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Shirakawa-go World Heritage Village Guided Day Trip from Kanazawa

Top pick Kyoto, JapanAbout 8 hoursGuided in English

Travel into the mountains of Gifu to Shirakawa-go, a village of steep thatched farmhouses, with a guide and transport from Kanazawa.

About 8 hoursExplore at your own pace
Small groupKeeps the experience personal
EnglishLive guide or host
CancellationNon-refundable: tickets are issued for your chosen date and time

Highlights

  • The thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses of Shirakawa-go
  • A guide who explains village life and building
  • A visit inside a traditional farmhouse
  • Free time and the viewpoint over the village
  • Transport from Kanazawa

Full description

Shirakawa-go is one of the most photogenic villages in Japan. Its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with steep thatched roofs shaped like hands joined in prayer, were built to shed the heavy snow of the Japanese Alps, and families still live and farm among them. The village is a World Heritage Site and looks different in every season, from green rice fields in summer to deep snow in winter.

The tour leaves from Kanazawa, the castle town on the Sea of Japan coast. A guide travels with you, explains how the houses were built and how life in the village works, and takes you into one of the old farmhouses, before leaving free time to walk the lanes and climb to the viewpoint. Kanazawa is about two hours from Kyoto by train, so the trip also works as part of a route from Kyoto.

Itinerary

  1. Leave Kanazawa

    Meet near Kanazawa Station and drive into the mountains.

  2. Guided walk

    Explore the village with your guide and visit a farmhouse.

  3. Free time

    Lunch, the lanes and the viewpoint at your own pace.

  4. Return

    Drive back to Kanazawa in the afternoon.

Included

  • Transport from and back to Kanazawa
  • English-speaking guide
  • Audio guide device where provided
  • Entry to one farmhouse

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Train travel to Kanazawa
  • Gratuities

Meeting point

Near Kanazawa Station; the exact meeting point is confirmed with your quoteThe exact spot and your host's details arrive with your confirmation.

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Know before you go

  • The tour starts in Kanazawa, not Kyoto; Kanazawa is about two hours from Kyoto by train
  • In winter the village is under deep snow; wear boots with good grip
  • Many houses are private homes; please respect the residents
  • Winter illumination evenings need special arrangements and are not part of this tour

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this from Kyoto in a day?

It is a long day, but possible: take an early train to Kanazawa and a late one back. Many people stay a night in Kanazawa instead.

Is lunch included?

No, but the village has small restaurants serving local dishes such as Hida beef.

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