After meeting your tour conductor in the morning, you’ll board the Shinkansen Asama with reserved seating, departing Tokyo between 7:20 and 9:30 AM. The train will take you to Ueda Station, where you’ll transfer to a comfortable tour bus. Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train details, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.

First, you’ll arrive in Hida Takayama, a town that preserves the charm of old Japan. Known as "Little Kyoto" for its traditional wooden houses, narrow streets, and picturesque canals, Hida Takayama is a place where time seems to stand still. As you walk through the historic district, you’ll discover well-preserved merchant houses, quaint shops, and beautiful temples that reflect the rich culture and history of the area. Take your time to explore traditional merchant houses, visit the local markets, or just enjoy the tranquil surroundings. You’ll also enjoy a local lunch featuring Hida beef, one of Japan’s most prized wagyu varieties, known for its rich flavor and tenderness. The town’s nostalgic atmosphere will leave you with a sense of old-world Japan that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Next, you’ll visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These steep-roofed homes are designed to withstand heavy snowfall and resemble hands pressed together in prayer. Surrounded by mountains and rice fields, the village feels like a living museum of traditional Japanese life. You’ll walk through the village, admire the architecture, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Depending on the season, the scenery may be lush green or golden with autumn leaves—each offering a unique and beautiful experience.

In the evening, you’ll arrive in Toyama City and check in at APA Hotel Toyama Ekimae, located near Toyama Station. You’ll stay in a Western-style room (single or twin). Please note that due to the hotel’s layout, even guests booking as a pair may be assigned 2 single rooms. Some rooms may be deodorized smoking rooms. Dinner will be a Japanese-Western buffet served at the hotel. Afterward, you can relax in the public bath and prepare for an early start the next day. Please note: departure from the hotel may be as early as 6:00 AM, and breakfast may be provided as a boxed meal depending on the schedule.