Top Chubu Full-day Tours

Take a comprehensive tour of Kanazawa and discover its rich history and key landmarks. Step back in time and explore one of the most well-preserved samurai districts. Explore the grounds of Kanazawa Castle and its gardens that were built during the Edo period. End the tour with a stroll through the Kenrokuen Garden, considered to be the most beautiful in Japan, that is filled with thousands of colorful flowers.

Kanazawa is a walkable city but many of its top attractions are spread out. Let the experts lead you along the best route to ensure that you don't miss out on any of Kanazawa's must-see spots—as well as some of the city's lesser-known gems. This small-group walking tour is limited to just 15 guests and immerses you in the history and culture of this fascinating Japanese city.

We’ll begin with a visit to the famous Snow Monkey Park, where you can watch wild Japanese macaques enjoying a soak in the hot springs—set in the peaceful mountains of Nagano. After the walk, we’ll head over to the nearby Shibu Onsen area, a beautiful historic hot spring town. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant here, featuring freshly made soba noodles and other regional specialties. After lunch, you’ll have time to unwind in one of Shibu Onsen’s public baths. The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties and offer the perfect way to relax. And for a bit of extra fun, there’s the chance to collect stamps from different hot springs using a special towel—a local tradition that adds a playful touch to your visit. Whether you're here to relax, explore, or enjoy good food and drink, this tour offers a great mix of what makes Nagano special. Optional free pick-up support available upon request. Please read the pick-up details before making your reservation.

This full-day tour checks off two fascinating locations in one go—a great way to learn more about Japan's history and culture if you're short on time. Spend your morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, a village famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. In the afternoon, head to Kanazawa to visit the Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District. Make and taste traditional Japanese sweets, and watch a craftsperson make gold leaf.

If you only have limited time to discover Japan, then this private sightseeing tour is a smart choice. Maximize your vacation time by checking off multiple dispersed sites in a day in Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Along the way, enjoy plenty of great photo opportunities, with a chance to see Gassho-style houses, Hida Folk Village, and Takayama Betsuin Shorenji Temple.

Getting to UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Shirakawa-go and the historic streets of Hida Takayama in one day can be tricky to plan without prior knowledge. Save yourself the hassle of navigating rural transportation on your own, and relax on this handy guided tour from Kanazawa. As you explore, gain local insight into what you see, and take a break to sample an authentic Japanese lunch.

It is not just a Tourist Guide, it is an excursion among friends, knowing, laughing, enjoying the places in the Mt. Fuji area, getting closer to history through its inhabitants.

Echigo-Yuzawa is a nature-rich destination just one hour from Tokyo. It can be a bit inconvenient to explore without a car, so we’ll make the most of your time with a guided tour by car. At Kiyotsu Gorge, you can admire the majestic rock walls and crystal-clear streams, enjoying a magical, artistic space where the gorge’s scenery is reflected on the water’s surface. Ryugakubo is a mystical lake where you can drink delicious spring water.We’ll have lunch at “Matsushiro Satoyama Shokudo.” The blue-toned interior creates an artistic atmosphere. Please enjoy local cuisine with a modern twist.After lunch, we’ll visit nearby art installations. Next, at Hoshitoge’s terraced rice fields, approximately 200 paddies of various sizes spread across the slopes like fish scales. Bijin-bayashi features beautiful beech trees. It is home to many wild birds. I'll explain using a translation app. Cover photo: “Tunnel of Light” by Ma Jansson (MAD Architects), photo by Osamu Nakamura

In the Northern Japanese Alps lies a small beautiful onsen town sitting at the entrance of an even more amazing sight, Japanese deepest V-shaped gorge, Kurobe Gorge. On this tour you can experience the great natural beauty of Japan with the small town feel of a popular onsen resort. Your local guide will show you foot baths and healing buddhas, ride on the trolley train across spectacular gorges and finally walk in nature with onsen water rivers. City and scenery, bridges and buddhas, trolley trains and scenic walks, fully enjoy a lesser traveled part of Japan in Unazuki Onsen and the Kurobe Gorge! NOTE: The full trolley train, damaged by an earthquake in 2024, will reopen from October 1, 2026. Until that time, we will compensate for the shortened route by adding a stop at Shomyo Falls, the highest waterfall in Japan.

This tour is your shortcut to discovering scenic villages and towns in the Japanese countryside. Take the stress out of driving on unfamiliar rural roads by having a private driver for the day. Travel with ease between dispersed sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago, Hida Furukawa, and Takayama. You won’t feel rushed as there’s plenty of time to get out of the car and explore local sights on foot at each location.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route offers a remarkable journey through Japan's Northern Japan Alps, showcasing stunning alpine scenery and unique transportation experiences. Traverse the route via cable cars, ropeways, and buses, while witnessing breathtaking landscapes that change with the seasons. Highlights include the famous Yuki-no-Otani Snow Corridor in spring, vibrant autumn foliage, and the impressive Kurobe Dam. Each season reveals a different side of this natural wonder, making it a year-round destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. -Take comfortable bus from Nagano/Kanazawa, explore Northern Alps. -Spring-limited "Snow Wall Valley", a spectacular snow wall landscape that you must see once. -Visit world-class engineering marvel, the Kurobe Dam, experience firsthand the magnificent grandeur of Japan's largest dam. -Enjoy unique journey using six different mountain transportation in one day. -Special gift: Hokushinetsu specialty and local cuisine "Sasa Sushi".

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.

