Top Chubu How to Get Around in 2026

Follow in the footsteps of a wandering samurai on this immersive self-guided walking tour around Lake Kawaguchi. Ascend panoramic ropeways, stroll beneath ancient cedars, and cross bridges with legendary views of Mount Fuji. Discover tranquil gardens, sparkling museums, and vibrant maple corridors as you unlock the secrets and serenity of Kawaguchiko, one step at a time. Solve puzzles, explore the city, and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt.

・Cross the sea to sacred Takeshima Island with a local Gamagori guide. ・Visit five island shrines, including Yaotomi Shrine with its 850-year history. ・Walk around a nationally designated Natural Monument surrounded by Mikawa Bay. ・Take in sweeping views across Mikawa Bay Quasi-National Park from the island. ・On rare low tides, walk the exposed seabed connecting Takeshima to shore. The following options can also be added to your tour. Please inquire when booking. ・Dining at Gamagori Classic Hotel: French cuisine or teppanyaki ・Dining at Hotel Takeshima: Japanese or Western cuisine ・Japanese Cooking Experience in Gamagori | Onigiri & Futomaki Sushi with a Hotel Chef ・Visit to Takeshima Aquarium with a Professional, English-speaking guide ・Mikawa Cotton Weaving Workshop in Gamagori: From Raw Cotton to Handwoven Coaster

Meet your guide at JR Fukui Station and begin your journey into the world of traditional crafts. Explore Fukui, a renowned craft-producing region, and view traditional crafts and art pieces. Fukui Station is located between Kyoto and Kanazawa. From Kanazawa: About 20–25 minutes by the Hokuriku Shinkansen． ・Learn why these crafts developed in Fukui, with clear and engaging explanations of each technique. Discover the story of Shakudani Stone ・Visit to a souvenir shop featuring local crafts ・Enjoy a hands-on short calligraphy experience using Echizen Washi paper and create your own artwork to take home. Visit a souvenir shop featuring local crafts and enjoy a complimentary drink. ・If you wish to explore further, receive guidance to artisan workshops. What's included ・Guided tour of Fukui's traditional crafts ・Hands-on mini calligraphy experience ・Complimentary drink ・Visit to a souvenir shop featuring local crafts What's not included? ・Transportation to and from JR Fukui Station

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

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. Moreover, you will get a tiny-size machete as a gift from a craftsman. 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.

Uncover the hidden side of life in Suganuma, a gassho-style village that joined the register of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. Surrounded by rich forests and steep mountains, Suganuma is a living piece of cultural heritage–a village with permanent residents, which makes it unique among the sites on the UNESCO roster. During your journey, you’ll discover the local origins of the village’s world-famous gassho-style architecture and savor a lunch prepared using local ingredients in a traditional gassho-style home. With an English-speaking guide-interpreter to accompany you every step of the way, you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind. Inquire about an experience today.

[Option1] Kanazawa: Walking & Calligraphy Tour with an ex-Pro Athlete Explore Kanazawa with a former pro baseball player, visiting Nagamachi Samurai District, Oyama Shrine, Kanazawa Castle Park, Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District. Finish with a private calligraphy session at a temple. Morning: 9:00–13:00 / Afternoon: 14:00–18:00. [Option2] Kanazawa: Zen Calligraphy Experience at a Historic Temple Enjoy calligraphy inside a peaceful Zen temple. With a guide, choose a meaningful Kanji that reflects your personality or journey. Beginners are welcome with step-by-step instruction. Practice first, then create your final artwork on a souvenir to take home. [Option3] Kanazawa: Tea Ceremony in Zen Tradition at a 350-Year Temple Walk from Higashi Chaya to a quiet 350-year-old temple. Learn traditional etiquette, discover seasonal scrolls, utensils, flowers and sweets, watch matcha prepared by hand, then experience the ceremony yourself in a small group of up to six.

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 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.

