Shirakawago Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Shirakawago, Japan with a Local Guide

Popular Shirakawago Private Tours

Shirakawago half day tour from Kanazawa

Shirakawago
4 hours

Shirakawago village was designated as UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. There are 60 Gassho-Zukuri farmhouses and about 40 Gassho-style storages. The shape of big slanted roofs resembles in the gesture of bringing arms and hands together in prayer. This gesture is called Gassho in Japanese. We visit observation point, a typical Gassho farmhouse inside, and stroll the village.

FROM$188/ per group
Takashi M.
4.71 / 5
(17 reviews)

Kanazawa( old Samurai town ) & Shirakawago (World Heritage site) tour from Kanazawa

Shirakawago
10 hours

Kanazawa flourished as a castle town for the Kaga clan during the Edo period ( 1603AD - 1867AD ). Kenrokuen garden was constructed as a strolling styl...

FROM$271/ per group
Takashi M.
4.71 / 5
(17 reviews)

One-day-tour of Shirakawa-go

Shirakawago
8 hours

Shirakawa-go is a mountain settlement that is famous for uniquely designed Gassyo-style buildings and registered as one of the World Cultural Heritage sites. In Ogi-machi, over sixty Gassyo-style buildings will welcome visitors. Enjoying the whole landscape of the village from the hill, you will stroll around the village visiting some traditional Gasho-style buildings such as Wada House, Nagase House and Myozenji Temple Museum.

FROM$132/ per group
Tetsuji Y.
4.87 / 5
(39 reviews)

KANAZAWA ITINERARY (A Day Trip From Kanazawa) Shirakawago 4H

Shirakawago
4 hours 30 min

If you are staying at a hotel in Kanazawa, why not explore Shirakawa-go (with UNESCO recognition) with a popular guide in a day trip? It is a 4-hour private tour. I can meet you at Shirakawago Bus Terminal and start the tour at eleven. You can take a bus from Kanazawa arriving at Shirakawago at around 10.00 am (Nohi Bus) and return with a bus leaving Shirakawago for Kanazawa at 3.10 pm. (as of January 16, 2023) Lookout point Farm House Museum Lunch Deaibashi Bridge Photo spots

FROM$167/ per group
Yoko T.
5.00 / 5
(17 reviews)

Shirakawago half day tour

Shirakawago
3 hours

We are going to explore the world heritage site- Shirakawago together. With my detailed explanation of the history, culture and fun facts about the village, you can understand more about Shirakawago and also in love with this little village.

FROM$181/ per group
Bonnie C.
5.00 / 5
(3 reviews)

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go a Former Shirakawa-go School Teacher

Shirakawago
6 hours

Join me for an unforgettable day trip from Kanazawa to the historic village of Shirakawa, guided by a former teacher who once taught at the local school. This day tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone looking to experience the unique charm of Shirakawa through the eyes of someone who has lived and taught in this extraordinary village. Highlights: Personal Insight Guided Village Tour Historical Landmarks Local Cuisine Scenic Beauty

FROM$0/ per group
Jorge S.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)

Shirakawago local guide tour

Shirakawago
2 hours 30 min

This is the World Heritage Shirakawago guided walking tour. We meet at the bus terminal or parking lots in Shirakawago village and stroll with detailed explanations about the history, culture, and daily life.

FROM$0/ per group
Kyohei Y.
5.00 / 5
(3 reviews)

Casual Shirakawago Tour

Shirakawago
4 hours 30 min

Shirakawago is a world heritage in Hida, Gifu.I'll show traditional houses and amble around. Here is always beautiful.It shows many faces according to the season, climate and time of the day. Basically, it can booked only Saturday, Sunday, Japanese notional holidays, please contact and ask me!

FROM$163/ per group
Mao M.
4.62 / 5
(13 reviews)

Popular Shirakawago Tour Guides

Yuriko S.

4.94 / 5
(50 reviews)
Japan

I am Yuriko from Gifu Prefecture. I was an assistant English teacher at junior high school. I started to work as a National Certificate tour guide in 2019. I'm very interested in kimono, tea ceremony and Japanese castles. I sometimes guide in kimono. There are so many nice places to visit in Gifu and Nagoya! I also guide around Takayama, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Kanazawa if you pay my transportation fee from my hometown. Let's enjoy Japan with me!

