Top Chubu How to Get Around - page 10

Discover the rich heritage of Okazaki, the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, a pivotal figure in Japanese history and the SHOGUN era. Begin your journey at the Mikawa Bushi no Yakata Ieyasu-kan Museum, where engaging exhibits unveil Ieyasu’s life story from a political hostage to Japan’s unifier. Continue to Okazaki Castle, built on the very site of his birth, where you'll learn about the daily lives of samurai and commoners during the Edo period. This tour is perfect for history buffs and anyone intrigued by Japan's samurai legacy, providing a captivating introduction to the significance of SHOGUNs in shaping the nation. - Visit the Mikawa Bushi no Yakata Ieyasu-kan Museum for immersive exhibits - Explore Okazaki Castle, the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu - Gain insights into the samurai culture and historical significance of the region - Ideal for history enthusiasts and those curious about Japan's SHOGUN era

No more stress from asking strangers to take your photos! I’ll capture your favorite moments with my iPhone until you’re fully satisfied, so you can relax and enjoy the experience. This is a completely customized tour just for you. We will visit the places you want to see in Kanazawa—either on foot or by public bus. No plan? No problem! As someone born and raised in Kanazawa, I’ll share several great local spots, and we can choose together. Also you’ll explore beautiful locations while learning about the city’s history, culture, and unique atmosphere. This tour is perfect for solo travelers or duos, and of course small groups are welcome, too. Please note that any additional costs—such as food, transportation, or entrance fees—are required for both guests and host. I’m not a professional photographer, but I will use my iPhone to take natural, enjoyable photos throughout the tour.

Atami has a long history of being a retreat destination and has attracted many VIPs in Japan. There are many small local shops providing quality ingredients, food and more to traditional ryokans (inns) with high standards, as well as serving local residents of Atami. This small-group walking tour is to visit three local specialty shops, learning about history, products and more (including free samples!) through engaging in an informal conversation with shop owners, while an English-speaking guide accompanying the guests. Three shops will be selected on a rotational basis, but they include Green Tea/seaweed shop, Wasabi Zuke (pickles) shop, Katsuobushi (bonito/skipjack tuna used for Japanese soup stock) and Tofu shop. This is a great opportunity to explore Atami’s culinary culture and to immerse yourself in authentic life of Atami locals.

Recommended Spot Big Zelkova Tree (Kamisuwa Shrine) Experience the serenity of this 1,000-year-old tree, believed to protect the land and worshipped as a god of agriculture. Cedar Tree Path to Shrine Explore the historic Yahiko Cedar path, a natural monument, and cultural property, either by TUKTUK or Motorcycle. Triangle Field (Hachimai-zawa Forest Path Branch) Enjoy the expansive landscape and peaceful time with views of Mt. Yahiko. Haraedo Shrine Dedicated to the god of purification, cleanse yourself before visiting Yahiko Shrine’s main hall. Yahiko Shrine Known as "Oyahikosama," it's the symbol of Yahiko Village. Offer prayers with two bows, four claps, and one bow. Mt.Yahiko Ropeway (4-hour and 2-hour courses only) Take a 5-minute ride to the summit for stunning views. On clear days, you can see Sado Island. Rice Field Area Witness Mt. Yahiko reflected in water-filled rice fields, a beautiful and nostalgic landscape.

You can visit Otake Confectionery (sandwich bread), Ameya (traditional sweets), the former division commander's residence, Mochiya (grilled rice dumplings), Takada Castle Three-story Turret, Takada Komachi, Taga Tea Shop (tea and Japanese sweets), and more. You can go there by bicycle and return by local train.

Recommended Spot Big Zelkova Tree (Kamisuwa Shrine) Experience the serenity of this 1,000-year-old tree, believed to protect the land and worshipped as a god of agriculture. Cedar Tree Path to Shrine Explore the historic Yahiko Cedar path, a natural monument, and cultural property, either by TUKTUK or Motorcycle. Triangle Field (Hachimai-zawa Forest Path Branch) Enjoy the expansive landscape and peaceful time with views of Mt. Yahiko. Haraedo Shrine Dedicated to the god of purification, cleanse yourself before visiting Yahiko Shrine’s main hall. Yahiko Shrine Known as "Oyahikosama," it's the symbol of Yahiko Village. Offer prayers with two bows, four claps, and one bow. Mt.Yahiko Ropeway (4-hour and 2-hour courses only) Take a 5-minute ride to the summit for stunning views. On clear days, you can see Sado Island. Rice Field Area Witness Mt. Yahiko reflected in water-filled rice fields, a beautiful and nostalgic landscape.

Kanazawa has long been known as the city of traditional crafts to the Japanese people. During the samurai era, the local art scene experienced tremendous growth, as many artists from all over the nation moved and settled here to continue to pursue their arts. This continues to this day, as you can see the city’s strong artistic roots in spots like its timeless historic districts, elegantly curated contemporary museums, and small, off-the-beaten-path spots around every corner. In this tour, our guide will show you the city via its art and famous crafts, while sharing fascinating stories and local insights that will help you not only see, but feel Kanazawa. It is perfect for art lovers, culture enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to explore the city more deeply and at their own pace. You will discover how the city’s creative spirit connects its part, present, and future.

