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Toyama & Takaoka: Full Day Highlights Private Tour with Licensed Guide
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Toyama Station or your hotel
Toyama Glass Art Museum
Explore the museum's spectacular architecture designed by Kengo Kumai and the permanent exhibition of Dale Chihuly's works
Toyama Castle Ruin Park
Visit the reconstructed castle keep (museum) and hear about the important history of Toyama City.
Lunch Break
Lunch near Toyama Station (Your guide can provide local recommendations).
If you are vegetarian or prefer Shojin-ryori (traditional Buddhist cuisine), a special meal can be arranged in Takaoka.
Travel to Takaoka
Zuiryuji Temple
Tour this magnificent National Treasure Zen temple complex.
Takaoka Buddha (Daibutsu)
View the Great Buddha, one of the three biggest Buddha statues in Japan.
Travel back to Toyama Station
Ending Point
JR 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
Guide fee only
Transportation Fees (Train: JPY 780 /person, Tram: JPY 640 /person for the group and the guide)
Admission/Entrance Fees (Toyama Castle Museum: JPY210 /person, Toyama Glass Museum: JPY 200 /person, Zuiryuji Temple: JPY 500 /person for the group and the guide)
Lunch (Estimated JPY 1,000 - JPY 2,500/adult) for the group and the guide
*Guide Expenses: Please note that the guest is responsible for covering the guide’s transportation fees, unch 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
• This itinerary can be customized to meet your group's needs and preferences.
• Please prepare comfortable shoes and outfit as this tour requires a long walk.
• Regarding meals, please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or specific dietary restrictions.
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
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!
[Qualifications]
In addition to the government licensed guide interpreter (English),
*Certified General Travel Services Manager
(A comprehensive national license covering both domestic and international travel administration.)
*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)
(Demonstrating deep academic knowledge of Japanese history to enrich your touring experience.)
Reviews
Laras N.
“Amazing tour guide! ”
We truly enjoyed our tour today with Naoto. His English is excellent, and he has an impressive depth of knowledge. Even though the journey was quite long, it felt enjoyable and engaging because Naoto shared so many fascinating stories about Toyama and Japan — from history and geography to local food and fun facts. Our route today included the Shōgawa Gorge Winter Cruise and Shirakawago. We also stopped at a beautiful scenic viewpoint and visited a lovely paper crafts shop, which made the experience even more special. Naoto also took us to a delicious restaurant for Hida beef and katsu, which was absolutely amazing. We’re still thinking about how good it was Highly recommended tour guide!
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Naoto K.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our journey to the Shōgawa Gorge and Shirakawago. It was truly a pleasure sharing the stories of Toyama’s history and geography with you—it makes the long drives feel much shorter when I have such engaged guests! I’m especially glad you enjoyed the paper crafts shop and that the Hida beef lived up to the hype. It was a highlight for me as well. I hope to see you back in Japan again soon!
Diana C.
“A perfect day thanks to our guide Naoto ”
We had an absolutely wonderful experience with our guide, Naoto, during our trip to Japan. He took us to Shirakawa-go and Shogawa Yuran, and the entire day was perfectly organized and unforgettable. Naoto is not only an incredibly knowledgeable guide but also a safe and professional driver. He shared fascinating insights about the history, culture, and local traditions of Shirakawa-go, making the visit even more meaningful. He was punctual, friendly, and very attentive to our needs throughout the trip. We felt comfortable and well taken care of the entire time. If you’re looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, and kind guide in Japan, we highly recommend Naoto. He made our trip extra special, and we would happily tour with him again!
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Naoto K.
Diana and your beloved husband, Thank you so much for joining my tour to the Shogawa River cruise and Shirakawa-go. It was a true pleasure to guide such Japan enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate "off-the-beaten-track" destinations. I also want to thank you for the wonderful review. Your kind words are a great encouragement to me as a guide. If you ever want to explore more hidden gems in Japan, I would be happy to show you around again. Enjoy the rest of your holiday in Japan!
Amely W.
“Wonderful memorable day with Naoto”
My husband and son and I had a wonderful day with Naoto! From the moment I booked with him, he was responsive and flexible. He was also full of great information not just for the logistics around our tour but also for getting to and leaving the Kanazawa area as well as plans for our follow on time at Kaga Onsen. He was a pleasure to work with and I really appreciated his help as I put my plans together for this time in general. For the tour itself, it was our first day in country and he picked us up and brought us cheerfully on a gorgeous tour of Kanazawa. Showing us the beautiful Samuari district and most memorable garden, the Keroku-ken as well as the market and historical geisha district. We had a wonderful time trying a gold leaf experience which was lots of fun as well as tasting gold leaf ice cream. He was an excellent guide explaining many details of the gardens we saw and architectural features and cultural heritage. He found a wonderful and traditional lunch spot for us on a 2nd floor of a non descript building where we were able to try several regional city specialties which were excellent. We would never have found that on our own. I would recommend working with him hands down. We found him easy to work with, knowledgable and easy to understand and communicate with. He found a way to engage each of us with our own personal differences in age and interests. Thank you Naoto for the time we spent together!
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Naoto K.
Dear Amely, thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure to help you and your family navigate Kanazawa and Kaga Onsen. I am so glad you enjoyed the gold leaf experience and our local lunch. Knowing that everyone in the family had a good time means a lot to me. I hope to see you all again someday!
$310/ per group
More tours by Naoto K.
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Winter Magic: The Shogawa River Cruise & World Heritage Site Shirakawago
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.
Winter Magic: The Shogawa River Cruise & World Heritage Site Shirakawago
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7-Hour Kanazawa Must-See Tour: Kenrokuen Garden, Samurai District, and Geisha District
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, including the tour length and the pick-up and drop-off locations.
7-Hour Kanazawa Must-See Tour: Kenrokuen Garden, Samurai District, and Geisha District
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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.
The Gokayama Grand Tour: UNESCO Sites, Iwana Delights & Washi Art
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Tateyama: Great Snow Walls (Yuki no Otani) Private Tour with Licensed Guide
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) Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Toyama
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
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Toyama (Iwase and Kansui park) Tour -Half Day
Iwase district in Toyama city has traditional landscape. This district flourished by cargo ship in Edo era. Fugan Canal Kansui Park is beautiful modern one. You can see beautiful water front landscape here.
Toyama (Iwase and Kansui park) Tour -Half Day
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