- Hideaway in a rural area in the mountain. - Private local guide show you our village. - Warm interaction with local residents as a “villager for a day.” - We provide the information about access to our area. (By car or Public transportation.) Discover Shiramine, a hidden mountain village in Hokuriku, just 1.5 hours from Kanazawa and Komatsu airport. Experience the beauty of Japan’s mountain nature, hands-on cultural traditions, warm encounters with local residents, and tattoo-friendly hot springs. In this small village where community life is still alive, we invite you to spend the day like a local — as a “villager for a day.”

Step into the heart of Niigata on this private, fully guided day tour led by a government-licensed guide, with your own private vehicle and driver. Niigata grew rich as one of Japan's first international ports and as the gateway to the country's finest rice and sake, and this tour brings that story to life. Begin at Hakusan Shrine, the city's spiritual heart, then explore the grand Northern Culture Museum, former estate of Niigata's wealthiest landowning family. Wander the lively Pia Bandai market and the historic geisha quarter of Furumachi, and step inside the Imayo Tsukasa sake brewery to taste crisp local brews born of pure water and premium rice. Take in sweeping views from the Befco Bakauke Observatory atop Toki Messe, admire the Meiji-era Former Niigata Customs Office on the Shinano River, and browse the Honcho market. With hotel pickup, a flexible customizable route and an expert guide, you'll discover the best of Niigata in comfort and at your own pace.

I provide private photography sessions for international visitors in Japan, including couples, families, and special moments such as proposals and weddings. Sessions take place around iconic locations like Mount Fuji, Tokyo, and Kanagawa, with a relaxed and friendly approach that helps everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with your family, or planning a meaningful moment during your trip, each session is carefully customized to your needs. You’ll receive over 100 professionally edited, high-resolution photos delivered digitally, so you can easily share and preserve your memories. *The session lasts one hour.

Discover the essence of Haccho Miso on this immersive tour in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture. Learn about the rich history and production methods of this unique miso, deeply rooted in samurai culture and favored by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Visit traditional miso breweries to see the craftsmanship in action and savor the aromas of fermenting miso. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a miso brewery-operated restaurant, featuring dishes that highlight the bold flavors of Haccho Miso. This tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and gastronomy, providing insight into how traditional flavors continue to evolve in modern cuisine. Gain a deeper appreciation of Japan’s fermentation culture and samurai heritage.

Embark on a journey through the cultural and natural highlights of the Mt. Fuji region. Ride the exclusive Hokusai Special Train, inspired by Hokusai’s iconic Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, and visit the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, Shiraito Falls, and a traditional wasabi farm. Enjoy a choice of Japanese, vegetarian, Muslim-friendly, or Indian lunch. You can also select an option including the JR Mt. Fuji 2-Day Enjoy Pass, a tour-exclusive ticket offering access to eligible trains, buses, ropeways, and cruises across Shizuoka Prefecture on the tour day and following day. After the tour, choose to return to Mishima Station or be dropped off at Gotemba Premium Outlets for shopping.

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.

Embark on a tranquil journey with our Kanazawa Garden Tour, where we'll meander through the town's most enchanting green havens as nature's beauty unfolds around every corner. Kanazawa is a beautiful city, well situated between the Japanese Alps and the sea of Japan. There is much to discover in Kanazawa but especially the gardens are just wonderful. Because it was one of the 5 most important cities during feudal times, Kanazawa had a real "Arts and crafts blossom" during the Edo-period. This rich heritage remained preserved until today. This tour goes off the beaten path to show you some of the most gorgeous traditional gardens in Kanazawa.

(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.

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.

Why not explore the Kawaguchi Lake area at the foot of Mount Fuji with more freedom and fun? Scenic spots unreachable on foot, cafes a bit off the beaten path, and photogenic locations - you can glide smoothly to all of them with an electric kick scooter! Experience the exhilarating sensation of becoming one with the wind through this trending mobility experience that's capturing everyone's attention. ◆What is an Electric Kick Scooter? A next-generation personal mobility device equipped with a motor and battery. The models we handle at our facility are classified as "Specified Small Moped," which requires no license and helmet wearing is an effort obligation. They come with license plates and are approved for public road use! Even first-time users can use them with confidence.

