Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go Private Day Trip with Lunch
ID: GYG1153268-1768598
Category:
Country: Japan
Duration:
06:00 hours
Description
Explore the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go on a private day trip from Kanazawa. Enjoy a scenic drive, visit historic sites, and savor a delicious lunch of Hida beef.
Meet your guide in Kanazawa and hop into a private car bound for Shirakawa-go. Enjoy a peaceful 70-minute ride through the picturesque Hokuriku countryside, where rice fields, rustic homes, and snow-capped peaks paint a storybook scene.
Before exploring the village, take a short walk to a hilltop lookout for a breathtaking panorama of the UNESCO-listed thatched-roof houses below—your first glimpse into timeless Japan.
Savor an unforgettable lunch inside an authentic gassho-zukuri farmhouse restaurant, one of Shirakawa-go’s most iconic landmarks. Indulge in local specialties like tender Hida beef grilled with hooba miso, sweetfish simmered in soy sauce, and hearty beef shigure simmer. Prefer something lighter? Opt for handmade soba, udon, or Japanese curry—each dish a warm reflection of this mountain village’s rich culinary heritage.
Dive deep into Shirakawa-go’s charm as your guide leads you through its living museum of history and culture. Visit the Wada House, Myozen-ji Temple, and the sacred Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine—home of the famed Doburoku Festival.
Feel the warmth of irori hearths still burning today, discover hidden cafés and local snacks, and stroll across the scenic Deai Bridge over the Shogawa River before heading back to Kanazawa with your heart full of mountain memories.
Highlights
- Visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO village of iconic Gassho-zukuri farmhouses
- Savor Hida beef grilled with hooba miso and other local favorites.
- Half-day 6-hour private trip — easy return to Kanazawa the same day!
- Experience Japan’s countryside beauty across all four vibrant seasons
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
A confirmation email is sent after booking. The tour starts on time; late arrivals cannot join or receive refunds. Some areas in Shirakawa-go are not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. We will visit temples and shrines, so please wear respectful clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. You may need to remove your shoes often; floors can be cold, so warm socks are useful. Bring rain gear for light rain. In winter, heavy snow may cause delays or itinerary changes; refunds are not offered if the tour proceeds. Please inform us of dietary restrictions when booking. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free meals can be arranged with advance notice, but complete accommodation cannot be guaranteed due to shared kitchens. The guide’s food and drinks are covered. Bring cash for snacks or souvenirs, as some shops do not accept cards. The itinerary may change due to weather, traffic, or facility closures; alternative sites will be visited when needed.
INCLUDED
- Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
- English-Speaking Local Guide
- Private Car with Professional Driver
- Local Lunch
- Facility Admission Fees
- Café or Snack Stop
- Tour Photos
NOT INCLUDED
- Additional snacks or souvenirs
- Additional Foods and Drinks
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
