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625 Available Tour Excursions in Chubu
Start your day with the peaceful beauty of Mt Fuji from Lake Kawaguchiko. In the early morning, the lake is calm and quiet, and the view of Mt Fuji is unforgettable. Some days, you might see a sea of clouds, soft mist on the water, or birds like swans and cormorants. Our friendly English speaking guide will share stories about Kawaguchiko and Mt Fuji. We enjoy helping travelers make the most of their time in Japan. Great for First Timers No experience needed. We will guide you step by step and take photos to help you remember this part of your trip. Easy to Reach Our shop is near many hotels and just a 15 minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. How to Get to Kawaguchiko from Tokyo ① Take a train from Shinjuku to Otsuki, then transfer to the Fujikyu Line or ① Take a direct limited express train from Shinjuku or ① Take an express bus from Shinjuku Need help with directions? Just ask. *We also offer daytime kayaking options at 10am and 1pm!
Price: $77.67
Duration: 2 hours
Discover Your Own Kanazawa, With a Local Nurse! Join my private, fully customized walking and bus tour, designed just for you. With over 24 years living in Kanazawa, I know the city’s hidden gems and fascinating stories you won’t find in guidebooks. ✨I’m a Japanese nurse. If you feel unwell during the tour, I can help you. After you book, we’ll chat to create your perfect 4-5 hour adventure. Whether you want to explore Kenrokuen Garden, Castle, Omicho Market, Higashi Chaya District, or HIDDEN GEMS! And talking with local lovely people. (The itinerary is just a sample!) We’ll travel mainly by foot and local buses, making it easy and comfortable to see the best of the city. I love meeting new people and sharing conversation, so every tour is a personal experience. Let’s make your Kanazawa visit truly unforgettable-just for you! ☺️ ※Guests are kindly advised that the tour host cannot accept responsibility for any illness to unforeseen accidents occurring during the tour.
Price: $226.53
Duration: 4-5 hours
Forget the 4-hour round trip from Tokyo. We are a locally owned team based in Fuji Kawaguchiko, providing private, deep-access tours of Mt. Fuji's famous icons and secret local gems Weather-Optimized Itinerary We don't follow a robotic path. To ensure the best experience, your itinerary is strategically chosen on the day based on visibility and weather conditions . We typically visit 6–7 locations, prioritizing the best views of Mt. Fuji while avoiding the heavy bus crowds. Your Bucket List, Our Hidden Gems. Have specific "bucket list" spots? We'll build them into the day. Otherwise, let us lead the way to a blend of iconic highlights and secret viewpoints known only to locals. Why Choose Us? Local Authority: Residents who know the "locals-only" timing. Efficiency: 100% of your time is for exploring, not the highway. Flexibility: A private journey that adapts to the mountain. Approx. 6 hr. tour Starts in Kawaguchiko. Does not go to Fuji 5th Station.
Price: $485.42
Duration: 6-7 hours
Up to 7 people private tour + PHOTOSHOOT by professional photographer!! Regardless of whether you are coming to Japan for the first time, or you’re an obsessed Japan lover, this intimate, private tour will be a unique experience to enhance your treasured memories in Japan. You will be taken to the Japan's most beautiful places, guided by a local English-speaking professional photographer. During the tour I will capture your magical moments, leaving you free to take in the sights without worrying about the best angles and light, or asking a stranger to take your picture! I am experienced in portrait and travel street photography, and my work has been published in many magazines, guidebooks including Lonely Planet and the city guides of tourism boards. A day out with me ensure you will have a knowledgeable, funny, local professional photographer, and Insta-worthy travel photos will be guaranteed!
Price: $504.84
Duration: 8-9 hours
Regardless of whether you are coming to Japan for the first time, or you’re an obsessed Japan lover, this intimate, photoshoot session will be a unique experience to enhance your treasured memories to our beautiful city of Kanazawa. Regardless of being in Kimono or casual clothes we will capture your beautiful smile! Please choose Kenrokuen garden or Higashichaya for your photoshoot. If you would like to rent Kimono we can guide you to book your Kimono rental at one of kimono shops in Kanazawa. 100 fully professionally edited photos (We select best 100 out of 300-400 photos taken during the session) in 2 hour shoot session. 30 fully professionally edited photos (We select best 30 out of roughly 100 photos taken during the session) in 1 hour shoot session. Photos delivered via Dropbox or Google drive within 3-7days.
