Top Chubu Day Trips

Embark on a unique journey starting with the visit to the charming village of Shirakawago. A magical place designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs evoke a landscape frozen in time. Enjoy free time to explore the village at your own pace and savor a traditional lunch surrounded by a dreamlike setting. Begin your day at the majestic Kenrokuen Garden, a peaceful haven famous for its harmony between nature and Japanese art. Stroll among crystal-clear ponds, stone bridges, and centuries-old trees. Continue the experience in the Nishi Chaya District or Nagamachi, depending on the day, where cobblestone streets and traditional teahouses will transport you to the era of geishas and samurais, offering a unique atmosphere full of history and elegance. This tour offers an immersive experience of Japan’s culture and heritage.

This full-day tour explores the scenery and craft traditions around Niigata with an English-speaking guide, available by public transport or private vehicle, meeting at Niigata Station. Begin at Yahiko Shrine, one of Niigata's most sacred sites, where a cedar forest leads to a main shrine with over 2,400 years of history, then continue nearby to the 634-meter summit of Mt. Yahiko for panoramic views over the Sea of Japan, Sado Island, and rice fields. With a private vehicle, the day continues to Sakana no Ichibadori fish market in Nagaoka for fresh seafood, and on to Tsubame-Sanjo, renowned for metal craftsmanship, where the Regional Industries Center offers Japanese knives, cutlery, and kitchenware. Given the greater distances, the public-transport version instead keeps to a closer loop around Yahiko Shrine and Mt. Yahiko. Lunch can be arranged along the way at your own expense, and the itinerary can be adjusted within the tour's allotted time to suit your interests.

Visit the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, one of the world's largest dinosaur museums. Discover 51 life-size dinosaur skeletons, interactive exhibits, and dinosaurs found in Fukui, including Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus. Travel directly from Kanazawa with no transfers. During the journey, your guide will explain why so many dinosaur fossils have been discovered in this region and introduce the museum highlights and lunch options. Enjoy approximately 3.5 hours of free time to explore the museum. As a special gift, receive dinosaur souvenirs such as a pin badge, stickers, or a mini figure. After the tour, enjoy drop-off at either Kanazawa Station or your hotel in central Kanazawa. The museum is almost entirely indoors, making it ideal for families, couples, and dinosaur enthusiasts in any weather. The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of Hokuriku's must-visit attractions, alongside Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

Explore more of the Mt. Fuji area than you could on your own, and without having to rent a car, on this group day tour from Tokyo. Enjoy a scenic Lake Kawaguchi cruise, stroll through Oishi Park's colorful gardens, make traditional Hoto noodles for lunch, visit the peaceful Oshino Hakkai village, and see the iconic Arakurayama Sengen Shrine with its famous pagoda and mountain views.

Murodo's snow corridor sits high on the Tateyama range, and reaching it usually means piecing together trains, cable cars, and buses. This full-day tour makes the journey effortless, with a coach trip from either Kanazawa or Toyama. Walk the corridor, where walls of snow rise as high as 60 feet (20 meters), then take your time to wander across the snowfields.

Mount Fuji is a sacred symbol of Japan and the country’s tallest peak. Instead of navigating this natural wonder and its nearby attractions on your own, get more out of your visit by having a private guide show you around. Learn about the area’s history, find stunning viewpoints, and customize the itinerary with sights such as Fuji Five Lakes, and Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway.

【The pickup service is available only for guests who are already staying in Kawaguchiko or Fujiyoshida area, or for those who can come to the areas on their own.】 Escape the crowds and experience the peaceful side of Mt. Fuji! At 2,305m (7,500ft), the 5th Station offers stunning views and clean mountain air—perfect for a relaxing walk. On this tour, we’ll hike a 2.5 km (1.6 mile) section of the historic Ochudo Trail, once used by pilgrims on spiritual journeys. The path is mostly flat with gentle slopes, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. A certified local English mountain guide will share stories about Mt.Fuji’s unique nature and culture. After the hike, enjoy an authentic local specialty at a local restaurant! This tour is available from May to December, and we provide free rental gear so even outdoor beginners or travelers without hiking equipment can join! Take your time, walk slowly and let Mt.Fuji’s quiet beauty leave a lasting impression.

Mount Fuji is a sacred symbol of Japan and the country’s tallest peak. Instead of navigating this natural wonder and its nearby attractions on your own, get more out of your visit by having a private guide show you around. Learn about the area’s history, find stunning viewpoints, and customize the itinerary with sights such as Fuji Five Lakes, and Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway.

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Japan on this full-day tour from Kanazawa. Begin your journey at Shirayama Hime Shrine, dedicated to sacred Mt. Haku, then venture through the picturesque Hakusan Shirakawa-Go White Road, known for its stunning valley views and waterfalls. Conclude your adventure in Shirakawa-Go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can walk through historical thatched-roof houses and immerse yourself in local culture. Perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts, this tour includes guided insights and captivating sights. - Start the tour at 9:00 A.M. from Kanazawa Station - Visit the ancient Shirayama Hime Shrine and then Tedori Gorge - Travel along the scenic White Road with multiple sightseeing stops - Explore the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-Go

Embark on a unique journey starting with the visit to the charming village of Shirakawago. A magical place designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs evoke a landscape frozen in time. Enjoy free time to explore the village at your own pace and savor a traditional lunch surrounded by a dreamlike setting. Begin your day at the majestic Kenrokuen Garden, a peaceful haven famous for its harmony between nature and Japanese art. Stroll among crystal-clear ponds, stone bridges, and centuries-old trees. Continue the experience in Higashi Chaya district, where cobblestone streets and traditional teahouses will transport you to the era of geishas, offering a unique atmosphere full of history and elegance. This tour offers an immersive experience of Japan’s culture and heritage.

A Day of Art, Food, and Breathtaking Views in Snowy Echigo-Tsumari Discover a side of Echigo-Tsumari, in Tokamachi, that only winter reveals, on this one-day tour through a snow-covered landscape. Our first stop is Kiyotsukyo Gorge, one of Japan's three great gorges. Beyond the tunnel lies a "light art" installation, where in the snowy season the water and rock walls shimmer white, opening up a dreamlike world in the quiet. For lunch, enjoy a leisurely meal at Matsudai Satoyama Shokudo, savoring warm, local dishes made with regional ingredients. In the afternoon, visit the Echigo-Tsumari Contemporary Art Museum MonET, a museum where the building itself is a work of art. Art encountered amid the snow stays with you more deeply than usual. Come and enjoy a quiet, luxurious winter day in Echigo. I'll explain using a translation app. Cover photo: “Tunnel of Light” by Ma Jansson (MAD Architects), photo by Osamu Nakamura

The Coast of the Sea of Japan has so much variety, from the beautiful golden beaches to beautifully treacherous cliffs. Tojinbo and the northwest area of Fukui is widely known for its dramatic cliffs, interesting rock formations and its sacred island. On this tour you will get a chance to fully experience this area as well as go to a historically prosperous port, Mikuni Port. Enjoy walking along the coast, exploring an uninhabited island, seeing the great cliffs and visiting National Heritage Site temples and shrines. Connect with the sea in this dive into the beauty of the scenery of the coast.

Skip crowded sightseeing buses and explore Nikko in comfort with this private day tour from Tokyo. With private transportation included, you can relax and focus on the sights, rather than figuring out local bus and train routes. Along the way, visit top attractions such as Toshogu Shrine, Rinno-ji Temple, and Kegon Falls, with a guide to provide local context. The itinerary can also be customized to match your interests.

Get out of the big city and into the beautiful landscapes of rural Toyama on this tour from Kanazawa. Admire the distinctive thatched-roof houses of the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go and Gokayama villages; admire the artistry of the woodcarvers of Inami; and learn how to make your own piece of *washi* paper.

