Nostalgic 1-Day World Heritage Shirakawa-go & Kanazawa Guided Tour with Kenrokuen, Traditional Experience, Higashichayadistrict, Gold leaf experience
- An English-speaking guide is happy to answer your questions
- Explore the village of Shirakawa-go and the city of Kanazawa in just one day
- Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi
- Learn how to make a traditional Japanese sweet treat(Full Day Tour)
- Avoid language barriers—multiple language audio guides available in French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, Ukrainian
Package Options
Product Info
Explore the world famous UNESCO village on our full-day Shirakawa-go & Kanazawa tour starting from Kanazawa Station!
Enjoy the picturesque landscapes in Shirakawa-go in the morning, then return to Kanazawa to visit must-see attractions: Kenrokuen Garden and Higashi Chaya District.
In Kanazawa, you will make Japanese sweets with an artisan and experience the traditional craft using a gold leaf.
Stroll through the geisha district while savoring luxurious ice cream adorned with a gold leaf.
Experience unique activities on this one-day tour that you wouldn't have on your own!
Our bus departs from Kanazawa Station and heads straight to Shirakawa-go via the expressway.
Enjoy the hour-long journey on a comfortable air-conditioned bus equipped with free Wi-Fi.
Shirakawa-go, a village where the houses were built in the unique architectural "Gassho-zukuri" style, was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1995.
There, take a walk with your guide, feeling Japanese culture and tradition.
Also, while interacting with local people living in Shirakawa-go, try some specialties such as Hida beef and Doburoku ice cream.You can have lunch by yourself.
After a wonderful adventure in Shirakawa-go, we will return to Kanazawa.
※AM Tour finishes at Kenrokuen Garden around 13:00PM
There, walk through "Kenrokuen Garden", one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, and discover the beauty of its design.
As you stroll around Kenrokuen, you will learn the landscape theory that the ground has an abundance of viewpoints: water, trees, flowers, stones, bridges, teahouses, and hidden nooks.
The beauty of this Japanese garden changes with the seasons.
After that, you will learn from an artisan how to make Japanese sweets. The adorable sweets you create must be delicious! You can take them home as a souvenir.
※Depending on the craftsman's schedule, this experience may be making traditional crafts (painting of Daruma dolls).
The final destination is Higashi Chaya District, a historically popular entertainment area where Geisha performed various forms of traditional art.
Geisha culture still flourishes there. In the evenings, you can hear the sound of Shamisen instrument and drums from teahouses.
Kanazawa produces 99% of gold leaves in Japan, so we recommend you to try a gold leaf ice cream.
In Higashi Chaya District, you can also make a unique postcard by pasting a gold leaf. It's a great opportunity to experience Kanazawa's traditional craft.
The tour includes commentary by both our friendly English-speaking tour guide and a multilingual audio guidance available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Ukrainian. The coach has an antibacterial coating and is regularly ventilated. Enjoy your tour on a comfortable air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi.
Shirakawago Village
Kenrokuen Garden
painting of Daruma dolls
Japanese Sweets making
Gold leaf experience at Higashi chaya district
Purchase Notice
[Travel Conditions]
Departure/Arrival Location: Kanazawa/Shirakawago/Kanazawa
Duration of the Trip: Day Trip
Transportation: Chartered Bus
Bus Operator: West JR Bus or affiliated cooperative bus companies
Meal Conditions:
Breakfast: 0 times
Lunch: 0 times
Dinner: 0 times
Accommodation: None
Minimum Number of Participants: 1
Tour Conductor: None
Guide: 1
[Travel Planning/Execution]
Company Name: DOA JAPAN Co., Ltd. / Japan Panoramic Tours
Address: 2nd Floor, Umeya Building, 8-12-8 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
Registration Number: Tokyo Registered Travel Agency, Type 2, No. 2-7051
Affiliated Travel Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
[Consignment Sales]
Company Name: KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Address: 2nd Floor, Westall Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Registration Number: Registered Travel Agency by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency No. 2045
Affiliated Travel Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Germany, Portuguese and Ukrainian.
The itinerary order is subject to change depending on traffic, weather, or operational circumstances.
If any of the scheduled stops is closed, we will arrange an alternative location whenever possible.
Extra drop-off services are not provided.
If you have multiple bookings or booked separately, please provide us with your booking numbers and the total number of participants before the tour.
Due to weather, traffic, or operational suspensions, some activities may not be completed. In such cases, an alternative location will be visited, or a gift will be provided as compensation, depending on the situation. Refunds will not be issued for these changes.
If you arrive late for the tour start time, joining the tour mid-way will not be possible. Please note that in such cases, no alternative activity, partial refunds, or complementary arrangements will be provided.
Children of 3 years old and younger can join the tour free of charge, but meals or admission to attractions are not included.
FAQ
Shirakawa-go is renowned for its unique gassho-zukuri farmhouses, characterized by steeply pitched thatched roofs resembling praying hands. These architectural marvels are designed to withstand heavy snow and provide a large attic space for sericulture. The village exemplifies a traditional way of life perfectly adapted to its environment, showcasing remarkable communal spirit and historical continuity, which earned its UNESCO status.
To fully appreciate Shirakawa-go's charm, including exploring the gassho-zukuri houses, walking through the village, and visiting viewpoints like the Shiroyama Observatory, a recommended duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours. This allows for a relaxed pace to soak in the atmosphere and engage with local culture without feeling rushed.
Shirakawa-go is nestled in a mountainous region of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, specifically in the Shogawa river valley. It's situated in the central Honshu island, not far from the city of Takayama. Its secluded location historically helped preserve its distinctive architectural style and traditional way of life.
Key sights in Shirakawa-go include the iconic Wada House and Kanda House, which offer insights into traditional gassho-zukuri living. Don't miss the panoramic views from the Shiroyama Viewpoint for stunning photos of the village. Engaging activities include strolling through the quaint streets, visiting the Myozenji Temple Museum, and exploring traditional craft shops.
Shirakawa-go does not have a train station. The primary way to reach it is by bus, typically from major cities like Takayama, Kanazawa, or Toyama. These bus routes often require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Driving is another option, though parking is limited. Many visitors join guided tours that provide comfortable coach transportation.
Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan's "Three Great Gardens," offers a serene landscape of ponds, hills, tea houses, and diverse flora. Visitors can stroll along its paths, admire seasonal beauty from cherry blossoms to autumn foliage, and appreciate its intricate design features like the Kotojitoro lantern and Flying Geese Bridge, reflecting Edo period aesthetics.
The Higashi Chaya District is a beautifully preserved geisha district known for its traditional wooden teahouses. Visitors can explore these historic streets, visit a renovated teahouse to learn about geisha culture, enjoy traditional Japanese sweets at local cafes, and browse shops offering local crafts, including exquisite gold leaf products.
Kanazawa is famous for its gold leaf production. Visitors can participate in hands-on experiences to create their own gold leaf crafts, such as decorating small items with intricate designs. Additionally, some places offer workshops to make and taste traditional Japanese sweets, providing a delightful immersion into local culinary artistry.
Get Help