Price: $129.45
Duration: 2 hours
Regardless of whether you are coming to Japan for the first time, or you’re an obsessed Japan lover, this intimate, private tour will be a unique experience to enhance your treasured memories to our beautiful city of Kanazawa. You will be taken to the city’s most beautiful places, guided by a local English-speaking professional photographer. During the tour I will capture your magical moments in Kanazawa, leaving you free to take in the sights without worrying about the best angles and light, or asking a stranger to take your picture! I am experienced in portrait and travel street photography, and my work has been published in many magazines, guidebooks including Lonely Planet and the city guides of tourism boards. A day out with me ensure you will have a knowledgeable, funny, local professional photographer, and Insta-worthy travel photos will be guaranteed!
Price: $144.98
Duration: 3 hours
This tour is led by a native English-speaking guide with deep local knowledge of the Mt. Fuji area and Aokigahara Forest. Enjoy clear communication, engaging storytelling, and insightful commentary throughout your adventure. Our guide not only ensures safety and comfort but also shares fascinating cultural and natural insights that bring this mystical region to life. Whether you’re kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Kawaguchiko or exploring the mysterious “Sea of Trees,” you’ll feel connected to the landscape and its stories without any language barriers. ・Kayaking on Lake Kawaguchiko ・Visiting sacred shrines ・Exploring artisan villages ・Hiking forest trails (All tours include pick up & drop off from Kawaguchiko station or local hotels) [Example Tour] 10:00 Pick up 10:15 Kayaking 12:00 Iyashi No Sato Village 13:30 Aokigahara Forest Trek 15:00 Drop off *Activities may vary depending on the weather
Price: $388.34
Duration: 5 hours
Go beyond a simple knife-sharpening or engraving workshop. Create your own full-size Damascus Japanese kitchen knife through polishing, hand-drawn blade design, etching, sharpening, and test cutting with guidance from a master craftsman with over 50 years of experience. Your handwritten name, message, symbol, or small artwork becomes part of the finished blade through the etching process. Your design is revealed together with the beautiful Damascus pattern. In Seki, one of Japan’s most historic Sword Town —you will complete your own Damascus kitchen knife, enjoy a local Japanese lunch, and discover the culture behind Japanese blades. Choose from Santoku, Gyuto, Nakiri, or Bunka, depending on availability. Each guest is guided step by step at their own pace, making the experience suitable even for beginners. At the end, test the sharpness of your finished knife on fresh vegetables and take home both your Damascus knife and a deeper appreciation of Seki’s blade-making tradition.
Price: $323.62
Duration: 5 hours
From ¥9,900 p.p. (min. 2) | Same-day OK — book up to 2 hours before. Fully private, no strangers, just your group. A 19-year tea master guides you through authentic Enshu-ryū ceremony in a 100-year-old machiya in Kanazawa’s Nishi Chaya geisha district. Step inside a 100-year-old machiya in Kanazawa’s Nishi Chaya geisha district for a completely private tea ceremony. Your host Yuta has practiced tea for 19 years in the Enshu-ryū tradition, rooted in samurai culture. This is not a group workshop — it is an intimate ceremony performed exclusively for you, in a tea room with tatami and tokonoma alcove. During the 70-minute session, you will: · Watch a full tea ceremony demonstration · Whisk your own bowl of matcha. · Enjoy traditional dry sweets (higashi) · Ask anything — about tea, aesthetics, or Kanazawa · Take a commemorative photo Completely private. No other guests. No rush. English-guided throughout. Please note: · Socks recommended · Additional guests: ¥9,900/person (max 5)
Price: $64.08
Duration: 1 hours
We’ll begin with a visit to the famous Snow Monkey Park, where you can watch wild Japanese macaques enjoying a soak in the hot springs—set in the peaceful mountains of Nagano. After the walk, we’ll head over to the nearby Shibu Onsen area, a beautiful historic hot spring town. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant here, featuring freshly made soba noodles and other regional specialties. After lunch, you’ll have time to unwind in one of Shibu Onsen’s public baths. The mineral-rich waters are said to have healing properties and offer the perfect way to relax. And for a bit of extra fun, there’s the chance to collect stamps from different hot springs using a special towel—a local tradition that adds a playful touch to your visit. Whether you're here to relax, explore, or enjoy good food and drink, this tour offers a great mix of what makes Nagano special. Optional free pick-up support available upon request. Please read the pick-up details before making your reservation.
Price: $129.45
Duration: 6-7 hours
✔ To drive in Japan, a valid 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Permit (IDP) and your original driver’s license are REQUIRED. Guests without these documents cannot drive and refunds will not be provided. Each booking includes one trike (max 2 people). For groups of more than 2 people, please make multiple bookings. We can arrange up to 3 trikes per tour depending on availability. Experience Mt. Fuji like never before on our custom-painted Can-Am trike tour. Ride along scenic roads around Lake Kawaguchiko and beyond, including hidden local spots that most travelers never see. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji from multiple angles while stopping at the best photo locations along the way. Our small-group tours ensure a safe and relaxed atmosphere, with a friendly guide leading you at a comfortable pace. No prior experience is needed — full instructions and a safety briefing are provided before the ride, making it perfect for beginners as well as experienced riders.
Price: $177.99
Duration: 2 hours
【The pickup service is available only for guests who are already staying in Kawaguchiko or Fujiyoshida area, or for those who can come to the areas on their own.】 Join us on a special nature and culture tour at the foot of Mt. Fuji—far from the busy tourist spots. Led by Yuki, a certified mountain guide who has climbed Mt.Fuji over 40 times and is also a licensed local hunter, this tour offers deep insights into the natural and spiritual heart of the region. We’ll explore a historical shrine,peaceful Fuji five lakes, a mysterious lava cave, and a vast forest formed by past eruptions. This is more than just a hike—it’s a journey through the history and untouched beauty of Mt.Fuji. After the hike, we’ll enjoy a delicious local meal, featuring the area’s famous “Yoshida Udon.” The trail is moderate(about 1 hour up and 30 minutes down)making it suitable for all ages. Free rental hiking gear is available!
Price: $155.34
Duration: 5-6 hours
Explore the world heritage hamlet of Shirakawa-go on our 4-hour package tour with access to a private vehicle exclusively for you and your fellow travelers. Our English-speaking driver will take you to the World UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go. We collect you from your hotel lobby and whisk you off to the UNESCO village of Shirakawago. Our morning or afternoon driving tours are designed for those looking for convenient access to this beautiful but remote mountain village
Price: $255.57
Duration: 4 hours
Embark on a captivating journey through Kanazawa, a city where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. Explore the iconic Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens, offering stunning seasonal views year-round. Step back in time as you stroll through the historic Higashi Chaya District, with its well-preserved geisha houses and traditional tea shops. Discover the artistic wonders of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, showcasing cutting-edge exhibitions in a strikingly modern setting. Visit Kanazawa Castle and its adjacent park, where you can learn about the city's samurai heritage. Listen to intriguing stories and insights from your guide, providing a deeper understanding of Kanazawa's cultural and historical significance. Enjoy a delectable lunch featuring Kanazawa's renowned seafood at a local market or restaurant (not included). If desired, venture off the beaten path to uncover hidden gems and local secrets.
Price: $194.17
Duration: 5 hours
Try Calligraphy at a Beloved Local School in Kanazawa ( Near Ninja Temple ) Just ink, washi, and your hands. But the moment the brush touches the paper— you’ll feel it. A new side of Japan opens up. Our 100-year-old townhouse offers an authentic calligraphy experience. From basic brush strokes to your own final piece, a local calligraphy master will guide you step by step with care. Please note: On Thursdays and Saturdays after 3:00 PM, our local calligraphy class is in session, so you may occasionally see Japanese children nearby. This experience uses materials that contain animal-derived components.
Price: $49.84
Duration: 1 hours
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way toexplore both of the ancient post towns! You can travel between Magome and Tsumago by infrequent direct bus. Nakasendo was one of the two highways during the Edo period connecting Tokyo with Kyoto, running through the Kiso Valley. Travelers at that time walked along the highway, stopping at "post towns" for rest. Some of those post towns have been well preserved and show tourists today exactly what Japan was like hundreds of years ago. Stunning forests, beautiful villages and traditions, we would love to recommend it to everyone interested in Japanese nature and history. This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis may be used. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs.
Price: $152.10
Duration: 6 hours
Immerse yourself in the world of traditional Japanese art at our Ukiyo-e indigo dyeing workshop at Mount Fuji. Under the guidance of local experts, you'll learn the intricacies of indigo dyeing, known as "Nihon-ai," while creating your own hanging scroll. Choose from various shibori techniques to dye a tenugui hand towel, then apply a silk-screen print featuring Mount Fuji or other cultural motifs. This two-hour experience not only celebrates Japan's rich artistic heritage but also offers the chance to take home a personalized artwork reflecting your creativity and the beauty of Japanese culture.
Price: $51.78
Duration: 2 hours
This tour is a small-group tour led by a guide who was born and raised at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Depending on the participants' preferences and physical condition, we will ride high-performance pedal assist e-bikes that are less tiring and explore the spots around the lake. Unlike typical group tours where you just visit tourist spots, our tour is designed for the guide to provide detailed explanations of the history and background of each spot, so that participants can feel and experience the local culture and environment at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
Price: $84.14
Duration: 2-3 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: JPY
- Languages: Japanese, English (commonly spoken in tourist areas)
- Climate: Temperate
- Timezone: Asia/Tokyo
- Population: Approximately 21 million people
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is spring and autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries including the US, EU, and UK can enter Japan visa-free for short stays up to 90 days. Some travelers may require an e-visa or visa on arrival depending on nationality. A valid passport, return ticket, and proof of funds are typically required. It is advised to check the latest Japanese embassy guidelines before travel.
About Chubu
Chubu is a captivating region located in the heart of Japan, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and historical significance. It stretches from the Japan Sea coast to the Pacific Ocean, encompassing majestic mountains like the Japanese Alps, serene lakes, and traditional towns. This region is famous for its stunning landscapes, including Mount Fuji’s northern foothills and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go with its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Visitors are drawn to Chubu for its diverse attractions ranging from vibrant cities like Nagoya to tranquil hot springs and ski resorts. The region’s mix of modern amenities and preserved traditions provides a compelling experience for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural immersion. Whether hiking in the mountains, exploring ancient castles, or savoring local cuisine, Chubu offers something memorable for every visitor.
Chubu Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Japan
- Duration Range: 2 to 10 hours
- Group Size: Intimate Groups
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is spring and autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty. Pack layers for mountain climates and comfortable walking shoes. Respect local customs such as removing shoes indoors and quiet public behavior. Carry cash as some rural areas have limited card acceptance. Stay aware of earthquake safety procedures. Learning basic Japanese greetings enhances interactions.
Average Tour Price: $95
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $250
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Chubu’s cuisine is diverse, featuring regional specialties such as Hida beef from Takayama, miso katsu (breaded pork cutlet with miso sauce) in Nagoya, and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan coast. The region is also known for its hearty noodle dishes like kishimen flat noodles. Dining customs emphasize seasonal ingredients and presentation. Noteworthy restaurants include traditional ryotei and modern izakayas offering local delicacies.
Getting Around
Chubu is accessible by air through airports like Chubu Centrair International Airport near Nagoya. The region is well-connected by Japan’s efficient rail network, including Shinkansen bullet trains. Local buses and taxis serve rural areas. For convenience, purchasing a regional rail pass can save costs. Traveling by train and bus is generally affordable and punctual.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is spring and autumn for pleasant weather and scenic beauty. Pack layers for mountain climates and comfortable walking shoes. Respect local customs such as removing shoes indoors and quiet public behavior. Carry cash as some rural areas have limited card acceptance. Stay aware of earthquake safety procedures. Learning basic Japanese greetings enhances interactions.
Culture & Customs
Chubu’s culture blends traditional Japanese values with regional uniqueness. Politeness, respect for elders, and group harmony are important social norms. Festivals like Takayama Matsuri showcase elaborate floats and rituals. Visitors should bow when greeting, avoid loud conversations in public transport, and follow etiquette at temples and shrines. Gift-giving and removing shoes indoors are common practices.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..