All Chubu Tours & Excursions in 2026 - page 6

Shogawa-cho in Tonami City is home to Shogawa Woodturning, which has been certified as a Tonami brand. This is an experience themed around wood in this town of trees! You can freely decide the length and thickness of your chopsticks, so you can make chopsticks that are just right for you! It's a simple process of planing, so even beginners and children can enjoy the experience with peace of mind!

Engage in transformative Zen practices guided by a Buddhist monk, including seated meditation (zazen) and calligraphy (shakyō). Reflect on your inner self through activities like forest bathing and visits to waterfalls, allowing you to experience true "tranquility." Through this Zen Retreat, rooted in over 1,000 years of Eastern philosophy exploring the cycle of life, you will restore balance to your mind, body, and values.

Try Calligraphy at a Beloved Local School in Kanazawa ( Near Ninja Temple ) Just ink, washi, and your hands. But the moment the brush touches the paper— you’ll feel it. A new side of Japan opens up. Our 100-year-old townhouse offers an authentic calligraphy experience. From basic brush strokes to your own final piece, a local calligraphy master will guide you step by step with care. Please note: On Thursdays and Saturdays after 3:00 PM, our local calligraphy class is in session, so you may occasionally see Japanese children nearby. This experience uses materials that contain animal-derived components.

Abutting the remarkable Toyama Bay, Takaoka is a city with a diverse history of over 350 years. Known as the “Kitchen of Kanazawa”, it produced large amounts of food, metal working and pottery. As the second city of the Kaga Domain, much wealth was poured into the city, mostly in the form of building great temples. Two of those great temples, Zuiryuji and Shokoji, still remain and are considered National Treasures. On this tour you will see those temples, try your hand at metalworking and see the Amaharashi Coast with a view of the snow-capped Tateyama mountains in the background.

Guests will get to learn about the lens making process at Inui Lens which produces high quality lenses. You will get to see the rarely seen behind the scenes of a lens making factory. You will then make your own sunglasses by fitting your favorite lenses into your own eyeglass frame (you'll need your own frame or you can purchase one at the store for an additional fee). There are more than 300 kinds of colors. You can make a one-of-a-kind sunglass that is suited to you. After the experience, take a break with a soft serve ice cream or a special coffee at the cafe in Lens Park!

Guests will journey deep into the hidden region of Nagano known as Akiyamago, a remote mountain valley rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Here, they’ll soak in one of the wildest open-air hot springs in Nagano, where the healing waters bubble up directly from the riverbed — a rare and unforgettable experience. Important Note: The outdoor hot spring may be unavailable during bad weather if the river overflows. In that case, we’ll visit a local indoor onsen instead. The tour also includes a taste of tradition with a hearty bear meat hot pot lunch, called "Kumanabe", a local specialty passed down through generations. On the way back to Iiyama Station, we’ll stop by a local sake brewery, where guests can enjoy tasting some of Nagano’s finest rice wine. Akiyamago is usually closed off in winter due to extreme snowfall that even surpasses ski resorts, but we operate guided car tours to this remote area.

Try this unique experience of all-you-can-eat picking of strawberries with a time limit of 30 minutes in the Japanese nature! Kanko Strawberry Yamashiroen has seven greenhouses and several varieties of strawberries are grown, including Yayoi, Benihoppe, and Akihime, and visitors can compare them during the strawberry picking experience! Organically grown strawberries are all characterized by their large size and rich flavor. They are particular about fertilizers and use minerals imported from Shikoku. They are also Eco-Farmer certified strawberries, a sign that they have met the high standards for organic and reduced pesticide cultivation, so you can enjoy them with peace of mind! During your experience, you can also meet many Japanese people, coming with their families on their days off. They also have many repeat customers, some of whom come from outside of the prefecture to buy strawberries every week. For those who love strawberries and nature, this is the activity for you!

