Places You'll See
Highlights
- Deep Japan: The geisha district of Kanazawa, Myojoji Temple in Hakui 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 mysterious island of Oshima, and walking the historic streets of the traditional streets of Takaoka and 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 Amaharashi Coast and stand over the awesome Tojinbo Cliffs to experience a diversity of the natural beauty of Japan.
Description
For many travelers visiting Japan, Tokyo is often the first stop. However, beginning your journey in Kanazawa unveils a completely different perspective—one that highlights Japan’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking coastal views, and stunning seasonal landscapes. This carefully curated 7-day itinerary takes you through the scenic Hokuriku region, immersing you in its timeless traditions and natural wonders.
Kanazawa, known for its well-preserved samurai districts, beautiful gardens, and vibrant artisan culture, serves as the perfect gateway for this adventure. From here, you will embark on a journey that showcases the region’s beauty and historical charm—from the tranquil Myojoji Temple to the dramatic Tojinbo Cliffs, and from the vibrant teahouse district of Kanazawa to the secluded, thatched-roof villages of Gokayama.
Along the way, you’ll experience the stunning coastal views of Amaharashi, where the sea meets the mountains, and witness the breathtaking splendor of the Kurobe Gorge on a trolley train. Don't forget about the 2000 year history of Shirayama-hime Shrine and the views of the Kaga Plain in Tsurugi!
Let this journey be your guide to discovering the cultural and natural wonders of Japan, leaving you with unforgettable memories of its landscapes, traditions, and seasonal beauty!
*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.
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, 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 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.
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
Arrive back at Kanazawa Station around 18:00 just in time for dinner! 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 TOJINBO CLIFFS
How to Start Off Your Day
The journey to see Japan's natural beauty starts with the ocean! See the stunning coastline in many different forms, especially crashing against the rocks. Meet your guide at Kanazawa Station at 8:45 to start your journey.
TOJINBO CLIFFS / all year round
Day Tour
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Fukui's Stunning Cliffs, Spiritual Island and Historical Port
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¥25,300
The coast of the Sea of Japan offers incredible variety, from golden beaches to dramatic, rugged cliffs. The Tojinbo area in northwest Fukui is famous for its striking rock formations, sheer cliffs, and a sacred island. This tour allows you to fully explore the region, including a visit to the historic Mikuni Port, once a thriving hub of trade. Stroll along the coastline, discover an uninhabited island, admire the towering cliffs, and visit temples or shrines designated as National Heritage Sites. Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty and rich history of this coastal treasure that began millions of years ago and continues to this day.
How to End Your Day
The tour ends back in Kanazawa around 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.
Day 4 TAKAOKA & AMAHARASHI
How to Start Off Your Day
This day will also be departing from Kanazawa Station (8am meet-up), 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
Day Tour
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Takaoka's Temples, Metalworking and Mountain Views
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¥21,000
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 5 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!
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 has a unique curry, sake tasting, Shogun Burger and even a craft brewery inside. Ask your guide for help finding them all!
Day 6 HAKUI
How to Start Off Your Day
Meet your group at Kanazawa Station at 8:30. Head north to see an multi-kilometer beach, a temple in the middle of rice fields and an outer space museum! This area is rarely visited by foreign tourists with sights that date back to the 1600s.
HAKUI BEACH, TEMPLE AND OUTER SPACE / all year round
Day Tour
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Relaxing Beaches, 400 year old Temples and Outer Space
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¥19,800
Hakui, a charming city on the Noto Peninsula less than an hour north of Kanazawa, offers stunning beaches, historic temples, and a one-of-a-kind astronautical museum. The city’s long beaches provide the perfect summer escape, while its rich history as a crossroads during the Sengoku Period is reflected in landmarks like the National Heritage Site, Myojoji Temple. Along the Sea of Japan coast, you’ll find diverse scenery, from sandy shores to striking rock formations. Don’t miss the unique space museum featuring real NASA and Soviet moon landers and satellites, blending modern fascination with traditional and natural beauty. Hakui is a hidden gem that promises a memorable experience for visitors to Kanazawa and our tour can help you make the most of it!
How to End Your Day
Arrive back at Kanazawa Station at 18:10. Ask your guide for recommendations about where to go and where to eat!
Day 7 TSURUGI
How to Start Off Your Day
This is the last day of this week long set of tours starting from Kanazawa! Start again from Kanazawa Station at 9am. You'll walk through history as you visit a shrine that has a history going back 2000 years, go up a gondola that give you the most amazing views of the Kaga Plain and see a nature sanctuary famous for its butterflies.
TSURUGI TOUR FROM KANAZAWA / April - November
Day Tour
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Ancient Temples, Panoramic Views and Butterflies
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¥17,800
In the mountains near Kanazawa is the small town of Tsurugi, steeped in history and natural beauty. The shrines in this area are some of the oldest attested to in records. Two of them have histories going back over 2000 years. Shirayama-hime Shrine is one of those and the approach is incredibly atmospheric, adding an almost mystical feel as you climb stairs spotted with moss in the wooded area. Nearby you can see many of this town's famous lion heads that were and still are used in traditional dances throughout the region and Japan. The mountains here are not only beautiful to look at but you can ride a gondola to the top of one and get stunning views of the flood plain below. On a sunny day you can straight to the Sea of Japan. The final stop of the trip is to see the over 1000 butterflies at the prefectural insect museum. It can be overwhelming the sheer number that sometimes fly around you and will make you smile from ear to ear before you know it. Walk through history, enjoy the expansive views and connect with nature on this tour!
How to End Your Day
The tour returns back to Kanazawa Station at around 17:30 where it is easy to go anywhere you want! Tokyo is one train and 2.5 hours away, Nagoya and returning to Osaka/Kyoto are about 2 hours and you can even use the airport to go to Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Okinawa, Taipei, Seoul or Shanghai!
