This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:00 Meet at the hotel
- 10:10 Suzuki Sculpture
- 10:15 Hida Kokubunji Temple
- 10:30 Miyagawa Morning Market
- 11:00 Around the float storehouses near Shimo-Ichinomachi (we were able to see the floats being prepared for the next day's Takayama Festival)
- 11:20 Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine
- 11:50 Shokado
- 12:10 Sakaguchiya (lunch)
- 12:50 Old townscape
- 13:00 Harada Sake Brewery
- 13:20 Matsukiyo
- 13:30 Takayama Jinya
- 14:00 Disband
Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Takayama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a lovely and close-knit group. As it was the day before the Takayama Festival, the town was a little busier than usual. The weather was fine, and the carp in the Miyagawa River were clearly visible. After the morning market, we headed to Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, and along the way, in front of the festival float storehouses, we were able to see the floats being prepared for the next day. The guests were delighted, saying that although they would miss the festival itself, they were lucky to see the floats up close. The buildings of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine, which serves as one of the stages of the Takayama Festival, were decorated for the event, and the autumn leaves were beginning to change color, making for a beautiful scene. The guests also enjoyed the ramen they chose for lunch. One of the guests was looking for "Hada Labo" cosmetics, and was overjoyed to find Hada Labo products at the kiosk in front of the Jinya. The guests smiled throughout, and it was a wonderful group to guide.
Click here for more details: Takayama Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
My name is Akane Ito from Takayama city.
I started a tour guiding from 2013.
I was guiding almost 1000 people.
I love this job. And I love people who visit in my town. I will take a you to local place where my favorite places . I’m good about communication with the guest and always cheerful. I will take you to Local Sake brewery for tasting sake, Morning Market, Historical places (Takayama Jinya, Takayama festival float museum and Old private houses area) ands my favorite places. If you are interesting about me, please feel free to contact me.
Oct 11, 2025
Traveler27625367943
Outstanding, enjoyable tour!
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Annie (Akane) was a wonderful guide…knowledgeable, engaging, fun,…
Oct 11, 2025
Traveler27625367943
Outstanding, enjoyable tour!
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Annie (Akane) was a wonderful guide…knowledgeable, engaging, fun, and down-to-earth!
The 1/2 day tour was reasonably priced and SO worth it. We learned so much and are so
appreciative of the insights about Takayama. We highly recommend this tour.
Aug 30, 2024
Leonie_B
Interesting and informative
Viator review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Annie is a delightful person and great guide.…
Aug 30, 2024
Leonie_B
Interesting and informative
Viator review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Annie is a delightful person and great guide. She responded to our interests with a well paced informative tour around central Takayama. She provided good information and we appreciated her personal stories about her families lives in the area. We could not have been looked after better.
Jun 29, 2024
MarydeS
Lovely morning tour.
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our morning tour around the old centre of…
Jun 29, 2024
MarydeS
Lovely morning tour.
Tripadvisor review: Takayama Half-Day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our morning tour around the old centre of Takayama with Annie was excellent. She is a great guide, and whilst we had selected the places we wanted to visit, she organised the route so that we would see as much as possible in the time allowed. Very friendly and extremely informative .