Top Kanazawa Day Trips

[One-day bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station] Shirakawa-go and Gokayama - Two World Heritage Villages Enjoyable Bus Tour

7 hours 45 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(296)

from $94

Tour dates: Every Wednesday, Thursday This tour is a bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station.Visit Shirakawago, a World Heritage Site very popular with foreigners, and Hida Takayama in Gifu Prefecture.English-speaking staff will accompany you, so you can participate with peace of mind.On the bus, your guide will give you a walking map of each tourist destination.The guide will guide you through the sights and souvenirs beforehand, so you can enjoy walking around efficiently.Lunch is a Japanese set meal full of local dishes from the Hida region and mountain produce.You don't have to worry about food, so you can take a leisurely stroll. The tour ends (arrival at Kanazawa Station) at 5:15 p.m. ＜Itinerary＞ 07:50 Meet at JR Kanazawa Station, Kanazawa Port Exit (West Exit) Group Bus Stop 08:00 forehand from JR Kanazawa Station 09:15 - 09:30 Michi no Eki Shirakawa-go 09: 40 - 11 : 30 Shirakawa-go free walking 11:30 - 12:15 Lunch 13 : 15 - 15 : 00 Hida Takayama Free Walking 17:15 Arrival JR Kanazawa Station, Kanazawa Port Exit (West Exit) Group Bus Stop *Schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to road conditions, weather, etc. *Michi no Eki Shirakawago is closed from December 29 to January 1.On regular holidays, we will stop at Jottekale Castleside (Toyama Prefecture). *The price of the trip does not include admission to each facility or meals during free time. *Infants do not include meals.Bus seat prices only.If you require infant meals, please book as a child. *Under 2s are free.Bus seats and meals are not included. Notes Please climb the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory yourself.Walking is about 10 to 15 minutes one way.A paid shuttle bus costs 300 yen one way (paid locally).

Spring Shirakawa-go gassho-zukuri and carp streamers

[One-day bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station] Shirakawa-go/Takayama tour platinum route bus tour

9 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(141)

from $101

Kanazawa Private Tour with a Local – Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Kanazawa on a private, fully customizable half-day tour tailored to your interests and led by a passionate local host. Explore highlights like Kenrokuen Garden, the Samurai District, and Higashi Chaya, while uncovering hidden gems and hearing personal stories and cultural insights. With flexible start times and a bespoke itinerary, this immersive experience is perfect for first-time visitors or those seeking a deeper connection with the city.

Kanazawa Private Tour with a Local – Highlights & Hidden Gems

2 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

(193)

from $66

Discover the most authentic essence of Japan on an unforgettable journey from Kanazawa Station 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. Continue your day at the majestic Kenrokuen Garden (If option selected), a peaceful haven famous for its harmony between nature and Japanese art. Stroll among crystal-clear ponds, stone bridges, and centuries-old trees. the experience continues in the Higashi Chaya district, where cobblestone streets and traditional teahouses will transport you to the era of geishas and samurais, offering a unique atmosphere full of history. Return to Kanazawa with unforgettable memories from a day that perfectly blends history, culture, and nature.

Shirakawago & Kanazawa from Kanazawa

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

This full-day tour checks off two fascinating locations in one go—a great way to learn more about Japan's history and culture if you're short on time. Spend your morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go, a village famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. In the afternoon, head to Kanazawa to visit the Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District. Make and taste traditional Japanese sweets, and watch a craftsperson make gold leaf.

(87)

from $63

World Heritage Shirakawa-go and Experience Tours from Kanazawa

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Beat the crowds that flock to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go by opting for this morning tour from Kanazawa. You'll arrive at the village bright and early, with plenty of time to explore the surrounding area. Snap photos of traditional houses, listen as your guide provides context and insight, and choose whether to try local foods such as ice cream made with sake, or Hida beef (own expense).

