A Private Journey with Ryo Yoshimura
Private Car · A Hotel-to-Hotel Journey from Nagoya to Kanazawa — or in Reverse
Ryo is not only a specialist in the Nakasendo but also deeply knowledgeable about the history and culture of Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Born and raised along the Nakasendo, with more than fifty years of personal ties to the people of Takayama, he brings the journey to life through authentic local stories passed down through generations.
Travel with Ryo through the Nakasendo, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go, discovering the character and cultural connections of each place. Your journey can begin and end wherever best suits your plans—Nagoya, the Nakasendo, Takayama, or Kanazawa. Ryo will personally curate the route around your interests and preferred pace.
View the price, from USD 2,470 →The Journey
A seamless private journey from your Nagoya hotel through Magome and Tsumago to Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa—with time to experience each place more deeply.
Your luggage travels with you in the private vehicle, leaving you free to enjoy the journey without transfers or train changes.
Sample Itinerary
Three days allow you to experience the Nakasendo, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go at a relaxed pace. If you prefer, Shirakawa-go may be replaced with the quieter village of Gokayama.
Meet Ryo at your hotel in Nagoya and travel by private car to Magome. Walk the approximately 8 km historic trail to Tsumago, or choose selected scenery, post towns, waterfalls, and short sections of the old road with minimal walking. Rather than leaving immediately for Takayama, stay in the Nakasendo region and experience the evening atmosphere of the old road at a relaxed pace. Stay in Nakasendo area.
Begin with time for another carefully chosen place along the Nakasendo before travelling through the mountains to Takayama. Explore Takayama's old streets, markets, and merchant culture at an unhurried pace, then settle into your accommodation in Takayama rather than continuing immediately to Shirakawa-go. Stay in Takayama.
Enjoy a little more of Takayama in the morning before continuing through the mountains to Shirakawa-go, where traditional gassho-style houses preserve a distinctive way of life. With the journey divided across three days, there is time to understand the village beyond its famous view before continuing to your hotel or the station in Kanazawa.
Why Private Car
Enjoy the full Magome–Tsumago hike or selected short walks, while private transportation connects each destination.
Pricing
Included: three days of private guiding; private transportation; hotel pick-up and drop-off; fuel, tolls, parking, luggage transport within the itinerary, guide’s accommodation expenses: USD 60 per night × 2 nights
Not included: accommodation, meals and drinks, admission fees, optional activities, travel insurance, and personal expenses.
A winter surcharge of 10% applies from December through February. Prices are for one to six guests. Accommodation is not included
Please see the Private Tour Terms and Conditions for payment and cancellation policies.
FAQ
No. You may walk the complete Magome–Tsumago section or choose a gentler experience with selected short walks. The guide and private car remain available in either case.
No. This allows you to choose the style of stay that suits you. Ryo can assist with selecting accommodation in the Nakasendo region and Takayama.
Yes. Pick-up, drop-off, walking distance, and visiting time can be adjusted. A substantial change to the route may require a revised quotation.