【Private 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. 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
Birgit M.
“Great walking tour ”
Arigatou gozaimasu Naoto san for a great day in Kanzawa! Nigel and I enjoyed our tour with Naoto. It was very informative and Naoto was very knowledgeable about the history, area and town. It was great to visit the samurai house, ninja temple, geisha district amongst other places and enjoy some delicious local food as well.
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Naoto K.
Dear Birgit and Nigel, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was an absolute pleasure guiding you through Kanazawa. I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed learning about the history and exploring the Samurai house, Ninja Temple, and the Geisha district. You both had amazing energy during our 8-hour walking tour, and sharing those delicious local dishes with you was a true highlight for me as well! Thank you again for the unforgettable day. I hope you are settling back in well in New Zealand. Please take care, and I look forward to seeing you again someday—perhaps for some fly-fishing next time! Warm regards, Naoto
Sonali M.
“Day trip with Naoto”
The trip with Naoto was wonderful and informative. He is a good driver and the car is comfortable. He went out of his way to cater to our request
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Naoto K.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Sonali! It was an absolute pleasure guiding your lovely family to Shirakawa-go and Inami. I am thrilled to hear that you found the tour informative and the journey comfortable with the upgraded rental car. Seeing how much you all enjoyed the Kumiko workshop and the local flavors of Gokayama was a true highlight for me as well. It was my privilege to assist with your requests, and I am so glad I could help make your day special. I wish you and your family a safe, smooth, and memorable rest of your travels in Japan!
Wanda U.
“A short but memorable day!”
We were blessed with a beautiful sunny day for our tour of Gokayama and the Ainokura Gasso-Fukui Village with Naoto. He shared some of his own memories of growing up in a similar home and helped us understand more about the culture & history of the area. He thoughtfully planned our time so we could make a quick stop in the woodcarving town of Inami and even a quick stop in the old Edo area. He made us want to return to this lovely region of Japan!
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Naoto K.
Dear Wanda and Roger, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a true pleasure sharing the stories of my old house I grew up with and our mutual connections to Albuquerque with you. I'm so glad we could fit in the visits to Inami and Uchikawa before your departure. Hearing that you wish to return to Toyama is the best compliment I could receive. I hope you have a fantastic continued journey on the Azamara Pursuit! Warm regards, Naoto
$463/ per group
More tours by Naoto K.
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【Private Car Tour】Shirakawago World Heritage Site & Shogawa River Cruise
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 or Gokayama - 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.
【Private Car Tour】Shirakawago World Heritage Site & Shogawa River Cruise
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Kanazawa Must-See Full Day Tour: Geisha District, Kenorokuen, Samurai District 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 Full Day Tour: Geisha District, Kenorokuen, Samurai District and Omicho Market
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Kanazawa Full Day Deep Tour: Castle, Samurai Estates, Ninja Secrets, 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 Full Day Deep Tour: Castle, Samurai Estates, Ninja Secrets, Temple Secrets
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【Private Car Tour】The Gokayama Grand Tour: UNESCO Sites, Iwana Delights & Washi Art
A scenic day trip in a convenient car from Toyama Station to Gokayama Ainokura, a UNESCO World Heritage site, focusing on cultural immersion and local cuisine. The trip involves exploring a traditional Japanese village, savoring local dishes, and engaging in a hands-on paper-making experience.
【Private Car Tour】The Gokayama Grand Tour: UNESCO Sites, Iwana Delights & Washi Art
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Toyama
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【Private Car Tour】Shirakawago World Heritage Site & Shogawa River Cruise
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 or Gokayama - 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.
【Private Car Tour】Shirakawago World Heritage Site & Shogawa River Cruise
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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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Tour with the locals
My strong point is the connection with locals. I can show the real Japan! I will take you to Takaoka's daily life in Takaoka city. The authentic Japanese life spreads out in the town.
Tour with the locals
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