(4,798)

from $118

World Heritage Shirakawa-go Perfect Guided Tour from Kanazawa

5 hoursFree Cancellation

(597)

from $79

This tour is your shortcut to discovering scenic villages and towns in the Japanese countryside. Take the stress out of driving on unfamiliar rural roads by having a private driver for the day. Travel with ease between dispersed sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago, Hida Furukawa, and Takayama. You won’t feel rushed as there’s plenty of time to get out of the car and explore local sights on foot at each location.

Private Tour Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Hida Furukawa,Takayama

Private Tour Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Hida Furukawa,Takayama

9 hoursFree Cancellation

(117)

from $465

Private Tour of Shirakawago and Gokayama from Kanazawa

7 hoursFree Cancellation

(54)

from $385

From Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village

9 hoursFree Cancellation

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route offers a remarkable journey through Japan's Northern Japan Alps, showcasing stunning alpine scenery and unique transportation experiences. Traverse the route via cable cars, ropeways, and buses, while witnessing breathtaking landscapes that change with the seasons. Highlights include the famous Yuki-no-Otani Snow Corridor in spring, vibrant autumn foliage, and the impressive Kurobe Dam. Each season reveals a different side of this natural wonder, making it a year-round destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. -Take comfortable bus from Nagano/Kanazawa, explore Northern Alps. -Spring-limited "Snow Wall Valley", a spectacular snow wall landscape that you must see once. -Visit world-class engineering marvel, the Kurobe Dam, experience firsthand the magnificent grandeur of Japan's largest dam. -Enjoy unique journey using six different mountain transportation in one day. -Special gift: Hokushinetsu specialty and local cuisine "Sasa Sushi".

(106)

from $196

Kanazawa/Nagano: Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Day Tour

Kanazawa/Nagano: Tateyama Kurobe Snow Wall Day Tour

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $224

Day Tour from Kanazawa OR Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley

The stunning Japanese Alps stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan with beautiful scenery throughout. The Northern Alps in Toyama is the famous Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. This route stretches across a mountain range and goes over magnificent gorges, charming lakes and seemingly endless highlands. During the winter time this area is transformed into a white paradise, with snows walls that can stretch as high as 20 meters(60 feet). On this tour you will ride one of our company buses to get to Murodo, where you can walk along this snow wall and enjoy the other winter sights in the area. On the way there, we will have a brief stop in Ashikuraji, the traditional start of the climb to Mt. Tateyama. Learn about how people viewed heaven and hell and this mountains role in those. Let’s venture together into history and then the “Roof of Japan” and revel in this mountains region’s beauty.

Day Tour from Kanazawa OR Toyama: Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley

10 hoursFree Cancellation

In the Northern Japanese Alps lies a small beautiful onsen town sitting at the entrance of an even more amazing sight, Japanese deepest V-shaped gorge, Kurobe Gorge. On this tour you can experience the great natural beauty of Japan with the small town feel of a popular onsen resort. Your local guide will show you foot baths and healing buddhas, ride on the trolley train across spectacular gorges and finally walk in nature with onsen water rivers. City and scenery, bridges and buddhas, trolley trains and scenic walks, fully enjoy a lesser traveled part of Japan in Unazuki Onsen and the Kurobe Gorge!

(35)

from $247

Full Day Tour to Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen from Kanazawa

Full Day Tour to Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen from Kanazawa

8 hoursFree Cancellation

For travelers looking to explore a more traditional side of Japan, Takayama and Shirakawa-go offer a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a world that seems far away from the hustle and bustle of major cities. Takayama today has within it a faithfully preserved traditional town composed of three major avenues and a number of alleyways. With crystal clear water flowing on both sides of the streets, and historical wooden buildings, you will be witness to the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. Shirakawa-go, on the other hand, is and has always been a quaint village of thatched roof homes, where agriculture and cottage industries thrived for centuries. Nowadays, it has become well known as one of the few remaining villages in Japan that boasts a high number of preserved homes with thatched roofs. You are free to start your tour from either Takayama or Kanazawa, and also end the tour at either of those destinations.

