Shirakawago & Kanazawa from Tokyo by bullet train





View all photos
















Duration
15 hours 7 minutes
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English, Spanish
Confirmation
Instant
Pickup
Pickup details available
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Overview
Embark on a unique journey starting with the visit to the charming village of Shirakawago. A magical place designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs evoke a landscape frozen in time. Enjoy free time to explore the village at your own pace and savor a traditional lunch surrounded by a dreamlike setting. Begin your day at the majestic Kenrokuen Garden, a peaceful haven famous for its harmony between nature and Japanese art. Stroll among crystal-clear ponds, stone bridges, and centuries-old trees. Continue the experience in Higashi Chaya district, where cobblestone streets and traditional teahouses will transport you to the era of geishas, offering a unique atmosphere full of history and elegance. This tour offers an immersive experience of Japan’s culture and heritage.
What's Included
Included
Train ticket from / to Tokyo (If option selected)
Transportation from the meeting point
Bilingual guide in English and Spanish
Entrance to Kenrokuen Garden
Not included
Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
Please meet the guide at the meeting point, in Kanazawa City Centennial Monument, 1 Chome-8 Hirooka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0031, Japón
The tour starts on your own at Tokyo Station to take the train to Kanazawa. Upon arrival, leave the station and head to the Kanazawa City Centennial Monument, 1 Chome-8 Hirooka, where you will meet up with the rest of the group.
End point
Please meet the guide at the meeting point, in Kanazawa City Centennial Monument, 1 Chome-8 Hirooka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0031, Japón
The tour starts on your own at Tokyo Station to take the train to Kanazawa. Upon arrival, leave the station and head to the Kanazawa City Centennial Monument, 1 Chome-8 Hirooka, where you will meet up with the rest of the group.
Pickup details
Itinerary
Stop 1
3 hoursAdmission included
Stop 1
Your journey begins at Tokyo Station (If option selected), where you will board the train to Kanazawa. As you travel at high speed through Japan’s picturesque countryside, take in the scenic landscapes along the way. The train ticket is included, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride to your destination.
Stop 2
1 hourAdmission included
Stop 2
Once you have arrived to Kanazawa, to reach the meeting point, go outside Kanazawa Station and head to Kanazawa City Centennial Monument, where you will meet up with the rest of the group. A comfortable bus will take you to the first destination
Stop 3
4 hoursAdmission included
Stop 3
The first stop is the charming village of Shirakawago, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This picturesque village is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses, with steep thatched roofs shaped like praying hands, designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Then, board the bus and head towards Kenrokuen Garden for the next part of the journey.
Stop 4
2 hoursAdmission included
Stop 4
The tour continues to Kenrokuen, considered one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens and a true oasis of art and nature. Its ponds reflecting trees and flowers, elegant bridges, stone lanterns, and carefully designed pathways offer a unique experience of harmony and tranquility, no matter the season. Then walk to the Higashi Chaya district.
Stop 5
1 hourAdmission included
Stop 5
After visiting the garden, the itinerary heads to the historic district of Higashi Chaya. Step into the historic district of Higashi Chaya and wander along its picturesque cobblestone streets, framed by beautifully preserved teahouses that echo the elegance of the Edo period. Renowned for its geishas, who continue to uphold Japan’s traditional arts, this district offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and living tradition—an ideal setting for a truly authentic Japanese experience.
Stop 6
30 minutesAdmission included
Stop 6
Once the visit to Higashi Chaya is over, begin the journey back to Kanazawa Station.
Stop 7
3 hoursAdmission included
Stop 7
Your guide will bid you farewell as you board the train back to Tokyo. Relax and enjoy the comfortable journey as you retrace your route through the scenic landscapes of Japan. Your tour concludes upon arrival at Tokyo Station, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Shirakawago and Kanazawa.
Additional Info
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Physical Medium
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Other
Please note that if you choose the option wich includes train ticket the tour starts on your own at Tokyo Station to take the train to Kanazawa. Upon arrival, leave the station and head to the Kanazawa City Centennial Monument, 1 Chome-8 Hirooka, where you will meet up with the rest of the group.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
Similar Experiences
ViatorTokyo
Mount Fuji Kawagoe and Hikawa Shrine Day Trip
Step into Japan’s living history on this full-day cultural journey from Tokyo. Discover breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji from Arakurayama Sengen Park and the iconic Chureito Pagoda—one of Japan’s most photographed scenes. Travel back in time at Shimoyoshida’s retro streets and the nostalgic Nikawa Clock Shop, where the charm of the Showa era meets the timeless beauty of Mt. Fuji. Continue to Kawagoe, known as “Little Edo,” a beautifully preserved castle town that still echoes the atmosphere of the Edo period. Stroll through its merchant streets lined with traditional clay-walled warehouses, hear the chime of the 400-year-old Bell of Time, and visit Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine—famous for its blessings of love and harmony. With a professional bilingual guide and comfortable round-trip transportation from Tokyo, this tour offers an unforgettable way to see, feel, and understand the heart of Japanese culture.
