1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore the Hida Locations of Your Name

A Tour That Brings Your Name’s Hida to Life

If you’re a fan of the beloved anime Your Name or just love discovering Japan’s lesser-known rural charm, this 1-day tour from Takayama offers a thoughtful mix of scenery, culture, and fun activities. Priced at around $161.54 per person, it lasts approximately 7 hours and includes visits to places like Hida Furukawa Station, Keta Wakamiya Shrine, and Hie Shrine, along with a hands-on kumihimo weaving workshop.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is how it captures the quiet beauty of the Hida region while tying it to the story’s themes of connection and destiny. The stops are carefully chosen to reflect key locations from the film, making this a perfect outing for Your Name fans eager to see the landscape and architecture that inspired parts of the story. Plus, the inclusion of a traditional craft workshop provides a meaningful connection to Japanese culture that extends beyond the usual sightseeing.

A potential consideration for travelers is that this tour is quite focused on specific film-related sites, so if you’re after a broad sightseeing experience of Takayama or Gokayama, you might want to combine it with other excursions. Also, since the tour groups are small—maxing out at 15 people—you’ll get a more personalized experience, but be prepared for a tightly scheduled day.

This tour suits those who enjoy cultural exploration intertwined with pop culture, especially if you find significance in Your Name’s story or scenery. It also works well for travelers who want a manageable, well-organized day without the hassle of planning logistics themselves.

Key Points

• Cultural depth: Includes a hands-on weaving craft, linking traditional Japanese arts with anime symbolism.
• Iconic sites: Visits to locations that inspired scenes in Your Name, like Hida Furukawa Station and Keta Wakamiya Shrine.
• Scenic beauty: Focus on peaceful, rural landscapes, canals, and historic shrines that evoke the story’s atmosphere.
• Small group setting: Max of 15 travelers for more personalized guidance and interaction.
• Value for fans: Perfect for Your Name enthusiasts looking to connect with the story on a deeper level.
• Limited meal options: Lunch isn’t included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat locally during free time.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Hida Furukawa Station: The Starting Point of Serenity

Our journey begins at Hida Furukawa Station, a spot that immediately transports you into the peaceful charm seen in Your Name. The station and its surroundings are portrayed in the film with eye for detail—wooden structures, quiet streets, and gentle canals that seem to breathe rural Japan’s timelessness.

Here, we loved how the small-town vibe is palpable, with the streets lined with traditional wooden houses and cozy cafes. The atmosphere is almost cinematic in its stillness, perfect for fans keen to see the scenery that served as a backdrop to key moments in the film.

You also visit the Hida Furukawa Library, where Taki and Mitsuha’s friends did their research. This adds a layer of storytelling that makes the place more than just scenery—it’s a hub of curiosity and discovery rooted in local history. Sampling local gohei mochi—a rice cake skewered and brushed with miso—adds a delicious, tactile element to the experience.

Keta Wakamiya Shrine: A Place of Connection and Fate

Next, the tour makes a peaceful stop at Keta Wakamiya Shrine, a site tied directly to the anime’s theme of destiny and connection. As you stroll through the shrine’s grounds, guides will share insights into its cultural importance and how it inspired the scenes in the film.

This stop is especially meaningful for those who appreciate a spiritual touch in their journeys. The shrine’s tranquil environment and historic architecture offer a perfect moment to reflect on the story’s deeper themes. It’s the kind of place where you can feel the quiet power of tradition and history.

Kumihimo Weaving: Crafting a Cultural Keepsake

Perhaps the highlight for many is the kumihimo weaving workshop. This traditional craft, which features prominently in Your Name, allows you to create your own braided cord under the guidance of local artisans. It’s a hands-on activity that provides a tangible souvenir, connecting you directly to the story’s symbolism.

We loved the chance to learn a craft passed down through generations—an experience that makes the story’s motifs more meaningful. The workshop runs for about an hour, and the cords you make can be treasured as a reminder of your journey or given as thoughtful gifts.

Hie Shrine: The Spiritual Finale

Returning to Takayama, the tour concludes at Hie Shrine. This lovely, traditional site inspired the shrine in Mitsuha’s village in the anime. Surrounded by tall trees and traditional architecture, it offers a peaceful space to contemplate the spiritual layers of the story.

Your guide will help you understand the shrine’s significance and its connection to regional customs. Spending time here is a fitting way to round off a day filled with scenic beauty and cultural depth.

The Practical Side: What to Expect

Transportation between Takayama and Furukawa is included, making for a hassle-free experience. The tour is guided in English, with a knowledgeable guide to help you understand each site’s significance.

The group size is limited to 15 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows for more interaction. While the tour offers a good balance of sightseeing and activities, note that lunch isn’t included, so plan to eat beforehand or during free time.

Considering price, the cost might seem high at first glance, but it includes a curated selection of meaningful sites, a craft workshop, and the convenience of organized transport. For fans of the film or those interested in rural Japan’s landscape and crafts, it offers solid value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for Your Name fans eager to see the locations that inspired the story. It’s also perfect for travelers who enjoy cultural activities like traditional crafts and appreciate scenic, tranquil settings. If you’re after a full-day tour packed with history, nature, and pop culture, this will meet your expectations.

However, if your main goal is to indulge in extensive sightseeing of Takayama or nearby regions, you may want to supplement this tour with additional visits. Also, it’s ideal for those who prefer smaller groups and guided experiences that highlight local stories and traditions.

Final Thoughts

This 1-day tour from Takayama offers a charming blend of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and anime-inspired sites. It provides a rare chance for Your Name fans to connect with the story on a personal level, through visits to key locations, engaging activities, and meaningful storytelling.

While it’s somewhat focused on specific sites, the careful curation ensures a rich experience that balances aesthetics with tradition. You’ll leave with souvenirs, new knowledge, and probably a few favorite scenes from the movie replaying in your head.

If you’re looking for an authentic, well-organized trip that combines Japan’s rural charm with pop culture, this tour delivers a warm, evocative experience worth considering.

FAQs

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Are meals included in the price?
No, lunch is not included, so you may want to bring snacks or plan to eat during your free time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Generally, yes. Most travelers can participate, but consider your children’s interest in Your Name or crafts for a more engaging experience.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal and engaging guiding experience.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Just bring some comfortable shoes, a camera, and an appetite for scenic and cultural discoveries.

Are tickets for the sites included?
Most sites are free to enter, like Hida Furukawa Station and the shrines, but the kumihimo workshop is included in the tour price.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes transportation between Takayama and Furukawa, making it easy to focus on sightseeing and fun activities.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book about 90 days ahead to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of picturesque locations, cultural activities, and the anime theme creates a unique and memorable experience for fans and culture seekers alike.