Best Day Trips from Takayama | Shirakawa-go & Hidden Villages

Nestled in the heart of Japan’s Northern Alps, Takayama is more than a charming mountain town — it’s an ideal base for exploring nearby hidden gems. From the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go to peaceful hot-spring towns and quiet mountain hamlets, these day trips offer a window into traditional Japanese countryside life.

If you’re staying at Rikka TAKAYAMA, here’s a practical guide to the best day trips you can take from town.

🏡 1. Shirakawa-go – The World Heritage Village

About 50 minutes from Takayama, Shirakawa-go is famous for its gassho-zukuri houses — steep thatched roofs designed for heavy snow. Strolling the lanes feels like walking through a living postcard.

• Ogimachi Viewpoint — panoramic views ideal for photos.
• Wada House and other open-house museums to learn about mountain life.
• Try local snacks like gohei mochi (grilled rice cakes with miso).

How to get there: Take the Nohi Bus from Takayama Bus Terminal (about 50 minutes each way). A half-day trip is possible, but allow time to walk the village.

🌊 2. Hida Furukawa – Riverside Charm and Local Life

Only about 15 minutes by train, Hida Furukawa is a smaller, quieter town with white-walled storehouses and a scenic canal filled with koi. It’s perfect for a slow morning or afternoon trip.

• Walk along the Setogawa Canal and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
• Visit the Hida Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall to see tall festival floats up close.
• Stop at a local café or sake brewery for a relaxed break.

Fun fact: Some streets here inspired scenes in the anime Your Name (Kimi no Na wa).

♨️ 3. Gero Onsen – One of Japan’s Best Hot Springs

If you want to relax, head to Gero Onsen, one of Japan’s top three hot-spring towns. It’s about 90 minutes from Takayama by train or car and offers public baths, foot spas, and cozy ryokan stays.

• Soak your feet in free ashiyu (foot baths) around town.
• Visit the Gero Onsen Museum to learn about onsen culture.
• Try onsen manju (steamed sweets) after your bath.

🏔 4. Hidden Villages & Scenic Drives

For travelers who love off-the-beaten-path exploration, the countryside around Takayama has quiet valleys, waterfalls, and traditional hamlets. Renting a car gives you the freedom to visit smaller, less-touristy spots.

Recommended stops:

• Shokawa Valley — tranquil lakes and ancient trees.
• Ainokura Village — a quieter gassho-style village (in Toyama Prefecture).
• Okuhida Onsen Villages — open-air baths with mountain views.

🚐 5. Getting Around

Major sites are accessible by Nohi Bus or the JR Hida Line, but consider these options:

• Shirakawa-go Bus Pass — convenient for round trips and multiple visits.
• Car rental — best if you plan several stops or want remote access.
• Check winter road conditions — mountain roads can be snowy and require winter tires.

🏠 Stay Local at Rikka TAKAYAMA

After a full day of exploring, return to the comfort of Rikka TAKAYAMA. Our guesthouse offers a cozy base and easy access to Takayama’s old town — perfect for resting before your next adventure.

Check availability at Rikka TAKAYAMA

🌟 Tips & Practical Advice

• Buy bus tickets early during peak seasons (spring festivals and autumn foliage).
• Bring cash — small vendors and rural shops may not accept cards.
• Allow extra travel time in winter for snow and slower transport schedules.
• Pack comfortable shoes for walking on uneven village paths.

🎒 Final Note

Using Takayama as your base opens up rich, varied day trips — from UNESCO sites to peaceful onsen towns and hidden mountain villages. Plan one or more of these trips during your stay at Rikka TAKAYAMA to experience the timeless countryside of Japan.