Excursion Unesco world heritage villages of shirakawago & gokayama tour at Kanazawa

Experience the rich architectural traditions of the Japanese countryside on a tour including two of the region's most picturesque villages.

Shirakawago Village

Shirakawago widely known as one of the most scenic places in Japan, is surrounded by dramatic pine tree-covered mountains. After an approximately 90 minutes journey, arrive to Shirakawago Village. Here you'll find the unique Japanese thatched-roof farmhouses that are the center of attention. There are approximately 90 thatched farmhouses, sheds, and barns built about 200-300 years ago that were added to UNESCO'S World Heritage List in 1995. They are examples of the Gassho-zukuri style, a form of construction that resembles hands-clasped in prayer. Aesthetically pleasing, the steeply pitched roofs are extremely practical during the heavy snowstorms of the Shokawa River valley. Pitched at 60 degrees and oriented along a north-south axis, the farmhouses are able to more efficiently capture sunlight and shed weighty burdens.

Farmhouse Visit, Local Lunch

After your guided tour of the farmhouse, enjoy some free time in the village. Next, re-board the coach and your tour continue to Gokayama. Prior arrival you'll be taken to a local restaurant for a local set-menu lunch.

Gokayama Village, Local Activities

After lunch an approximately half hour drive will take you to Gokayama Washinosato.

Like Shirakawago, Gokayama earned its place as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1995 and boasts the same style of Gassho-zukuri pitched-roof construction. Arriving in this charming village, you'll proceed to a special site where you'll be treated to fascinating demonstrations of the art of Japanese paper making. Known as washi, the process of creation is long and involved and that often undertaken in the depth of winter. The cold weather inhibits bacteria, prevents decomposition, makes the fibers contract for a crisp feel, and provides farmers with a source of winter income.

The kozo tree, or paper mulberry, is the most commonly used fiber in making Japanese paper. The kozo branches are boiled and stripped of their outer bark and then dried. The fibers are then boiled with lye to remove the starch, fat and tannin and any remaining impurities in the fibers are picked out by hand. The kozo is laid on a rock or board and beaten. Wet balls of pulp are mixed in a vat with water and one of two traditional methods of paper making (nagashi-zuki or tame-zuki) is employed. In both methods, pulp is scooped onto a screen and shaken to spread the fibers evenly. Nagashi-zuki (which uses neri in the vat) produces thinner paper, while tame-zuki (which does not use neri) produces thicker paper.

You'll have the unique opportunity to lend a hand in the process of Japanese papermaking, enjoying the camaraderie of this shared activity.

Upon conclusion of this unique experience, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 90-minute journey to the pier via the breathtaking Japanese countryside.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Countryside Drive, Shirakawago Village, Farmhouse Visit, Japanese Mountain Style Set-menu Lunch, Gokayama Washinosato Village, Japanese Paper-making Activity

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate to extensive amount of walking (approximately 2.2km or 1.36miles) over cobblestones and unpaved walkways, with around 20 steps at the various sites and a few to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Guests will need to take off your shoes in the Wada Family's House. For dietary restrictions please contact the on-board Shore Concierge Team upon embarkation. Please be advised that special dietary requests or menu substitutions may not be possible to accommodate in this program. Although credit cards are mainly accepted, Japanese yen is required for any purchases: guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. The tour sequence may vary. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility.