From Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village

Overview

Available languages

English

9 hours

Mobile ticket

Deep in the mountains of Japan lies the quaint villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, with their beautifully preserved gassho-style houses. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of the buildings are over 250 years old, gives a glimpse into the ways of Japanese traditional farming communities. On the way from Kanazawa to those stunning sites, there are other historic towns such as the woodcarvers of Inami. Being far from the large cities of Tokyo and Osaka, enjoy walking through a town which continues its tradition of woodcarving to this day. On the shops, in the temples and on signs are beautiful examples of this living history. The entire region was once home to many different kinds of local crafts, such as Japanese style paper making, an activity that you can do on this tour. Enjoy a day long bus tour from Kanazawa where you can see expert wood carving, try your hand at paper making and see the UNESCO World Heritage sites Shirakawa-go and Gokayama traditional homes.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.

During the New Year's time period (12/28-1/3) many stores in Inami(wood carving) and Gokayama are closed. Shirakawago is mostly open. Therefore, the paper making is not available during that time. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Guided Tour at the Wood Craft Town Inami and Shirakawa-go UNESCO site

English speaking guide

Entry fee at Zuisenji Temple

Japanese Paper-Making Experience Fee

Transportation to and from Shirakawa-go and all other destinations

Lunch

Accommodation

What To Expect

Inami

Arrive at Inami to explore the main street full of wood carvers and their interesting creations throughout the townscape. This will be followed by a walk around Zuizenji Temple to see the place where all the wood carving starting.

2 hours • Admission Included

Gokayama

Arrive at the first stop in Gokayama, the Ainokura Village, where you have a short amount of time to walk around and get some good pictures of the village. Your guide can show you the way to nice photo spot overlooking the the area.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Start and end at Kanazawa City

Start and end at Kanazawa: Start and end the tour at Kanazawa Station

End the tour at Takayama St

Reviews

4.95

77 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great tour with an awesome tour guide
73davyn,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a thoroughly enjoyable full day tour of Inami, Gokayama, and Shirakawa-go. The arrangement by the tour company was seamless and Garrett, our tour guide, was friendly and knowledgeable. We especially enjoyed the serene history of Inami, the historic wood carving town, and the hands-on paper making activity in Gokayama. Highly recommended!
Shiwagawago day trip
Q2142TAmelissah,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A fabulous guided tour, well worth the visit, value for money and tour guide very helpful and informative. Scenery despite the rain absolutely spectacular.
Basically a transport.
jussara t,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
Basically the tour is a means of transportation to the place. Few explanations and activities with the guide. Micro bus tight. They don't even offer water.
09.11.25 Shirakawa-go tour
Bryan D,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The visit was great and our guide was as well. Mike is quite the character and was very friendly throughout. The driver was also very attentionate and drove as softly as can be. As much as Shirakawa is supposed to be the main thing, the other stops were actually more enjoyable.
Wood carving with family
V727MWericaw,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Mike was very knowledgeable and very friendly. He made sure we had enough time to walk around. His Japanese is good too. Thanks for an amazing time.
Trip to Shirakawago
Daydream12319238742,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Daniel was a great guide for this tour, providing a lot of interesting information. The tour is a good balance between culture and beautiful scenery.
Wonderful Day Trip!
Raul1409,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a fantastic time on this tour. Our guide Mike was outstanding — very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to everyone in the group. The itinerary was well-paced and beautifully organized, with highlights like the paper-making experience and visits to the UNESCO villages. Highly recommend this tour!
Kanazawa Day Tour
Peter C,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic day tour, would highly recommend. The craftsmanship was amazing. Mike had many helpful tips to make the most of our time at each location.
Best trip kanasawa
Explore54478914901,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Mike is the best guide! Nice trip! From kanazawa to 3 villages Thanks Saludos desde España y desde Andorra, hemos ido en pareja
A brilliant tour with a fantastic guide
Chantal D,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent tour with a very informative guide! The tour covered three really interesting stops that had fantastic scenery, amazing handmade crafts and was a truly great experience. Our guide Mike brought the trip to life with friendly and engaging commentary and information and enthusiastically answered questions.