This bus tour offers a flexible and scenic journey to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, including a ticket to Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, shuttle bus fare to the Tenshukaku Observatory, and a 5% discount coupon for the Takayama Nohi Bus Center shop.
Explore the unique, snow-resistant Gassho-zukuri houses, enjoy breathtaking views, and learn about traditional rural life. You can also leave the tour at Shirakawago, though no refund will be provided. (Minkaen is closed on Thursdays, with an alternative souvenir offered.)
What's included
5% discount coupon for the Takayama Nohi Bus Center shop
Admission fee
Shuttle bus fare to Tenshukaku Observatory
Japanese Speaking Assistant
Nohi Bus Fee
Lunch
Guide
What to expect
50m
※ Travel from Takayama Nohi Bus Center to Gokayama by Nohi Bus in approximately 75 minutes.
Gokayama Ainokura is a picturesque village in Japan, renowned for its traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into centuries-old rural life and breathtaking natural scenery.
Shirakawago
2h 40m · Admission ticket included
※ Travel from Gokayama to Shirakawago by Nohi Bus in approximately 45 minutes.
Shirakawa-go is a charming, UNESCO World Heritage village in Japan, famous for its iconic Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, offering a unique glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and rural culture amidst stunning natural landscapes.
This tour includes a shuttle bus to the Tenshukaku Observatory in Shirakawa-go, offering stunning panoramic views of the village's beautiful landscape. Use the shuttle bus to the observatory by presenting the bus ticket provided with this tour.
The entrance ticket to Gassho-zukuri Minkaen is included, where you can explore and experience the traditional culture and how people in the past lived in harmony with nature. (Please note that Minkaen is closed on Thursdays; in such cases, an original souvenir will be provided as an alternative.)
※ You may leave the tour at Shirakawa-go; however, no refunds will be issued in such cases.
Takayama
Pass by
Transportation hour
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Exchange your voucher into a bus ticket and a participant badge at Takayama Nohi Bus Center.
End point
Exchange your voucher into a bus ticket and a participant badge at Takayama Nohi Bus Center.
Additional information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a shared tour operates as a Nohi shuttle bus, and you will be joining other guests.
The tour is led by a Japanese-speaking assistant.
Seats are not provided for infants (0 to 5 years old). If you require a seat for an infant, please book the tour with the child rate.
Delays in arrival may occur due to snow or traffic conditions.
The Japanese-speaking assistant will not guide you to the observatory. Please use the shuttle bus with the tour ticket on your own.
Shuttle buses run every 20 minutes. To avoid missing the bus, please check the shuttle schedule carefully before heading to the observatory.
Sanitize your hands when boarding and exiting. Mask-wearing is optional, but please follow cough etiquette and wear a mask during conversations.
To prevent COVID-19, avoid changing seats unless necessary. Inform us of health concerns at booking or consult the guide during the tour.
Eat and drink silently; alcohol is prohibited.
Odd-numbered group members may need to share seats with others.
Seat belts must be worn as required by Japanese law.
Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
Do not change seats during the tour.
Arrive on time; the bus will not wait for latecomers.
Do not recline or adjust the seats.
Set all electronic devices to silent mode.
Phone calls and video calls are prohibited.
Smoking is strictly forbidden on the bus.
Drone use is prohibited.
Arrival times may vary due to traffic.
Avoid perfumes, sprays, or diaper changes on the bus.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
