[Depart from Nagoya] Gifu Shirakawa-go and Hida Takayama Day Trip

Don't miss Japan's breathtaking scenery! Gifu's Shirakawa-go, home to internationally renowned World Heritage sites, Gassho-style houses, and the old mountain streets, is filled with the unique cultural atmosphere of ancient Japan. The unique architecture, combined with the rich Japanese cultural atmosphere, will surely captivate you and leave you with a memorable experience. Lunch will be paired with Gifu Prefecture's famous free-range chicken hot pot set menu, offering the ultimate in comfort and warmth during your trip.

- Attraction Introduction | Gifu Shirakawa-go Day Trip -
▲Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go refers to the Sho River basin in Gifu Prefecture (Hida Province). In contrast to Shirakawa-go in Ono County and the former Shokawa-go, the former was called "Shimo-Shirakawa-go" and the latter "Kami-Shirakawa-go." Today, most people refer to Shirakawa-go only. The Ogimachi area of Shirakawa-go is famous for its Gassho-style houses.

The uniquely landscaped villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (Ainokura and Suganuma areas) were registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in December 1995 as the "Gassho-zukuri Settlements of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama."

▲ Gassho Village
The name "Gassho Village" comes from its architectural style. The gable-shaped roofs resemble two clasped hands, giving the houses their name "Gassho-zukuri" and the villages their name "Gassho Village." These villages are among the only ones in Japan to feature this type of house structure.

300 years ago, to adapt to the valley's natural environment, residents designed their wooden houses' roofs into equilateral triangles with 60-degree angles. This angle not only protects against cold winds but also allows the roofs to support heavy snow, allowing excess snow to naturally avalanche. This area, nestled in a region of heavy snow and nestled deep in the mountains, is isolated and has long been trapped by blizzards, cutting off access to the outside world. This has fostered unique customs and culture that have endured to this day, adding to its mystical beauty.

▲ Takayama
Hida Takayama, reminiscent of its castle streets, is a town renowned for its rich history. Gassho-style houses can be seen everywhere. The town itself is a popular tourist destination. The Takayama Festival, held annually in spring and autumn, is considered one of Japan's three major festivals, alongside Kyoto's Gion Festival and Saitama's Chichibu Festival. Mikoshi (portable shrines) meticulously crafted by Hida artisans are paraded throughout the area. A visit to Takayama offers the opportunity to savor the charm of the ancient capital while immersing yourself in the art and culture of traditional craftsmen.