Yoshie K.

5.00 / 5
(33 reviews)
Japan

Hi, I am Yoshie. I am a national government licensed English speaking Guide. I used to work for multinational companies and served as an interpreter for several years and travelled around Japan with coworkers. I love plants, nature, travelling as well as finding out good places to eat! I am also a communicative person. After lived in Tokyo for some decades, now I live in my home town, Fukui where you can have a great experience of Zen buddhism in the head temple of the Soto Zen sect, Eiheiji which was founded in 1244. There is also a thrilling sightseeing spot named Tojinbo Cliffs which are as high as 25 meters extending a peninsula. For those who are in interested in dinosaurs, there is one of the three world's largest dinosaur museums. I have been travelling Kanazawa since my high school age so I know well about the town to show you around as well as Shirakawago, a day trip from Kanazawa. I am excited to meet you and coordinate what you are really interested in to make you the happiest memories in Japan. I look forward to guiding you soon!

Fujio N.

4.79 / 5
(14 reviews)
Japan

Born and having spent most of my life in Kanazawa, I went into the export business for a major high-speed and automatic loom maker, where I worked for 38 years. When I was a university student in Kyoto, I occasionally worked part time as an English speaking guide. I have guided foreign tourists in Japan especially in my hometown for over 13 years starting soon after my retirement. I joined Kanazawa Good-will Guide Network in 2000 and had been its coordinator for six years from 2002, currently being its senior adviser. Furthermore, I organized Kanazawa Home-visit Association in 2003 that has received over 8,000 visitors from overseas, among whom 1,900 enjoyed experiencing Japanese culture in my own home. In 2012, I established the group for the interpreter guide with my friends and currently I am its coordinator. I am therefore very familiar with historical, cultural and industrial backgrounds of Kanazawa and its surrounding regions. My hobby is golf and my current official golf handicap is 15. Tour Guide Services: Sightseeing tours with explanations of historical and cultural backgrounds of Ishikawa prefecture including Kanazawa city and Noto peninsula, and the surrounding prefectures such as Gifu (with Takayama city and Shirakawa village), Toyama (with Gokayama village) and Fukui (with Eiheiji Zen Temple) Sample Itineraries: Model Plans in Kanazawa: Full-day tour (7~8h) Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District including gold-leaf shops → Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park → 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art → Nagamachi Samurai District → Omicho Market Half -day tour (4~5h) Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District including a gold-leaf shop → Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park → Nagamachi Samurai District Other popular optional spots are also available: Myoryuji (Ninja) Temple, D. T. Suzuki Museum, Oyama Shrine, Kaga Yuzen Traditional Industrial (silk kimono) Center, Nishida Family Garden (Gyokusen-en), Kazuemachi Chaya (Geisha) District, Ohi Pottery Museum, Kutani Porcelain Kiln, etc. Home-visit (2 hours) Visit a local home to enjoy talking with the host family over tea and to learn the distinctive Japanese lifestyle firsthand, where you might experience traditional culture such as a tea ceremony, flower arrangement, kimono dressing, calligraphy and paper- folding. Model Plans of one-day round trips by highway bus from Kanazawa 1. Noto peninsula (world agricultural heritage site with Wajima Morning Market, Wajima Lacquerware Center, Wajima Kiriko (gigantic festival lantern) Art Museum, Senmaida Terraced Rice Fields, Sojiji Zen Temple, Ganmon and Chirihama Beach Driveway), etc. 2. Takayama city (old merchant town), Shirakawa-go and Gokayama villages (world cultural heritage site with thatched-roof farm houses)

Takashi M.

4.71 / 5
(17 reviews)
Japan

I was born and brought up in Kanazawa, and live in Kanazawa. So,I know every corner of this town. I am a national licensed tour guide. I started operating tour guide business in 2004 after retired from the local government office. I enjoyed hobbies when I found my spare time. In my twenties and thirties, I walked along many peaks of Northern Japan Alps during the summer mountain season. I travelled many places domestic and abroad. I also enjoyed skiing while I was in my forties and fifties. I have offered tour guides to over 1,000 tourists since I started tour guiding. I explain local history and culture, religion, traditional arts and crafts, and food, etc. I try my best to have customers' satisfaction, and make your tours enjoyable and memorable.Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet trains started operating between Tokyo and Kanazawa on March 14, 2015. It takes about 2 and half hours. You will be able to make one-day tour to Kanazawa from Tokyo. I look forward to having your application.

