Discover the natural beauty, rich traditions, and coastal charm of the Noto Peninsula. Visit the vibrant Wajima Morning Market, savour fresh seafood, and take in the breathtaking Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces. In the afternoon, choose your adventure: explore dramatic sea caves, encounter marine life at Notojima Aquarium, soak in the healing waters of Wakura Onsen, or find tranquillity at the mountain temple of Natadera. A scenic return drive brings the day to a close back in Kanazawa.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel or a location of your choice in central Kanazawa
- I will pick you up from your hotel or anywhere in central Kanazawa.
Wajima Morning Market
Take a leisurely stroll through Wajima’s historic morning market, one of Japan’s oldest open-air markets with over 1,000 years of history. Browse stalls offering local crafts, fresh seafood, and handmade goods. Sample regional delicacies such as freshly grilled dried fish, rich and creamy sea urchin, and tender Noto beef skewers. For those interested, an optional visit to the Wajima Kiriko Art Museum showcases the towering, ornate lanterns used in the area’s vibrant summer festivals.
Lunch at a Local Seafood Restaurant (or a place matched to your preferences)
Enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant, or at a spot tailored to your tastes and dietary needs. A popular choice is Noto-don, which is a vibrant rice bowl topped with freshly caught seafood from the nearby coast. You might also try fugu karaage, a delicacy of lightly battered and deep-fried pufferfish. Other options include grilled squid, refreshing cold soba noodles, or a wholesome vegetarian set meal featuring seasonal mountain vegetables.
Shiroyone Senmaida Rice Terraces
Take in the breathtaking view of over 1,000 rice paddies at Shiroyone Senmaida, where neatly layered terraces cascade down the hillside into the Sea of Japan. This is a part of an area designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. The iconic landscape is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a testament to centuries of traditional hand-farming. Learn how local communities maintain and protect these precious fields and honour their cultural and agricultural importance.
OPTION: Choose One
• Ganmon Rock & Rugged Coastline
Visit the dramatic Ganmon sea cave and nearby cliffs. Enjoy a short coastal walk, take photos, and observe seabirds along the shore.
or
• Notojima Aquarium
A popular destination featuring dolphin shows, penguin feedings, and a massive tunnel tank. Ideal for families or travellers interested in marine life native to the Sea of Japan.
Wakura Onsen
Unwind at the historic Wakura Onsen, overlooking Nanao Bay. Choose your experience:
- Public Bath: Soak at Sôyu for a casual local experience
- Luxury Ryokan: Drop-in bath plans available (e.g. Kagaya, Matsunomidori)
- Free Foot Bath: Located near the station—perfect for a short rest
Option to enjoy tea, a snack, or simply relax before heading back.
Ending Point
Your hotel or a location of your choice in central Kanazawa
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/77465/8526a840-34d1-4101-a29c-9b975c2c0a56.png)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee,
- Pickup and drop off at your hotel or a location or your choice within central Kanazawa
- Car fees, including vehicle use, highway tolls, parking fees, fuel and insurance.
- Car type: Honda Stepwagon (MPV)
- Entrance fee for participants
- Lunch for participants
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
* Please ensure you have cash with you, as some locations will not accept card payments.
* If you would like to customise the itinerary, I would be happy to do so. Please message me regarding this.
I’m based in Kanazawa but can take you anywhere in the Ishikawa, Toyama, Gifu, or Fukui areas. If you have a specific itinerary or destination in mind that isn’t listed in my current tours, feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to create a custom package tailored to your interests.
Hi, thanks for checking out my profile! I'm Richard, originally from England and now living in Kanazawa, Japan. I've been here for four years and have grown to love this amazing city and the surrounding Ishikawa prefecture.
With help from my wife and her family, who were born and raised in Kanazawa, I’ve discovered not only the famous sights and places to eat and shop, but also some of the lesser-known hidden gems. Whether you're into history, food, gaming, art, or shopping, there's something here for everyone. I'd love to help you explore it all!
Interested in local history and culture? Keen to try incredible hidden food spots? Want to shop for records, fashion and quirky items? Got a craving to go hunting for retro and/or modern video games? I have you covered!
I also have a 7-seater car, so I can take you to exciting places beyond Ishikawa if you're up for it!
Reach out and ask me anything, I am always happy to help!
Debra B.
“The very best Guide”
Our family [5adults] really enjoyed Richard's english accent, whilst describing what we were seeing. We couldn't have done all we did, without him. Richard accommodated Aunty Vi, reducing her walking, by racing back to get the car. Truly, the best guide we had in Japan. if you are on a short trip 3 weeks like us, we Highly recommend a great guide as difficult to understand how to get to places & you need the narrative to understand.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/77465/8526a840-34d1-4101-a29c-9b975c2c0a56.png)
Richard G.
Thank you so much, Debra, for your review. It was a real pleasure spending the day with you and your family. I’m very glad you all enjoyed the tour and that Aunty Vi was comfortable throughout. I truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation, and I hope the rest of your trip was just as memorable.
Rose E.
““Unbearably” amazing experience ”
We had a wonderful day exploring the amazing world heritage villages around Shirakawa-go. Richard was a well-prepared informative and interesting guide, whose enthusiasm was infectious and who had a boundless patience and understanding when my autistic daughters became overwhelmed. He took our safety seriously and wore his bear bell at every stop. We felt like we had spent the day with a friend.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/77465/8526a840-34d1-4101-a29c-9b975c2c0a56.png)
Richard G.
Thank you so much for your kind words. It was wonderful spending the day with you all in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. You are a lovely family with a great sense of humour, and you made the day feel more like an outing with friends than a tour. I am glad you enjoyed the bell. It certainly helps to keep things bearable, even when the mountains get lively! I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you need any help or advice. Warm regards, Richard
Mike W.
“Very enjoyable half day with Richard”
Richard is one of the most informative and knowledgeable tour guides that we had the pleasure to spend time with. The tour was tailored to our request, with Richard driving us to certain locations. Hearing his firsthand knowledge of local culture as a Brit with a Japanese family living in Kanazawa was invaluable. We would highly recommend him for your tailored tour. Valérie and Mike
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/77465/8526a840-34d1-4101-a29c-9b975c2c0a56.png)
Richard G.
Thank you so much, Valérie and Mike, for your wonderful review. It was a real pleasure spending the day with you both and tailoring the tour to your interests. I’m so glad you enjoyed exploring the area and hearing about life here in Kanazawa. Your kind words mean a great deal, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Wishing you both all the best for the rest of your travels in Japan! Warm regards, Richard
$404/ per group
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19635/4d2c328f-f011-4f31-be99-77995a5a2b39.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19633/5ddd8b23-c0d8-4846-a0c3-f5bcf77c8101.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19744/82f76f3d-4c31-469e-8dab-0f5e2459376e.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19674/a87585af-081d-4210-ab79-1aa043e8e3d7.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19635/4d2c328f-f011-4f31-be99-77995a5a2b39.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/77465/8526a840-34d1-4101-a29c-9b975c2c0a56.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/14068/060dd0ff-1889-40a2-b15b-b7730f792649.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/44064/f3172e5a-ca20-427c-a3ab-65022c520702.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19633/5ddd8b23-c0d8-4846-a0c3-f5bcf77c8101.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/77465/8526a840-34d1-4101-a29c-9b975c2c0a56.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/14063/a2e7f6e9-daea-46c8-973d-e52aea257c77.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/44064/f3172e5a-ca20-427c-a3ab-65022c520702.png)