Enjoy a day-long scenic bus tour from Kanazawa to explore traditional Japanese craftsmanship and culture. Discover Inami’s wood carving artistry, experience hands-on paper making in Gokayama, and walk through the UNESCO World Heritage villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama.
Are you Visiting Japan soon?
Let us make your trip effortless. From tickets and hotels to transport and local guides, we arrange everything for you or your group. Whether it’s a music festival in Tokyo or a business conference in Osaka, our custom travel service ensures you enjoy the event stress-free.
Contact Jasumo Now →Highlights
- Visit the town of wood-carvers in Inami, home to over 100 professional artisans
- Explore Zuisenji, a 300-year-old temple renowned for its exquisite wood carvings
- Try your hand at traditional Japanese washi (paper) making in Gokayama
- Discover the iconic thatched-roof farmhouses in Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Enjoy a traditional matcha experience at Shima, a registered cultural property
Full Description
Begin your tour at Kanazawa Station at 9:00 a.m., where your guide will greet you near the Shinkansen Ticket Gates at the Information Center. Board a comfortable coach and enjoy the scenic drive through the lush landscapes of the Hokuriku region.
Your first destination is Inami, a quaint artisan town famed for its masterful woodcarving. Explore the charming streets dotted with shops displaying intricate wooden works, and count the many hidden cat carvings tucked away in unexpected places. At the heart of the town stands Zuisenji Temple, with its castle-like walls and elaborate wooden reliefs of dragons, elephants, and mythical creatures.
After a guided tour of the temple, the journey continues to Gokayama, another designated UNESCO World Heritage site. In Ai-no-kura village, you’ll experience a hands-on paper-making workshop, learning the centuries-old method of crafting washi paper. Depending on the schedule, lunch will be either in Ainokura or Inami (you may bring your own if you have specific dietary needs).
Then, head to the iconic village of Shirakawa-go, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Join a guided walk through the village and step inside one of the historic thatched homes to gain insight into rural Japanese life from the past.
As the day concludes, relax on the return journey to Kanazawa Station (or Takayama Station, depending on your selected option), arriving around 6:00–6:30 p.m.
Itinerary
2 Starting Location Options:
- Kanazawa Station
- KANAZAWA STATION (alternative location)
Bus Ride (1 hour)
Inami Visit – Guided walking tour (1 hour)
Bus Ride (35 minutes)
Gokayama – Washi Paper Workshop & guided visit (1 hour 15 minutes)
Bus Ride (40 minutes)
Shirakawa-go – Guided tour, free time (2 hours)
Bus Ride (1 hour 20 minutes)
2 Drop-off Locations: Kanazawa Station, Takayama Station
Pricing
From ¥28,000 per person
Need Help Planning Your Japan Trip?
Want Jasumo to help you plan your trip to Japan?
We offer expert travel consultation for tourists looking to book events, shows, cruises, tours, cultural experiences, and more across Japan.
Let us take the stress out of planning—just reach out and tell us what you’re looking for!
Contact us at: https://jasumo.com/contact/
Includes
- Transportation to and from Kanazawa and all destinations
- English-speaking guide
- Entry to Zuisenji Temple
- Guided tour of Inami and Shirakawa-go
- Japanese paper-making experience fee
Meeting Point
Meeting point may vary depending on option selected.
Primary Meeting Location:
Kanazawa Station – Near the Information Center at the Shinkansen Ticket Gates
Be there by 9:00 a.m.
Reviews
“Due to lack of other tourists it was excellent private tour.”
“I had a wonderful experience on this tour! Being in a small group of just 5 people made it feel personal and relaxed. A special thank you to our guide – his insights really made the difference and helped me discover new sides of the places we visited. The day was perfectly balanced between the pre-booked visits, explanations, and some free time to explore on my own. I highly recommend it.”
“This was a great tour and our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. We would certainly recommend visiting these three unique rural villages through this tour.”
Planning a Group Trip to Japan?
From corporate teams to friends traveling together, we create tailor-made travel packages. Enjoy VIP access, curated itineraries, and full support from our local experts. Tell us your plans, and we’ll handle the rest.
Contact Jasumo Now →
Leave a Reply