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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Accommodation or station
- Guide will pick you up at the entrance of the accommodation, or the nearest station.
Takaoka Great Buddha
The great Buddha statue is located in the center of the town, which is the landmark of Takaoka city. The locals can access here any time because it is the the open-air statue. The Great Buddha was made by craftsmen.
Visiting a workshop of making metal items
Takaoka's main industry is making metal items using bronze, brass, and tin. We will visit one of workshops and talk with a local craftsmen.
Yamacho-suji street
Yamacho-suji street is a main street around the area and one of preservation districts due to remaining historical buildings.
Its town was originally developed as a merchant town.
Visiting a Japanese sewing class and wearing Kimono
There is a Japanese sewing class which has long history in the town. An instructor runs classes with professional skill of sewing. We will visit and wear Kimono. The staff are welcoming and they will happy that guests wear kimono because of the Japanese culture.
Visiting a soy sauce & miso brewery
Yamagen brewery, which is making soy sauce & miso, was established in 1772. You will see the traditional wooden barrels for aging soy sauce and learn about the brewing process of soy sauce and miso.
Ending Point
Guest's accommodation or 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
*Car transportation, 5-seater minivan, Suzuki Solio Bandit
*Gasoline fee
*Parking fees
*Highway toll fee
*Admission fee for facilities
*Meals
Tour Important Information
*The guide will recommend highlights in the town.
*This tour can be customized based on the guests' preferences.
Important message from the supplier
Please contact me for a customized tour request.
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 Yuta W.
I live in Takaoka city in Toyama area, right next to Kanazawa area.
I know the Hokuriku region has lots of attractive points, so I live in here.
But these area are still developing area for sightseeing because it is a little difficult to see around by yourselves especially when you come for the first time.
Since I moved into this area, I've been working as a guide in this region.
So why don't you join my tour when you come to the Hokuriku region?
Reviews
Dominik B.
“Great trip with an amazing host”
We had a blast with Yuta. He was perfectly on time and picked up us at the hotel. He knows the area very well, is a very polite and friendly young man. We learned a lot going around Shirakawa -Go and Gokayama and enjoyed our time with him very much. Thank you very much!
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Yuta W.
Thank you for joining the tour! Guests are very kind and interested in Japanese culture, so I also enjoyed with them. We visited Shirakawa-go first. I also wanted them to appreciate Gokayama, so we visited both Suganuma and Ainokura villages after Shirakawa-go. We communicated with locals and were able to had a good time. Please come back to Japan in the future! Arigato gozaimasita!
Sabrina Y.
“Flexible, scenic, off the beaten path”
Yuta accommodated my last-minute request to drop by the traditional medicine shop before heading for the Great Buddha. We also managed to visit a brand new observation bridge for viewing Mt Tateyama before learning more about the history of copper casting in the historic district of Takaoka. The owners were kind enough to show us around their workshops and explain the process, so it was quite educational. The castle area with all the cherry blossoms and the coastline were both very beautiful. Recommended for folks who have specific interests or want a scenic and relaxing day away from the usual tourist hotspots. Personally, I would've appreciated more suggestions on available options and local attractions.
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Yuta W.
Thank you for joining the tour! We started Toyama station and went the Ikedaya Yasube pharmacy and experienced making medicine pills. On the way to Takaoka, we visited the brand new bridge "Kureha foot path", and we could see the scenery great view of Tateyama mountain range. It was the perfect day to go to the observatory. In Takaoka, we visited Takaoka great Buddha, cafe, Takaoka old castle park, Kanayamachi town, and Amaharashi coast. It was the best day for seeing cherry blossoms and Mt. Tateyama, so I chose those spots this time, but I wish I could have offered a few more options. I would like to make this clear. Thank you!
Liz F.
“Cultural and immersive tours ”
First time for a day visit to Toyama. We were visiting from a cruse ship. Yuta and his driver Taka met us promptly at the meeting place. He had planned some interesting activities to learn about the real Japan. This included tours of places of worship, rituals and explanations. We went to see artisans at work making ceremonial bowls and kimonos. We were the only tourists there. It was a personal experience. Yuta’s English was exceptional. We talked about Japanese food and he even took us to the supermarket to buy ingredients. The vehicle was excellent and Yuta really goes out of his way to make the experience unique. Would recommend.
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Yuta W.
I was really glad to meet you guys! I planned unique experience for you this time. That ceremonial bowls is called "Keisu" in Japanese. In the sewing class, they came to welcome you and wear Kimono for the presentation even not on the lesson day, voluntarily. They were very happy that you wore Kimono and you said it was tasty Match tea. Those seasonings from the supermarket would be nice for cooking after coming back to your county.We all really appreciate you came to Takaoka area! Please come back in the future!
$156/ per group
More tours by Yuta W.
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
Kanazawa Kenrokuen garden & Kanazawa castle park tour
Kenrokuen garden and Kanazawa castle park are really popular places for tourists in Kanazawa area, Hokuriku region. Both places have lots of attractions, so I think guests should enjoy taking enough time to go around there. I have seen many cases that tourists go around both places without enough time, so I made this see around with enough time. Each spots have meanings, so I will guide you about the meanings as best I can.
Kanazawa Kenrokuen garden & Kanazawa castle park tour
Takaoka make-a-wish road tour
Takaoka was established as a castle town made by a feudal lord, Maeda. The castle was originally existed at the central part of the town. Now there is a large park named "Takaoka old castle park". Including the park and two more important places are located on the same street. It is called "Negaimichi" meaning "Make-a-wish road". In the tour, we are going to collect three red ink stamps on wood planks at three important places in Takaoka. After collecting, we will write our wishes on them.
Takaoka make-a-wish road tour
E-bike cycling
Toyama has abundant nature such as mountains and the Toyama bay. Usually tourists cannot access to the suburb of Toyama easily. We offer private cycling to the suburb area, like the vast paddy field and the coastline. Guests can access local spots by e-bike.
E-bike cycling
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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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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<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 Takaoka, Your Way – Flexible Private Tour by Car
Explore Takaoka your way with this flexible private tour for up to 3 guests. Travel comfortably by car and discover temples, traditional streets, local culture, and scenic views at your own pace. The tour can be customized based on your interests, including Japanese history, traditional crafts, photography spots, local food, nature, hidden places, family-friendly experiences, or a slower pace with less walking. Pick-up is available within the Takaoka area.
Your Takaoka, Your Way – Flexible Private Tour by Car
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