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The Gokayama Grand Tour: UNESCO Sites, Iwana Delights & Washi Art
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Joined 2025
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Toyama Station
Ainokura Village
World Heritage Exploration: Discover Ainokura Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its distinctive Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Capture stunning photos from various viewpoints within the village.
Lunch at Iwana Restaurant
Unique Culinary Experience: Enjoy a delicious lunch at "Iwana" restaurant, renowned for its fresh char (iwana) dishes. Don't miss their specialty iwana sushi and fried iwana.
Gokayama Washi no Sato
Traditional Washi Paper Making: Participate in a hands-on washi Japanese paper making experience, learning traditional processes and creating your own unique paper items like postcards or bookmarks.
Ending Point
JR 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
Guide fee
Gasoline fee
Toll fee
Car type: Suzuki Jimny
Parking lot fee for Ainokura: 1,000 JPY
Entrance fee for Ainokura Museum : 150 - 300 JPY (Child - Adult)
Lunch: 1,500 yen to 2,500 yen per person
Fee for washi making experience is 800 yen per person. (available every day)
As an option, you can also enjoy a Kokiriko Bushi dance performance, the oldest folk dance in Japan, after your meal. The fee for this is ¥15,000 per group, plus the admission fee. Please note that you need to book this at least one week in advance. If you choose this option, your itinerary will be delayed by one hour, and your return to Toyama Station will be at 6:00 PM.
*Guide Expenses: Please note that the guest is responsible for covering the guide’s lunch and entrance fees.
*Gratuities: In accordance with industry custom, a gratuity is at your discretion but greatly appreciated if you are satisfied with the tour.
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)
Sunglasses: you may want to use sunglasses in Ainokura if the sun is strong.
Rain gear: you may need to use an umbrella or wear a rain jacket in Ainokura if it is rainy.
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
I can guide you in Takayama and Shirakawago, Gifu if you pay my transportation fee.
I can make flyfishing trip during the fishing season: March 1st to September 30th.
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 Naoto K.
Hello! I’m Naoto, and I’m thrilled you’re considering the Hokuriku region for your journey.
After living across the globe and spending decades in the fast-paced energy of Tokyo, I realized something important: the most authentic, soulful experiences in Japan are found right here in my hometowns of Toyama and Kanazawa. This region is a "hidden gem" where ancient traditions and pristine nature remain untouched by the crowds.
My goal is to take you beyond the guidebooks. Whether we are:
Exploring the samurai history and gold-leaf crafts of Kanazawa.
Discovering a secluded restaurant tucked away in the mountains.
Hiking or fishing along Toyama’s dramatic coastline and peaks.
Diving into manga, anime, or local festivals known only to residents.
Because I spent years overseas, I understand the curiosity of international travelers. I don’t just show you the sights; I help you translate the culture. Every tour is 100% customized to your pace and passions.
Let’s step off the beaten path together.
Please reach out, and let’s start planning your one-of-a-kind Japanese adventure!
Reviews
Ben A.
“Walking Tour of Toyama and Takaoka”
My daughter and I had delightful time with Naoto. We planned on meeting at the Toyama train station at 9AM and we were both there 30 minutes early! We got to see the planned highlights of Toyama (Glass Museum, Toyama Castle) and we included detours to the park around the castle and the library. It was lucky, I didn't realize the there was Chihuly glass in the glass museum! In Takaoka, Naoto had made reservations for lunch at a restaurant that served shojin ryori, for us vegans. In Takaoka, we got to see the hits there, as well as some unique things, like kids getting out of school and the old street with the portable shrines. Our weather wasn't prefect, but we made the best of it. Naoto helped find us some nice photo spots. It was a fun day and we got to see many things that I wouldn't have included if I were planning it.
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Naoto K.
Thank you for the wonderful review! I am so glad you enjoyed the Toyama and Takaoka tour despite the weather. There was even more I wanted to show you, but since this tour covers two cities in a single day, I did my best to highlight the unique charm of each. I hope you can return someday to explore even more of these beautiful cities.
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Jesus & aleeza A.
“Fantastic Private Tour & Experience!”
We initially contacted Naoto about creating a custom tour, and he exceeded our expectations right from the start! He was incredibly helpful in planning a personalized full day itinerary that fit everything we wanted to experience. Throughout the day, Naoto shared stories about Japan that helped us understand both daily life and the historical significance of the places we visited, while also sharing personal stories from his life and his travels around the world, which helped us feel more connected and have a deeper appreciation! At our first stop, the Shogawa Gorge River Cruise, Naoto shared both the history and pop culture surrounding the cruise, including stories about the secluded onsen it stops at. Afterwards, we continued through the scenic valley, visiting other local attractions as well as stopping for lunch to taste the local cuisine. Our next stop was the Shirakawa-go village, which was incredibly beautiful and rich with history. Naoto brought us inside one of the traditional thatched-roof homes and even shared his own experience living in one for a time, teaching us about industries that helped these villages prosper and the care required to preserve these historic homes. We truly appreciate Naoto for the care he took in curating our tour and for all the insights he taught us about each of the places we visited! We highly recommend Naoto for anyone traveling the Toyama area!
