All Chubu Tours & Excursions in 2026 - page 13

Join the president of Maruya Hatcho Miso, a brewery with nearly 700 years of history, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. Inside the historic storehouse—still used today—you'll encounter towering 2-meter wooden barrels and three-ton stone weights used in the traditional fermentation process. It’s a rare and awe-inspiring sight. After the tour, enjoy a hands-on cooking experience using Hatcho miso. From preparation to cooking and even cleaning up, you’ll take part in the full process alongside the president himself. Highlights: ・Learn about Hatcho miso production directly from the company president ・Explore a traditional miso warehouse that’s been in use for over 150 years ・Cook and taste a dish made with Hatcho miso in an interactive workshop

Escape tourist-oriented restaurants and dive into the real nightlife of Kofu City. This guided evening tour takes you through the lively streets around Kofu Station, where locals gather after work. You will visit 2–3 carefully selected venues: traditional izakayas with seasonal dishes, trendy modern bars popular among young locals, and nostalgic snack bars that are usually difficult to enter without a Japanese speaker. Your guide—an experienced interpreter and Yamanashi local—will help you order food and drinks, translate conversations, and introduce the cultural background of each place. Learn about Kofu’s unique wine history, the old castle town atmosphere, and the friendly drinking culture that defines Yamanashi. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this tour offers a safe, warm, and memorable night in Kofu.

Step inside the studio, located near Kanazawa's famous Higashi Chaya Tea District, and take part in a celebratory family meal, prepared for special guests. Every culture has its own ways of marking moments, recognizing the unique times that punctuate ordinary life. In Japan, these special days are called hare no hi — literally “sunny days” — and food has long been a common way to celebrate special events. Many families still maintain older cultural traditions around home-cooked meals ordinarily reserved for extraordinary days. This workshop is centered around a traditional dish from Ishikawa called sasa-zushi, or “bamboo sushi”, still prepared to celebrate special occasions. Every home cook has their own personal twist on the recipe, as these living traditions continue to evolve. The family prepares it all together as a group: first, line a press molds with a layer of sushi rice, add your own choice of toppings, then press, slice, and wrap each individual piece in a bamboo leaf.

■ Experience Highlights ・Held in a traditional Kanazawa machiya townhouse ・Small-group setting ・English-friendly ・Participation is optional and relaxed (no pressure) ・Made with fresh local ingredients ・Warm, home-visit atmosphere ・Includes local sightseeing tips Please note: This is not a formal cooking class.

Save time researching things to see and do in Kanazawa and go on this private and personalized tour instead. As there’s no fixed itinerary, you can share your interests in a questionnaire, then benefit from having a personalized tour to help you get the most out of your day. Potential stops include temples, local markets, or beautiful gardens—the decision is up to you.

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.

Forge your own kitchen knife from tamahagane, the same steel used for samurai swords, and take the finished blade home. You work one-on-one with an award-winning young master swordsmith in Seki, Japan's legendary blade town: heating and hammering the steel, applying the clay to set your own hamon (temper line), then grinding, sharpening and fitting the handle. Every step is hands-on, guided in English, using genuine swordsmithing technique scaled to a kitchen knife you'll use for years.

Unlike standard sightseeing tours that simply introduce famous spots, this experience explores the hidden meanings, design philosophy, and changing scenery of Kenrokuen Garden with a local guide. Guests will discover how ponds, bridges, islands, stones, and open spaces were carefully arranged to express traditional Japanese aesthetics and ideas of beauty. The tour follows the garden’s classic viewing route while introducing iconic locations such as Kotoji Lantern, Kasumigaike Pond, Karasaki Pine, and Ganko Bridge. Along the way, your guide will explain how Kenrokuen was designed to reveal different scenery step by step, creating a garden meant to be experienced through movement rather than viewed from a single point. Guests are also encouraged to reflect on which location they personally found most beautiful, making the experience more interactive and thoughtful than a typical guided walk. The extended option additionally includes a relaxing tea break inside the garden.

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.

Experience a 90-minute tea ceremony at Umegoten, a former imperial villa in Rakujuen Park, just steps from Mishima Station. Built in 1890 as a retreat for Prince Komatsu Akihito, uncle to Emperor Meiji, it is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. While most imperial properties are open only for viewing, Taian invites you inside to enjoy seasonal sweets and matcha prepared with Mt. Fuji’s spring water, watch traditional tea preparation, whisk your own bowl with expert guidance, and photograph the serene garden views. With small groups, this experience offers a personal encounter with Japanese tea culture in a timeless setting.

Discover Kanazawa with Aiko, an experienced local guide with deep knowledge of the city’s culture, history, and hidden corners. Her friendly personality and passion for Kanazawa create a welcoming and memorable experience. This is a fully private tour tailored to your interests. After booking, Aiko will ask about the experiences you would like to have so she can design a tour just for you. With strong connections to local people, Aiko will take you beyond the typical tourist spots and introduce the deeper, more authentic side of Kanazawa.

Experience Kanazawa’s most iconic highlights—from the pristine landscapes of Kenrokuen Garden and atmospheric wooden teahouses of Higashi Chaya to the bustling Omicho Market and historic Nagamachi Samurai District. On top of the famous sights, we offer so much more. Go deeper into Kanazawa’s rich culture with top spots like the 21st Century Museum, the mysterious Ninja Temple, Oyama Shrine, or the Yasue Gold Leaf Museum. Looking to venture further? Our extended options take you directly to UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawa-go and historic Hida Takayama! Choose the exact duration and travel style that suits your group best: ・4-Hour Tour: Flexible Walking or Private Vehicle option ・6-Hour Tour: Private Vehicle for an in-depth city experience ・8-Hour & 12-Hour Tours: Private Vehicle extended options to explore Shirakawa-go & Takayama Skip the crowded group tours, set your own comfortable pace, and let your expert local guide craft a seamless, 100% personalized itinerary just for you!