Tetsuji Y.

4.87 / 5
(39 reviews)
Japan

Hello everyone. I am Tetsuji. I worked as a public servant in the local government for 35 years. I belonged to the department of Redevelopment, Town-Landscaping, Preserving historical areas and Architectural Guidance. (I have a national 1st-class architect license.) I devoted myself to revitalizing the city by making plans and improving infrastructure for citizens. Gifu is located in central Japan near Nagoya. As just being the crossroads of the West and the East, there are many unique attractions that are hard to discover in hectic big cities like Tokyo or Kyoto. I had a hand in restoring and preserving some of them throughout my career and want to introduce them to tourists from abroad. That’s why I became a guide-interpreter in Gifu. I also enjoyed traveling around the world. My favorite part of each trip was walking around the city and talking with local residents. Traveling has taught me lots of things during my lifetime. Now, I would like to help others have similar experience in Japan. Shall we enjoy fantastic journey in Gifu?

Mika S.

4.96 / 5
(26 reviews)
Japan

My interests include art, architecture, food, sake, wine, and sustainability. In the past, I had the opportunity to visit destinations around the world. My passion for traveling and experiencing other cultures helped me recognize the beauty in my own culture, and inspired me to become a tour guide. I’m a fun, energetic, and passionate guide who’s ready to show you an unforgettable time in Japan, whatever your interests may be! Hida is a beautiful region tucked away in the Northern Alps, and its location helped preserve Takayama’s old town constructed by local master carpenters. On your tour, I’ll give you tips on what you should look for to appreciate traditional Japanese architecture. If you’re a sake lover, Hida is the place for you because the cold climate makes it suitable for brewing quality sake. I’m a licensed Sake Sommelier, and I’d love to take you to the breweries in town and give you some recommendations. I’ve also been trained to host art tours. If you’re interested in contemporary Japanese art, I recommend visiting Kanazawa, where you can find inspirational creativity in every corner! My goal is to help you discover the authentic Japanese way of life while feeling comfortable like a local rather than standing out like a tourist. Please let me know what kind of experience you’re looking for, and I will happily tailor a unique experience just for you. Fun facts about me! I was sponsored to travel around the world twice I was a torch runner in the 1998 Nagano Olympics I grew up in nature, eating wild plants and seeing many wild animals

Yoko T.

5.00 / 5
(17 reviews)
Japan

Hi! I am Yoko, a friendly regional Licensed Guide Interpreter. This area is my home! This is why I've been sharing beauties of this prefecture with my guests from around the world. This area is great fun: local, historical, culturally important, sometimes mysterious and beautiful! If you are already in love with Japan, then let me personalize your experience here. Visit the best places, venues, spots and locations with me. You will enjoy neighborhood full of hidden local treasures. I am a mother of two girls. I'd be happy to welcome families and I can arrange a tour depending on your situation. Please feel free to ask me any. I also translate and teach English. And I am a host of an Internet radio show. I like meeting people and all these experiences allow me to be good at communicating as a guide. I look forward to exploring this beautiful culture with you. Thank you!

Yuichi W.

4.53 / 5
(15 reviews)
Japan

Hello, I'm Yuichi, an English tour guide in Hokuriku region. If you are thinking about traveling to historical places such as Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go and Takayama, I am willing to offer a tour. I can bring you to those popular destinations from my base, Toyama city. These are the examples of my tour: Kanazawa - Shirakawago - Takayama Takaoka - Gokayama - Shirakawago - Takayama Toyama - Tateyama Kurobe Alipne Route - Omachi (Nagano Pref.) During the tour I like to provide simple explanations about Japanese history, and small tips for using the Japanese language on your request. My interests are food, cooking, sake and wine as well as Japanese novels and movies. It would be possible to add those tastes to our tour including a visit to local wineries, movie scenes, etc... Finally, I will do my best to give you a pleasant stay. Looking forward to seeing you in Hokuriku!

New Shirakawago Tour Guides

Saya D.