(17)

from $212

Private Tour From Kanazawa to Takayama and Shirakawa-go

Private Tour From Kanazawa to Takayama and Shirakawa-go

9 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

(1)

from $870

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 Nishi Chaya District or Nagamachi, depending on the day, where cobblestone streets and traditional teahouses will transport you to the era of geishas and samurais, offering a unique atmosphere full of history and elegance. This tour offers an immersive experience of Japan’s culture and heritage.

Shirakawago & Kanazawa from Kyoto by bullet train

Shirakawago & Kanazawa from Kyoto by bullet train

14 hours 15 minutesFree Cancellation

from $71

Take a comprehensive tour of Kanazawa and discover its rich history and key landmarks. Step back in time and explore one of the most well-preserved samurai districts. Explore the grounds of Kanazawa Castle and its gardens that were built during the Edo period. End the tour with a stroll through the Kenrokuen Garden, considered to be the most beautiful in Japan, that is filled with thousands of colorful flowers.

Kanazawa Full Day Tour (Private Guide)

7 hoursFree Cancellation

(376)

from $177

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Japan's hidden cultural gems with this expertly guided day tour from Kanazawa. Explore the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawago, where fairy-tale gassho-zukuri farmhouses with dramatic thatched roofs have weathered centuries of mountain snow. Discover historic Takayama, the captivating "Little Kyoto of the Alps," where cobblestone Kami-Sannomachi streets house traditional sake breweries, artisanal miso shops, and charming boutiques selling handcrafted folk art and local delicacies. Marvel at spectacular festival floats at Yatai Kaikan from Japan's most celebrated festivals. Your National Government Licensed Guide unveils fascinating cultural secrets throughout this immersive experience.

Shirakawago in June : Photo courtesy of Shirakawa-go Tourist Association

1-Day Shirakawago & Takayama Tour (Round Trip from Kanazawa)

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(40)

from $204

Kanazawa to Shirakawago to Takayama: English Speaking Driver Only

This private and customizable driving tour will allow you to take in the beauty of Shirakawago with out the worry of catching trains or busses. This driving tour is perfect for independent travelers that would like to take in the sites on their own. Allow your private chauffer to take you around in comfort and style. Once your tour is done, your chauffer will take you to traditional city of Takayama so that you can continue your travels across Japan. We hope to send you to gorgeous Shirakawago soon!

Kanazawa to Shirakawago to Takayama: English Speaking Driver Only

7 hoursFree Cancellation

(2)

from $434

This is the only tour from Kanazawa to the world-class Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. Discover one of the world’s largest dinosaur museums, featuring 51 life-size skeletons, immersive exhibits, and dinosaurs discovered right here in Fukui, such as Fukuiraptor. Travel comfortably with direct, no-transfer transportation from Kanazawa. During the journey, your guide will explain why so many dinosaur fossils have been found in this region, helping you get the most out of your visit. You will also receive advance guidance on the museum’s highlights and how to arrange lunch, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. Enjoy approximately 3.5 hours of free exploration at the museum, and receive a dinosaur pin badge as a special souvenir. This tour is designed to help you make the most of your time at this world-class dinosaur destination.

Kanazawa : World-Class Fukui Dinosaur Museum Small Group Tour

Kanazawa : World-Class Fukui Dinosaur Museum Small Group Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $115

1 Day Tour from Kanazawa Tedori Gorge White Road and Shirakawa Go

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Japan on this full-day tour from Kanazawa. Begin your journey at Shirayama Hime Shrine, dedicated to sacred Mt. Haku, then venture through the picturesque Hakusan Shirakawa-Go White Road, known for its stunning valley views and waterfalls. Conclude your adventure in Shirakawa-Go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can walk through historical thatched-roof houses and immerse yourself in local culture. Perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts, this tour includes guided insights and captivating sights. - Start the tour at 9:00 A.M. from Kanazawa Station - Visit the ancient Shirayama Hime Shrine and then Tedori Gorge - Travel along the scenic White Road with multiple sightseeing stops - Explore the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-Go

