Very Best of Toyama
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Port
Toyama, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$340
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
“Located in a mountainous region that was cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time, these villages with their Gassho-style houses subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. The large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs are the only examples of their kind in Japan. Despite economic upheavals, the villages of Ogimachi, Ainokura and Suganuma are outstanding examples of a traditional way of life perfectly adapted to the environment and people's social and economic circumstances.
Depart the pier and set off on a journey to discover the best that Toyama has to offer, starting at Ainokura Gassho-style Village. Visiting this village is a wonderful way to experience traditional Japanese way of life. With more than 20 well-preserved gassho-zukuri thatched-roof buildings, Ainokura is a piece of living history that offers a rare glimpse at pre-modern Japan.
Enjoy a Japanese style lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Toyama Castle Park which covers the former grounds of Toyama Castle. The park contains a reconstructed castle keep, art museum, Japanese garden, spacious lawns and a statue of the former local lord.
The last stop will be Zuiryuji Temple, a Soto Zen Buddhist temple recognized by the Japanese government as a national treasure. The buildings of Zuiryuji are influenced by Chinese architectural styles of the Kamakura Period. Enter the temple grounds through the beautiful Somon Gate and discover seven halls arranged symmetrically and connected by wooden, roofed corridors.
After visiting this beautiful temple, you’ll return to the pier with a deeper appreciation of this magical land.
Please note: Participants must negotiate stairs and/or uneven surfaces and is therefore not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. No guarantee is offered with regard to visibility or views on any particular day, as weather and atmospheric conditions vary and are beyond the tour operator’s control. Tour sequence may vary. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Traffic can be unpredictable. The driver will do his/her best to keep moving safely. Your patience is greatly appreciated. Delays occasionally extend the tour duration. Bring local currency (yen) for purchases as few stores accept credit cards. Shoes must be removed at the museum in Ainokura Gassho-style Village.