Machiya Experience: Unique Townhouse Tour

Explore a historic Machiya townhouse, savor Japanese tea, and enjoy seasonal fruits and sweets. Discover unique architecture and cultural beauty.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Kamisannomachi - 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…
What's Included
  • Snacks
  • Tea and coffee
Additional Information

Although many Machiya buildings have lost their original charm, our house still reflects the lifestyle of that era. Machiya architecture adheres to a specific style, yet each house uniquely interprets beauty within that framework. Our townhouse once operated as an obstetrics and gynecology clinic. The blend of the main house and the clinic creates a…

Location
2-chōme-147 Morishitamachi
Meeting up points: The entrance of Hie Shrine
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
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Maikm2025
Sep 18, 2025
Amazing experience with Bob - We had a really great time at the cooking class with Bob, everything was perfect! You learn a lot of things and you can dive into Japanese Culture, highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
483larkb
Apr 13, 2025
Such a delight! - I think this is the highlight of my 3 weeks in Japan! Class was in a beautiful and traditional 7th-generation family home. We made so many things, including miso soup from scratch, homemade tofu, grilled salmon, delicious Hida beef, Japanese rolled omelet, and onigiri. It was a thoroughly memorable day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Svenjans
Mar 26, 2025
Great guide and dining experience in the heart of Takayama! - Great experience. First walked through the old part of the city with Hisa. Then prepared and ate a Japanese meal at her home. Once in a lifetime experience. Privilege to be in Hisa’s original home in Takayama. Had a great day. And more than delicious food. Really very, very special!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aggellig
Mar 25, 2025
Cultural tour in Takayama - We spent amazing 3 hrs with Hisha! We felt like locals and came closer to the traditions of Takayama, tasting local food.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robert_w
Nov 17, 2024
Very excellent. - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Flyer822138
Jun 8, 2024
Wonderful cooking experience! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Shannonmk8884up
Jun 4, 2024
Highly recommend this unique Takayama experience! - 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!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Blunder2014
Mar 23, 2024
Perfect private guide for Takayama! - Hisa is a very good, fun and enthusiastic guide. She showed us a lot and told us a lot about Japan and of course about Takayama. Definitely a recommendation!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kenhi9758uk
Nov 14, 2023
Highly recommended experience!!! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B2609qygregorym
Nov 11, 2023
Takayama wonderful!!! - Great place! So nice! Fantastic experience!!! We had a great time, so will you. All the little details of an authentic time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $117
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).