All Chubu Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

Go beyond the stage and into the heart of the Willow World. Most travelers only glimpse geisha from afar. This intimate 1-hour experience invites you into a privately reserved teahouse in the tranquil Nishi Chaya District, offering a rare and respectful encounter with Kanazawa’s living geisha culture. Experience Highlights Traditional Dance and Conversation Enjoy an elegant geisha dance performance, followed by an open conversation about her artistry, training, and daily life—guided in an accessible, welcoming way. Ozashiki-asobi (Teahouse Games) Take part in classic teahouse games that showcase wit, etiquette, and playful interaction—an essential part of geisha culture. Tea andSeasonal Wagashi Relax with premium Japanese tea and beautifully crafted seasonal sweets in a refined, private setting. Designed for culturally curious travelers, this small-group experience offers depth without formality. Not just a performance but a personal cultural encounter.

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.

Long overlooked by most visitors to Japan, Fukui Prefecture became far easier to reach with the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2024. Venture further into the region, though, and you'll still find sides of Fukui that remain refreshingly untouched. On this tour, you will visit some of Fukui's remote highlights in just a single day. - Walk the covered corridors of Daihonzan Eiheiji, a mountainside temple founded more than 780 years ago and now one of the two head temples of Sōtō Zen Buddhism - Explore the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, a world-leading collection of animatronics, real fossils, and exhibits spanning the ancient world - Stand before the Echizen Great Buddha (17m): the tallest indoor seated Buddha in Japan - Ascend Japan's tallest five-story pagoda (75m) for sweeping views over Katsuyama

Discover the cultural beauty of Japan on this immersive Kanazawa day tour with a private car and English-speaking guide. Begin your journey from Kanazawa in a private vehicle and head to the breathtaking Natadera Temple, a sacred site founded in the 700s and famous for its peaceful gardens, dramatic rock formations, and serene atmosphere. Continue to Yunokuni-no-Mori Craft Village, where you can experience traditional Japanese arts and crafts firsthand. Try the elegant Kaga Yuzen dyeing technique and choose from a variety of additional hands-on cultural activities throughout the village. This private cultural tour offers a perfect blend of history, art, entertainment, and local traditions, making it an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking a deeper connection with Japan. Book now and discover the timeless charm of Kanazawa through unforgettable cultural experiences, beautiful scenery, and exclusive local traditions you won’t find anywhere else.

A one-day journey from Kanazawa to discover the nature and culture of the Noto Peninsula. Enjoy wine tasting at a seaside winery, a fresh seafood lunch in the fishing town of Wajima, and a hands-on experience with traditional Wajima lacquerware. Choose from optional visits to the stunning Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces, the historic Sojiji Zen temple, or a cruise along the dramatic Noto Kongo coast. Drive along Chirihama Beach, one of the world’s rare beaches open to cars, and conclude with a wine-paired dinner featuring local ingredients. A special day to experience the living story of Noto with all five senses.

*Savour 450 Year Old Wisdom and Purify Your Heart *The Power of Words: Kotodama *The Beauty of Graceful Conduct *Refining the Heart to Fulfill Your Mission *Welcome to the Timeless Tradition of Japanese Tea Culture *Discover the Beauty of Japanese Tradition: The Way of Tea *A Special Moment to Savour Japanese Culture *Understanding the Significance of Movements with Thoughtful Explanations *Questions and Curiosity Are Always Welcome *The Tea Ceremony Experience Reflects the Seasons *Passing Down the Spirit of the Tea Ceremony *Aesthetics of the Tea Ceremony and Samurai Hospitality were *Fostered Under the Kaga Hyakumangoku *What is Kaga Hyakumangoku?

Formal Purification & Prayer Experience a private Shinto ritual inside the Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property. The priest will deliver your personal prayers and gratitude to the deities. Sacred Miko Dance Witness the Kagura-mai, a graceful ritual dance performed by a shrine maiden to honor the spirits. Forbidden Sanctuary Viewing Visit the boundary of the "Go-shin-iki" (Divine Precincts). Enjoy a rare opportunity to view this off-limits sacred area from the outside with a priest's guidance. Naorai Ritual Dining Partake in a "Naorai" feast—a sacred Shinto-style meal featuring Noto’s legendary salt and seasonal local ingredients to conclude your spiritual journey.

- 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.”

Stop by scenic spots to feel the nature of Kahoku and experience a traditional Shinto shrine visit. You will also create your own "Monaka Craft®"—a lucky charm that offers a deeper understanding of the spiritual culture rooted in the local community.

This is not just a museum tour—it’s a guided experience designed to help you discover your own connection to Kutani ware. Rather than simply viewing beautiful ceramics, you’ll learn how to recognize different styles, techniques, and artistic expressions, making each piece more meaningful as you explore. As you move through the museums, you’ll compare colors, textures, and forms, gradually developing your own preferences. By the time you reach Kutani Ceramic Village, you won’t just be browsing—you’ll be choosing with intention. Your guide will support you in finding a piece that reflects your taste, whether it’s a functional item or a work of art. This experience turns appreciation into personal selection, allowing you to take home not just a souvenir, but a piece of Kutani ware that truly resonates with you.

Experience "Hibiki-ami," a traditional fishing method exclusive to Kahoku. Join forces with fellow participants to pull the ropes and secure a bountiful catch! After the experience, savor dishes prepared with your freshly caught fish and local ingredients at a neighborhood izakaya (a Japanese pub).

