Top Chubu Day Trips - page 4

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.

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.

This private tour will be a unique experience to enhance your treasured memories of Japan. You will be taken to the city’s most beautiful places, guided by a local English-speaking professional photographer. During the tour I 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. A day out with me ensure you will have a knowledgeable, funny, local professional photographer, and Insta-worthy travel photos will be guaranteed!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan's most scenic mountains by historic trolley train. Ride the 1953 Black Valley Gorge Railway along dramatic cliffs beside the emerald Kurobe River, with chances to spot wild monkeys. At Nekomata Station, the only station in Japan with “cat” in its name, enjoy a 20-minute stop for photos of deep gorges and towering peaks. This limited service makes the experience truly special. Back in Unazuki Onsen, explore the hot spring town with four free foot baths and mountain views. This is more than sightseeing—it's a journey through untouched nature. If departing from Toyama Station, public transport is fine. For cruise port pick-up, please select the “for Cruise Travelers” option.

Explore the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go on this private 6-hour tour from Kanazawa. Accompanied by an expert guide, wander through the village renowned for its iconic Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Savor a delicious lunch featuring Hida beef grilled with hooba miso in an authentic farmhouse setting. This tour offers a unique glimpse into Japan's cultural heritage and stunning countryside views, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers seeking an immersive experience. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and a private vehicle for a comfortable journey. - Private tour with a dedicated English-speaking guide - Scenic drive through the picturesque Hokuriku countryside - Enjoy a local lunch featuring traditional dishes - Visit iconic sites like Wada House and Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine

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.

This 1-day guided tour offers an immersive experience at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, one of the world's largest international art festivals. Explore a unique fusion of art and nature in the picturesque satoyama region. Highlights include the mesmerizing "Tunnel of Light" at Kiyotsu Gorge and evocative installations like "For Lots of Lost Windows" and "The Last Class." Visit the Matsudai NOHBUTAI Field Museum and MonET, a contemporary art museum featuring works like Leandro Erlich's "Palimpsest: Pond of Sky." Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local ingredients. With convenient round-trip options from either Tokyo or Echigo-Yuzawa, this tour is ideal for art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking unique cultural insights.

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.

Experience Shizuoka at its best by seeing the Kakegawa castle, making traditional Japanese sake, and riding the local train with its elegant countryside views. You can visit Kakegawa Castle, with its beautiful appearance, considered one of the best castles in the Tokai region and ride the Tenryu Hamanako Railroad to enjoy the Japanese countryside and nostalgic stations. Also, you can enjoy Japanese sake tasting and the experience of making your own original sake. Free gift of hand towel and tea (As the free gift is limited, it will end as soon as it is out of stock.)

This tour takes you into Gokayama, a quieter World Heritage region where traditional gassho-style houses remain part of daily life. Walking through Ainokura Village and viewing Suganuma from a different perspective, you will experience a landscape shaped by nature and long-standing traditions. A visit to a historical exile hut adds a deeper cultural layer, offering insight into a lesser-known aspect of Japan’s past in this remote setting. The experience is completed with a local meal at a farm restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional dishes passed down through generations, prepared with ingredients from the surrounding area. Designed for cruise passengers arriving at Fushiki Port, this tour combines efficient travel with meaningful cultural experiences.

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.

Discover the cultural richness of Shirakawa-go on this full-day trip from Kanazawa. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage village and experience traditional craftsmanship by creating your own tin sake cup in Takaoka. Savor local Hida beef grilled with miso, and enjoy doburoku sake from your handmade cup. Explore historic sites like Wada House and Myozen-ji Temple while soaking in the stunning mountain scenery. This all-inclusive tour features a dedicated English-speaking guide and private transport for a comfortable and informative experience. - Full-day guided tour from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go - Create a tin sake cup and taste local doburoku sake - Savor Hida beef grilled with miso for lunch - All-inclusive with hotel pickup, meals, and admission fees

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.

Visit Shirakawago in the Japanese Alps to see the historical and beautiful old thatched houses of Japan stand strong. These houses are over 150 years old and still are lived in today. After seeing the natural beauty of Shirakawago, head to Takayama to see the various traditional crafts the area keeps alive. Join one of our tour guides and learn about history and culture in a way that you would have never been able to on your own! This private and customizable tour will take you to Shirakawago and Takayama at your own pace. Once you place your reservation, a guide will be in touch with you to plan out the details of your tour. Be sure to let your guide know where you would like to visit and your interests so they can plan out an itinerary for you! If you will not have time to visit all the sights on your must-see list, contact us directly regarding extension fees. Learn about this world heritage site with us! We hope to guide you soon!

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!

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.

Get out of the big city and into the beautiful landscapes of rural Toyama on this tour from Kanazawa. Admire the distinctive thatched-roof houses of the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go and Gokayama villages; admire the artistry of the woodcarvers of Inami; and learn how to make your own piece of *washi* paper.

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.