From Kanazawa: NOSTALGIC SHIRAKAWA-GO & KANAZAWA 1 Day Bus Tour
9hrs
Itinerary
1 Chome-802 Hirooka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Please arrive at the meeting point by 7:50 AM. Look for the tour staff at the designated group bus parking area at JR Kanazawa Station West Exit.
2
Duration: 2.5 hours
Explore this enchanting village known for its Gassho-zukuri farmhouses – steep thatched roofs resembling hands in prayer. You’ll have free time to walk around, take photos, and enjoy lunch at a local spot of your choice.
3
1 Kinoshinbomachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Guests joining only the Shirakawa-go half-day tour will be dropped off at JR Kanazawa Station around 1:00 PM.
4
Duration: 40 minutes
Visit one of Japan’s top three traditional gardens. Enjoy seasonal beauty with ponds, bridges, and landscaped paths that showcase nature in perfect harmony.
5
Duration: Scenic drive-by
Pass by the impressive Kanazawa Castle, a symbol of the city’s feudal past. Capture a few photos from your seat as the bus drives along.
6
Duration: 40 minutes
Try your hand at creating wagashi (Japanese sweets) with a professional artisan. Depending on availability, the activity may be a hands-on Daruma doll painting instead.
7
Duration: 40 minutes
Wander through one of Kanazawa’s well-preserved geisha quarters, lined with wooden teahouses. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a soft-serve ice cream topped with shimmering gold leaf.
8
Duration: 30 minutes
Learn about Kanazawa’s iconic gold leaf production. Try a simple hands-on experience and understand how this elegant art has been part of local culture for centuries.
1 Chome-802 Hirooka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
The tour concludes with drop-off at JR Kanazawa Station. Thank you for joining us—we hope you had a memorable day exploring culture, history, and nature!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, lunch is not included. However, you will have free time in Shirakawa-go to enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants or food stalls. There are various options to suit different preferences and budgets.
No, unfortunately, late arrivals cannot join the tour mid-way. Please arrive on time at the meeting point by 7:50 AM, as the bus departs at 8:00 AM sharp. Missing the departure means forfeiting your participation.
As the tour includes walking around villages and gardens, it's best to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring a hat, water bottle, and camera. In autumn or winter, a warm coat and gloves are also recommended.
The bus itself may not have a restroom, but regular stops are made along the route where guests can use the public facilities at rest areas or sightseeing spots.
Enjoy a full-day journey from Kanazawa to the scenic village of Shirakawa-go and the cultural gems of Kanazawa. This tour includes traditional craft experiences, beautiful gardens, and historic districts—all guided by a friendly English-speaking expert.
Day trip to lovely villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
A good trip to lovely villages, the included lunch was nice, plenty of information was provided to make it a nice day trip.
Deborrah B
November 12, 2025
Perfect! Great guide and good organization
It was great! All schedule very punctual, organized and with a great local guide with very good recommendations and explanations. The villages are beautiful, there is time to explore, stops to eat use the toilets, etc! Overall it is very worth it, there is no access by public transport so it is an excellent choice!
Ana V
November 4, 2025
Deborrah B
November 12, 2025
Day trip to lovely villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
A good trip to lovely villages, the included lunch was nice, plenty of information was provided to make it a nice day trip.
Ana V
November 4, 2025
Perfect! Great guide and good organization
It was great! All schedule very punctual, organized and with a great local guide with very good recommendations and explanations. The villages are beautiful, there is time to explore, stops to eat use the toilets, etc! Overall it is very worth it, there is no access by public transport so it is an excellent choice!