Step into the world of martial arts with a 2-hour karate experience in a traditional Japanese dojo in Kanazawa. Under the expert guidance of a seasoned instructor, you’ll learn basic karate techniques and engage in an exhilarating tile-breaking challenge that tests your focus and strength. This immersive session not only teaches you the fundamentals of karate, but also offers insight into the cultural philosophy behind it. As a memorable takeaway, each participant receives a personalized black belt with your name embroidered and a certificate of completion. No prior experience is needed — just bring your curiosity and a spirit of adventure!

Step inside Chida Studio, the only workshop in Japan where Kaga shishi lion heads are still carved from a single block of wood and painted entirely by hand. In Japan, lion heads are believed to "eat" misfortune and protect the family. Here in Hakusan, they are danced at festivals and given to celebrate births and new beginnings — a tradition of about 400 years. Meet the second- and third-generation artisans of this family studio, founded about 70 years ago, and hear how a lion's face is carved from one piece of paulownia wood from the foothills of sacred Mt. Hakusan — no joints, no glue, no second chances. Then pick up a brush and paint your own small lion head to take home as a good-luck charm. Finish at Shishi World Museum, where Japan's largest pair of carved lion heads stands alongside lion masks from around the world.

Kajikazawa Bayashi is a traditional festival performance designated as an Intangible Cultural Property of Fujikawa Town. Originating in the Kajikazawa district, this unique art form combines elements of Kyoto's Gion Bayashi and Edo Bayashi. In this immersive cultural experience, participants wear traditional happi coats and learn taiko drumming and festival flute performance directly from local preservation society members. Guests will also explore the history of Fuji River transportation and make "Mimi," a traditional local dish, with local residents. After intensive practice, participants will perform in a final showcase wearing festival attire, with the performance recorded as a commemorative video. Through music, rhythm, and interaction with the local community, guests can experience the spirit and energy of a traditional Japanese festival in a way that transcends language.

Time-Travel Mine Tunnels - Walk through real underground tunnels filled with animatronic figures recreating Edo-period mining scenes, Ultimate Golden Power Spot: Pass under a shiny Golden Torii Gate and visit a shrine inside the mine dedicated to the god of fortune. Hands-on Gold Panning & Pure Gold Coffee: Pan for real pure gold grains to take home, then relax at the cafe with a cup of pure gold coffee.

Explore Hashitate, a seaside village in Kaga once known as Japan's richest village, on a private walking tour with a local guide from a shipowning family. From the 18th century to the late Meiji era, Hashitate was home to dozens of Kitamaebune shipowners whose merchant ships sailed between Osaka and Hokkaido. Today it is a preserved historic district and part of a Japan Heritage story. Step inside Tadaya House, a National Important Cultural Property built in the early 1830s and normally closed to the public. Compare the black lacquer of the Edo period with the red lacquer of Meiji-era mansions, discover a temple with a dazzling golden altar funded by shipowners, and hear stories of the sailors, families and scholars who shaped this village. As a private tour, the pace and focus can be tailored to your interests, from architecture and history to photography.

- 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.

Experience everyday life with a real Japanese family in a private home rather than a tourist attraction or cooking studio. Your family has welcomed more than 30 international guests through cultural exchange and homestay experiences, creating meaningful connections with visitors from around the world. Activities change with the seasons and may include harvesting vegetables from your family garden, preparing home-style dishes, learning about Japanese food culture, and sharing time around the family table. Each experience is personalized according to guests’ interests, offering an authentic opportunity to discover a side of Japan that most travelers never see. Small groups, a welcoming atmosphere, and genuine interaction make this a memorable cultural experience beyond traditional sightseeing.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. A highly efficient, sensory half-day that immerses you in Niigata’s historical merchant wealth and its best-known beverage culture. Stroll the refined Furumachi Geisha District, enjoy a quick snack-and-shop stop at either Niigata Honcho Market or Pier Bandai, then visit Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery for a photogenic brewery tour, tastings, and exclusive bottle shopping—before returning to Niigata Port. Lunch is not included in this tour.

Discover the history, culture, and scenic beauty of Niigata on a private half-day tour from Niigata Port. Travel comfortably by private vehicle and visit Saito Villa, a beautifully preserved traditional residence, before exploring the historic Furumachi district and peaceful Hakusan Shrine. Continue to Niigata’s historic waterfront area to learn about the city’s maritime heritage, then enjoy panoramic views of Niigata City, the Shinano River, and the Sea of Japan from the Befco Bakauke Observatory Room. With a private guide and vehicle throughout, this tour offers a relaxed and convenient introduction to Niigata, with plenty of time to return to the port before departure. This tour is great for any types of travelers , such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.

Watch a master swordsmith forge a real Japanese sword in Seki, one of Japan's most revered swordmaking towns. Stand just steps from the forge as tamahagane, the same steel used for samurai swords, is heated and hammered, and feel the sparks, heat and ringing rhythm of the hammer up close. A dedicated English-speaking host explains everything throughout, guiding you through the forging (tanren) and fire-forming (hizukuri) stages, and also drives your transfer. It is a powerful, immersive window into one of Japan's most respected traditional crafts, with free round-trip transfer from Seki Station.