Review: Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Gujo Hachiman 1 Day Tour From Nagoya

So, you are perhaps pondering a day trip from Nagoya to experience the stunning beauty and cultural richness of Shirakawa-go, Takayama, and Gujo Hachiman? It’s almost a long day, hitting three pretty noteworthy locations, so you probably want to make the absolute most of the journey. This review will hopefully break down what this type of tour usually involves, so you get a good idea of what to expect and if it’s the best choice for how you like to travel. That’s very useful to figure out before handing over your hard-earned money, isn’t it?

First Stop: The Charm of Shirakawa-go

Usually, the first location on the tour, Shirakawa-go, that famous UNESCO World Heritage site, is really known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These structures, that sometimes are described as having hands clasped in prayer, thanks to the shape of their roofs, offer such a glimpse into Japan’s rural history. When you get there, you might be given a bit of free time to walk around, taking in all the stunning sights, and perhaps you know, taking photos. It’s pretty crowded depending on the season, so getting that perfect shot, one absent of dozens of other tourists, may require waiting a moment or two. Most tours offer a quick visit to the observation point, that has scenic views of the village below. Just prepare for perhaps a bit of a walk uphill! In short, the entire visit is normally pretty amazing, as it just really shows the unique architectural design of old-world Japan and how people coexisted with nature in the mountain regions.

Exploring Takayama’s Old Town

Next up, the tour usually goes to Takayama, sometimes referred to as “Little Kyoto,” which boasts an especially delightful old town. The streets, packed very tightly together, offer this incredible look back into the Edo period, what with well-preserved buildings now turned into tiny shops, cafes, and breweries. Depending on the tour and time, you can very well have time to sample some local delicacies, what with Hida beef skewers or the different rice crackers on sale everywhere. You might find sake breweries offer small tasting opportunities, that really gives a taste of what the region has to offer. Anyway, that area usually has traditional crafts, as well, very useful for perhaps picking up a unique souvenir. When all is said and done, exploring Takayama allows people to basically step back in time, soaking in what feels like an older, calmer pace of life that feels very unique compared to modern Japan.

The Waterways of Gujo Hachiman

Finally, the last destination, Gujo Hachiman, that sometimes is called the “Town of Water,” is truly known for its pretty waterways and historical significance, like its castle. Many tours permit free time to wander the streets, taking in the canals where clear water runs. What a delight, indeed. This city almost feels quieter compared to the previous two, thus providing more time to appreciate the feel and look of the traditional houses and the small details of daily life in Gujo Hachiman. You might very well spot locals washing things in the canals. If it fits, and depending on time, it is possible that you might be able to pay to view the Gujo Hachiman Castle that looms over the city and delivers even more striking views of the surrounding landscape. Whatever it is, Gujo Hachiman generally provides such a peaceful close to what has been a pretty hectic day of sightseeing.

Is This Day Tour Right for You? Things to Think About

Alright, so before you decide to book this day tour, it’s probably useful to weigh a couple of things. Do you enjoy a hectic, busy pace? Because covering three cities in one day can feel rushed for some. How long do you prefer to linger and soak it all in when at attractions? This tour favors providing short snapshots more than providing plenty of in-depth explorations. Plus, this tour involves significant travel time on a bus. This type of travel does not necessarily appeal to absolutely everyone. But it very well may be better than struggling with a train and bus schedule to arrive at those destinations by yourself. The big advantage here could very well be how efficient it is. When it’s over, you’ll very well have sampled quite a bit in a single day without all the stress of trying to plan transportation by yourself. Just think hard if it fits with the pace and freedom that you want out of your time off.