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【Car Tour】Inami Woodcarving & Hidden Heritage Private Tour

Yokamachi Street of Inami

Zuisenji Temple

Tonami Sankyoson Landscape

Kumiko woodcraft handson experience

Smiles after completion

Traditional farmhouse restaurant

Traditional Farm Dishes

Munakatashiko's Favorite Temple

Kotokuji Temple

Collections of Mingei Crafts

Munakata's work

Aizen-en

Munakata's drawing on the doors

Sankyoson in the evening

Jimny for the tour

【Car Tour】Inami Woodcarving & Hidden Heritage Private Tour

Art, Culture, & Historical

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2025

Naoto K.

5.00 / 5

(21 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Toyama

English, Japanese (Native)

8 hours

Private tour (only you and Naoto K.)

Up to 2 people

Discover the hidden cultural gems of Toyama's countryside on a private tour by Jimny 4WD. Visit the artisan town of Inami for a hands-on traditional "Kumiko" woodworking experience at Kawashima Takegu. Explore historic temples, stroll through the scenic "Little Kyoto" of Johana, and admire the masterful woodblock prints of Shiko Munakata at Kotoku-ji. Enjoy a rustic farmhouse lunch in Tonami. Perfect for craft and history lovers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Japanese experience.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

Toyama Station

- LAWSON Toyama Station North Gate Store After passing through the ticket gates at Toyama Station, please head towards the North Exit. Once you exit the station building, look to your left. You will easily spot the LAWSON convenience store. Please refer to the attached photo of the meeting location for your reference.

09:50 AM

Tonami Sankyonon Viewpoint

Brief stop to admire the scenic dispersed settlement landscape

10:10 AM

Inami Woodcarving Town

Visit Zuisen-ji Temple and stroll along the historic Yokamachi Street.

Enjoy a premium Kumiko traditional woodworking experience at Kawashima Takegu.

12:30 PM

Lunch at Farmhouse Restaurant

Authentic local cuisine in a traditional Japanese farmhouse

02:10 PM

Kotoku-ji Temple (Fukumitsu)

View the magnificent masterpieces of world-renowned artist Shiko Munakata and Mingei folk art

03:10 PM

Shiko Munakata Former Residence & Aizen-en Museum

Visit his preserved residence ("Riu-gasai") where he lived for 6 years, and see original sketches drawn directly on the home's wooden walls and ceilings.

Ending Point

Toyama Station

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

What‘s included

*Professional English-speaking guide service

*Private transportation (Jimny 4WD)

*Fuel costs & Highway tolls

What‘s not included

*Admission Fees: approx. 1,310 JPY (Zuisen-ji: 500 JPY, Kotoku-ji: 500 JPY, Aizen-en/Fukumitsu Art Museum: 310 JPY)

*Kumiko Experience Fee: 1,600 JPY to 4,500 JPY (Depending on the item chosen, paid directly to the workshop)

*Lunch & Food Expenses: approx. 1,500 JPY to 3,000 JPY (Please kindly cover the guide's lunch expense as well)

*Gratuities / Tipping: Optional

Tour Important Information

1) What To Bring

Cash: you may pay by cash as you have to pay for admission fee, restaurant lunch, experience fee)

2) Food: if you have any preference or restrictions, please advise us in advance.

3) Vehicle: Based on the group size, I will arrange a private car upon request. Please contact me in advance, as the tour's total price and related car costs will be adjusted

You will be kindly required to sign the consent form to be passengers for the guide tour vehicle before boarding it.

Important message from the supplier

*Availability: To avoid any scheduling conflicts, please contact me via chat to confirm availability before making a direct booking. I appreciate your cooperation!

*Extended Areas: In addition to my regular guiding areas of Toyama and Kanazawa, I also offer customized tours in the Takayama and Hida areas of Gifu Prefecture. Please feel free to contact me for a personalized offer if you are planning to visit these regions.

*Flexibility: The tour itinerary may be subject to change due to weather conditions, traffic, or unforeseen circumstances. My priority is your safety and ensuring you have the best possible experience, so I appreciate your flexibility.

*Pick-up: Available from Toyama/Kanazawa stations or hotels. Please specify your location when booking.

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

Naoto K.

5.00 / 5

(21 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Naoto K.

Hello! I’m Naoto. I was born and raised in the dramatic landscape of Toyama, with Kanazawa as my favorite weekend playground since my young-hood. I am thrilled that you are considering the Hokuriku region for your Japanese journey.

After living abroad and spending decades in Tokyo area, I returned to my roots with a clear mission: to share the authentic, soulful Japan that remains tucked away from the crowds. In Toyama and Kanazawa, you won’t just see history—you will feel it. This is a region of "hidden gems," where ancient traditions and pristine nature coexist in their purest form.

I specialize in taking you where the tour buses don’t go. Whether we are:

Unlocking Samurai Legacies: Exploring the hidden corridors of Kanazawa’s history and the delicate mastery of its gold-leaf artisans.

Savoring the Secret Harvest: Dining at secluded mountain retreats or tasting the "jewels of the sea" fresh from Toyama Bay.

Immersive Nature & Tradition: From the dramatic peaks of the Northern Alps to the quiet craftsmanship of woodcarving villages and local festivals.

Pop Culture & Local Legends: Diving into the world of manga, anime, and folklore known only to those who live here.

