Takayama Walking Tour w/ Snacks & Sake Brewery Visit (Gifu)

Picture a calm city in the Japanese countryside. The streets, lined with wooden townhouses and traditional buildings, are mostly quiet except for the occasional rattling of a rickshaw, while the Japanese Alps glitter in the background. While it might sound like something out of a fairy tale, that's just your average morning in rural Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. The city's quiet old town, full of historical buildings, is painstakingly preserved and perfect to explore on foot. In this guided tour, you'll stroll the old town with a guide, taste snacks, sip sake at a 400-year-old brewery, and get a rare glimpse into the tranquil rural life in Takayama, also known as Gifu's crown jewel. Experience Flow: -The tour will begin with a stroll through Takayama's old town and an overview of the area's history and culture. -You'll cross the Nakabashi Bridge, and see the outside of the old Takayama Jinya government building (entry to the Jinya is not included in the tour fee, but guests can visit by paying the entrance fee separately). -Your guide will lead you to the Yamazakura Shrine, and explain its detailed woodwork and unique design. -You will then taste snacks at a local market (open only during the mornings) and visit a rice cracker factory where you’ll grill rice dough into a crispy cracker over hot coal and enjoy it with the locals. - Finally, you'll wrap up the day with a visit to the 400-year-old Hirase Shuzo Brewery. Here, you'll finish the tour on a sweet note by tasting delicious sake and touring the traditional facilities testimony to centuries-long sake making. This walking and food tour of Takayama is perfect for visitors who want to take an authentic and inspiring journey to a rural city, savor its specialties, and connect with its local community.