Kawazu Seven Falls, a renowned scenic spot with a prestigious two-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, offers a beautifully maintained walking path, making it easy to explore. Along the way, enjoy charming stops where you can make a wish by tossing a stone or follow a route through statues of the Seven Lucky Gods. Join a local guide on a completely private tour for an exclusive experience. We carefully select the best course to suit your age and fitness level, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey.

Would you like to experience making kumiko, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique? After learning about the history of Japanese architecture and the meaning behind the kumiko patterns from a master craftsman, you will enjoy a hands-on kumiko making experience. You can choose one from the two or three kumiko designs we have prepared. After the workshop, you will have the opportunity to tour a traditional Japanese shoin-zukuri room, where you can admire traditional Japanese woodwork and kumiko craftsmanship in the building's fixtures.

This Japanese cooking class offers a glimpse into everyday life in the Hida mountains. Instead of a studio kitchen, you’re welcomed into a local home to cook dishes that families here have prepared for generations. You’ll work with region-specific ingredients like aburae (egoma) and premium Hida rice, learn recipes rarely taught outside the area, and share a meal at the host’s own table. It’s an intimate, culture-rich experience that captures the real flavor of Hida - warm, personal, and authentically local.

The kimono is the beautiful traditional dress of Japan! On this 6-hour walking tour, you can experience wearing a Kimono. You will be dressed by a professional and have your hair done in a simple hairstyle. It will take about one hour to change for one group (including a simple hair set for women). Afterward, you can walk around Kanazawa and take photos. Please bring your camera! Kanazawa is well known for its sophisticated food and tea culture. The secret of the popularity of Kanazawa's cuisine is that it is not just about its taste, but is packed with many Japanese elements such as the spirit of hospitality, the beauty of tea utensils, and traditional methods.

Kanazawa is home to stroll gardens, teahouses, and magnificent architecture that dates back to the Edo Period, but understanding the history behind its most notable sites requires a lot of research. Save yourself time, and learn about Kanazawa from a local’s perspective by going on a customized walking tour. You can select the places you visit—such as Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle—then a private guide provides fascinating commentary and cultural insights along the way.

Get the most out of your time in Kanazawa by exploring the city with a private guide. Discover insights about the city that you might not hear otherwise, and benefit from the flexibility of being able to customize the itinerary. Potential places to visit include a traditional teahouse area—the Higashi Chaya District, Myoryuji Temple, Kanazawa Castle, and Oyama Shrine.

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.

Kinkori Shikkiten is a lacquerware shop run by brothers in Kawada, the town of Echizen lacquerware. In this experience, you will receive direct instruction from Mr. Masataka Kinkori, a craftsman at Kinkori Shikkiten, and experience painting lacquer on a wooden tray. The tray, which can be used for serving meals or as a tray for snacks, will make your ordinary foods for appealing. Guests will get to use the craftsman's tools for an authentic crafting experience. They will also get to learn about lacquerware from Mr. Kinkori who has years of lacquerware making experience.

After the Noto earthquake, many of my grandfather’s beautiful Kutani ware pieces—vases, tea cups, and plates—were broken. I couldn’t throw them away because they held so many memories. Instead, I decided to give them a new life by transforming the fragments into unique accessories. As a former instructor of gold leaf art in Kanazawa, I’ve spent years working with gold, and its delicate beauty inspired this workshop. I hope you’ll enjoy the same sense of creativity and tradition. During the experience, you’ll also savor Ishikawa’s famous Kaga-bōcha tea, served on a 100-year-old Wajima lacquer tray, along with Kutani ware teacups that survived the quake. It’s a moment of history, craftsmanship, and hospitality—all in one experience.

