Places You'll See
Highlights
- Deep Japan: The geisha district of Kanazawa, Eiheiji temple in Fukui 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 mountain temple of Oiwa-Nisseki, 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: Walk through the Tulip fields of Tonami, marvel at the stunning Amaharashi Coast and stand on the top of the world at Tateyama's Snow Wall
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 9-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 seasonal beauty and historical charm—from the tranquil Eiheiji Temple to the dramatic Tateyama Snow Corridor, and from the vibrant Tonami Tulip Fair 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 harmony of the Spring Quartet—where cherry blossoms, tulips, and rapeseed flowers bloom together with the snow-capped mountains in a spectacular display of color.
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. Meet at Kanazawa Station at 9am for your tour.
KANAZAWA FAMOUS SIGHTS TOUR / all year round
Day Tour
Day Tour in Kanazawa: Glamor of the Geisha, a Daimyo's Villa and a World-Class Garden
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¥17,800
This tour invites you to start your journey in Higashi Chayamachi, the historic geisha district, where you can shop, savor local treats, and tour a former tea house once frequented by geisha. Wander through Kenroku-en Garden, once enjoyed by Edo period daimyos, and marvel at the intricate landscaping of both the land and the trees. You'll even get a chance to go inside one of the old villas of the time! Finally, follow in the footsteps of Kaga clan samurai as you pass through the castle and see the shrine that houses the spirit of the first lord of Kanazawa. This tour through history is one not to miss!
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 AMAHARASHI
How to Start Off Your Day
Start from Kanazawa Station at 9am. On this tour you'll be able to see the Amaharashi Coast, along with some cityscapes and a stunning valley. A good way to slow down and enjoy the beautiful nature of the mountains and rivers of rural Japan.
AMAHARASHI / all year round
Day Tour
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Beautiful Amaharashi, A Big Buddha and the Shokawa Valley River Cruise
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¥23,800
Toyama Bay is renowned for its fresh seafood and the majestic Northern Japanese Alps that tower above it. This tour takes you to Amaharashi, a famous spot for breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, and then to Takaoka to admire the iconic Big Buddha. You’ll enjoy the region’s excellent food options before heading into the mountains for a scenic cruise on the Shokawa River. The valley offers stunning views year-round, from snowy landscapes in winter to vivid greenery in summer and fiery red leaves in autumn. Combining coastal and mountain beauty, this tour provides a perfect glimpse into Japan’s diverse scenery.
How to End Your Day
You'll end up back at Kanazawa Station at 18:00! 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 3 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. Meet your guide at 8:30 at Kanazawa Station for your journey.
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 about 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 TATEYAMA SNOW WALL
How to Start Off Your Day
Hop on the tour bus and get ready for your adventure to the top of the world(or at least the top of these mountains). The ride is a bit long so make sure to be prepared with snacks and drinks just in case! Meet at 8am in Kanazawa Station or 9am in Toyama Station depending on the start you chose.
TATEYAMA ALPINE ROUTE (KANAZAWA/TOYAMA) / May-June
Day Tour
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa & Toyama: Tateyama Alpine Route Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley
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¥30,000
The breathtaking Japanese Alps stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan, offering stunning scenery throughout. In Toyama Prefecture’s Northern Alps lies the renowned Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, which spans majestic gorges, serene lakes, and expansive highlands. In winter, this area becomes a snowy wonderland, featuring towering snow walls up to 20 meters (60 feet) high. On this tour, you’ll ride one of our buses to Murodo, the highest point, where you can walk along the snow wall and take in the winter beauty. Along the way, we’ll stop at Ashikuraji, the historic starting point for climbs to Mt. Tateyama, to explore its spiritual significance and connection to views of heaven and hell.
How to End Your Day
The tour ends at Kanazawa Station and if you don't want to go far, the area around 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 5 TULIPS & GOKAYAMA
How to Start Off Your Day
It's time for another exploration of the Japanese countryside, but this time to see some beautiful flowers and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet up at Kanazawa Station at 9am with your group to start the tour!
TONAMI TULIPS & THATCHED-ROOF HOUSES / April-May
Day Tour / Event Tour
[Spring Only] 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Tonami's Terrific Tulips and the UNESCO site of Gokayama
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¥23,800
Experience the vibrant Tonami Tulip Festival in Toyama Prefecture, where millions of colorful tulips create a stunning floral spectacle. After marveling at the breathtaking blooms, visit the charming village of Inami, renowned for its exquisite woodcarving and serene temple. Next, explore Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its historic gassho-style houses and picturesque mountain setting. The tour blends the lively beauty of the tulip festival with the peaceful charm of Gokayama’s heritage. Departing from Kanazawa, this unforgettable journey showcases the rich culture and natural splendor of Japan
How to End Your Day
The tour gets back to Kanazawa Station between 1700a and 1800, perfect for you to head to dinner either around the station or somewhere else in the city.
Day 6 SPRING QUARTET OF FLOWERS
How to Start Off Your Day
The last day of your sprawling multiday adventure throughout the Hokuriku region and you'll be seeing the Spring Quartet of Flowers. This is the combination of rapeseed blossoms, cherry blossoms, tulips and the snow-capped mountains and truly something incredible. Meet up with the group at 8am in Kanazawa Station or 9:20 in Toyama Station.
SPRING QUARTET OF FLOWERS / April
Day Tour / Event Tour
[Spring Only] Day Tour from Kanazawa and Toyama: The Spring Quartet of Flowers and Mountain Cherry Blossoms
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¥25,800 / 23,800
Set between the sea and the Northern Alps, Toyama’s Spring Quartet of Flowers showcases Japan’s four distinct seasons in a captivating journey. This tour highlights the seasonal blooms: vibrant spring tulips, summer water lilies, autumn cosmos, and winter camellias. Along the way, you’ll encounter cherry blossoms, unique water features, and a serene temple nestled in a small valley. Toyama’s blend of natural beauty and cultural charm offers a harmonious glimpse into the passage of the seasons. Each flower and location tells its own story, making this tour an unforgettable experience.
How to End Your Day
The tour returns back to Kanazawa Station 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!
