Shirakawa-go & Takayama 2 Day Tour | Travel through heritage to culture from Osaka

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Shirakawa-go, Takayama
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https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_5.svg?v=1761040622.alt 2 Days 1 Night
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_6.svg?v=1761040623.alt Max People : 4-8
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_10.svg?v=1761040622.alt Pickup: Hotel in Osaka city
This private charter-car tour operates from 4 guests and up to 8 guests (Osaka hotel pick-up & drop-off).
At least one reachable phone number is required for each participating group.
Confirmation: We will send you final confirmation and guide & driver details 24-48 hours before departure.
Cancellation Conditions:Free cancellation ≥14 days; 30% charge for 7-13 days; 50% chargefor 3-6 days; 100% charge if <3 days.
Overview
Highlights
Itinerary Details
Important Information

Overview

Discover the cultural heart of Japan on this 2-day journey to Takayama and Shirakawa-go, two of the most charming heritage destinations in central Japan.

Departing from Osaka, travel through scenic mountain landscapes to explore the charming Shirakawa-go, a historic village where the traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses have been preserved for centuries. Relax overnight in an onsen hotel, and indulge kaiseki cuisine.

On the second day, wake up to the vibrant morning market, visit decades-old Sake breweries, or try your hand at crafting a Sarubobo doll.

With private transportation and guide, the tour blends culture and nature into a comfortable and enriching travel experience—perfect in every season.

Our highlights are

Key highlights

UNESCO Heritage Village – Walk through the fairytale village of Shirakawa-go. Learn about the unique architecture and the communal lifestyle that has survived for centuries.
Historic Takayama Old Town – Walk through beautifully preserved streets lined with wooden merchant houses, craft shops, and sake breweries.
Authentic Onsen Stay – Relax at a traditional hot spring hotel and enjoy seasonal Japanese kaiseki cuisine.
Seasonal Beauty All Year Round – Experience cherry blossoms, lush greenery, autumn foliage, or snowy landscapes depending on the season.

What's Included

English-speaking guide
Private charter vehicle
1-Night Onsel hotel accommodation in Takayama (dinner & breakfast included)
Day 2 selectable activity (sake brewery tour OR Sarubobo handcraft)
Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off within Osaka/Kyoto City
Lunch
Entrance to Shirakawa-go houses/museums
Any personal expenses, insurance, or tips

Itinerary Details

Day 1
Journey to traditional rural life
Private Transportation
Private Transportation
Onsen hotel stay
Onsen hotel stay
Dinner at hotel
Dinner at hotel
<em>07:30</em> Depart from Osaka hotel (private car charter pick-up)
07:30 Depart from Osaka hotel (private car charter pick-up)
<em>07:30–12:30</em> Transfer to Shirakawa-go (approx. 5 hours, with pit stop rest during the way)
07:30–12:30 Transfer to Shirakawa-go (approx. 5 hours, with pit stop rest during the way)
<em>12:30–15:30</em> Wander around Shirakawa-go, enjoy【Lunch】on your own
12:30–15:30 Wander around Shirakawa-go, enjoy【Lunch】on your own
<em>15:30-17:00</em> Transfer back to hotel in Takayama (approx. 1.5 hours)
15:30-17:00 Transfer back to hotel in Takayama (approx. 1.5 hours)
<em>17:00~</em> Enjoy Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner at hotel
17:00~ Enjoy Onsen and Kaiseki Dinner at hotel
Journey to traditional rural life Journey to traditional rural life
Day 2
Takayama Old Town
Private Transportation
Private Transportation
Selectable cultural experience
Selectable cultural experience
Breakfast at hoel
Breakfast at hoel
<em>09:00</em> Check-out and depart from Takayama hotel
09:00 Check-out and depart from Takayama hotel
<em>09:00–10:00</em> Visit Takayama morning market
09:00–10:00 Visit Takayama morning market
<em>10:00–11:00</em> Pick either the Sake Brewery Tour or the Sarubobo, traditional doll handcraft experience
10:00–11:00 Pick either the Sake Brewery Tour or the Sarubobo, traditional doll handcraft experience
<em>11:00–13:00</em> Walk around the Takayama Old Town, 【Lunch on your own】maybe try the well-known Hida beef
11:00–13:00 Walk around the Takayama Old Town, 【Lunch on your own】maybe try the well-known Hida beef
<em>13:00-18:00</em> Drive back to Osaka (Approx. 5 hours)
13:00-18:00 Drive back to Osaka (Approx. 5 hours)
Takayama Old Town Takayama Old Town

Important Information

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Pickup/Drop-off: Tokyo City/Osaka City/Kyoto City hotels only. If your hotel is outside the area, please contact us in advance.
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Please be ready 10 minutes before pickup time. The vehicle cannot wait for late arrivals.
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Traffic on weekends/holidays may affect timing. The itinerary order and stay time may be adjusted for safety and road conditions.
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Child safety seat: required for children aged 6 and under (please bring your own or contact us for assistance).
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Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase your own insurance in advance.
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If your group does not meet minimum participants, you may enjoy the tour with other guests or the tour may be cancelled.
Price:
$870.00
/ Person

Choose Tour Date

Free cancellation up to 30 days before the
experience starts (local time)

Reserve Now and Pay Later - Secure your spot while
staying flexible

Partial cancellation 15–29 days: 30% charge; 7–14 days: 50% charge; ≤6 days: 100% charge.

Shirakawa-go & Takayama 2 Day Tour | Travel through heritage to culture from Osaka
Shirakawa-go & Takayama 2 Day Tour | Travel through heritage to culture from Osaka

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Why Choose Us

Official qualifications

Officially licensed by the Japan Tourism Agency and accredited by JATA & IATA, ensuring safe, reliable, and internationally recognized services.

20+ years of experience

Over 20 years of inbound and ground-handling experience with a dedicated inbound division specializing in overseas groups and luxury tailor-made tours, supported by multilingual staff (English, Spanish, Chinese).

Multilingual tour guides

Serving premium markets in Europe, North America, and Asia with multilingual guides and globally attuned standards; expanding into incentive travel, business delegations, and educational programs.

Small, high-quality tour groups

Exclusive small-group tours (4–12 pax) avoiding the rush of large bus tours, with flexible transportation (private cars, minibuses, luxury vans) and immersive, relaxed experiences.

Tailor-Made Luxury Travel

Personalized itineraries for families, honeymooners, and incentive groups, combining Michelin dining, luxury ryokans, and cultural experiences, with full professional support from planning to execution.

Seamless Ground Handling

Comprehensive one-stop service integrating hotels, transport, dining, and ticketing; nationwide hotel partnerships (Okura, Marriott, JR, Kintetsu); and exclusive dining collaborations including Michelin sushi, Kobe Wagyu, and kaiseki cuisine.

FAQs

Q1. Are all tours guided by an English-speaking guide?

A: Not all.
At Japan Local Journeys, some tours are guided by professional English-speaking guides, while others are operated as driver-only private transfers.

Our driver-only tours are designed for travelers who prefer privacy and flexibility — you’ll have a private car and driver, while our operation team provides real-time English assistance via WhatsApp.
Please check each product page to see whether an English-speaking guide is included.

Q2. What is a “driver-only private tour”?

Q3. Can the driver speak English?

Q4. Can I add an English-speaking guide to a driver-only tour?

Q5. What type of travelers choose driver-only tours?

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