Top Chubu Art & Culture - page 8

Discover Kanazawa with Aiko, an experienced local guide with deep knowledge of the city’s culture, history, and hidden corners. Her friendly personality and passion for Kanazawa create a welcoming and memorable experience. This is a fully private tour tailored to your interests. After booking, Aiko will ask about the experiences you would like to have so she can design a tour just for you. With strong connections to local people, Aiko will take you beyond the typical tourist spots and introduce the deeper, more authentic side of Kanazawa.

Discover the cultural allure of Japan on a one-day tour from Kanazawa. Visit the stunning Natadera Temple, established in the 700s, and stroll through its tranquil gardens. At Yunokuni-no-Mori Craft Village, engage in traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing. The highlight of the day is a unique opportunity to witness a short live geisha performance in Yamanaka Onsen, where you can even join in on the dance. This immersive experience provides insights into Japan’s rich cultural heritage, making it perfect for travelers seeking authentic local experiences. Depart from Kanazawa Station at 9:00 A.M. with an English-speaking guide. Explore Natadera Temple and its historic gardens, known for their serenity. Participate in Kaga Yuzen dyeing and then choose additional craft activities at the village. Enjoy a memorable geisha performance with a chance to dance on stage yourself.

Don't miss out on some incredible legends of the past! On this tour we share the legends and stories that made Mt. Horaiji a mysterious and sacred pilgrimage site for centuries, while showing you the highlights as locals. We start with a rugged cliff path and its views from the top, then a visit to the shrine of a powerful samurai with many legends to tell. After this we’ll enjoy an included bento lunch while marvelling at the views. After that we visit a lookout through native forest, before going down the stone steps, taking a detour through a quiet part of the temple grounds. On Saturdays we visit the dramatic river nearby instead of one lookout because of public transport. On cloudy days or days with light rain, the mountain still has an amazing atmosphere, but due to the need for extra caution on the steps, we cannot visit one lookout. Join us on an adventure of cultural discovery and natural exploration, where you can hear the legends and stories of Mt Horaiji.

The tsuba of a Japanese sword has patterns written on it. From these patterns, you can decipher the "philosophy of the samurai hidden in the patterns" and the "spirit of the samurai." This will be a valuable experience to learn about the samurai.

Mt. Horaiji with 1,300 Years of History Ascend Mt. Horaiji, a sacred mountain with over 1,300 years of history. Climb the 1,425 stone steps from Omotesando as we share fascinating historical insights and legends. Experience the Rich Natural Beauty As a National Natural Monument, Mt. Horaiji offers diverse and rich natural beauty. Enjoy the seasonal landscapes and varied flora and fauna. Breathtaking View of Mikawa Bay At the temple, enjoy a breathtaking view of Mikawa Bay and the surrounding mountains. This scenic viewpoint provides a perfect opportunity to relax and take in the stunning vistas. Visit to Horaiji Temple and Historic Sites Explore the historic Horaiji Temple and the Horaiji Toshogu Shrine, associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu. Walk the historical paths and experience a unique blend of past and present. Enjoy Local Flavors for Lunch For lunch, a bento box with fresh local ingredients or dine at a nearby restaurant.

Noto has become one of the most popular cycling destination in Japan thanks to its huge variety of landscapes and deep cultural heritage. Unfortunately, being a remote rural area, there is yet no facility for independant travelers to rent a good bicycle and enjoy the peninsula the best way possible. I have been living in the Wajima countryside for over 5 years, where I have been learning about local history and culture, while working at a traditional salt farm; and more recently as a local guide and cycling tour guide. Depending on your interests and location, I will bring you to the most rewarding routes for an unforgetable day in Noto. The bicycles are light weighed quality bicycles (Cannondale quick 2). The area is quite mountainaous, so climbing is unavoidable. That means a minimum level of fitness is required. To make the tour accessible to your whole group, e-bikes (or road bikes) can also be available for an extra fee if booked at least 3 days prior.

A short distance outside of the city center of Kanazawa is Tsurugi, a small town often overlooked by tourists to the area. Tsurugi has 2,000 years of history as an important site for religious worship and two of the shrines in the city have been attested to being local centers since at least the 60s BC. The shrine approach to Shrayama-hime Shrine still maintains that mystical feel as you walk through the forested and moss covered stairs. Nearby is a gondola that takes you to the top of one of the local mountains and gives you a stunning view of the town beneath and as far as the Sea of Japan. The final stop of the day is to see the butterfly house with over 1,000 butterflies. The mix of history and nature so close to the city is epitome of what makes Japan so great.