Kendo is a martial art that allows even beginners to experience full-fledged combat.You can experience its rules, origins, etiquette and striking with a bamboo sword. All experience levels are welcome, and participants receive complimentary drinks and a souvenir Kendo towel. Highlight=Samurai culture instruction/Practical guidance by over 20 years of Kendo experience guide/Hitting to instructors/Combat game/Guide demonstration/Free Japanese Kendo towel/Acceptable 2 people~

I teach snowboarding in a heavy snowfall area in Yuzawa, that is an hour away from Tokyo by Shinkansen. The venue is in a ski resort located at Yuzawa in Niigata Prefecture, which is a heavy snowfall area that can be reached from Tokyo in just over an hour by bullet train. I will film with a GoPro if you wish. I am a Japanese guy and I have a snowboarding certification at the 2nd level. I speak fluent English. I also have a certified public accountant qualification of the United States. I lived in Manhattan and Philadelphia for 2 years previously. The lesson is suitable for beginners. Below is an example of the itinerary. 8:15 am: Meet at JR Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Move to a ski resort by free bus. 8:45 am: Arrive at the ski resort. Rent equipment and change clothes. 9:30 am: Start lesson. Noon: Lesson ends. We will NOT provide stuff below. - Ski ticket (1-day ticket) - snowboard - snowboard wear - goggle - hat - gloves - Helmet - Shinkansen ticket to the nearest station

Experience traditional calligraphy in this beautiful building. Enjoy a delicious local meal for lunch. If you wish, we can frame your calligraphy work for an additional fee. In the afternoon, you can visit the traditional Otaki Shrine and pray for improvement in your handwriting.

We offer an exclusive private tour to Mount Minobu, one of Japan’s three most revered Buddhist peaks. This serene retreat, boasting 750 years of history, is just 1.5 hours from Shimizu Port and provides a truly immersive journey into Japan’s rich cultural. Visit Mt. Minobu’s Kuonji Temple, where monks gather to train and practice their faith, and deepen your understanding of Japanese traditions and Buddhist culture with insights from our experienced local guide. Indulge in a beautiful Zen lunch course that delights both the eyes and the palate. This healthy meal reflects Japan’s traditional dietary practices, renowned for promoting longevity. Enhance your journey with a hands-on cultural experience. Choose one of several activities rooted in Buddhist teachings and traditions that have shaped Japanese culture for centuries. Your day will be fully escorted by a licensed English-speaking guide and driver, ensuring a hassle-free and enriching experience.

Experience the delicate art of Japanese sweets and the serene ritual of the tea ceremony in Kanazawa. This hands-on workshop blends creativity, culture, and mindfulness as you craft seasonal wagashi and learn authentic matcha preparation. Guided by a local expert, you’ll discover the meaning behind each sweet design and the grace of tea etiquette. Unlike typical tastings, this immersive experience invites you to participate fully, connecting you with Kanazawa’s refined traditions in an intimate, welcoming setting. Perfect for travelers seeking both artistry and cultural depth.

Step into the breathtaking landscapes and peaceful towns from the beloved anime Your Name (Kimi no Na wa). This tour takes you to iconic locations in the Hida/Takayama region, where the magic of Mitsuha and Taki’s story comes to life. From the tranquil streets and canals of Hida-Furukawa to spiritual sanctuaries like Keta Wakamiya Shrine, every stop offers a glimpse into the world of the anime. Along the way, have a hands-on experience creating your own kumihimo braided cord, a central motif in the story, and savoring local food. This tour is a perfect blend of anime-inspired exploration and cultural discovery, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the timeless traditions and scenic charm of the Hida region. Whether you’re a devoted fan of Your Name or simply looking to experience the region’s rich heritage, this journey will leave you with memories as magical as the story that inspired it.

Local guides will take you to spots that have long been beloved by the locals. You will be taught the experience of sushi, a traditional Japanese meal, by a professional trained at a high-end sushi restaurant in Ginza. You will stand at the sushi counter, where you would normally never be able to stand. I will take you to an Onsen where travelers are never allowed to enter. We will take you to secret Onsen that only the locals go to. Please enjoy deep Kofu.

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!