Our Private Old Townhouse Machiya Tour + Japanese Tea Experience

Inclusions / Exclusions

Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Snacks
Coffee and/or Tea

Overview

While many Machiya buildings have lost their original appearance, our house still shows how life was in those days. Machiya architecture follows a certain format, and how each house pursued beauty within that format is quite different. Our townhouse was formerly run as an obstetrics and gynecology clinic. The combination of the main house and the clinic is very unique, and the strange harmony of the two is very beautiful. You will get to know the Machiya architecture and enjoy Japanese tea with seasonal fruits and sweets.

Meeting points

93 Kamisannomachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0846, Japan

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Meeting up points: The Miffy shop on the crossing of Sanmachi St. and Hirokoji St.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Machiya refers to the merchant houses of the Edo period. It is characterized by its long and narrow shape, which is hard to imagine from its narrow entrance. Hida craftsmen used the best materials available at the time in the best possible form to create beautiful machiya architecture. Even after more than 200 years, the machiya is not only beautiful, but also sturdy and convenient. We hope to introduce this traditional Japanese machiya house, which is still intact, to you and invite you to enjoy a cup of tea and reminisce about life in the olden days.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby

Non Refundable

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

7 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

5 stars

7
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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 7 reviews with 5 stars

Very excellent.

Published on Nov, 2024

Bob-san was an incredible host. Friendly and kind, he showed us how to make great green tea and macha. He was so great. We can’t recommend this enough.

Wonderful cooking experience!

Published on Jun, 2024

Our time with Hisa san and “Bob” san was amazing. We toured the morning market and several old town merchant streets before going to their home to cook. Their home is an amazing old home directly on a merchant street in old town TAKAYAMA. We learned a few recipes and enjoyed eating the dishes we helped make! We left very full and warmed by their hospitality and joy! This was a altered tour from the one listed here.

Highly recommend this unique Takayama experience!

Published on Jun, 2024

Hisa and Bob were very welcoming hosts. We had so much fun learning to cook traditional Japanese tempura and egg soup while trying local sake. We were fortunate enough to visit during the season for sushi made with local leaves. It was also a unique experience to see their house which is one of the few houses in old town that still exists as a house (rather than storefront). We absolutely loved it and would highly recommend this experience!!

Highly recommended experience!!!

Published on Nov, 2023

I joined the tour with my girlfriend and we highly recommend it!! This traditional Japanese house used to be a clinic and is located in the Main Street of old town of Takayama. Chaco-san’s explanation is quite fun and informative so we understand the history of Takayama and also the Japanese traditions. If you want to try something genuine and non-touristic events, we highly recommend it!! Thank you Chaco-san and Bob-san.

Takayama wonderful!!!

Published on Nov, 2023

Great place! So nice! Fantastic experience!!! We had a great time, so will you. All the little details of an authentic time!