Japan

I am a mom of 10 months old son and wife of Indonesian. I was born and raised in Nagoya. My husband and I love to driving around so We know a lot of amazing activities, histories, food and more! I will be very happy to share all of my knowledge and let you have an amazing experience on your trip. What kind of person I am? I'm easy going and happy person!! If you have any concern about food, physical strength or strange request, Do not be hesitate to tell me! Let's make your trip the best!

Jorge S.

5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan

Originally born in Mexico City, where I spent the first eight years of my life, I grew up in Montreal, Canada, for 22 years. Fascinated by Japanese popular culture and history—I have a minor in Japanese history and am a history buff—I participated in the JET Program Canada, where I was placed in Shirakawa-go for three years as an ALT. Currently, I live in Kanazawa with my Japanese wife and son. As a tour guide in Kanazawa, I specialize in history, hidden gems, culture, shopping (especially Japanese popular culture products), and food. I strive to provide an excellent customer experience. Fluent in English (Native), French (Native), Spanish (Native), and a good grasping of Japanese. I can communicate effectively with a diverse range of guests. Thanks to my North American background and my extensive experience living in Japan, I offer explanations that are easy to understand for Western guests, enriching their understanding of Japan as a vibrant and unique living space. Additionally, I am currently studying to become an official National guide in Japan, further enhancing my expertise and ability to provide exceptional tours.

Norman B.

Japan

Good day, everyone! I am Norman. I live in Japan since 2006 and currently residing in Gifu ken. My passions are playing competitive sports and traveling around famous and historical tourist destinations. If you are planning a trip, please do not hesitate to reach out. I’ll be more than happy to assist you especially here in Nagoya, Aichi ken/Gifu ken/Shiga ken and Kyoto. Let’s make your journey unforgettable.  

Lucy F.

5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)
Japan

Hello, everyone! I'm Lucy, and I'm thrilled to share a bit about myself with you. Originally hailing from the picturesque south of France, my life's journey has woven through the landscapes of both France and Germany, primarily within the realm of fashion and costume design. My heart, however, found its home in the enchanting city of Kanazawa when my husband's career led us here in 2019. Since then, this city has not only become my adopted home, but it's a place I've grown to adore. Now, guiding has become a source of immense joy for me. I cherish the opportunity to meet people from all corners of the world, sharing my knowledge about this incredible city and its cultural tapestry. Beyond the guided tours, my free time is often spent in exploration. Whether uncovering hidden gems in the surroundings or immersing myself in the world of pottery, crafts or hiking. I'm here not just to guide but also to connect, learn, and share the beauty I've discovered in Kanazawa. Looking forward to our journeys together!

Yoji K.

5.00 / 5
(30 reviews)
Japan

Hello, I'm Yoji, based in Kanazawa. I spent my formative years in Kanazawa and pursued my master's degree in the United States. Having lived in Washington D.C. and California for six years, I then resided and worked in China and various Southeast Asian countries. My passion lies in exploring new destinations and connecting with people worldwide. Now, it's my turn to extend the same hospitality I've received to you. I specialize in crafting personalized tours tailored to your interests and preferences. If you're a food enthusiast, you've come to the right place. For those seeking to delve into Japan's rich history and culture, I highly recommend joining my full-day tour in Kanazawa. Additionally, I offer tours to Shirakawago and Takayama. Let's embark on an unforgettable journey together.

Atsuko K.

5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan

大家好!我是日本國家註冊導遊Atsuko!我是從2013年開始從事這導遊工作。我原來是個九州的佐賀人,現在住在石川縣金澤市。我現在學習日本茶道。 我可以帶您去以金澤市為主的觀光景點玩。金澤是一座充滿著日本武士文化的城市。除了必去的景點之外,這裡還有很多美食。讓我們一起尋找這裡的魅力吧。跟我一起漫步的話,一定會發現在網上看不到的事情!我等您預約!

Kyohei Y.

5.00 / 5
(3 reviews)
Japan

Hi, Thank you for visiting my page! I am Kyohei. I was born and raised in Takayama, and learned English in Canada. Due to its seclusion from other cities, Takayama has developed a unique culture and history, and its residents have lived here for a long time relying on the region's abundant mountain and natural resources. I am looking forward to sharing the true Hida Takayama that can only be conveyed by a local resident. Thank you!

