【Car Tour】Inami Woodcarving & Hidden Heritage Private Tour
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!
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.
Tonami Sankyonon Viewpoint
Brief stop to admire the scenic dispersed settlement landscape
Inami Woodcarving Town
Visit Zuisen-ji Temple and stroll along the historic Yokamachi Street.
Enjoy a premium Kumiko traditional woodworking experience at Kawashima Takegu.
Lunch at Farmhouse Restaurant
Authentic local cuisine in a traditional Japanese farmhouse
Kotoku-ji Temple (Fukumitsu)
View the magnificent masterpieces of world-renowned artist Shiko Munakata and Mingei folk art
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?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
*Professional English-speaking guide service
*Private transportation (Jimny 4WD)
*Fuel costs & Highway tolls
*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
About Tour Guide Naoto K.
Hello! I’m Naoto. Born and raised in Toyama, with Kanazawa as my backyard, I welcome you to Hokuriku—Japan’s sanctuary of culture, nature, and gastronomy.
My roots run deep into Takayama, Gifu. I even spent part of my childhood in a traditional thatched-roof house, giving me a lifelong connection to the heritage and craft of Hokuriku and Hida.
After living abroad and spending decades in Tokyo, I returned to curate tailored journeys into authentic Japan, far from tourist crowds.
In Hokuriku, you experience history through all senses. With my private vehicle, I offer door-to-door comfort to extraordinary places tour buses cannot reach.
What Makes Your Journey Extraordinary:
Food as Living Culture: From "jewels of the sea" along Toyama Bay (Iwase/Himi) and samurai cuisine to mountain retreat dining, every meal is curated to your tastes.
Samurai Legacies & Crafts: Walk through samurai districts and connect with artisans, from Kanazawa’s gold leaf to Inami woodcarving and Gokayama Washi paper.
Majestic Nature: Experience contrast—from the Northern Japan Alps to UNESCO-listed villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama.
Immersive Experiences: Craft workshops, culinary sessions, or quiet river excursions with a local insider.
Having lived abroad, I act as your cultural translator, bridging the gap between a visitor and local Japan. Every itinerary is 100% customized to your pace. Let’s create an unforgettable journey tailored for you.
[Qualifications]
Government-Licensed Guide-Interpreter (English)
Certified General Travel Services Manager
Historical Proficiency Test (Japanese History, Grade 2)
English: EIKEN Grade 1 | TOEIC: 985 | TOEFL iBT: 108
U.S. Graduate Degree; 3+ Years Abroad
Certified in CPR and AED (Basic Life Supporter) by the Japanese Red Cross Society
Reviews
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Sonia R.
“Half day tour of Kanazawa ”
We had a pleasant day with Naoto in Kanazawa. He was punctual, friendly, helpful, and very responsive to our messages both before and during our tour. He was easy to communicate with and made sure our day went smoothly. We appreciated his flexibility and willingness to accommodate our interests and needs. Thank you, Naoto, for helping us enjoy our time in Kanazawa!
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Naoto K.
Dear Sonia and Michael, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a kind review! It was a true pleasure to meet both of you and share the history and atmosphere of Kanazawa. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed our time together and felt comfortable throughout the tour. I hope you had a wonderful visit to the Toyama Glass Art Museum and are enjoying the rest of your trip through Takayama, Gifu, and beyond! Wishing you both safe travels and many more wonderful memories in Japan. Warm regards, Naoto
Adam S.
“Perfect Day in Kanazawa”
Naoto was an excellent guide. He was super kind, friendly and very attentive to what we wanted to accomplish during our time in Kanazawa. He knew all of the best places to go and understood our level of interest for each spot. I will be recommending him to my friends who will also be traveling here soon!
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Naoto K.
Dear Adam, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review! It was an absolute pleasure guiding you, your wife, and your friends around Kanazawa. I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the itinerary, the local spots, and our time together. Helping you create great memories in Kanazawa was a highlight for me as well. Thank you also for recommending me to your friends—I would be delighted to welcome them whenever they visit! Wishing you all safe travels for the rest of your time in Japan and a wonderful journey back home. Warm regards, Naoto K
Manfred K.
“A wonderful day in Kanazawa with Naoto”
We had the pleasure of spending a wonderful, exciting, informative and lovely day with Naoto. Naoto’s knowledge of Kanazawa and his skills as a tour guide are excellent, and we can highly recommend him. Thank you once again for this unforgettable day in Kanazawa. Manfred and Sarah
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Naoto K.