Because of my years overseas, I understand the curiosity and the "why" behind an international traveler's questions. I don’t just show you the sights; I translate the culture, bridging the gap between a visitor and a local. Every itinerary is 100% customized to your pace, your interests, and your sense of adventure.

Let’s step off the beaten path together. Reach out today, and let’s start planning your one-of-a-kind Japanese adventure!

[Qualifications]

In addition to the government licensed guide interpreter (English),

*Certified General Travel Services Manager

*Advanced Language Proficiency

EIKEN Grade 1 (Test in Practical English Proficiency - Top Level)

TOEIC: 985

TOEFL iBT: 108

*The Historical Proficiency Test (Japanese History, Grade 2)

Reviews

Marcelo R.

5 / 5

Aug 17, 2026

Private Day Tour: Shirakawa-go & Historic Inami Woodcarving Town

Aug 17, 2026

Shirakawago

7 hours

Customized

“Amazing and outstanding !”

Amazing day trip to Shirakawa-go & Inami with Naoto-san! We had an absolutely fantastic experience touring Shirakawa-go, and Inami town. The itinerary was perfectly paced — from the stunning gassho-style houses in Ogimachi Village and the breathtaking views from Shiroyama Viewpoint, to a delicious local lunch featuring trout sushi, Hida beef, and soba noodles. The highlight, though, was our guide, Naoto-san. His knowledge, warmth, and attention to detail made the whole day feel effortless and deeply memorable. He shared wonderful insights into the local culture and craftsmanship, especially during our visit to Zuisenji Temple in Inami, and made sure every moment was both informative and enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the region — a truly sensational day!

Naoto K.

Dear Marcelo and Julia, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful and heartfelt review! I am deeply touched by your kind words. It was an absolute pleasure guiding you both through Shirakawa-go and Inami. I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the scenic drive along the Shogawa River, the local cuisine, and the historic craftsmanship at Zuisenji Temple. That unexpected encounter with the young bear on our drive back was certainly a special memory we won't forget! Your cheerful energy, warmth, and bright smiles made the whole day effortless and truly enjoyable for me as well. I hope the remainder of your 3-week journey across Japan, including your visit to Nikko, brings you many more wonderful memories. If you or your family members ever visit Japan again in the future, it would be my absolute honor to welcome you back! Wishing you both safe and happy travels ahead. Warmest regards, Naoto

Ida P.

5 / 5

Aug 14, 2026

The Best 4-Hour Kanazawa Walking Tour: Must-See Spots

Aug 14, 2026

Kanazawa

4 hours

“An Exceptional Private Tour of Kanazawa”

We had a wonderful private tour of Kanazawa with Naoto, and we can't recommend him highly enough. From our very first messages, well before the tour itself, he was attentive and responsive, taking real care to understand our preferences. He then built a program around exactly what we were looking for, and it fit our needs perfectly. On the day, Naoto was an exceptional guide. His deep knowledge of Kanazawa brought every place we visited to life and made the difference between simply seeing the sights and truly appreciating them. The organization was flawless from start to finish. If you're looking for a guide in Kanazawa who listens, plans thoughtfully, and shares his expertise generously, Naoto is an outstanding choice. Thank you for a memorable day.

Naoto K.

Dear Ida, Thank you so much for your deeply kind and heartwarming review! It was an absolute pleasure meeting you and your family and guiding you through Kanazawa. I am truly delighted to hear that you enjoyed our customized itinerary and that the history and stories of the city resonated with you. Your thoughtful preparation and warm enthusiasm made our time together wonderful and enjoyable for me as well. I hope the rest of your time in Japan is filled with unforgettable memories, delicious food, and wonderful travels. If you or your family ever visit Japan again in the future, it would be my honor to welcome you back! Wishing you safe and happy travels, Naoto

Linda M.

5 / 5

Aug 14, 2026

Private Transfer & Heritage Tour: Kanazawa to Okuhida via Shirakawa-go (Compact 4WD)

Aug 14, 2026

Kanazawa

8 hours

Customized

“Great Kanazawa and surrounding mountains tour”

Naoto is a very professional and knowledgeable guide and he offered us a full day's programme that fit perfectly our needs and wishes. Although we had to cover several destinations and quite a lot of distance driving through the mountains, and we even had to make a detour due to traffic disruptions, he managed to fit everything planned in and offer alternatives for one of the destinations that became unreacheable. He combined the city tour with the driving tour wonderfully and got us to our ryokan in time for dinner. All this doubled by a really interesting dialogue and pleasant company. He had an amazing day together with Naoto, felt we were in very good hands from start to finish and appreciated also his easy going kind nature. All the best!

Naoto K.

Dear Linda and John, Thank you so much for your wonderful and thoughtful review! I am truly touched by your kind words. It was an absolute pleasure spending the day with you both and helping you explore Kanazawa and Gokayama. Despite the long drive and the unexpected road closure, your flexibility and positive energy made the journey smooth and enjoyable. I’m so glad we were able to adjust the itinerary seamlessly and get you to your ryokan in time to relax and enjoy your dinner. I also thoroughly enjoyed our conversations throughout the day—learning about your travels and sharing insights was a highlight for me as well. I hope you had a wonderful time in Takayama, enjoyed a delicious Hida beef lunch, and had a safe and memorable trip onward to Kyoto and beyond! Thank you again for choosing me as your guide. I hope our paths cross again in the future! Warmest regards, Naoto