1 Day Tour from Kanazawa Tedori Gorge White Road and Shirakawa Go

9 hoursFree Cancellation

Explore the natural beauty of Tateyama, one of Japan's Three Holy Mountains, on this day tour from Kanazawa. Start your adventure at Shomyo Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall, known for its soothing sounds. Hike through lush alpine trails at Midagahara, enjoying a picturesque lunch overlooking the plateau. Reach Murodo Station for stunning views, where you can explore hiking routes or relax in the highest-altitude onsen in Japan. This tour offers a perfect blend of breathtaking nature and cultural insights, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers seeking a unique experience in Japan. - Day tour from Kanazawa, starting at 8:00 A.M. - Visit Japan's tallest waterfall and hike the Roof of Japan - Enjoy a lunch break with scenic mountain views - Suitable for moderately fit hikers with flexible routes available for the less physically fit

(8)

from $197

Kanazawa Day Tour: Shomyo Falls & Tateyama Mountain Walks

Kanazawa Day Tour: Shomyo Falls & Tateyama Mountain Walks

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Experience the charm of Japan’s countryside with a private full-day tour from Kanazawa to Shirakawago and Takayama. Explore the historic village of Shirakawago, renowned for its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses and stunning mountain scenery. Then continue to Takayama, a beautifully preserved town known for its traditional streets, local craftsmanship, and regional cuisine. This tour is fully customizable to suit your interests—whether you’d like to focus on history, food, scenic views, or a mix of everything. Travel in comfort with a private vehicle for up to 6 guests, enjoy the flexibility of your own schedule, and take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Japanese Alps at your own pace. The tour lasts up to 8 hours including driving time and is a round-trip returning to Kanazawa. If you wish to finish your tour in Takayama instead, please contact us for a separate arrangement, as luggage space is limited.

(4)

from $247

ENGLISH SPEAKING Private Full Day Tour Shirakawago/ Takayama

ENGLISH SPEAKING Private Full Day Tour Shirakawago/ Takayama

8 hoursFree Cancellation

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.

(6)

from $641

Per group

Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go Full-Day Bus Tour

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Toyama Bay is famed for its fresh seafood and impressive mountains that overlook it. The Northern Japanese Alps that surround the bay include many great sights, such as the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, the Kurobe Gorge and even Gokayama, but the mountain range itself is amazing to view from afar. This tour includes visiting Amaharashi, one of the most famous spots for seeing the snow covered mountains. It will also head into the city of Takaoka to see the Big Buddha there. There are many excellent options for food in the area, too! Finally, the tour heads into the mountains for a short cruise on the Shokawa River. The valley is stunning and excellent in most seasons: snow in the winter, vivid green and cool in the summer and red leaves in the autumn. If you want to get a taste of both the sea and mountain scenic sights of Japan, this tour is perfect for you!

from $160

Amaharashi Coast & Shokawa Cruise from Kanazawa

Amaharashi Coast & Shokawa Cruise from Kanazawa

8 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(11)

from $196

Shirakawago and Kanazawa Tour from Tokyo by Private Car

Embark on an exclusive full-day journey by private air-conditioned car to discover two of Japan’s most enchanting destinations. Begin with a visit to the picturesque village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its iconic gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs, creating a timeless and fairy-tale atmosphere. Enjoy free time to wander through the village at your own pace and take in the beauty of the surroundings, with the option to enjoy a traditional local lunch. Continue your journey to Kanazawa, starting with the serene Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens, where crystal-clear ponds, elegant stone bridges, and centuries-old trees create a perfect balance between nature and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The experience concludes in the historic Higashi Chaya District, where cobblestone streets and beautifully preserved teahouses evoke the refined world of geishas, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

Shirakawago and Kanazawa Tour from Tokyo by Private Car

16 hoursFree Cancellation

from $647

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What are people saying about Kanazawa

Kanazawa Private Tour with a Local – Highlights & Hidden Gems

Beth_s, May 2026

Extraordinary and not to be missed. NAtsuko is a wonderful guide!!