The scenic rural Echizen area is famous for its rich history of traditional Japanese crafts. One of these crafts is washi, or traditional Japanese paper. Come get a rare hands on experience of visiting authentic washi factories and speaking with craftsmen. Guests also get to try their hand at making their very own washi paper. Also as part of the tour, guests get to visit beautiful Otaki Shrine which is dedicated to the god of paper. *Washi factory may change due to availability.

This tour will lead you to ride accross beautiful traditionnal villages and overwhelming nature; while exploring the Kutani ceramic history and features. It targets people who want a real riding experience, but e-bikes are also available to make it accessible to the whole group if some are worried about their fitness level. Lunch will be picnic like, outside in in a beautiful spot by a stream, or in the tchatched-roof house sitting around the irori.

Kinkori Shikkiten is a lacquerware shop run by brothers in Kawada, the town of Echizen lacquerware. In this experience, you will receive direct instruction from Mr. Masataka Kinkori, a craftsman at Kinkori Shikkiten, and experience painting lacquer on a wooden tray. The tray, which can be used for serving meals or as a tray for snacks, will make your ordinary foods for appealing. Guests will get to use the craftsman's tools for an authentic crafting experience. They will also get to learn about lacquerware from Mr. Kinkori who has years of lacquerware making experience.

Atami (in Shizuoka prefecture) has a long history of being a retreat destination and has attracted many VIPs. Atami still has the largest number of Geisha, more than 70, in Tokai region (central part of Japan). This small-group exclusive experience starts from enjoying a stage show performance, then photo-taking session, followed by exclusive private time to enjoy the hospitality and entertainment of professional Geisha. English-speaking guide accompanies the guests throughout this experience. This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a distinct Geisha culture of Atami. Number of the guests is limited to max of 8.

Step into the breathtaking landscapes and peaceful towns from the beloved anime Your Name (Kimi no Na wa). This tour takes you to iconic locations in the Hida/Takayama region, where the magic of Mitsuha and Taki’s story comes to life. From the tranquil streets and canals of Hida-Furukawa to spiritual sanctuaries like Keta Wakamiya Shrine, every stop offers a glimpse into the world of the anime. Along the way, have a hands-on experience creating your own kumihimo braided cord, a central motif in the story, and savoring local food. This tour is a perfect blend of anime-inspired exploration and cultural discovery, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the timeless traditions and scenic charm of the Hida region. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Your Name or simply looking to experience the region’s rich heritage, this journey will leave you with memories as magical as the story that inspired it.

Experience authentic Japan in Kanazawa, where ancient traditions come alive through unforgettable hands-on adventures. Start at vibrant Omicho Market before learning sushi-making from local masters and participating in a traditional tea ceremony at the historic Ohiyu Art Museum. Walk through time at a beautifully preserved samurai residence, then discover why Kenroku-en is considered one of Japan's most stunning gardens. End your journey in the magical Higashi Chaya district, where geisha culture and traditional tea houses transport you to old Japan. With expert English-speaking guides sharing insider stories and cultural secrets, this immersive tour delivers the complete Kanazawa experience - from culinary mastery to samurai heritage - all in one perfect day.

At the blacksmithing shop with a 150-year history, you can craft your own frying pan out of a piece of iron plate. The entire process, from forging to installing a handle, is completed by your own hands with great care. Furthermore, BBQ with a freshly made frying pan is exceptional. It’ll be fun to use one-of-a-kind frying pan that fits in your hands the more you use it and you can use for your lifetime. Tour guides will take you on a bicycle tour through the streets of Tsubame-Sanjo, showing you local spots where you can meet locals.

