This is a private rural e-bike tour with local lunch at the Maze Village and the Hagiwara Town in the Hida region. Because it has no businesses specifically catering to tourists, the area is largely unknown and overlooked in the main guidebooks, though it’s close to the tourist towns like Takayama or Gero. Please do not worry about uphills because our e-bike helps you a lot so that you can easily enjoy seeing the nature of Hida Mountains. In the area of the Maze Village, there are 10 small hamlets that located along the beautiful Maze River. Each has only 50-300 people and these many small communities are together referred to as the Maze Area Villages. Our friendly and knowledgeable English-speaking guide will take you to picturesque spots and offer you some local stories about history, culture and lifestyle. Seeing the tranquil views and tasting the special meal with local ingredients, you can fully enjoy the authentic rural Japan.

This is a regular sightseeing bus that visits the world heritage sites of Gassho Village in Gokayama Aikura and Shirakawago guided by a bus guide. We will guide you through the Gokayama and Shirakawago Gassho settlements, which are difficult for individuals to reach, by a safe and comfortable chartered bus. Please eat your lunch at Gassho Village in Shirakawago. This tour is a regular sightseeing bus guided by a Nohi Bus bus guide. We offer you a comfortable bus journey to the next level, sharing information about the charms of the World Heritage Site, how to spend your time there, and seasonal information about foods and dialects in the Hida region that are not found in guidebooks. You can join on the day of departure if you have a seat. (However, we may refuse if the seats are full.) ※This tour will be shared with other guests.We operate by medium or large bus.The maximum number of participants on the application form is the maximum number of people who can apply at one time. ※Please beware of fake site products. Regular sightseeing bus tours of Nohi Bus on Viator are only here.

Hidden high in the mountains of central Japan, far from the hustle and bustle of metropolises like Tokyo and Osaka, lie the quaint and well-preserved townscapes of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Once a direct land holding of the Shogun, Takayama will enthrall you with its beautiful woodwork and traditional streets that offer a more relaxed beauty than cities such as Kyoto and Kanazawa. Shirakawa-go, on the other hand, offers a great example of the village-life experienced by Japanese farmers of ages past, and still experienced today by those lucky few who call it their home. Led by a locally-based and English-speaking guide, this experience will enthrall you with visions of life in Japan during an era very different from our own.

Join us for one of the most popular local biking tours in Hida and feel the local's daily life in the Japanese countryside! Your knowledgeable English-speaking guide will provide you with insight of the history and culture for the area and, by biking with the slow pace, you will have a chance to feel the seasonal beauty and local people's lives in this farming village. This tour will take you to some exclusive places where you can experience the daily activities as well as local culture handed down for generations in Hida.

Join us for one of the most popular local biking tours in Hida-Takayama and feel the local's daily life in the Japanese countryside! Your knowledgeable English-speaking guide will provide you with insight of the history and culture for the area and, by biking with the slow pace, you will have a chance to feel the seasonal beauty and local people's lives in this farming village. This tour will take you to some exclusive places where you can experience the daily activities as well as local culture handed down for generations in Hida-Takayama.

Embark on an enchanting exploration that combines the thrill of the Shinhotaka Ropeway, and the serene beauty of Kamikochi. Our ‘Alpine Splendor’ tour is a captivating journey from the heights of the Northern Japan Alps to the tranquil depths of Kamikochi, with a unique stop to witness the majestic bears at Okuhida. This full-day experience from Takayama is a perfect blend of awe-inspiring landscapes, wildlife encounters, and serene nature walks, offering an immersive journey into the heart of Japan’s alpine wonders. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a diverse outdoor experience, this tour presents the opportunity to admire Japan’s alpine grandeur from above, interact with fascinating wildlife, and explore one of the country’s most pristine natural areas.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Takayama! Takayama features an atmospheric townscape, with Meiji-era inns and hillside shrines in a riverside setting. In addition, many museums, galleries and temples make their home in the city's 17th century layout. Be sure to come see the Takayama Festival, held once in spring and once in autumn, but be prepared for the crowds as the festivals attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

[PRIVATE TOUR] If you're seeking an authentic connection with a local family, this is for you! We are a warm, fun-loving family of four, deeply rooted in Takayama. Here, you won’t just learn to cook Japanese food—you’ll experience how locals live and savor life together. Our 200-year-old wooden townhouse stands on Old Town’s main street, yet stepping inside feels like entering a quiet world where time slows down. Its small quirks remind us of its beauty and history. We’ll welcome you with Japanese tea and snacks before guiding you in preparing a traditional meal in our kitchen. As we cook side by side, we’ll share stories of life in Takayama and living in harmony with nature and the seasons. Hisa and Bob pour their hearts into every class. This is more than a cooking lesson—it’s a moment of connection, culture, and feeling at home far from home. Feel free to write us your request on food or any restrictions, we are happy to accommodate as much as possible!

Kiso Valley, best known for the Magome and Tsumago traditional villages, is another beautiful spot in the Japanese Alps. With one of the most famous hiking paths in all Japan, we set foot there on our quest for traditional Japan. Magome and Tsumago are two beautifully preserved traditional villages. This value-packed Nakasendo trail day hike between Magome and Tsumago with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore both of the ancient post towns! It is about 8 kilometres (5 miles) long and has only gentle elevation changes which takes around 2 hours to easy walk at a leisurely pace. This private tour is a hiking day tour. Please wear hiking boots and gear for this tour. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.

