Shirakawa-go from Takayama: Private Car & Driver, No Guide
+17 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Price from
- $204 / person
- Location
- Takayama, Japan
- Rating
- 4.2 / 5 · 10 reviews
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Japan Guide Agency
Description
Explore the beautiful mountain settlement of Shirakawa-go via chartered vehicle exclusively for you and your travelmates. Your English-speaking driver will take you to the World Heritage Site of fairy-tale village Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is a remote settlement designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture. As the region receives considerable snowfall in the winter, the farmhouses are well-known for their distinctive architecture featuring steep roofs to easily shed snow. Learn more about this unique village on a full-day chartered vehicle tour with English-speaking driver. On this day trip departing from Takayama, leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind to wander around a unique village, stroll through historic streets, take in stunning mountain landscapes, and enjoy a lunch made of authentic local ingredients.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 11 times a day, 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
- Next available
- Tue, Nov 10
- Adult (ages 12+)
- $204
- Child (ages 6–11)
- Free
- Infant (ages 0–5)
- Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $408.
Larger groups pay less per person.
Out at sunset: the 1:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 4:44 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 77 of the next 330 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Nov 2.
Tour Options
Itinerary
This tour starts at Takayama. Your driver pick you up at your hotel or Takayama station.
Ogimachi
Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go's largest village and main attraction, makes a good day trip from Takayama, or a stop on the bus journey between Takayama and Kanazawa. The best way to experience the town, however, is to stay overnight at one of the farmhouses, many of which now serve as minshuku.
Shirakawago
The Shirakawa-go (白川郷, Shirakawagō) and neighboring Gokayama (五箇山) regions line the Shogawa River Valley in the remote mountains that span from Gifu to Toyama Prefectures. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, they are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Gassho-zukuri means "constructed like hands in prayer", as the farmhouses' steep thatched roofs resemble the hands of Buddhist monks pressed together in prayer. The architectural style developed over many generations and is designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region during winter. The roofs, made without nails, provided a large attic space used for cultivating silkworms. Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go's largest village and main attraction, makes a good day trip from Takayama, or a stop on the bus journey between Takayama and Kanazawa. The best way to experience the town, however, is to stay overnight at one of the farmhouses, many of which now serve as minshuku. Gokayama is a little more difficult to access and requires a change of buses in Ogimachi. Less developed and less crowded than Shirakawa-go, its villages are smaller, more intimate and with less intrusion from modern buildings. Gokayama's nicest villages are Suganuma and Ainokura.
What's included
Included
Private vehicle
English speaking driver
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list'
Not included
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Pickup Locations & Times
Your driver can pick you up in the Takayama area. This tour is not for those staying in the Shirakawago area. If you are staying in the Shirakawago area, please arrange for your transportation and tour via your accommodation. This is a tour with an English-speaking driver. It does not include a government-licensed guide. You will be able to reach your driver via phone during the tour only. Please use email for any communication before the tour.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.2
10 reviews
How it compares in Takayama
- No. 31 by number of reviews among 127 tours in Takayama
- Starting price $204 is 46% above the typical $140 for tours of similar length in Takayama
- Price over the last 30 days: $203–$205
Excurgo comparison of 127 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Shirakawa-go from Takayama: Private Car & Driver, No Guide take?
Shirakawa-go from Takayama: Private Car & Driver, No Guide lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Shirakawa-go from Takayama: Private Car & Driver, No Guide cost?
Prices start at $204 per person for this Takayama experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $408. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Shirakawa-go from Takayama: Private Car & Driver, No Guide run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 11 departures a day between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
How much does Shirakawa-go from Takayama: Private Car & Driver, No Guide cost for children?
Children aged 6–11 pay nothing, adults from $204. Infants go free.
Does Shirakawa-go from Takayama: Private Car & Driver, No Guide sell out?
It can: 77 of the next 330 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Shirakawa-go from Takayama: Private Car & Driver, No Guide for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Your driver can pick you up in the Takayama area. This tour is not for those staying in the Shirakawago area. If you are staying in the Shirakawago area, please arrange for your transportation and tour via your accommodation. This is a tour with an English-speaking driver. It does not include a government-licensed guide. You will be able to reach your driver via phone during the tour only. Please use email for any communication before the tour. Pickup points include Hilton Takayama Resort, Yamagiri.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(10)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Compare similar tours in Takayama
- Lowest price: Departing from Takayama [Regular sightseeing bus] World Heritage Sites Shirakawago and Gokayama Ainokura — $64
- Best rated: From Takayama: Alpine Splendor - Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi — 5.0 (190 reviews)
- Shortest: Shirakawa-go from Takayama: Private Car & Driver, No Guide — 4 hours
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shirakawa-go from Takayama: Private Car & Driver, No Guide | 4 hours | 4.2 (10) | $204 | |
 Shirakawa-go Day Trip from Takayama by Car, Licensed Guide | 6 hours | 4.0 (1) | $419 | View |
 From Kanazawa or Toyama Shirakawa go and Takayama Day Trip | 8h 30min | — | $539 | View |
 Takayama Explore Gokayama and Shirakawa go | 9 hours | 5.0 (43) | $180 | View |
 One-Way Bus Ticket: Takayama to Kanazawa via UNESCO Shirakawa-go | 6 hours | 4.8 (25) | $71 | View |
 From Takayama: Alpine Splendor - Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi | 9 hours | 5.0 (190) | $212 | View |
![Departing from Takayama [Regular sightseeing bus] World Heritage Sites Shirakawago and Gokayama Ainokura](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia-cdn.tripadvisor.com%2Fmedia%2Fattractions-splice-spp-720x480%2F11%2F22%2F89%2F94.jpg&w=3840&q=75) Departing from Takayama [Regular sightseeing bus] World Heritage Sites Shirakawago and Gokayama Ainokura | 7h 20min | 4.6 (180) | $64 | View |
from$204
4.2(10) Free cancellation