazawa and ends at the same location.

A moderate fitness level is required, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes accommodation, guided tours, admission fees, transportation costs, and select meals.

Specifically, it covers 2 nights’ stay, with 1 night in Kanazawa and 1 night in Takayama. The tour also provides a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter for the first 2 days.

Meals included are 2 lunches and 2 breakfasts. However, the tour excludes other fees not listed, optional activities, drinks beyond water, and additional food items during meals.

Travelers are also responsible for their own airport transfers.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Pickup is available at the Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal or at any hotel within the city center.

Details for those not in Kanazawa will be provided before the tour date.

The meeting point is in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan, and the tour ends at the same location.

The key meeting and pickup information includes:

1. Pickup from Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal or city center hotel
2. Details for those not in Kanazawa given prior to tour
3. Meeting point and end location: Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

Tour Schedule and Policies

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

Confirmation is received at booking unless within 7 days of travel, in which case confirmation is provided within 48 hours.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transport. Infants must sit on laps. A moderate physical fitness level is required.

The tour ends at the same meeting point in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.

Cancellation fees apply, ranging from 25% to 100% depending on how close to the event date the cancellation is made.

The price starts from $1,469.19 per person and varies by group size.

Cancellation and Pricing Information

As the cancellation policy states, travelers who cancel 14 days or less before the event date will be charged a 100% fee.

Those who cancel within 21 days will pay a 50% fee, while a 25% fee applies to cancellations 30 days or less before the tour.

The tour is priced from $1,469.19 per person, with the final cost varying by group size.

It’s a non-refundable tour, so no refunds will be issued for any cancellations.

Here are 3 key points about the cancellation and pricing:

1. 100% fee for cancellations 14 days or less before the event
2. Pricing starts at $1,469.19 per person
3. No refunds for any cancellations

Day 1: Exploring Takayama

After being picked up at the designated meeting point, the tour begins with a visit to the charming historical town of Takayama.

The group explores the well-preserved merchant houses and the lively morning market, known for its fresh produce and traditional crafts.

Next, they visit the Takayama Jinya, a historical government office that offers a glimpse into the region’s past.

The tour then continues to the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Gassho-style houses and providing insights into the daily life of the local people.

The day ends with a delicious lunch of Hida beef, a local specialty.

Day 2: Discovering Shirakawago and Kanazawa

Departing from Takayama, the tour makes its way to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawago. Visitors are greeted by the region’s iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some dating back to the 17th century.

The tour explores this picturesque village, marveling at the unique architectural style and traditional way of life.

Next, the group travels to the vibrant city of Kanazawa, known for its well-preserved Edo-period districts, samurai and geisha heritage, and thriving art scene.

The itinerary includes:

1. Strolling through the serene Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s "Three Great Gardens".
2. Visiting the Kanazawa Castle and its impressive gold-leaf crafted walls.
3. Exploring the Higashi Chaya District, home to traditional teahouses and geisha performances.

The Sum Up

This captivating 3-day tour takes you on a journey through Japan’s cultural heartland. From the historical charm of Takayama to the UNESCO-protected Shirakawago, and the artistic wonders of Kanazawa, you’ll learn about the country’s rich heritage, guided by an English-speaking interpreter. With included Hida beef lunch and seamless transportation, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Japan’s enchanting mountain towns.