Places You'll See
Highlights
- Traditional Culture: Explore the geisha district of Kanazawa, the streets of Takaoka and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Gokayama and Shirakawago
- Winter Wonderland: 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 mountain villages of Gokayama and Shirakawago, marvel at the stunning Amaharashi Coast and look over the steep beauty that are the Tojinbo Cliffs
Description
Beginning your journey in Kanazawa offers a unique perspective and one that immerses you in the serene beauty and cultural heritage of Japan’s Hokuriku region, especially in winter. This carefully curated 4-day itinerary takes you through breathtaking coastal landscapes, traditional villages blanketed in snow, and rugged cliffs shaped by the sea.
Kanazawa, with its well-preserved samurai districts, historic teahouses, and stunning Kenrokuen Garden transformed by winter’s touch, serves as the perfect gateway for this journey. From here, you’ll embark on an unforgettable adventure that showcases the magic of the season—from the snow-covered thatched-roof houses of Gokayama and Shirakawago to the striking natural beauty of Tojinbo Cliffs, where the waves of the Sea of Japan crash dramatically against the rocks.
Along the way, you’ll also experience the stunning coastal views of Amaharashi, where the majestic Tateyama Mountain Range rises above the winter sea, creating an awe-inspiring sight. Whether exploring traditional villages, witnessing powerful coastal landscapes, or simply soaking in the quiet charm of winter in Japan, this journey offers an unforgettable seasonal experience.
Let this tour guide you through the wonders of Hokuriku’s winter landscapes, leaving you with memories of Japan’s timeless beauty and rich traditions!
*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 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! either head back to your hotel or stick around the station for some great food! Ask your guide for some recommendations.
Day 4 TOJINBO CLIFFS
How to Start Off Your Day
The natural beauty of Japan doesn't stop at just the mountains, but the sea is just as amazing. 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. This is the final day in Kanazawa so make sure to either forward your luggage to the next hotel or place it in lockers at Kanazawa Station.
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 gets back to Kanazawa Station at around 17:30 so have some dinner or grab a bento and hop on the train to Osaka/Kyoto or Tokyo. It takes about 2-2.5 hours and one transfer at Tsuruga to get to Osaka/Kyoto. If you are heading to Tokyo it is one train and either 2.5 hours or 3.5 hours depending on the shinkansen you get!