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.

【OUTLINE】 We will guide you to a secluded, closed-off quarry deep in the mountains while walking on forest roads and taking a forest bath! A tour to experience the world of Ghibli. The quarrying of stone began around 1887 (Meiji 20), approximately 140 years ago, but after the war, as cement became widely used as a building material, the demand for stone drastically decreased, and the mine was abandoned. We will guide you to another world on a mystical tour. 【HIGHLIGHTS】 A guide will take you through a secluded area that is usually off-limits. You can immerse yourself in an other-worldly experience unlike your daily life. Enjoy a forest bath in a space of tranquility.

Discover breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage on this scenic journey through Tokamachi. Explore the stunning Kiyotsu Gorge, known for its impressive rock formations and vibrant colors. Wander through ancient rice terraces that showcase the traditional farming methods of the local communities. This tour offers a unique glimpse into local stories and traditions, making it perfect for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Enjoy an immersive experience with expert guides who share their insider knowledge of the region. The guide will use simple English and a simultaneous translation device. We will provide the equipment. - Explore Kiyotsu Gorge and its magnificent rock formations - Visit ancient rice terraces and learn about traditional farming - Gain insights from expert local guides on Tokamachi's culture - Ideal for travelers interested in nature and local traditions

Discover Kanazawa's extraordinary seafood culture on this private, fully customizable food tour led by a government-licensed local guide. Kanazawa sits beside the Sea of Japan, whose cold, nutrient-rich waters yield some of the country's finest fish, sweet snow crab, plump oysters, and sea urchin. Begin at the historic Omicho Market, a lively 300-year-old marketplace nicknamed "Kanazawa's Kitchen," where you'll meet the vendors and learn to tell truly fresh seafood from the rest. Your guide explains the seasonal catch, regional specialties, and the customs behind Kanazawa's celebrated cuisine. Then settle in at a local sushi counter to savor sashimi-grade fish prepared by skilled hands. Because this is a private experience, the pace and stops are tailored to you, making it ideal for couples, families, and curious food lovers eager to taste the real Kanazawa beyond the guidebooks.

Explore the soul of Kanazawa through its food on this private, fully customizable tour led by a friendly government-licensed local guide. The highlight is Omicho Market, the city's lively kitchen for nearly 300 years, where narrow lanes overflow with the Sea of Japan's freshest catch. Your guide walks you through the bustling stalls, helps you choose the best spots, and introduces local specialties such as just-caught sushi, sweet snow crab, plump oysters and creamy sea urchin, explaining the seasonal catch and regional food culture while handling the ordering so you can simply relax and eat like a local. Because this is a private experience for your group only, the pace is entirely yours. Ask all the questions you like and let your guide tailor the day to your tastes, from market sampling to local sake and Kanazawa's refined Kaga cuisine. More than just a meal, it is a warm, personal welcome to Kanazawa.

- Explore the 120-year history of the Gamagori Classic Hotel with a local guide. - Discover elegant interiors and stories of celebrated writers and distinguished former guests. - Enjoy cake and coffee or tea overlooking Mikawa Bay and Takeshima Island. - Trace Gamagori’s literary connections at a charming museum beside the sea. - Stroll through Shunzei-en Garden while taking in beautiful views of Takeshima Island. Discover the literary charm of Gamagori, a peaceful seaside town overlooking Mikawa Bay. Explore the historic Gamagori Classic Hotel with a local guide, uncovering its distinctive architecture and connections to celebrated writers. Enjoy cake and coffee or tea with panoramic views of Takeshima Island before visiting the Seaside Literary Memorial Museum, where the town’s literary heritage comes to life. Complete your journey with a stroll through Shunzei-en Garden, surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery.