Top Activities on the Ground in Chubu - page 2

Go off the beaten track to parts of Hida missed by most travelers on this guided biking tour. Pedal at a relaxed pace through a historic tow and past farming villages and rice fields, and get a taste of local daily life in the Japanese countryside as your guide shares insights into the history and culture for the area. This small-group tour is limited to eight people to ensure a personal experience.

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.

A tour to fully enjoy the night in Takada, a historic castle town in the snowy region. The dining venue features a special lunch at "Centennial Ryotei Ukisyo," a traditional restaurant with over 140 years of history and designated as a National Tangible Cultural Property. You can explore the lavish four-story wooden architecture and savor authentic ryotei cuisine.

This tour mainly focuses on guiding you through Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya District, two of Kanazawa’s most iconic and beautiful areas. While walking at a relaxed pace, you will learn about local history, culture, and daily life, and enjoy the atmosphere of Kanazawa in the morning. Other nearby landmarks may be introduced briefly depending on time and interest, but the main highlights of this tour are Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District.

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.

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.

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.

This full-day e-bike tour offers a unique way to experience Kanazawa by combining the comfort and efficiency of electric bikes with a thoughtfully curated route through the city’s most iconic and atmospheric sites. From the elegance of Kenrokuen Garden and the historic depth of the Nagamachi samurai district to the charm of geisha teahouses in Nishi and Higashi Chaya, the tour blends cultural heritage, natural beauty, and hidden backstreets into one seamless journey. Along the way, guests will enjoy a peaceful tea ceremony. Your knowledgeable guide shares local insights, personal stories, and cultural context at each stop, bringing Kanazawa’s living traditions vividly to life. This relaxed, small-group experience is designed for immersive exploration at a comfortable pace, with plenty of opportunities for photos, conversation, and quiet moments away from the crowds.

The road is fully paved — smooth, stable, and safe to ride. Flanked by steep mountain walls and dramatic cliffs, the route feels like riding through a hidden canyon. Occasional clearings reveal breathtaking panoramic views. As you descend, small farmhouses begin to appear, offering a glimpse into the quiet daily life of rural Japan. Not Tokyo. Not Kyoto. This is Japan as it really is — unpolished, unhurried, and unforgettable.

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.

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.

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