Takayama, Shirakawago & Kanazawa 3 – Day Tour

Exploring the historic landscapes and cultural gems of Japan’s Chubu region can be a truly immersive experience. The Takayama, Shirakawago, and Kanazawa 3-day tour offers an opportunity to explore the country’s rich heritage, from the well-preserved merchant houses of Takayama to the UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawago. Along the way, visitors can discover the harmonious blend of modernity and tradition in Kanazawa, including the stunning Kenroku-en Garden. With an English-speaking guide to lead the way, this tour promises an insightful and memorable journey through some of Japan’s most captivating destinations.

Key Points

• This 3-day tour explores the traditional culture, architecture, and natural scenery of Takayama, Shirakawago, and Kanazawa in central Japan.
• Accommodation for 2 nights, with 1 night each in Kanazawa and Takayama, and English-speaking guide interpreter services for the first 2 days.
• Includes all transportation, admission fees, 2 lunches, and 2 breakfasts, but excludes optional activities, additional food, and airport transfers.
• The tour starts and ends at the Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal, with hotel pickup available for guests in Kanazawa’s city center.
• Cancellation fees apply, ranging from 25% to 100% depending on the notice period, and moderate physical fitness is required as the tour is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

This 3-day tour provides an in-depth exploration of three renowned destinations in central Japan: Takayama, Shirakawago, and Kanazawa.

Guests will enjoy 2 nights’ accommodation, with 1 night in Kanazawa and 1 night in Takayama. A national government licensed English guide interpreter will accompany travelers on Days 1 and 2.

All transportation, admission fees, 2 lunches, and 2 breakfasts are included.

This well-rounded itinerary offers a chance to immerse in traditional Japanese culture, architecture, and natural scenery across these three captivating locations.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The 3-day tour includes a range of services and amenities to provide a comprehensive travel experience.

The package includes:

1. Accommodation for 2 nights – 1 night in Kanazawa and 1 night in Takayama.
2. National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter services for Days 1 and 2.
3. Admission fees and transportation costs.
4. 2 lunches and 2 breakfasts.

However, the tour doesn’t cover optional activities, drinks other than water, additional food items, or airport transfers.

Guests are responsible for these excluded expenses.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour meeting point is the Kanazawa Port Cruise Terminal, located at Ri-65 Muryojimachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0332, Japan.

Guests staying within Kanazawa’s city center will be picked up at their hotel. Others will be provided the pickup location beforehand.

The tour concludes back at the original meeting point. Guests are responsible for their own airport transfers.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Customers receive a confirmation upon booking unless the reservation is made within 7 days of the event, in which case confirmation will come within 48 hours.

The cancellation policy is moderate:

1. 100% fee for cancellations 14 days or less before the event.
2. 50% fee for cancellations 21 days or less before the event.
3. 25% fee for cancellations 30 days or less before the event.
4. Non-refundable cancellations.

This flexible policy allows for changes, while ensuring the tour operator can effectively manage bookings.

Guests should review the terms carefully when making their reservation.

Accommodation

Accommodation for this 3-day tour includes 2 nights’ stay – 1 night in Kanazawa and 1 night in Takayama.

The accommodations are included in the tour price. Guests will stay at high-quality hotels or ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in central locations, allowing easy access to the sights.

All rooms have private bathrooms and basic amenities. Breakfasts are provided on both mornings.

The tour doesn’t include additional nights or optional accommodations beyond the 2 included. Guests are responsible for any extra hotel stays or upgrades not specified in the tour itinerary.

Tour Highlights

This 3-day tour offers a captivating glimpse into the cultural treasures of Takayama, Shirakawago, and Kanazawa.

Highlights include:

1. Exploring the historic Old Town of Takayama, renowned for its well-preserved merchant houses and lively morning markets.

2. Witnessing the breathtaking UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri farmhouses in the serene village of Shirakawago, a unique architectural style dating back centuries.

3. Discovering the charming Kanazawa, a city that seamlessly blends modern and traditional elements, including the stunning Kenroku-en Garden.

4. Enjoying guided tours with a licensed English-speaking interpreter, ensuring an enriching and insightful experience throughout the journey.

Additional Information

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s situated near public transportation options.

Infants must sit on laps during the tour, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

The tour is operated by Japan Awaits, a licensed tour operator with vetted guides nationwide.

The tour price starts from $1,450.68 per person and varies by group size, with a lowest price guarantee.

Guests should be aware of the cancellation policy, which includes penalties for cancellations within 30 days of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to meet travelers’ preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility to modify the itinerary, activities, and accommodations based on individual needs and interests within the tour’s overall structure and inclusions.

What Is the Primary Language Spoken by the Tour Guides?

The tour guides for this 3-day excursion are National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreters, meaning they’ll provide service in English throughout Days 1 and 2 of the tour. Guests can expect clear, fluent communication in English from the qualified guides.

Are the Tour Guides Knowledgeable About the Local Culture and History?

The tour guides are highly knowledgeable about the local culture and history. They’re licensed by the national government and provide in-depth interpretations to give visitors a comprehensive understanding of the destinations.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour for Additional Days?

Yes, the tour can be extended for additional days. Guests have the option to customize the itinerary and add more destinations or activities to lengthen their experience with the operator, Japan Awaits.

Can We Request Vegetarian or Special Dietary Meal Options?

Yes, the tour operator can accommodate vegetarian or other dietary needs with advance notice. Guests should indicate any special requests when booking the tour, and the team will work to provide suitable meal options.

Sum Up

The Takayama, Shirakawago, and Kanazawa 3-day tour offers a captivating journey through Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Participants will explore historic towns, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. With a licensed English interpreter to guide them, travelers can enjoy the beauty and history of these remarkable destinations.