Dear Manfred and Sarah, Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful and thoughtful review! I am deeply touched by your kind words. Guiding you both through Kanazawa was a true highlight for me as well. I’m so glad we could share such an informative and fun day together—from talking about fishing at Omicho Market to finding the Pokéfuta cover and exploring the historic districts. I hope the rest of your 3-week journey through Shirakawa-go, Takayama, the Kiso Valley, and Tokyo is filled with equally unforgettable moments and great memories. Wishing you both safe and wonderful travels throughout Japan! Warmest regards, Naoto
$443/ per group
More tours by Naoto K.
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Kanazawa Must-See Tour: Geisha, Kenroku Park, Samurai Houses and Omicho Market
Explore Kanazawa's history and culture on this private walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors to Kanazawa, the tour covers Omicho Market, the Nagamachi Samurai District, the stunning Kenroku-en Garden, and the charming Higashichaya-gai (Geisha Tea House Street), Oyama Shrine which are all must-see places. The itinerary is completely customizable, including the tour length and the pick-up and drop-off locations.
Kanazawa Must-See Tour: Geisha, Kenroku Park, Samurai Houses and Omicho Market
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【Car Tour】World Heritage Shirakawago & Scenic Shogawa Gorge
A scenic day trip by private car from Toyama Station, combining a breathtaking River Cruise on the Shogawa River in Gokayama with a visit to Shirakawa-go - famous thatched roof house villages, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This experience focuses on natural and cultural immersion, allowing you to explore the traditional Japanese gasshō-zukuri village and savor authentic local cuisine.
【Car Tour】World Heritage Shirakawago & Scenic Shogawa Gorge
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Tateyama Alpine Route Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Escape the summer heat for the cool breezes of the peak, or witness the mountain slopes ablaze with autumn colors. This efficient 8-hour round trip from Toyama Station offers a generous 3-hour stay at Murodo for scenic hiking. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you will enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Japanese Alps. We utilize seamless Alpine Route transport to reach the highlands. Optional extension: Customize your tour to include a round trip to the spectacular Kurobe Dam!
Tateyama Alpine Route Private Tour with Licensed Guide
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Kanazawa Deep History Tour: Castle, Samurai, Ninja, Temple Secrets
Discover the hidden facets of Kanazawa on this hardcore 8-hour journey into the city’s strategic past. Using Kochizu (historical maps), we trace the ancient defense lines and tactical layouts that shaped the samurai era. From the ingenious traps of the Ninja Temple to hands-on iron shuriken training, this tour offers a deep dive into the grit and wisdom of the Kaga Domain. Enjoy local soul food and pay tribute to Lord Maeda Toshiie on a mission for true history seekers.
Kanazawa Deep History Tour: Castle, Samurai, Ninja, Temple Secrets
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Toyama
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【Car Tour】World Heritage Shirakawago & Scenic Shogawa Gorge
A scenic day trip by private car from Toyama Station, combining a breathtaking River Cruise on the Shogawa River in Gokayama with a visit to Shirakawa-go - famous thatched roof house villages, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This experience focuses on natural and cultural immersion, allowing you to explore the traditional Japanese gasshō-zukuri village and savor authentic local cuisine.
【Car Tour】World Heritage Shirakawago & Scenic Shogawa Gorge
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<PRIVATE CAR TOUR> Gokayama Inami Historical Tour - Full Day
Gokayama and Inami in Nanto city have a lot of historical spots. I will show you the best spots in these areas. We go to Ainokura Gassho-zukuri Village, Zuisenji temple in Inami district. The Itinerary is an example. I can customize this tour for you. For example, I pick you up at Fushiki Port or Toyama Shinko Port.
<PRIVATE CAR TOUR> Gokayama Inami Historical Tour - Full Day
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Your Toyama, Your Way – Flexible Private Tour by Car
Explore Toyama your way with this flexible private tour for up to 3 guests. Travel comfortably by car and discover local culture, history, modern architecture, and beautiful scenery at your own pace. The tour can be customized based on your interests, including traditional culture, local food, photography spots, nature, hidden places, family-friendly experiences, or a slower pace with less walking. Pick-up is available within the Toyama area.
Your Toyama, Your Way – Flexible Private Tour by Car
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400-year Traditional Craft Tour in Takaoka - 15min from Kanazawa by Shinkansen
Discover the amazing world of Japanese crafts! Just a 15-minute bullet train ride from Kanazawa, you will visit Takaoka, a famous town with 400 years of history. Explore Zuiryuji Temple, a beautiful National Treasure, and see the giant Great Buddha. Inside the lovely historic streets of Kanaya-machi, you will enjoy a nice lunch and visit a beautiful 19th-century gallery. There, you can talk with locals and make your own tin accessory to take home. Come and touch the living tradition of Japan!
400-year Traditional Craft Tour in Takaoka - 15min from Kanazawa by Shinkansen
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