This private and customizable driving tour will allow you to take in the beauty of Shirakawago with out the worry of catching trains or busses. This driving tour is perfect for independent travelers that would like to take in the sites on their own. Allow your private chauffer to take you around in comfort and style. Once your tour is done, your chauffer will take you to traditional city of Takayama so that you can continue your travels across Japan. We hope to send you to gorgeous Shirakawago soon!

Comfortable Sightseeing by Car! Special Tour of Tokamachi and the Earth Art Festival with a Dedicated Guide Efficiently explore the artworks scattered throughout the vast satoyama landscape while enjoying the feel of a leisurely drive! Experience the highlights in luxury, without the stress of getting around. Comfortable Travel and Sightseeing: Since you’re traveling by car, you can enjoy the artworks without worrying about the weather or getting tired! A Deeper Connection to the Art: The fun of viewing the art doubles with behind-the-scenes stories and commentary from your dedicated guide. Discover Hidden Gems: Follow a route crafted by locals who know the area inside and out, taking you to hidden gems and Instagram-worthy spots! This isn’t just about viewing art—it’s a special journey that captures the joy of exploring. Let’s cruise through Tokamachi’s art together!

Blacksmith was brought to Tsubame and Sanjo area in Niigata prefecture in the early 17th century, started producing Japanese nails called Wakugi. This area now became an artisan metalsmiths town. You can visit some of those factories, artisans welcome you. In this tour, you will visit Knife factory, Tadafusa and coppenwear factory, Gyokusendo. Both has a long history and you can see their work very closely. You can also visit more factory, Museum or shopping spots where you can find the Tsubame Sanjo quality products.

Avoid the potential confusion of figuring out local public transport timetables and get between Kanazawa and Takayama with ease, thanks to this one-way private transfer service. To help you get more out of the transfer, the trip also stops at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Shirakawa-go, where you can see its traditional thatched-roof houses.

Nanto city has a lot of historical sites like Gokayama district and Inami district. Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village was designated as UNESCO World Heritage. You will enjoy traditional Gassho houses in Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village. You can see wonderful scenery of Inami district and directly see a skillful wood sculptor's workshop. My car is a hybrid compact car, Aqua. So, this car cannot load large baggage. You will find genuine historical sites 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.

Avoid the risk of ending up with lackluster photos of your time in Japan by touring with a professional photographer. Explore two of Japan’s most beautiful places, Takayama and Shirakawago, and end the day with beautiful professional photographs of your experience. Visit the towns’ must-see attractions and learn more about their culture and history along the way.

Spend a full day exploring Kamakura’s cherry blossom spots with a private local guide who knows where the blooms look their best throughout the season. This relaxed route links temples, riversides, and quiet paths so you can enjoy sakura without navigating crowds or timetables on your own. A traditional bento lunch with drinks provides an unhurried break under the trees, and ongoing local support helps travelers handle plans beyond the tour itself. Hotel pickup included.

Spend a day discovering the scenic alpine villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. Save time organizing your own transport by having Kanazawa hotel pickup and drop-off included. Travel in a private vehicle between dispersed sites that would be hard to reach by public transport, and learn about the rural mountain life in two picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The kimono is the beautiful traditional dress of Japan! On this 6-hour walking tour, you can experience wearing a Kimono. You will be dressed by a professional and have your hair done in a simple hairstyle. It will take about one hour to change for one group (including a simple hair set for women). Afterward, you can walk around Kanazawa and take photos. Please bring your camera! Kanazawa is well known for its sophisticated food and tea culture. The secret of the popularity of Kanazawa's cuisine is that it is not just about its taste, but is packed with many Japanese elements such as the spirit of hospitality, the beauty of tea utensils, and traditional methods.

Experience the best of Nagano with this immersive tour starting from Myoko Kogen and Madarao Kogen. Begin your journey with a visit to the renowned Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, home to Japan’s famous hot spring-bathing monkeys. Afterward, savor a delicious winter lunch before heading to the historic Zenkoji Temple, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, the tour concludes with a sake tasting, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local flavors.