Places You'll See
Highlights
- Deep Japan: The geisha district of Kanazawa, the Gujo Castle town and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gokayama are less visited but well worth it.
- Adventure & Exploration: The itinerary seamlessly blends outdoor activities such as exploring the stunning valley of Kamikochi, and walking the historic streets of the traditional streets Kanazawa. There are many opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and history.
- Breathtaking Landscapes: Ride the one of a kind trolley train through the Kurobe Gorge, marvel at the stunning mountains from the Shinhotaka Ropeway and marvel at the quiet beauty of the mountain temple of Eiheiji to experience a diversity of the natural beauty of Japan.
*ESTIMATED BUDGET – Please note that the estimated budget advertised on this page is only for the cost of the tours and what they include. Some tours may include transportation between tour destinations via tour buses. However some tours do not include transportation between tour destinations, and you will need to book your own transportation in such cases. Please refer to each tour listed on this page for further information on what is not included.
Day 1 KANAZAWA
How to Start Off Your Day
Start your deep exploration of the Sea of Japan and mountains of central Japan by getting your bearings in Kanazawa. A city that was one of the most important during the Edo period, there are many traditional areas for geisha and samurai that you can still experience today. Feel immersed in a 200 year old tea houses, a garden manicured to perfection and the quiet streets of where samurai used to live on this full day tour of Kanazawa. Go deep into Japan and its history as you begin your amazing trip through this beautiful region. Meet your group in Kanazawa Station at 9am!
KANAZAWA MAIN SIGHTS TOUR / all year round
Day Tour
¥17,800
This tour has you walk in the same streets as those from times past. Walk the streets the samurai of the Kaga clan and see a warriors house from the Edo period. Relax and enjoy matcha in a tea house overlooking a beautiful garden next to the impressive castle walls. Stroll through the Kenroku-en garden like the daimyos of the Edo period and admire the artistry of the landscaping of not just the land but of the trees as well. Finally, walk through Higashi Chayamachi, the old geisha district, where you can shop, snack and take a tour of a former tea house that was used by actual geisha in the past.
How to End Your Day
The tour ends back in Kanazawa at 17:30, where you can soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere. Spend your evening exploring dynamic neighborhoods and savoring local delicacies like oden, Kanazawa curry, hanton rice, and conveyor belt sushi. With accommodations ranging from luxurious hotels and modern resorts to traditional ryokan inns, Kanazawa offers the perfect stay for every preference—whether you prefer the convenience of the city center or the charm of a peaceful retreat.
Day 2 KUROBE GORGE
How to Start Off Your Day
You'll start at Kanazawa Station with a meet-up time of 8am before heading out to mountains. The famous trolley train leaves from Unazuki Onsen which is an interesting village in and of itself. Explore the village, walk a short nature path and ride the trolley train to enjoy this area to the fullest on the tour! The fall leaves are something that can't be missed.
KUROBE GORGE & UNAZUKI ONSEN TOUR FROM KANAZAWA / May to November
Day Tour
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen
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¥30,000 / 24,000
If you want mountains combined with rivers, lakes and bridges, Kurobe Gorge is a another stunning example of unforgettable Japanese natural landscapes. This tour starts with a shinkansen ride to Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station(or you may start at that station if you like) before hopping on a local train to Unazuki Onsen itself. A town celebrating over 100 years since its founding, the architecture is an interesting mix of Japanese and Western design that make the 'Taisho'-style. We will tour the town, enjoy footbaths and get great views of the town against the river and mountains. After grabbing a bento, we will get on the trolley train, with its open windows and spectacular views. Due to the Noto Earthquake, the trolley train only goes about halfway to Nekomata station. You can still experience the deepest part of the gorge maybe even see monkeys!
How to End Your Day
The day ends back at Kanazawa Station around 17:30. Kanazawa Station is famous for its conveyor belt sushi, with more four different restaurants right in the vicinity. Most of the restaurants have tablets that allow you to change the language to English so that makes for an easy night out!
Day 3 EIHEIJI TEMPLE
How to Start Off Your Day
The following day will begin from Kanazawa Station at 8:30am but instead of staying in the city, heading to a place not as well traveled! Go deeper into the more spiritual side of Japan by visiting two temple and a shrine. Eiheiji Temple is located in the mountains of Fukui and despite being one of the head temples of Zen, is rarely visited by foreign travelers. Learn more about the interesting history of the area while walking around refreshingly stunning scenes that blend the human and spiritual world.
EIHEIJI & FUKUI CITY FROM KANAZAWA / all year round
Day Tour
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Eiheiji Temple and Fukui City Castle Town
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¥26,300 / 18,800
As one of the head temples of the world famous Japanese Zen Buddhist sect, Eiheiji Temple is a place where you can feel the mystery and beauty of traditional architecture hidden in a natural paradise. On this tour you can choose start from either Kanazawa Station or Fukui Station. After grouping up at Fukui Station, we will take a tour of the city in the morning, seeing the castle walls, the "rainbow" shrine, and views of the city from the Atagozaka Slope. We will eat in the city before heading out on a direct bus to Eiheiji Temple. The ride into the mountains is about 30 minutes and we will arrive near the temple grounds. This area has had groupings of temples for over 500 hundred years and at its peak had thousands of monks living in the area. We will walk through the temple and learn about the history as we climb up deeper into the temple. There are many excellent photo spots to discover, too. The are so many interesting angles that catch the intertwining of nature and architecture all over the complex. Try to find the one that touches you the most!