Craft your own professional Damascus kitchen knife in the legendary sword town of Seki, Gifu! Guided by a master blade-smith who have experience over 50years, you’ll sharpen, polish, and engrave your own knife — then test its sharpness on fresh vegetables. As a limited-time bonus, you’ll receive a handcrafted mini knife souvenir, a signed certificate, and enjoy a delicious Japanese lunch. ・Personalized Damascus knife-making experience ・Hands-on polishing, sharpening, engraving and assembly ・Test the sharpness of your finished blade ・Free mini knife souvenir (limited availability) ・Signed certificate of completion Delve into the rich history of Japanese Samurai swords and Seki City. Gain a deeper appreciation for the value of traditions. Whether you’re a knife enthusiast, a samurai fan, or simply looking for a unique cultural activity in Japan, this experience offers an unforgettable journey into traditional craftsmanship — and you’ll take home a blade that’s truly one of a kind.

Nakasendo Trail winds through the picturesque Kiso Valley, connecting the beautifully preserved villages of Magome and Tsumago places that feel frozen in time. Experience authentic traditional landscapes, immerse yourself in stunning nature, and enjoy a hike that’s as rewarding for the body as it is for the soul. ・Hike along the scenic Nakasendo Trail, surrounded by Japan’s rural beauty and history ・Explore the charming post towns of Magome and Tsumago, rich in old-world atmosphere ・Savor a traditional Japanese-style lunch featuring regional delicacies, and connect with locals preserving the spirit of old Japa

Embark on an enchanting exploration of the Hida region’s cultural and natural splendors. Starting from Takayama, this full-day journey immerses you in breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage. Visit Hida no Sato, an open-air museum showcasing traditional architecture, explore the captivating depths of the Hida Great Limestone Cave, and ascend the Shinhotaka Ropeway for panoramic views of the Northern Japan Alps. This tour blends culture, adventure, and nature, providing an unforgettable experience in Japan’s great outdoors. This tour is sure to delight nature enthusiasts and those seeking an immersive experience in Japan’s stunning outdoor. The combination of exploring a captivating cave, and experiencing the Northern Japan Alps from above creates a truly well-rounded and memorable day.

Our exceptional tour service will transport you in style and comfort from Takayama to Kanazawa. Take in the beautiful UNESCO village of Shirakawago on your way and at your leisure. Our professional English speaking driver guide will take you through the fairytale village on your way to Kanazawa.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way toexplore both of the ancient post towns! You can travel between Magome and Tsumago by infrequent direct bus. Nakasendo was one of the two highways during the Edo period connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, running through the Kiso Valley. Travelers at that time walked along the highway, stopping at "post towns" for rest. Some of those post towns have been well preserved and show tourists today exactly what Japan was like hundreds of years ago. Stunning forests, beautiful villages and traditions, we would love to recommend it to everyone interested in Japanese nature and history. This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis may be used. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.

Pickup at your hotel by your private certified Takayama guide. Enjoy your day with an itinerary that you can discuss and customize from the moment you meet your guide, with their advice on local festivals and weather. Get the most of your time in Takayama and get the experience you want with your personal local guide.

Hida-Osaka is situated 40 minutes south from Takayama, and 40 minutes north from Gero either by train or bus or car. It's the best choice for those who are looking for the off-the-beaten path in Japan. The frozen waterfall gets as big as 15 meters (50 feet) high and 5 meters (16 feet) wide. It starts forming in early November and will drop and disappear by the end of April. The local guide who knows the area better than anyone will take you to the waterfall in all its beauty. The trail is about total 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and takes about 4. 5 hours round trip. It’s a complete snow trail which requires snowshoes and spikes. The trail starts at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). There, the air gets as cold as -20 ℃ (46 ℉), and the snow piles up as high as 2 meters (6.6 feet). Physical toughness and the ability to walk and stay outside in these conditions is necessary for this tour. During the tour, the guide will prepare a hot outdoor lunch.

This is more than an ordinary culinary tour—escorted by an experienced licensed local guide, you’ll be introduced to sights that tell of Takayama’s rich culture and history, regaled with fascinating stories, and even meet some of our local food heroes throughout shops that still retain the authentic atmosphere of days long past. Takayama is a town famed for being deeply rooted in its local culture and history, where daily life still revolves around its longstanding traditional shops. This entertaining and informative Takayama cuisine and cultural tour takes lets you stroll down the side streets of a beautiful town, practically unchanged since the Edo period. Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Our onigiri-making and miso soup experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with Japanese culture in an authentic and hands-on way. Unlike typical cooking classes, this activity takes place in the tranquil setting of a historic temple, allowing you to enjoy not only the art of making onigiri but also the peaceful atmosphere that Japan is known for. You’ll have the chance to personalize your own onigiri plate, experimenting with various fillings and flavors, and learn the process of creating a delicious miso soup from scratch using locally renowned Hida miso. This special blend of culture, culinary skill, and tranquility is something you won’t find in just any cooking class. Plus, our experience is entirely vegan-friendly, making it accessible for everyone. Join us to create lasting memories, nourish your body and soul, and take home a unique slice of Japanese culture.

Travel conveniently from Takayama to Kanazawa in our air conditioned buses. Along the way, stop for two hours in UNESCO village Shirakawago, famous for its beautiful natural scenery and gassho houses. Finally, arrive at Kanazawa. Avoid the hassle of planning and navigating public transportation, as we take care of the logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip. Store up to two pieces of luggage beneath the bus, and one carry on item in the bus (per person).

Regardless of whether you are coming to Japan for the first time, or you’re an obsessed Japan lover, this intimate photoshoot by a local English-speaking professional photographer will be a unique experience to enhance your treasured memories of Japan. We will capture your magical moments, leaving you free to take in the sights without worrying about the best angles and light, or asking a stranger to take your picture! I am experienced in portrait and travel street photography, and my work has been published in many magazines, guidebooks including Lonely Planet and the city guides of tourism boards. Insta-worthy travel photos will be guaranteed!