Hokuriku Tour: Explore Shirakawa-go Villages

Embark on a private charter tour to explore the hidden beauty of the Hokuriku region in Japan. Visit the historic villages of Shirakawa-go, experience traditional Japanese culture in Takayama, and be guided by our knowledgeable English-speaking driver.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses - Explore the world heritage site of Shirakawago at your own pace. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the countryside and savor a delightful lunch featuring mountain cuisine.
  • Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory - Experience the stunning view of Shirakawago village from the optimal angle…
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Customizable tour with option to add 2-3 personal site choices
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • English-speaking driver
  • Air-conditioned vehicles
  • Fuel surcharges included
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Snacks
  • Entrance fees
  • Entrance fees
  • Entrance fees
Additional Information

The focus is on comfort, exclusivity, and cultural richness. Crafted as an entirely private experience, it enables guests to enjoy a flexible itinerary customized to their preferences, without the limitations of group schedules. Travelers are provided with a dedicated vehicle and a professional driver, ensuring a smooth, safe, and relaxing journey…

Location
The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses
Ogimachi,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(209 Ratings)
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Dream06067378950
Aug 25, 2025
Professional service and fantastic experience - recently took a 1-day private tour to Takayama and Shirakawago, and it was an unforgettable experience that perfectly balanced cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and convenience. Starting from Kanazawa, the tour was well-organized, with a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and a friendly, English-speaking driver who made the journey smooth and enjoyable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
664akashn
Aug 24, 2025
Great service - I am happy to share that my service on yesterday was excellent. The driver was well groomed and attired. Excellent driving skills, effective and efficient services. Attractive car. Definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tour32251465773
Aug 22, 2025
Perfect Private Tour with Malik – Highly Recommended! - We had an amazing day with Malik exploring Shirakawago and Takayama. The communication beforehand was smooth, and the hotel pickup and transport were very comfortable. Malik was warm, knowledgeable, and spoke excellent English, which made our conversations really enjoyable. With our 8-year-old son, we appreciated being able to explore at our own pace without feeling rushed, yet we still managed to see a lot. Malik also guided us to the best photo spots that we would never have found on our own. He was flexible with our requests, including skipping some activities and arranging a timely drop-off at Takayama Station for our train. This private tour was truly a highlight of our three-week trip in Japan—Shirakawago is breathtaking, and experiencing it with Malik made it even more special. We highly recommend this tour. Thank you, Malik, for making it such a memorable day! 😊
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T2247nsdanim
Aug 21, 2025
Best service - One of the best service we ever had definitely recommend it was such great quality comfortable time will use it again 10/10
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyager52869728117
Aug 21, 2025
Unforgettable journey - We had an unforgettable day exploring Shirakawago and Takayama on a private tour. The ride was smooth, the guidance of Malik excellent, and we discovered hidden photo spots recommended by him. A perfect mix of comfort, culture, and flexibility—highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Coastal66650753311
Aug 21, 2025
Perfect Timing and a Fantastic Guide - We really appreciated being able to arrive early before the crowds, which made taking photos so much easier. Ali, our guide, provided all the information in advance, allowing us to explore the village efficiently and at our own pace. It was a wonderful day overall—highly recommended! Ali’s energy and love for Shirakawa & Takayama truly stood out.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mobile57622114377
Aug 21, 2025
Perfect Family Day - We had a wonderful day exploring Shirakawago and Takayama on a private charter tour. As a family of four, we really appreciated the comfort of the vehicle, the smooth journey, and the flexibility of the schedule. Shirakawago’s traditional thatched-roof houses were breathtaking, and walking through Takayama’s old town gave us a real sense of history and culture. The guide was kind, professional, and made sure everything ran seamlessly. Highly recommended for families looking for a stress-free and memorable experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C849midiegot
Jul 25, 2025
GREAT SHIRAKAWAGO EXPERIENCE - Our family trip to Shirakawa-go was nothing short of magical. From the moment we set off, the journey felt comfortable and well-organized. Our driver, Ali, played a huge role in making the day smooth and enjoyable. He arrived on time, with a warm smile and a spotless, spacious vehicle. The drive through the mountains was breathtaking. Ali navigated every curve and steep road with ease. We felt safe and relaxed the entire way, which let us truly enjoy the scenery. He even slowed down at some of the best viewpoints so we could take pictures. Ali was incredibly kind and attentive to our needs. He offered us water, checked if we were comfortable, and even shared local tips. On the way, he told us about the history of Shirakawa-go. It made us appreciate the traditional Gassho-style houses even more. When we arrived, the village looked like a postcard. The thatched-roof houses were stunning. Ali recommended a walking route that avoided the crowds. It felt like we had the village to ourselves at times. He also suggested a cozy family sushi spot for lunch. It was the best sushi and ramen we’ve had in Japan! On the return trip, he let us rest. We all dozed off feeling safe in his care. Ali even stopped at a scenic overlook we had missed earlier. It gave us another chance to take in the landscape. By the time we returned, we felt refreshed and grateful. Ali’s professionalism, friendliness, and calm driving stood out. He turned a beautiful trip into an unforgettable experience. We’d happily recommend him to anyone visiting Shirakawa-go. Our family will remember this day for years to come. And much of that is thanks to Ali’s care and effort. If you’re planning this trip, ask for Ali—you won’t regret it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paradise47402186481
Jul 16, 2025
Perfect Family Day Trip - A fantastic day exploring Shirakawa-go and Takayama with a comfortable private charter. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly and ensured we made the most of every stop. The tour was well- paced, scenic, and rich in culture. Truly a seamless and memorable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daytrip10362399508
Jul 12, 2025
Wonderful experience - Our Shirakawa-go tour was truly fantastic! The village itself is breathtaking, and having Sam as our guide made the day even more special. He was incredible warm, knowledgeable, and shared countless fascinating stories that really brought the history and culture of the place to life. The tour was very well- planned and relaxed, giving us ample time to take in the beautiful scenery and capture photos. Sam's great sense of humor and thoughtful approach made everyone feel welcomed and at ease. I highly recommend this tour, and if you're lucky enough to have Sam as your guide, you are guaranteed an unforgettable experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $575 (Per Group)
up to 13 guests
1 - Traveler
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).