2-Day Tour from Osaka: Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Village, Hida Takayama, Kanazawa (Chinese-speaking tour leader/round-trip transportation)

Departing from Osaka, this two-day, one-night guided tour with your choice of accommodation and transportation will take you to the World Heritage-listed Gassho-zukuri villages, the art-filled Kanazawa, and the Omi-cho Market. The itinerary combines nature, culture, and art, with attentive Chinese-speaking service to make your journey more relaxed and enjoyable.

— Attraction Introduction—

▲ Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go refers to the Shokawa River basin in Gifu Prefecture (Hida Province). It was originally called "Shimoshirakawa-go" in contrast to Shirakawa Village in Ono District and the former "Kamishirakawa-go." Today, it mostly refers to Shirakawa Village. The Ogimachi area of Shirakawa-go is famous for its Gassho-zukuri houses.

Shirakawa-go, along with Gokayama (Aikura area, Suganuma area) and other villages with unique landscapes, was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (cultural heritage) in December 1995 under the name "Shirakawa-go and the Gassho-zukuri Villages of Gokayama."

▲ Gassho-zukuri Village

The name Gassho-zukuri Village comes from its architectural style. The A-frame roofs resemble two hands clasped together, hence the name "Gassho-zukuri" (meaning "hands clasped together"). Only a few villages in Japan possess this unique architectural structure.

300 years ago, to adapt to the valley environment, the residents designed the roofs of their wooden houses into equilateral triangles with a 60-degree angle. This not only provides protection from the cold winds but also allows the roofs to withstand heavy snowfall while allowing excess snow to naturally avalanche. Located in a region prone to heavy snowfall, and situated deep in the mountains, the village has historically been frequently cut off from the outside world by blizzards. This has fostered a unique local culture that has endured to this day, adding to its mystique.

▲ 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, is one of Japan's most representative contemporary art museums, designed with the concept of "transparency and openness." The museum is circular with no prominent main entrance, symbolizing the seamless integration of art and the city. One of the most popular permanent exhibitions is "The Pool" (a work by Leandro Erlich), which visitors can view from above, creating the illusion of people moving in water—a truly engaging experience. Various special exhibitions are also held within the museum, but admission is not available. Combining an artistic atmosphere with interactive elements, it is an ideal place to experience modern art and architectural aesthetics.