Two-Day Tour of Shirakawa-go, Gifu: World Heritage Site of Gokayama (Departing from Tokyo)

Visiting Japan, you'd be remiss if you didn't visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to experience the Gassho-style villages of Shirakawa-go! This two-day Shirakawa-go tour takes you to Gifu Prefecture, Japan, where you'll explore not only the UNESCO World Heritage site but also indulge in Hokuriku delicacies like crab and Hida beef. On your first day in Gassho-go, you'll experience the unique gassho-style houses, built to adapt to the climate, and the rich traditions of Japanese culture. Overnight, you'll enjoy the refined service of a three-star hotel, washing away your fatigue from your first day. For lunch on the second day, you'll visit Takayama to enjoy the famous local delicacy Hida beef hot pot, then continue to Hida Takayama to admire the mountain scenery before returning to downtown Tokyo to conclude your two-day trip.

- Attractions | Two-Day Tour of Shirakawa-go, Gifu -

▲ Gokayama
During the Edo period, Gokayama played a vital role in the Kaga Domain as a major producer of saltpeter and gunpowder. More importantly, thanks to the Kaga Domain's fervent protection, this area flourished with rows of large Gassho-style houses. These houses have been inherited by generations of families, lovingly preserving their original appearance to this day.

Gokayama is one of the world's heaviest snow regions, and the local climate has shaped Gassho-style houses with steeply pitched roofs. Gassho-style settlements still exist in the Ainokura district of Nanto City and the Suganuma district of the same city. In December 1995, the "Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Gassho-style Villages" were jointly registered as a World Heritage Site, along with Shirakawa-go in the neighboring village of Shirakawa-go, Ono-gun, Gifu Prefecture. In March 2009, the "Michelin Green Guide Japan," a travel guide published by the French Michelin, selected Gokayama as a top three-star tourist destination, one of 17 three-star destinations in Japan. Both the Ainokura and Suganuma settlements were designated two-star tourist destinations.

▲Suganuma Gassho Village

Surrounded by abundant nature, this village boasts nine extant Gassho-style houses. Experience the history and traditions of Gokayama at the Gokayama Folk Museum and immerse yourself in the historical culture and daily life at the Saltpeter Museum. The seasonal illuminations are a must-see! The fantastical space is captivating and offers a unique experience of life.

▲APA Hotel Toyama

APA Villa Hotel Toyama Ekimae, located in Toyama City, offers free Wi-Fi in public areas and 3-star accommodations with air-conditioned rooms.

The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out, and massage services. For added convenience, luggage storage, dry cleaning, and laundry facilities are also available. Comfortable rooms include a microwave and refrigerator. All rooms include movies on demand, a private bathroom, and tea and coffee making facilities.

▲Takayama

Located in the heart of the castle town and a key commercial hub, the three old streets of Takayama's upper and lower towns are known as Takayama Old Streets.

Among them, "Sanmachi-dori," between Kami-San-no-machi, Kami-Nin-no-machi, and Kami-Ichino-machi, is a renowned tourist attraction. Stretching along the latticework, water gurgles beneath the eaves. Breweries boast globe-shaped signs made of cedar leaves, "Sake Forest," and other signs line the streets. Neighboring residential gates and long-established noren curtains are also found. The old streets are also home to candy shops, traditional craft shops, and the renowned Mitarashi dango (dumplings), attracting a constant stream of tourists.

▲Hida Beef
"Hida Beef" refers to black-haired Wagyu beef raised in Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. According to the certification system implemented by the Japan Meat Certification Association, edible grade is A or B, and meat quality is graded into 5, 4, or 3. Only beef that meets these criteria and is approved by the Hida Beef Brand Promotion Council can be designated as such. Any beef that does not meet these standards is called Hida Wagyu.

Hida beef is distinguished by its excellent fat distribution, which creates a beautiful pattern resembling that of a young deer. Sashimi is not limited to the prime tenderloin; other cuts, such as the ribs, shoulders, and legs, can also be used. Because the meat is fatty, it is encapsulated when cooked with vegetables, preventing the loss of juices and flavor while maintaining the tenderness of the meat. Beef loin, the prime tenderloin used for yakiniku, can be grilled to perfection, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth, exquisite texture. Other ways to enjoy Hida beef include prime sirloin grilling, free-range grilling, shabu-shabu, and yakiniku. Each method allows you to fully savor the unique flavor of Hida beef, contributing to its immense popularity.