10 hours
From JPY 13,000
ViatorTokyo
Tokyo to Kawagoe Day Trip with a Local – Explore Old Edo
Take a step back in time (figuratively of course) and visit a small slice of Edo era Japan, also known as the ancient castle town of Kawagoe. Spend the day with one of our friendly hosts strolling among the 17th century wooden buildings and charcoal-tiled houses of the kurazukuri (warehouse) district. Marvel at the Toki no Kane Tower or stop by the Festival Museum to glimpse the three story floats that parade the streets. From the Hattori Museum of Folklore and the Kawagoe Castle to soya shops and Penny Candy Lane - there's so much to experience. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You'll also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.
6 hours
From GBP 187
ViatorSri Lanka
Kawagoe Walking Tour with Local Student Guide & Photographer
Explore Kawagoe with a Local University Student from Japan’s Top Schools Wander through the charming streets of Kawagoe, also known as Coedo (“Little Edo”), a town filled with Edo-period architecture, retro shops, and a timeless atmosphere. This relaxed walking tour is led by a local university student from one of Japan’s top-tier universities, offering a fresh, youthful, and down-to-earth perspective—no long lectures, just a smooth-paced and friendly experience. Along the way, your guide will also act as your personal photographer, capturing professional-quality photos of you and your group at the most scenic spots—perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want to stay in the moment. To top it off, enjoy Kawagoe’s signature dish—Unagi (grilled eel)—a rich local favorite with deep cultural roots. Whether you're here for the culture, the food, or the photos, this tour is a fun and casual way to experience a slice of traditional Japan.
From USD 275
ViatorSri Lanka
Kawagoe 6 Hour Private Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover Kawagoe's highlights efficiently in a private vehicle accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide! Step back in time in Kawagoe, the castle town fondly known as "Little Edo" for its beautifully preserved old-town streets just a short drive from Tokyo. Stroll the Kurazukuri Warehouse District, where clay-walled merchant houses recall the Edo period, and see the Toki no Kane bell tower that has marked the hours for four centuries. Wander Kashiya Yokocho, the nostalgic Penny Candy Alley, and visit Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, famous for matchmaking and its summer wind-chimes. At Kitain Temple you will meet 540 carved Rakan statues and the only surviving structures of Edo Castle, while Honmaru Goten preserves the rare main palace of Kawagoe Castle. With a private vehicle and your own knowledgeable guide, you can tailor the day to your interests and travel comfortably between every sight at your own pace.
6 hours
From JPY 55,680
ViatorTokyo
Kawagoe Half-Day Trip from Tokyo with Licensed Local Guide
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kawagoe! Kawagoe was a prominent castle town in the Edo period and was known at that time as Ko-edo, or Little Edo (former name of Tokyo). About 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo, Kawagoe features many historical buildings, shrines and temples, and offers many regional food and drinks, as well as unique souvenir items. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
4.8 / 5 (8 reviews)
6 hours
From JPY 23,500
ViatorSri Lanka
Kawagoe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kawagoe! Kawagoe was a prominent castle town in the Edo period and was known at that time as Ko-edo, or Little Edo (former name of Tokyo). About 30 minutes by train from central Tokyo, Kawagoe features many historical buildings, shrines and temples, and offers many regional food and drinks, as well as unique souvenir items. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
5.0 / 5 (13 reviews)
4 hours
From JPY 16,500
Similar Attractions
ViatorSenso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple)
4.9 (47185 reviews)
Available experiences
579
Free attractionShibuya
4.9 (31094 reviews)
Available experiences
470
ViatorShibuya Crossing
4.9 (30996 reviews)
Available experiences
447
ViatorMeiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu)
4.9 (41419 reviews)
Available experiences
393
ViatorTokyo Imperial Palace
4.9 (44190 reviews)
Available experiences
353
ViatorTokyo Tower
4.9 (39887 reviews)
Available experiences
282
From
From USD 63.2