How to End Your Day
The tour normally ends at Kanazawa Station at 17:40, but feel free to stay in Fukui and have dinner before heading back. The oroshi soba and sauce-katsu rice bowl are amazing! If you want to eat in Kanazawa and are a bit tired from the day, try eating around the station. Kanazawa Station is famous for its conveyor belt sushi, with more four different restaurants right in the vicinity. Most of the restaurants have tablets that allow you to change the language to English so that makes for an easy night out!
Day 4 GOKAYAMA & SHIRAKAWAGO
How to Start Off Your Day
Time to go deep into the culture and traditions of Japan. Inami, the wood carving village; Gokayama, another UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Shirakawago the town fames for its nostalgic townscape will give you that sense of wonder that many people search for in the countryside of Japan! Meet at Kanazawa Station at 9am for the tour before heading to the bus. You will also be ending the tour in Takayama so don't forget your luggage. You can put it on the bus during the entirety of the tour!
SHIRAKAWA-GO, GOKAYAMA TOUR FROM KANAZAWA / all year round
Day Tour
Popular
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
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¥23,800 / 25,800
One of the most visited attractions in the region is the thatched-roof houses of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. On this tour you will hop on one of our charter buses and on the way there stop at a hidden gem of the area, Inami. This small town is famous for wood-carving, something you can see on display throughout the main thoroughfare that lead to Inami's crown, jewel, Zuisenji Temple. The carvings on this temple were done by a master carver over 200 years ago. We will then continue on to Gokayama to see some of the thatched-roofed house and get an excellent view of the small town. A paper-making experience is also waiting for you, using materials harvested in the town and techniques perfected over centuries. The last stop is Shirakawa-go where you can see the beautiful townscape and go into one of the homes to learn about the townspeople's way of life. There are also plenty of shops and stalls to enjoy!
How to End Your Day
The tour will end in Takayama around 17:30, so just in time for you to settle down and head out for dinner. The famous foods in the city are the Hida beef and Takayama ramen. There are plenty of restaurants that are open at night to accommodate you, even some that only open starting form 9pm!
Day 5 SHINHOTAKA
How to Start Off Your Day
Takayama is famous for the majestic mountains that tower over the city and the beauty scenery that comes with that kind of nature. See both the beautiful colors of the Japanese alps from the leaves to rivers. In Shinhotaka you will have a chance to go up a ropeways and get a bird's eye view of the area and the stunning landscapes. Meet up at 9:00am inside Takayama Station to start the journey!
KAMIKOCHI & SHINHOTAKA TOUR FROM TAKAYAMA / April to November
Day Tour
(Seasonal) 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Alpine Splendor - Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi
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¥27,800
If you are a lover of nature in all of its splendid forms, taking the Shinhotaka Ropeway to the top of mountains then exploring the valleys of Kamikochi is perfect for you. Starting from Takayama Station, you will take one of our tour buses to the Shinhotaka Ropeway where you will get on and experience the exciting two stage ride. At the top you will have time to enjoy the panorama that is the Central Japanese Alps. After taking in all of the majestic mountain views, you will head to a different part of the range and to Kamikochi. Here you will walk along the scenic river with its stunning colors, cross the picturesque Kappa Bridge and generally explore the fields, riverbeds and forests of the area. There are even wild monkeys in the area that can be seen. Relax and enjoy your day through strolls in the refreshing nature.
How to End Your Day
The tour returns to Takayama Station at 18:00 so its time for something for dinner. If you are tired with Japanese food, there are plenty of other restaurants that specialize in burgers, Tex-Mex and Italian as well.
Day 6 GUJO
How to Start Off Your Day
Meet up at Takayama Station at 9am again to start you adventure to a lesser visited city of Japan. Explore the castle, feel the history of the main street and then try your hand at the city's best known industry, making food replicas. A unique experience awaits you in Gujo! This is also the last day of the tour, so if you are planning on leaving Takayama after the tour you can put your luggage in lockers at the station.
GUJO HACHIMAN - HISTORY, TRADITIONS, AND CRAFTS / all year round
Day Tour
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Gujo Hachiman -History, Traditions and Crafts
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¥24,800
Embark on a cultural odyssey with our 1-Day Tour from Takayama to Gujo Hachiman, where history, tradition, and artistry beautifully converge. Stand in awe of the revered Gujo Hachiman Castle, a beacon of the town's rich past, offering breathtaking views and storied walls. Dive deeper into local heritage at a museum, where the town's lore and traditions are meticulously preserved, providing a window into the soul of Gujo Hachiman. Embrace the opportunity to engage in the town's celebrated craft of making lifelike food replicas, a unique artistic expression that offers a hands-on connection to Japanese culture. Meander through quaint streets and alleys, each turn revealing layers of Gujo Hachiman's enduring charm and beauty. This journey into the heart of Japanese culture is not just a tour; it's an invitation to become part of a living tradition. Immerse yourself in the scenic and cultural wonders of Gujo Hachiman. Reserve your place now to explore, learn, and be inspired by a town where history is alive and creativity flourishes.
How to End Your Day
You will get back to Takayama around 17:30, plenty of time to relax, eat dinner or head to your next destination. Nagoya is about 3 hours south and Toyama about 2 hours north, so it is a nice pleasant ride through the mountains to get to the next destination. If you are heading to Tokyo or Osaka you can choose to go either direction.