Naoto K.
It was a true pleasure to host you! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our tour. Guiding guests like you is what makes my job so rewarding. I wish you all the best on your future adventures, and I look forward to the possibility of seeing you in Japan again in the future!
Savannah L.
“Awesome Private tour guide!”
I requested a personalized tour to see all the places from the movie “wolf children ame & yuki” It was lovely to see all the sights. He took some pictures for me and then showed me some really cool places around Toyama too! The Mountain View was incredible and so was the ocean! (The weather just happened to be super clear without a cloud in the sky perhaps naoto is a lucky tour guide haha!)
Naoto K.
Thank you very much for such a wonderful review on my guiding. It was actually one of the best days for my guiding too. We had a perfect weather and also the schedule was very smooth. We could see more than what you actually wanted to see. Above all I was very happy that your dream to visit Wolf Children house came true after all. You must have loved Toyama very much. So please visit here again for your third trip. Have a great time for the rest of the trip in Japan. Stay in touch. Naoto
$298/ per group
More tours by Naoto K.
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Kanazawa Essentials: A Full-Day Journey via the Loop Bus
Explore Kanazawa's history and culture on this private, 7-hour loop bus tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, the tour covers Omicho Market, the Nagamachi Samurai District, the stunning Kenroku-en Garden, and the charming Higashichaya-gai (Tea House Street). The itinerary is completely customizable.
Kanazawa Essentials: A Full-Day Journey via the Loop Bus
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Full Day Toyama & Takaoka Highlights
This 8-hour private tour seamlessly links the cultural gems of Toyama and Takaoka via public transport. Start in Toyama with a visit to the striking Glass Art Museum and the historic Castle Ruin Park. Then, journey to Takaoka to explore its ancient treasures: the National Treasure Zuiryuji Temple and the majestic Takaoka Buddha. Experience a perfect blend of modern art and deep Japanese heritage in one unforgettable day.
Full Day Toyama & Takaoka Highlights
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Tateyama Great Snow Walls (Yuki no Otani) Tour
Join our efficient, 8-hour round trip from Toyama Station, designed specifically for the majestic Tateyama Snow Wall. This itinerary maximizes your time on the mountain, dedicating a generous three hours for the Snow Wall Walk and sightseeing at Murodo. We use various seamless Alpine Route transport methods to reach the 20-meter high snow corridor. This tour is available exclusively during the Snow Wall season (mid-April to late June).
Tateyama Great Snow Walls (Yuki no Otani) Tour
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Great Historic Takaoka and Great Scenic Amaharashi Coast Trip
This tour blends culture and nature. The morning explores Takaoka's historical heart: visit the great Takaoka Buddha and wander the preserved Edo-period streets of Yamamachi-suji and Kanaya-machi. Enjoy a local lunch before the afternoon's highlight. Take the scenic JR Himi Line to the Amaharashi Coast for a breathtaking view of the majestic Tateyama Mountain Range across the sea. This seamless day trip perfectly combines rich history with spectacular coastal scenery.
Great Historic Takaoka and Great Scenic Amaharashi Coast Trip
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Toyama
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Takaoka private car tour
The tour starts from where you like and ends where you like. It is possible to do this because the tour is done by car. There are attractive sites, but they are dispersed in the area. So I have planned this tour for tourists using a car. Let's go to area's many attractions.
Takaoka private car tour
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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 one of example. I can customize this tour for you.
<PRIVATE CAR TOUR> Gokayama Inami Historical Tour - Full Day
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The Wolf Children's Trail: Anime Lore Meets Tateyama Alps
Experience a "Wolf Children" anime pilgrimage in Toyama, the hometown of director Mamoru Hosoda (Kamiichi Town). This car tour lets you efficiently visit the real-life locations in Kamiichi, Tateyama, and Namerikawa, featured in the award-winning film. Public transport limits you to one spot, but our tour covers many! Beyond anime, enjoy Toyama's delicious food, beautiful scenery, old houses, and rural landscapes. Recommended for anime fans and cultural explorers alike.
The Wolf Children's Trail: Anime Lore Meets Tateyama Alps
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Takaoka driving around Mt. Futagami, a local mountain
Mt. Futagami is located at the west of Toyama area. It is the 274m high mountain. There is abundant nature in the mountain. It is familiar with locals. People from the region often walk, run, and hike around the mountain for having their relaxing time. There are some attractive sites like a huge statue of goddess of mercy, observatory which can look over the scenery of the town and the sea, and a huge bell.
Takaoka driving around Mt. Futagami, a local mountain