Takaoka: 5 Hour Highlights Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This efficient 5-hour walking tour, including a lunch break, highlights Takaoka's rich history and traditional crafts. Starting at Takaoka Station, you will explore the National Treasure Zuiryuji Temple. Discover the metal casting tradition on Kanamachi Street and visit the preserved Sugano Residence. The tour concludes at the Takaoka Mikurumayama Museum, offering a deep dive into local heritage
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Takaoka Station
Zuiryuji Temple
Explore Zuiryuji Temple, a designated National Treasure, focusing on the Sanmon Gate, Buddha Hall, and Hatto Hall.
Kanamachi Street
Spend time in this area known for its traditional metal casting workshops and historical atmosphere.
Lunch Break
Sugano Residence
Visit this preserved merchant house.
Takaoka Mikurumayama Museum
See the floats used in the Mikurumayama Festival.
Ending Point
Takaoka 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
Guide fee only
Taxi or tram fare if necessary in the case of schedule delay (optional)
Admission fees
Zuiryuji Temple : 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for children
Sugano Residence: 300 yen for adults , free for junior high school students and younger
Mikurumayama Museum: 450 yen for adults, free for junior high school students and younger
Lunch (estimated 1,000 - 1,500 yen per person)
*Please note that the guide's transportation fare, lunch, and entrance fees are customarily paid by the client.
Tour Important Information
• Entrance Fees: Entrance fees for the attractions (Zuiryuji Temple, Sugano Residence, Mikurumayama Museum) are not included in the guide fee. Clients will need to pay for their own entrance fees, as well as the entrance fees for the guide.
• Walking: Please wear comfortable walking shoes, as this tour requires a lot of walking.
• Weather: Bring rain gear (raincoat or umbrella) as well as sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong.
• The itinerary may be subject to modifications based on factors such as group health, weather, and crowd levels.
*Cruise Ship Shore Excursions (Fushiki/Toyama Port)
This tour can be upgraded to a Driver & Guide or Driving Guide service with pick-up and drop-off directly at Fushiki (Toyama) Port. Please note that additional transportation fees (rental car, fuel, taxi etc.) will apply for this arrangement. As the total price depends on the group size and duration, please contact me via message for a personalized quote.
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
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Jesus V.
“Two days with Naoto”
We took the Gokayama tour and the snow wall tour as well with Naoto. He shared a lot of interesting information about the area. He was well organized and attentive. The Toyama area is gorgeous, and we had a wonderful time. Definitely you must tour Toyama with him.
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Naoto K.
Dear Jesus, Thank you so much for your kind words! I am truly honored to have received such a wonderful review. I really enjoyed our time together in Gokayama and at the Snow Walls. It was a pleasure sharing the history and stories of my hometown with you and your mother. I was also very impressed by how much you cared for her throughout the trip—it made the tour even more special for me. The weather was perfect, and I’m so glad you could see the gorgeous side of the Toyama area. I hope the rest of your journey in Japan is filled with more beautiful memories. You and your family are always welcome back to Toyama! Naoto
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Jesus V.
“Two days with Naoto”
We took the Gokayama tour and the snow wall tour as well with Naoto. He shared a lot of interesting information about the area. He was well organized and attentive. The Toyama area is gorgeous, and we had a wonderful time. Definitely you must tour Toyama with him.
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Naoto K.
Dear Jesus, Thank you so much for your kind words! I am truly honored to have received such a wonderful review. I really enjoyed our time together in Gokayama and at the Snow Walls. It was a pleasure sharing the history and stories of my hometown with you and your mother. I was also very impressed by how much you cared for her throughout the trip—it made the tour even more special for me. The weather was perfect, and I’m so glad you could see the gorgeous side of the Toyama area. I hope the rest of your journey in Japan is filled with more beautiful memories. You and your family are always welcome back to Toyama! Naoto
Penny T.
“Beautiful day exploring Toyama region”
Naoto was a helpful and knowledgeable guide, giving history of the region throughout the trip. He customized the tour to ensure we got exactly what we’d hoped for. Naoto shared his interest in fly fishing and travel which added to the experience as it was clear he had a great respect and love for his home and nature. Highly recommend booking with Naoto!
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Naoto K.
Dear Penny, Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! It was a true pleasure to customize the day for you both. I’m so glad we could adjust our route to find the blossoms in Kamioka and that you enjoyed the history of my home region. Sharing stories about fly fishing and our mutual love for nature and travel made the day even more special for me as well. I hope the rest of your trip to Kyoto was wonderful and that you have a safe flight back to Seattle. Please give my best regards to your aunt Lisa. I hope to see you again in Wyoming or Toyama. Warm regards, Naoto
$219/ per group
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