Explore Shirakawa-go: Flexible Private Guided Tours for an Unforgettable Experience Discover the enchanting village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Our private guided tours are designed to accommodate travelers arriving by bus from Takayama, Kanazawa, or Toyama, with start times carefully aligned to their schedules. Choose from three flexible durations—2 hours, 3 hours, or 4 hours—allowing you to customize your visit according to your interests and availability. Whether you're drawn to Shirakawa-go for its architectural beauty, rich history, or tranquil mountain scenery, this private guided tour offers the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. Book now for an unforgettable journey into Japan’s cultural heritage!

Uenohara is rich in natural beauty and still retains its original Japanese landscape. This is a valuable tour to share the secrets of healthy longevity in Japan, held by a dietitian who is an expert in food and nutrition. You will eat a healthy longevity diet rich in fresh, pesticide-free vegetables from traditional fields in an old private home, and we will talk about traditional food and nutrition. Guided tour. The ko-minka are made using traditional Japanese building techniques. We will meet at 11:00 a.m. and return to the meeting place around 4:30 p.m. We will take you on a 10-minute walk to a spot with lovely river and mountain scenery. After that, we will walk about 10 minutes and guide you to a souvenir store, take a cab to the mountain scenery, and take you to a food store. This is a healing spot with a beautiful river and birdsong. After that, please take a cab to arrive at an old house and enjoy listening to a story about healthy longevity food, diet and nutrition.

Unlike crowded tourist seafood markets in larger cities, this tour introduces the local food culture of the Noto Peninsula through Noto Shokusai Market, where visitors can experience the flavors and atmosphere of everyday life in coastal Ishikawa. Explore the market with a local guide while discovering seasonal seafood, regional specialties, and traditional foods unique to Noto. Learn about ingredients such as yellowtail, nodoguro, monkfish, Noto salt, and fermented seafood products, and how they connect to the region’s climate and fishing culture. The tour includes a ¥3,000 food credit, allowing guests to freely choose what they would like to try from the market’s shops and restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood bowls, grilled shellfish, local snacks, and regional specialties at your own pace. Perfect for travelers looking for a more relaxed and authentic local food experience beyond Japan’s famous tourist markets.

Exclusive Kannon‑in Temple Tour｜Kanazawa Slip one block past Higashi Chaya and enter Kannon‑in Street, a hushed lane leading to a 400‑year‑old temple rarely open to visitors. With an English‑speaking interpreter you’ll hear the lore of this hidden spiritual quarter before crossing the gate for a private rite. In the main hall you join the Goma Fire Ritual: wooden prayer sticks are offered to the flames while mantras burn away worldly desires. You then walk Osuna‑fumi, tracing a circle on consecrated sand for body‑mind purification. Before leaving, the temple master’s wife hand‑brushes a personalised Goshuin seal for you to keep. Ancient statues and treasures are shown along the way.

Step into the night where Kanazawa truly breathes. － Kanazawa by day is a city of elegance, tradition, and quiet beauty. But when night falls, it transforms. Lanterns flicker in hidden alleys, laughter spills from cozy izakayas, and the clink of glasses echoes through intimate bars. Music drifts from tucked-away lounges, and the city reveals its soulful, nocturnal rhythm. This tour invites you to experience Kanazawa after dark—not as a tourist, but as a welcomed guest. Led by a local guide, you’ll explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, discover beloved neighborhood spots, and connect with the people who give Kanazawa its warmth. One drink, one laugh, and one unforgettable moment at a time. This is Kanazawa — not just seen, but felt.

Discover samurai life in Kanazawa beyond battle through a private walk in the historic Nagamachi Samurai District, followed by a hands-on bonsai workshop at SHIKA Studio. Learn how samurai values shaped architecture, gardens, and the philosophy behind Kanazawa roof tiles. Create your own bonsai in a pot made from traditional roof tiles and take it home as a unique souvenir.

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

Izu Local Food Adventure and Wood-Fired Cuisine at Quebico. Explore Izu’s nature with us through our work to sustain its resources. We’ve revived 1,200-year-old trails, once key for village life and charcoal production, turning forests into tourism paths. Our MTB tours use these historic trails; pedal-drive kayaks link sea and mountains. Our lodge, powered by wood biomass boilers, supports sustainable living. At Quebico, our wood-fired restaurant, chefs craft gourmet feasts from foraged herbs, fresh fish, and local treasures like gold-eye snapper, using 100% sustainable firewood we harvest from local forests. Kayak to fish, hike or e-MTB trails to gather yomogi, and visit fish markets and a katsuobushi factory to explore Japan’s rural food culture. This private tour, guided in English, supports Izu’s natural and cultural heritage. Our sustainability efforts were recognized by a Ministry of the Environment award in 2022.

