The 5 Mountains of Thatched Hamlets - Private 8 Max
Joined 2025
Discover a hidden side of Japan where tradition lives on through mountain culture, from master woodcarving born at Zuisenji Temple to the gasshō-zukuri thatched villages of Gokayama and Shirakawago. These homes once raised silkworms, crafted washi paper, brewed miso, and produced gunpowder, many still do, except for saltpeter. We'll enjoy local food, make our own handmade washi, and take in views from the Shiroyama lookout, where each season transforms the landscape into something unforgettable.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kanazawa Station - Seven Eleven - West Entrance
- • The Seven Eleven Large Standing sign in the main walkway through Kanazawa at the west gate. • If you arrange your Hotel Location ahead of time, we can pick you up and drop you off there as well.
Zuisenji Temple in Wood Carvers Village.
Zuisenji Temple isn’t just a historic Buddhist site—it’s the very heart of Inami’s wood‑carving legacy. Its reconstruction ignites a craft tradition that lives on in the skills of today’s artisans and the sculpted eloquence of the temple's rebuild in the mid-1700s.
Maekawa Sanshirō leading the monumental task sparks local carpenters to apprentice under him and adopted his techniques. This has planted the seeds of what has become Inami Chokoku, the celebrated local style of woodcarving as it is still known today.
Ainokura Gasshō-Zukuri
Winding deeper into the mountains, we’ll reach the first of two thatched roof villages of the day in Gokayama before heading to Shirakawago, both UNESCO World Heritage sites where the steep, triangular gasshō zukuri homes have stood for centuries. These were not just houses, but self-sufficient centers of life: the upper floors raised silkworms, the cold streams fueled washi paper-making, and families crafted everything from gunpowder ingredients to woven cloth, adapting their lives to the changing seasons with there unique attires, festivals and laid back approach to living in community together. We will do a Washi Paper Experience here or in one of the other near by villages depending on the season.
Lunch in either Ainokura or Shirakawago
It is said that the emperor of Japan and their family have a guest house in these villages where they can stay and the small quaint kitchens here often serve them and us.
※※Note:
Depending on the season, peak season busyness, it maybe in Ainokura or Shirakawago, but both offer unique and authentic food experiences if you choose.
Washi Paper Experience
Gokayama Washi is designated a Traditional Craft of Japan. The paper was used for shoji screens, calligraphy, lanterns, and ceremonial purposes.The cold, pure mountain water and access to paper mulberry called kozo bark allowed for traditional Japanese paper-making.
We will stop at one of the small traditional hands-on washi workshops to make a Washi Paper souvenir to take home.
※※ Note: There are a few periods of the year where these Washi paper venues are closed.
Shirakawago - The Road Between Domains
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage village located about 1.5 hours from Kanazawa or 45 minutes from Takayama.
It is nestled in the Shokawa Valley in the Shirakawago. Ogimachi Village is the largest and most visited hamlet and home to dozens of preserved gasshō residences, some open to the public as museums or guesthouses. One nice highlight for hikers is the Shiroyama viewpoint that offers an iconic panoramic view of the village, especially beautiful in winter snow, spring blossoms, or autumn leaves.
It's one of Japan’s most atmospheric cultural destinations. You'll have plenty of time to go at your own pace as this Village is more spread out than others. Depending on the season, I will offer some different sites along side the route of the tour.
Ending Point
Kanazawa Station - Seven Eleven - West Entrance or hotel if prearranged.
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
• Guide Fee (Guide Guides As A Passenger )
• Museum/Temple
• Washi Paper Making
• Tolls/Parking
• Transportation.
(Only your group with guide and driver)
(Recommended 3-8 Pax Max)
• Good Coffee Stop On Route.
• Food/Lunch
Tour Important Information
• While efforts are made to accommodate all guests, this tour may not be suitable for individuals with severe back, knee, or mobility issues and the severity of those conditions.
• Some locations may not be fully wheelchair accessible, Mountain weather can change rapidly, please prepare for seasonal conditions such as snow, rain, or heat, and bring sun protection or warm layers as needed.
• If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform us in advance so we can do our best to accommodate your needs as fish and pork, barley and glutin are staple ingredients in the area.
• This tour involves moderate walking over uneven surfaces and may include slopes, stairs, or gravel paths. Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear.
Especially in winter where temperatures get down to 0⁰c. I will provide you with some loner rubber ice cleats if you don't have any if needed.
• As mentioned, some of the areas have different availabilities of activities throughout the different seasons of the year.
I will inform you and adjust for this appropriately.
※※ As this tour comes with a private driver and comfortable Club Van, All transportation is to be paid at a flat rate separate from the tour at the meeting spot before leaving. The rates to be paid are listed in what's not included in terms of costs. This due to rules, procedures and protocols.
※※You can customize this tour accordingly and the non included fees can be discussed as such. Feel free to reach out to make customized itineraries with the non included flat rates listed up to 8 guests.
Contact me for custom schedules or any kind of customization or special requests that fit within allowed rules and laws.
Important message from the supplier
Note for Extraordinary Travelers:
While I am based out of Kanazawa, I also offer guiding in nearby destinations with the same range of deep insights, activities and knowledge of local life for the last 300 years. These areas include: Shirakawa-go, Ainokura, Takayama, Matsumoto and various winter spots among others. All are within a two hour radius of Kanazawa city.
If you're interested in exploring beyond Kanazawa, I can also guide you outside the city and have a licensed logistical partner with driver for private tours for up to 8 guests. Together, we can further assist you in your destination planning in our area. I also have a logistics partner who can assist and is there for day or multi day trips as well.
Please contact me in advance for details and planning in line with local guidelines and best-practice protocols. I’ll help figure out the best way to make it happen!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Lee S.
Welcome to Hokuriku! I’m based in Kanazawa and would love to show you around not just the famous sights, but also the everyday beauty and hidden corners that make this region special. I also provide winter tours and have a logistics team for your expedient comfort needs and convenience.
Whether you're strolling through samurai districts, sampling fresh seafood at a local market, or soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of mountain villages like Takayama, Shirakawa-go or Ainokura among many more, I’ll help you experience Japan in a way that feels personal, relaxed, and real.
I grew up in BC Canada with friends from all over the world, and now call Japan home. I speak conversational Japanese and understand both the traveler’s curiosity and the local rhythm of life. That means I can help bridge the gap, so you feel comfortable and connected wherever we go.
Every tour is flexible—if the weather shifts or something catches your eye, we can adapt. My goal is to make your time here smooth, engaging, and full of insight.
Let’s explore Hokuriku together, one story, flavor, and moment at a time.
$222/ per group
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