Discover the natural wonders of the northern Japanese Alps without having to organize the logistics on this full-day tour from Kanazawa. With bus transportation and trolley train tickets included, travel with ease to Unazuki Onsen and Kurobe Gorge. Ride the scenic trolley train across bridges and through the mountainous landscape, then explore on foot with a guide to navigate and provide insights along the way.

Explore the world famous UNESCO village on our full-day Shirakawago & Kanazawa tour from Kanazawa station! Admire the picturesque landscapes in Shirakawa-go in the morning, then return to Kanazawa to visit must-see attractions like Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District. In Kanazawa, you will make Japanese sweets with a professional craftsman and enjoy the traditional craft of gold leaf experience. Stroll through the geisha district while savoring luxurious soft serve ice cream adorned with gold leaf. Enjoy unique experiences on this one-day tour that you wouldn't have on your own. Please enjoy Walking & Local food in Shirakawa-go. Let's make Japanese Sweets with professional craftsman. Learn about Traditional craft Gold leaf experience.

Regardless of whether you are coming to Japan for the first time, or you’re an obsessed Japan lover, this intimate photoshoot by a local English-speaking professional photographer will be a unique experience to enhance your treasured memories of Japan. We will capture your magical moments, leaving you free to take in the sights without worrying about the best angles and light, or asking a stranger to take your picture! I am experienced in portrait and travel street photography, and my work has been published in many magazines, guidebooks including Lonely Planet and the city guides of tourism boards. Insta-worthy travel photos will be guaranteed!

Rather than taking home standard souvenirs, create a more personalized memento to remember your time in Japan by taking part in a gold leaf craft workshop in Kanazawa. Choose to decorate an item of your choice, ranging from chopsticks to small plates, and enjoy one-to-one guidance throughout in a super small group.

* Make your own chopsticks from premium Kiso Hinoki cypress in historic Magome-juku. * Experience using a traditional Japanese kanna hand plane. * Complete your chopsticks in about 20–30 minutes and take them home the same day. * Take home fragrant Kiso Hinoki wood shavings in a small aroma bag as a special souvenir. * A short, hands-on cultural experience that fits easily into your visit to Magome and the Nakasendo Trail.

Immerse yourself in the history of Kanazawa on this small-group walking tour. As you walk through the city streets, from Nagamachi where remnants of samurai culture remain, to Kanazawa's most-famous geisha district, your guide will tell you stories of the city past and present. You'll also enjoy a delicious gold leaf ice cream to keep your energy up.

This private and customizable tour for Kanazawa is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.

Calligraphy Experience Flow Feel the brush and paper First, you’ll enjoy feeling the texture of the brush and paper while practicing basic brush strokes. Choose your favorite kanji Next, choose your favorite Japanese character — for example, “Love,” “Dream,” “Heart,” or “Fuji.” Our staff will provide individual support and guidance. Create your own masterpiece Finally, write and complete your own original calligraphy artwork — a one-of-a-kind piece in the world, created by you. ️ Your finished artwork can be taken home as a special souvenir of your time in Japan.

・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

Colors of Kanazawa – Afternoon Walking Tour with Hands-On Kaga Yuzen Experience Discover Kanazawa’s vibrant history, beautiful gardens, and traditional crafts in this fun and interactive afternoon tour! Stroll through Oyama Shrine and Kanazawa Castle, learning about the city’s samurai past before relaxing with a refreshing drink at a traditional café in Kenrokuen Gardens. The highlight of the day is a hands-on Kaga Yuzen workshop, where you’ll paint your own small traditional bag using vibrant dyes under the guidance of a local artisan – a special souvenir to take home. With a maximum group size of just 12 guests, this tour offers a personal and memorable experience, perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors.

Departure Confirmed Nov 6 Travel through the scenic Hakusan Shirakawa-go White Road, a beautiful mountain route in Hakusan National Park surrounded by stunning autumn foliage. An English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour. The route connects Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go, the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional Gassho-style villages. Enjoy breathtaking seasonal scenery, waterfalls including Ubaga-Taki Waterfall (one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waterfalls), and panoramic viewpoints along the way. The best autumn foliage season is from mid-October. Explore Shirakawa-go at your own pace with free time to discover the charming village and its unique traditional houses. The tour also includes a visit to Hakuichi’s flagship store “Hakukokan”, a “Gold Leaf Museum” showcasing Kanazawa’s famous gold leaf craftsmanship. Enjoy the popular Gold Leaf Soft-Serve Ice Cream, visit the café, and browse unique souvenirs. A light lunch box and a bottle of water are included.

Kubota Liquor Store is a long-established liquor store that was founded in 1914 (Taisho 3), and is the first place you should visit if you want to buy Fukui's local sake in Sabae. Here guests will get to taste locally made sakes in special lacquered glasses. Guests can try junmai sake, daiginjo sake, or both depending on the plan. Glasses for junmai sake have a wide opening so that you can enjoy the full flavor of junmai sake, whereas glasses for daiginjo sake have a slightly narrower opening to trap the aroma and has depth to its shape which is its characteristic. This experience is perfect for those who love sake as they will get in try local sake in a unique way.