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Japan's hidden cultural gems with this expertly guided day tour from Kanazawa. Explore the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawago, where fairy-tale gassho-zukuri farmhouses with dramatic thatched roofs have weathered centuries of mountain snow. Discover historic Takayama, the captivating "Little Kyoto of the Alps," where cobblestone Kami-Sannomachi streets house traditional sake breweries, artisanal miso shops, and charming boutiques selling handcrafted folk art and local delicacies. Marvel at spectacular festival floats at Yatai Kaikan from Japan's most celebrated festivals. Choose either a round-trip return to Kanazawa or a convenient drop-off in Takayama. Your National Government Licensed Guide unveils fascinating cultural secrets throughout this immersive experience.

Often overlooked when travelers head along the Sea of Japan, Fukui is another one of Japan’s prefectures that has as much history and natural beauty as any other. As the entrance to the Hokuriku region, Fukui has served as a crossroads for many important wars and trade routes throughout Japanese history. This tour will have you walk by the castle and also a temple where buildings form the former castle were moved, get stunning views of the modern city skyline from a hill with over a thousand years of history and dive into one of the head temples of Zen Buddhism in an idyllic mountain setting. Let’s dive deep into lesser traveled area of Japan that leave you wanting to come back to Fukui for more.

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.

Tour an ancient samurai district with an insider to make sure you don’t miss any of the sights. Get insight into Kanazawa, a town of great cultural achievements rivaling Kyoto and Tokyo. Enjoy a relaxing walk through Omicho Market, and visit the historic Kanazawa Castle. Walk through the serene garden of Kenrokuen. Learn the history of this samurai town from a professional guide.

Discover the most authentic essence of Japan on an unforgettable journey from Kanazawa Station 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. Continue your day at the majestic Kenrokuen Garden (If option selected), a peaceful haven famous for its harmony between nature and Japanese art. Stroll among crystal-clear ponds, stone bridges, and centuries-old trees. the experience continues in the Higashi Chaya district, where cobblestone streets and traditional teahouses will transport you to the era of geishas and samurais, offering a unique atmosphere full of history. Return to Kanazawa with unforgettable memories from a day that perfectly blends history, culture, and nature.

Immerse yourself in the special charm of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the history and architecture of its iconic gassho-zukuri houses. As it is a self-guided tour, you can enjoy meals and sightseeing at your own pace. Enjoy a hassle-free journey from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go, with non-stop direct bus service. Please select an option with one-way or round trip bus tickets. One-way ticket from Nagoya to shirakawa-go: 6:45 AM from Nagoya 10:35 AM at Shirakawa-go One-way ticket from Shirakawa-go to Nagoya: 2:15 PM from Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal 6:10 PM in Nagoya One-way ticket from Nagoya to shirakawa-go: 9:40 AM from Takayama green Hotel 10:35 AM at Shirakawa-go One-way ticket from Shirakawa-go to Takayama: 2:15 PM from Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal 3:15 PM in Takayama

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.

Explore Omicho Market, known as "Kanazawa’s Kitchen," on an exciting walking food tour with a local guide! Enjoy a variety of local gourmet dishes you can only find here, including fresh seafood rice bowls, seasonal Japanese sweets, and traditional ingredients. Feel the lively atmosphere of the market while learning about Kanazawa’s food culture and history in a fun and engaging way. Whether you're a tourist or a street food lover, this tour is packed with delights. Come experience the delicious flavors of Kanazawa with all five senses! To ensure that guests can enjoy tastings and experiences at many different shops, this tour is generally limited to a maximum of two groups. In some cases, there may be up to three groups, but please rest assured that this does not affect the quality of the tour! If you’re looking for a more relaxed and flexible experience, we recommend booking a private tour. Please feel free to contact us if you’re interested.

Make the most of a full day in Kanazawa with this private guided tour, tailored to your interests and preferred travel style—by taxi, on foot, or by e-bike. Explore the city’s landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and hidden spots with the insight of a knowledgeable local guide. Your itinerary is fully flexible—stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, admire Kanazawa Castle, wander the Higashi Chaya District, and enjoy lunch at Omicho Market. In the afternoon, visit the Nagamachi Samurai District and choose optional museums or craft workshops with hands-on activities. Whether your interests are art, history, food, or culture, this full-day private tour gives you time to experience Kanazawa in depth, at your own pace.

Experience the charm of Japan’s countryside with a private full-day tour from Kanazawa to Shirakawago and Takayama. Explore the historic village of Shirakawago, renowned for its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses and stunning mountain scenery. Then continue to Takayama, a beautifully preserved town known for its traditional streets, local craftsmanship, and regional cuisine. This tour is fully customizable to suit your interests—whether you’d like to focus on history, food, scenic views, or a mix of everything. Travel in comfort with a private vehicle for up to 6 guests, enjoy the flexibility of your own schedule, and take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Japanese Alps at your own pace. The tour lasts up to 8 hours including driving time and is a round-trip returning to Kanazawa. If you wish to finish your tour in Takayama instead, please contact us for a separate arrangement, as luggage space is limited.

Explore the majestic highlands at the foot of Mt. Fuji on this unforgettable e-bike tour. Riding high-quality pedal-assist bikes from trusted brands like TREK and Panasonic, you'll enjoy smooth, comfortable cycling with minimal fatigue—even on uphill slopes. Your guide is a true local, born and raised in the Mt. Fuji area, and will take you along peaceful backroads and hidden routes rarely visited by tourists. Along the way, you’ll ride through serene forests, alongside calm lakes, and past traditional countryside homes, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Japan. This tour isn't just about cycling—it's about experiencing the real Japan. We’ll stop at cultural and historical spots where you can learn about Shinto traditions, village life, and local history. Surrounded by peaceful scenery and a relaxed atmosphere, you’ll gain insight into Japanese nature, culture, and daily life—all in one incredible day.