Experience the unique atmosphere of a Sumo Regional Tour, where you can get closer to the wrestlers than at the Grand Tournaments. Perfect for first-time visitors, dedicated fans, or travelers visiting outside tournament season, this event offers an unforgettable day of authentic sumo action and culture. A Day at a Jungyo (Provincial Sumo Tour) Typical Schedule - 9:00 – Gates open & morning taiko drum performance. - 9:30–11:30 – Morning training for wrestlers, from lower divisions to top-ranked Yokozuna and Ozeki. - 12:00 – Sumo matches begin, starting with lower divisions. Enjoy special performances such as comic sumo, folk songs, taiko drumming, and cultural demonstrations. - 1:30 – Ring-entering ceremonies for Juryo, Makunouchi, and the Yokozuna. - 13:50 – Top-division (Makunouchi) matches, featuring the day's most exciting bouts. - 15:00 – Bow-twirling ceremony and closing of the event.

Begin your tour at Kaiwomaru Park, home to the beautifully preserved tall ship Kaiwomaru, often called the “Lady of the Sea.” Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront promenade with a backdrop of the Japan Alps stretching across the horizon. Next, visit the Shinminato Kitokito Market, where you can taste ultra-fresh Toyama Bay seafood like white shrimp (shiroebi), firefly squid (hotaru-ika), and yellowtail (buri)—local delicacies known throughout Japan. Then head to the Shinminato Bridge, one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the country, offering panoramic views over Toyama Bay. End your tour with a walk through traditional canal-side streets or a quick stop at a local sake brewery for a tasting experience.

Discover Kanazawa through the eyes of a passionate Guide who has lived there for many years. Between samurai districts, refined gardens and craft traditions, this tour invites you to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Kanazawa. Along the way, you will explore iconic places such as the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden, Nagamachi Samurai Quarter or the charming alleyways of Higashi Chaya. In a friendly and accessible atmosphere, this experience is the perfect opportunity to understand what makes Kanazawa so unique.

Explore popular sightseeing spots in Kanazawa such as the Kenrokuen Garden, Nagamachi Samurai District, and Higashi Chaya-gai together with an interpreter-guide who knows all there is to know about Kanazawa. Recommended for first time travelers to Japan and those arriving at Kanazawa in the afternoon. At sightseeing spots, learn from the guide about the culture and townscapes that Kanazawa continues to carefully preserve as well as initiatives for SDGs. ©金沢市

Explore the quiet foothills of Mt. Hakusan by private car with a local guide, away from crowded sightseeing routes. This experience introduces the nature, sacred traditions, and local life shaped by Mt. Hakusan. Visit the Shirayama Hime Jinja area, peaceful countryside scenery, waterfalls, old trees, local craft spots, and scenic viewpoints. The route can be adjusted depending on weather, road conditions, season, and your interests, making it a personal and flexible experience. Advanced English is not required. The tour is guided in clear, simple English, with support materials provided during the experience.

This half-day tour takes you through Kanazawa’s most iconic sights, starting at Oyama Shrine, known for its unique gate combining Japanese, Chinese, and Western architectural styles. Your guide will explain the shrine’s history and its connection to the Maeda family. Next, explore Kanazawa Castle, where you'll learn about samurai life, defensive design, and the craftsmanship behind its restored walls and wooden structures. You will then visit Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, admired for its ponds, lanterns, seasonal scenery, and traditional garden design. The tour ends in Higashi Chaya District, a beautifully preserved geisha teahouse area with charming wooden streets, perfect for photos and browsing local shops.

Experience Shizuoka at its best by seeing the Kakegawa castle, making traditional Japanese sake, and riding the local train with its elegant countryside views. You can visit Kakegawa Castle, with its beautiful appearance, considered one of the best castles in the Tokai region and ride the Tenryu Hamanako Railroad to enjoy the Japanese countryside and nostalgic stations. Also, you can enjoy Japanese sake tasting and the experience of making your own original sake. Free gift of hand towel and tea (As the free gift is limited, it will end as soon as it is out of stock.)

(Available for 1 person! Transportation included) Minamiuonuma City is a renowned flower-viewing destination where clusters of the nationally famous “spring ephemeral flower, the Erythronium japonicum,” can be seen everywhere. A local guide will drive you to the best viewing spots during the season, where you’ll enjoy a roughly 2-hour stroll through the rural hills. No special hiking gear is required. Casual attire suitable for a walk in the park is sufficient. For lunch, we’ll visit a restaurant serving local cuisine. Afterward, we’ll stop at a popular local Japanese confectionery shop for some shopping. To conclude the tour, we’ll visit the “Yasuo Toyama Wildflower Gallery,” a gallery featuring watercolor paintings of wildflowers from all four seasons. - Please note: On Wednesdays, Ueda no Sato and the Wildflower Gallery are closed, so we will instead take you for a lunch of Hegi soba and a visit to the Minamiuonuma Roadside Station.

This tour connects Nanao’s rare bridal curtain tradition with the food culture of Noto’s historic port town. Instead of only visiting a museum or eating at a market, you will discover how marriage customs, merchant families, local festivals, sea trade, and seafood culture shaped the identity of Nanao. With a local guide, the town becomes easier to understand: the beautiful Hanayome Noren curtains, the old merchant street, and the lively food market all become part of one story. The tour ends with a food credit, so you can enjoy seafood or regional dishes at Noto Shokusai Market.