Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa Heritage Tour
From¥18,462
9 hours
Kanazawa, Japan
About this activity
Discover the rich heritage of Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa on this full-day tour, featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites, traditional crafts, and scenic beauty.
Highlights
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage Shirakawa-go village
- Visit Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens
- Experience traditional gold leaf crafts in Kanazawa
- Discover the historic Higashi Chaya District
- Enjoy scenic views of the Japanese Alps
Full description
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Japan with a full-day tour from Kanazawa to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go. Wander through its iconic gasshō-zukuri farmhouses, marveling at their unique architecture. In Kanazawa, explore the meticulously landscaped Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens, and delve into the historic Higashi Chaya District, where you can try your hand at traditional gold leaf crafts. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip private transfer from anywhere in Kanazawa
- Transport by private vehicle/car
- Private tour with driver/guide
- Free Wi-Fi on board
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Lunch
Itinerary
1
Our meeting point
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
・Shirakawa-go（Shirakawa Village) is a Japanese mountain settlement. ・Gassho style, which looks like hands joined in prayer. ・You can enjoy lunch by yourself at Shirakawa-go village ・This fairytale village is bound to inspire you as one of Japanese most picturesque site. ・You can have lunch by yourself
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
The Ogimachi Castle Site Scenic Lookout affords visitors unimpeded views over the village of Ogimachi, the central settlement in Shirakawa-go and part of the “Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama” World Heritage Site. You can choose to hike the gentle slope on your own or make your own way to the observation deck by shuttle bus.
Duration: 20 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Pass by: Walk pass
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
・One of Japan's three most famous gardens ・You can enjoy the beauty of the four seasons
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
6
★Japanese Sweets making or Craft making ・Enjoy making Japanese sweets(Wagashi) with professional Wagashi craftman ※Depending on the craftsman's schedule, this experience may be making traditional crafts (painting of Daruma dolls).
Duration: 50 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
★Gold leaf experience ・You can learn about traditional gold leaf experience
Duration: 40 minAdmission: YES
8
Our finish point
Duration: 5 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
9
・Discover one of Kanazawa’s largest geisha districts ・Please Try gorgeous gold leaf ice cream!
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This is a private tour; only your group will participate.
- Some attractions may require pre-booked tickets; inform the tour operator in advance if you wish to visit specific sites inside buildings.
- Infant seats are available upon request; please inform the tour operator in advance.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring uneven terrains.
- Bring a camera to capture the picturesque landscapes and historic sites.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly for outdoor activities.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- Audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Germany, Portuguese, Ukrainian
- Itinerary order is subject to change depending on traffic, weather, and operation.
- If any of the visiting places is closed, we will try to attend an alternative place.
- We do not supply any extra pick up & drop off service.
- Please let us know your booking numbers and total number of people before the tour, if you have several bookings or if you have booked separately so that we can arrange same bus for you..
- Due to the weather conditions, traffic conditions, or suspension of operation, we may have a possibility not to achieve all the activities. The tour will be attending to alternative place or giving out a gift as a compensation, depending on the situation at that time. There will not be any refunds for these changes.
- Late arrivals will not be entertained and joining midway is not feasible for the tour. Please arrive the meeting point on time.
Traveler reviews
5.04,954 reviews
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Amazing trip into the past — picturesque scenery—incredible tour guide — 5+ out of 5.
Great information, humor, fun, and infectious energy—Yasushi is fantastic. Entertaining and enriching. One of the best guides we have ever had and we’ve done scores of tours across the world.
Sean RJul 4, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Shirakawa
Yasushi and Keita were very knowledgeable and brought the fun!
M8805TLdanielmJul 4, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Kanazawa with Yasushi.
Our guide Yasushi is wonderful. He was a teacher, and it shows. He has explained everything brilliantly. Today I learned a lot about Japan thanks to him. And he made the experience very fun as well as educational. Totally recommended.
soledadn966Jul 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Yasushi is great👍🏻
Yasushi is the best tour guide I've ever met, very humorous, in easy-to-understand English, seriously and carefully help us introduce each of the attractions, learn about the history of Japan. Time and attractions are also arranged for good, next time to play in Japan, you will definitely find Yasushi.
Companion50241253522Jul 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Yasushi is the highest!!
Our tour guide is Yasushi San, with a very fluent introduction to history, culture and scenery. Relax and live, and sometimes add some laughing points. Because it is the relationship of the locals of Kenzhe, always feel his tour is full of love and care for Kenzhe, allowing people to fully integrate into it. We are happy to choose this trip and we are also happy that our guide is Yaushi San. Hopefully next time can also participate in tourism of different places.
Cruiser18847898039Jul 3, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
Audio guide is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Germany, Portuguese, Ukrainian
Itinerary order is subject to change depending on traffic, weather, and operation.
If any of the visiting places is closed, we will try to attend an alternative place.
We do not supply any extra pick up & drop off service.
Please let us know your booking numbers and total number of people before the tour, if you have several bookings or if you have booked separately so that we can arrange same bus for you..
Due to the weather conditions, traffic conditions, or suspension of operation, we may have a possibility not to achieve all the activities. The tour will be attending to alternative place or giving out a gift as a compensation, depending on the situation at that time. There will not be any refunds for these changes.
Late arrivals will not be entertained and joining midway is not feasible for the tour. Please arrive the meeting point on time.