Places You'll See
Highlights
- Deep History: The Sea of Japan side of Japan was a center for culture in Japan during the Edo Period. Learn more about the beautiful gold of Kanazawa, the hardy wood of Takayama and the Zen Buddhism of Fukui
- Unique Experiences: The metalworking of Takaoka, fake food crafting of Gujo and the papermaking of Gokayama will have you feel one with the local culture. These spots are also lesser visited places so you can usually enjoy them without the worries of the large crowds
- Stunning Landscapes: Everywhere in this region you go you will stumble upon great scenes that are almost straight from a travel magazine. From the mountains of Shinhotaka to the beautiful coastline of Amaharashi and from the streetscapes of Kanazawa's geisha district to the glory of Gujo's mountain castle majesty, there is truly something for everyone
Description
For many travelers to Japan, Tokyo is often the starting point of their journey. However, beyond the bustling capital lies a region rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. If you’re looking to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, we’ve crafted an 8-day itinerary that takes you through the scenic and historic gems of Kanazawa, Eiheiji, Shirakawago, Takayama, and Gujo.This itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and local traditions. Discover Kanazawa’s samurai districts, Kenrokuen Garden, and lively markets. Experience the serenity of Eiheiji, a Zen temple with centuries of history. Step back in time in Shirakawago, a UNESCO-listed village with its iconic thatched-roof houses. Wander the beautifully preserved streets of Takayama and indulge in local specialties. Finally, explore Gujo, famous for its pristine rivers, traditional dance festival, and unique craftsmanship.Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this journey provides an immersive experience into the heart of Japan’s rich cultural landscape. Let this itinerary guide you through some of the most unforgettable sights and experiences the country has to offer!
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.
KANAZAWA MAIN SIGHTS TOUR / all year round
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, 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 EIHEIJI TEMPLE
How to Start Off Your Day
The following day will begin from Kanazawa Station again 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
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, 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 3 TAKAOKA
How to Start Off Your Day
This day will also be departing from Kanazawa Station, but this time heading to Takaoka, the next stop over on the local shinkansen line. The city was treated as a second city to Kanazawa for the ruling Maeda family and has two temples that are even considered Japan National Heritage Sites. You also get to try another specialty of the city, metalworking, where you can make your own drinking cup or other item! The beautiful temples of the city as well as the wonderful Amaharashi coast are unforgettable.
TAKAOKA TOUR FROM KANAZAWA / all year round
The second city of the Maeda clan during the Edo period and now the second city of Toyama prefecture, this historically important city has a diversity of sights and activities that shouldn't be missed! This private tour can start from either Kanazawa Station or Takaoka. In the morning we will explore 300 year old Zuiryuji Temple, which has the unique statue of a toilet god, very symmetric continental-style construction and a central altar imported from China. After the temple, we will head to the Takaoka Big Buddha that has existed in some form for the past couple hundred years. The current metal version dates back to the 1930's. As we head towards the metalworking experience, we will pass through some historic streets with many buildings from the late 1800's. The architecture here is quite unique and not seen in most of Japan. The last activity of the morning is the metalworking experience where you can make a tin sake cup or chopstick holders.
After lunch we hop on the train to the south and Shokoji Temple, another amazing temple with a gold plated interior. This area was the center for religion in Toyama prefecture until the Edo period. We will then get on another very short train to Amaharashi to see the stunning view of the Northern Japanese Alps across Toyama. This area has some other sights in the area to see, all of which have those beautiful mountains in the background.
How to End Your Day
The tour normally ends at Kanazawa Station, but feel free to stay in Takaoka or even go to Toyama City and have dinner before heading back. The specialities are the Toyama black ramen and the white shrimp, both of which definitely have a unique taste! If you want to eat in Kanazawa and want to go a bit deeper, try walking around the Katamachi area of the city. Foreign tourists mostly stay around the station or Omicho Market but Katamachi is where most Japanese go to find food. There are many small bars and restaurants serve anything from the local specialties of oden or nodoguro fish to Italian and tempura.
Day 4 GOKAYAMA & SHIRAKAWAGO
SHIRAKAWA-GO, GOKAYAMA TOUR FROM KANAZAWA / all year round
Day Tour
Popular
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
¥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!
Day 5 TAKAYAMA
IMMERSE IN TAKAYAMA'S RICH HISTORY AND TEMPLES / all year round
Embark on a transformative journey through time with our 1-Day Tour in Takayama, an experience meticulously designed to immerse you in the town's vibrant history and spiritual essence. Discover the profound significance of the Spring and Autumn festivals, celebrated not just for their breathtaking beauty but also as a proud part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage. These festivals rank among Japan's top three for their exquisite charm and deep cultural resonance. Wander through Takayama's old town, where traditional architecture and time-honored crafts offer a window into the past, allowing you to connect with the town's enduring artistic spirit. Engage in authentic crafts, enhancing your personal bond with Takayama's cultural heritage. Guided by local experts, you will uncover layers of Takayama's history and spirituality, revealing a town where tradition and tranquility flourish. Ready for an unforgettable journey into Takayama's heritage? Reserve your spot today.
Day 6 GUJO
GUJO HACHIMAN - HISTORY, TRADITIONS, AND CRAFTS / all year round
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.
Day 7 SHINHOTAKA
SHINHOTAKA ROPEWAY, HIDA FOLK VILLAGE AND LIMESTONE CAVES TOUR FROM TAKAYAMA / all year round
Day Tour
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Hida's Hidden Gems - Hida Folk Village, Limestone Caves and the Shinhotaka Ropeway
- Spots:
- TakayamaShinhotaka
- Pick-up:
- Takayama
- Drop-off:
- Takayama
¥28,800
A short distance from Takayama city is this area of unrivaled beauty and splendor. The tour begins at Takayama Station before heading to the Hida Folk Village. This open-air museum showcases traditional farmhouses and architecture from the Hida region, giving you a glimpse into Japan’s rural past. Afterward, the journey continues to the Hida Great Limestone Cave, where dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations, developed over centuries, captivate visitors. The final part of the tour takes you up the stunning Shinhotaka Ropeway, with the majestic Central Japanese Alps as your backdrop. Upon reaching the observation deck, you can take your time to explore and enjoy the breathtaking views at your leisure.
Day 8 MOVE TO NAGOYA
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
