Join a fun one-day bus tour from Kanazawa Station to visit Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa. In the morning, explore Shirakawa-go, a small village known for its old, thatched-roof houses and beautiful mountain views. You can walk around, enjoy local food, and take in the lovely sights, especially if you visit during autumn when the leaves change color. A friendly English-speaking guide will help you along the way, and audio guides in different languages are also available on the bus.

In the afternoon, return to Kanazawa and visit top spots like Kenrokuen Garden and the Higashi Chaya District. You’ll get to make Japanese sweets with a skilled wagashi maker and try gold leaf crafting, a famous local tradition. Don’t miss the chance to taste soft serve ice cream topped with real gold leaf! This tour is a great way to enjoy nature, culture, and fun activities all in one day.

What’s Covered

English-speaking tour guide
Comfortable air-conditioned bus
Free Wi-Fi on the bus
Audio guide in multiple languages
Entry to Kenrokuen Garden
Japanese sweets or craft-making experience
Gold leaf crafting activity

What’s Extra

Meals and drinks (unless stated)
Tips for guide and driver
Hotel drop-off after tour

Good to Know

Tour guide will speak English during the trip.
Audio guide devices are available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese.
You will receive your tour voucher by email; please present the e-voucher at the meeting point.
The order of stops may change due to traffic, weather, or other conditions.
If a location is closed, a similar alternative may be arranged; refunds will not be provided.
Hotel drop-off is not included in this tour.
This tour involves walking, so please wear comfortable shoes.
If you arrive late, you will not be able to join the tour partway.

our guide was lovely, Corona-definitely a character with a sense of humour who made everyone feel very comfortable.gokayama was my favourite as it was not as busy. The history everywhere in japan is amazing and the country side you witness on the bus trail is stunning, as is all of japan.! We had a great experience and a traditional lunch. Another amazing xperieence in a beatiful gracious country.

Quest445662

2025年8月12日

Great experience overall!

The bus ride was incredibly scenic and the guide was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable! The provided meal was excellent and the village explorations were the perfect amount of time. We thoroughly enjoyed the visit to Gokayama, certainly off the beaten path and a treasure trove for unique souvenirs. Would highly recommend this tour!

Alexandra F

2025年8月5日

yet another must do

Quest445662

2025年8月12日

Great experience overall!

Alexandra F

2025年8月5日

行程

JR Kanazawa Station (West Exit) – Group Bus Parking Lot

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.

Shirakawa-go

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.

JR Kanazawa Station

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.

Kenrokuen Garden

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.

Kanazawa Castle

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.

Kanazawa Workshop

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.

Higashi Chaya District

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.

Gold Leaf Craft Workshop

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.

Kanazawa Station

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!