Natsuko was the perfect guide for us. She was charming and so very knowledgeable about her city taking us thru many neighborhoods! There were a few architectural highlights we wanted to see and off we went Fabulous local noodle place for lunch and then off again! We wish we had more time with Natsuko it we had to get back to our ship! Hope you get her as your guide in Japan

Private Tour Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Hida Furukawa,Takayama

Samantha_B, May 2026

A great day covering some of the lesser known areas.

It was great to sit back and have all the travel taken care of on this trip. My guide, Mai was so lovely and we chatted all about Japan & The uk together. So sweet and considerate. It felt like a real authentic taste of Japan. Thank you so much for great day!

[One-day bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station] Shirakawa-go and Gokayama - Two World Heritage Villages Enjoyable Bus Tour

Brigitte_H, May 2026

Great tour value...

Great tour value departing from Kanazawa station with accurate instructions provided about pickup locations and itinerary. Beautiful and interesting villages with nice vew points for photos. Loved the traditional lunch served in a private room for the group. Bus driver couldn’t have dropped us closer to attractions and avoided traffic congestion during Golden week (much better than using your own car). Good information and maps provided during the bus ride in English and Japaneese.

Kanazawa Full Day Tour (Private Guide)

Jamie_L, Mar 2026

Unforgettable Kanazawa with Jorge

We were able to see so many different sites and Jorge was knowedgeable about each of them. He took us to places we would have never been able to see on our own. Excellent communicator, sensitive to our needs and fully customized for us. Searched out great food options. He was one of the best guides we have ever had over the years.

From Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village

Albert_W, Feb 2026

We absolutely loved the...

We absolutely loved the tour, from telling us the history to showing us all the good spots for photos. We were supposed to be a group of 4, but two people bailed last minute so it turned into a private tour! We had great weather (heavy snow at Shirakawago) and had so many opportunities for great photos and memories

World Heritage Shirakawa-go and Experience Tours from Kanazawa

Gail_F, Jan 2026

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go was amazing - loved the traditional houses with their steep triangle roofs. Yasushi was guide and he was amazing. He was informative and kept everything running smoothly. Yasushi always had a smile on his face and his energy just made you smile. Going early in the morning is the way to go as it gets busy! In the afternoon we went to Kenrokuen Garden. This was our second time we visited the garden and we learnt even more history. Yasushi took us around a different path and we saw things that we didn't see the first time. To top off the day we made a gold leaf postcard. What a way to finish the day.... oh wait have the gold leaf ice-cream as well - it's delicious! Highly recommend this tour plus Yasushi - thankyou!

[One-day bus tour departing from Kanazawa Station] Shirakawa-go/Takayama tour platinum route bus tour

Raymond_S, Jan 2026

Great day trip from Kanazawa

Shirakawago and Takayama combined in a single tour from Kanazawa. 2 hours to spend in each location, with short hour long bus rides between all the locations. The tour guide and company are highly professional, and local. Not a foreigner. Lunch was delicious. Had a great time.

World Heritage Shirakawa-go Perfect Guided Tour from Kanazawa

Brent_L, Nov 2025

Highly recommend this tour!

Aiko (main tour guide) was an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and passionate guide! She was engaging the entire time. Really enjoyed the format of getting the information on the bus before heading into the village to get nearly 2 hours of free time to hike, eat and drink! Highly recommend to take this tour and visit this UNESCO site

Kanazawa Half Day Tour (Private Guide)

Marta_F, Nov 2025

Great day in Kanazawa!

Kayo was an awesome guide. We met her at the Kanazawa train station and took a bus to the Samarai district. We got to go in an upper Samarai’s house that was beautiful. We walked through the castle area over to the Kenrokuen Garden. It was spectacular! Last we made a quick stop in the Geisha district. We fit in a lot as Kayo was a perfect guide. Since this was a day trip for us, we arrived to Kanazawa early and walked through the Omicho Market on our own. Overall, it was a wonderful day!