Discover the cultural richness of Shirakawa-go on this full-day trip from Kanazawa. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage village and experience traditional craftsmanship by creating your own tin sake cup in Takaoka. Savor local Hida beef grilled with miso, and enjoy doburoku sake from your handmade cup. Explore historic sites like Wada House and Myozen-ji Temple while soaking in the stunning mountain scenery. This all-inclusive tour features a dedicated English-speaking guide and private transport for a comfortable and informative experience. - Full-day guided tour from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go - Create a tin sake cup and taste local doburoku sake - Savor Hida beef grilled with miso for lunch - All-inclusive with hotel pickup, meals, and admission fees

Unleash your inner explorer on Toyama with a personalized journey, immersing yourself in its vibrant culture and serene hidden spots. Our custom tours provide a bespoke experience, tailored to your desires, ideal for adventure seekers, families with children, and culture enthusiasts alike. Discover local secrets, savor authentic moments, and create unforgettable memories on Toyama. Enjoy immersive cultural experiences, gain insider knowledge, and have memorable encounters with local traditions, ensuring a truly unique and enriching adventure.

Craft your own premium-sized yukata, which includes a high-quality yukata and obi. Would you like to create your own yukata with your own hands, offering a truly unique and premium experience with our skilled artisans in our factory? It's an opportunity to make something one-of-a-kind in the world.

You will enjoy historical spots in Iwase district. Please enjoy beautiful scenery in Fugan Canal Kansui Park and Toyama Glass Art Museum and fresh and tasty sushi in Toyama city. You will find genuine rich lives in local city. I will contact you beforehand. The Itinerary is an example. I can customize this tour for you like a car tour. For example, I pick you up at Fushiki Port or Toyama Shinko Port.

Explore the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go on this private 6-hour tour from Kanazawa. Accompanied by an expert guide, wander through the village renowned for its iconic Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Savor a delicious lunch featuring Hida beef grilled with hooba miso in an authentic farmhouse setting. This tour offers a unique glimpse into Japan's cultural heritage and stunning countryside views, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking an immersive experience. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and a private vehicle for a comfortable journey. - Private tour with a dedicated English-speaking guide - Scenic drive through the picturesque Hokuriku countryside - Enjoy a local lunch featuring traditional dishes - Visit iconic sites like Wada House and Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine

This 1-day guided tour offers an immersive experience at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, one of the world's largest international art festivals. Explore a unique fusion of art and nature in the picturesque satoyama region. Highlights include the mesmerizing "Tunnel of Light" at Kiyotsu Gorge and evocative installations like "For Lots of Lost Windows" and "The Last Class." Visit the Matsudai NOHBUTAI Field Museum and MonET, a contemporary art museum featuring works like Leandro Erlich's "Palimpsest: Pond of Sky." Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local ingredients. With convenient round-trip options from either Tokyo or Echigo-Yuzawa, this tour is ideal for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking unique cultural insights.

You can go cycling through the streets of this manufacturing town, and visit some local workshops which are usually closed to the public, and witness the craftsmanship up close. On this tour, you'll ride a high-performance e-Bike, slicing through the breeze as you're guided to historical workshops and local spots that are usually inaccessible, thanks to the unique insights of a local tour guide. Throughout the tour, you are able to experience the dedication and craftsmanship of artisans while gaining a deeper understanding of life in the Tsubame-Sanjo area. The activity is available for both solo travelers and groups.

This private and customizable tour for Beppu City (in Ōita Prefecture) is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. Discover 4-5 attractions in Beppu city at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour full day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences. After booking, you'll receive a form with varied themes, allowing easy selection based on your interests. Whether it's culture, history, cuisine, nature, or special events, you can highlight your preferences and must-see spots, streamlining our planning process.

This Kabuki experience is truly unique — it takes place in a historic local theater that continues to keep the spirit of community Kabuki alive. You won’t find another experience quite like this anywhere else in Japan. It’s a deeply personal and memorable way to connect with traditional Japanese culture, and for many travelers, it becomes one of the highlights of their Japan journey.

This is the ideal pick for time-tight travelers wanting to discover lots of Atami highlights in a day. A coastal town long famed for its many hot springs, the town has recently reinvented itself as a destination for museum lovers, Japanese culture fans and ocean sports enthusiasts. Atami located at the root of Izu Peninsula and facing Sagami Bay, is area with modern hotels, Japanese inns with historical backgrounds. In Atami, there are plenty of places where you can appreciate the arts and traditional cultural experiences, not only Onsen spots. Your guide will fully support your Atami day trip. We assure you will spend plenty of time at one of the best-known hot spring havens, Atami. Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.