William P.

4.75 / 5
(4 reviews)
Japan

I was born and raised in the USA, but have lived and worked in Japan for more than half my life. I am a naturalized citizen, and have made my home in Hida Takayama for more than fifteen years now. Pairing the knowledge of a local with the perspective of an outsider, my tours focus on places and insights that nobody else will show you. Feel free to contact me for custom tours at any time of the year. In addition to standard walking tours, I do night-time, food and sake-tasting tours.

Reviews

W

Widdy H.

5 / 5
May 3, 2024

Absolutely the best guide in Kanazawa: Shirakawago!

I give Yoshie a well deserved 5 stars! She is a very pleasant and kind person with perfect English! She is diligent and very organised in planning our itinerary. She was flexible in accommodating our last minute requests. I can tell she did a lot of research especially on her selection of lunch at a UNESCO heritage site. It was the most memorable lunch we ever had in Japan!! It was a grilled fish restaurant using the Shirakawago’s traditional grilling method in one of 9 Gassho Houses in Gokayama. The restaurant owner showed us a photo of his father who was a mountain hiker (?). The owner carried on his father’s legacy and runs this restaurant. At the end of the lunch, the owner did a short spontaneous performance for us: he played an instrument special to this region with singing and dancing!! Wow… what an unexpected bonus to the wonderful lunch! We owe this memorable experience to Yoshie for the fantastic planning and being the best tour guide! Next time In Kanazawa, I will certainly hire Yoshie again! Widdy

Yoshie K.

Hi Widdy, thank you so much for your overwhelming and thoughtful review. I am very pleased to receive it from you. Now I understand that your family loves eating Japanese food while traveling. Of course, you are so keen about the history and culture of each country too. I would be more than happy to find good food next time you come to see me! Thank you again.

K

Kichi J.

5 / 5
Apr 15, 2024

Very enjoyable visit to Shirakawago

Tetsuji was very professional and we had a great time!

Tetsuji Y.

Thank you for your appreciation. I hope you could come back to Japan and spend pleasant time together again.

R

R. michael A.

5 / 5
Oct 7, 2023

Excellent day in Shirakawago with Yoji K.

Yoji K. was an excellent guide for us in Shirakawago. For a place like Shirakawago, where there is a well-trod tourist path, one looks for a guide to enhance the experience you might otherwise have on your own. Yoji did all of that and more. He met us at our hotel in Kanazawa and visited with us on the bus about our day ahead. We communicated easily because of his command of English and US educational background. In Shirakawago, he guided us along paths less traveled and less crowded, to quietly enjoy the beauty of the town. He selected an excellent small family restaurant outside the tourist-heavy area, with seemingly only locals having lunch. Yoji made sure we saw one of the well-preserved gassho house museums that was uncrowded. We also went to visit the viewpoint before we left, and Yoji kept us on a good pace to see the high points of Shirakawago. He even made sure that on the trip back we had some recommendations for our next day in Kanazawa, all of which proved excellent. I would highly recommend Yoji as a guide

Yoji K.

Dear MIcheal san, Thank you very much for your review. I truly enjoyed walking Shirakawago with both of you. It was such a beautiful and sunny day. I was very glad that you liked the lunch at the very local restaurant. It worths going and seeing the restaurant in advance. I wish I can travel with my wife like two of you in the future. It was great time for me to walk with such a lovely couple. Please have a safe trip in the rest of your journey in Japan. Yoji

D

David R.

5 / 5
May 10, 2023

D?a fantastico en Shirakawago!

Guía muy profesional con muy buen nivel de español. Muchas gracias Matilde!

Matilde G.

Me alegro de que le haya gustado el tour. En Japón hay más lugares muy bonitos, le quisiera guiar en otra ocasión. Muchas gracias!

Shirakawago Private Tour Guide

Whether it’s your first time to Shirakawago or you are back to discover more, a good tour guide can make all the difference. Enjoy the best of what Shirakawago has to offer, without all the fuss of planning everything by yourself! You can pick your favorite itinerary from the Shirakawago tours offered by our local guides, but feel free to ask for customizations based on your preferences. We want to help travelers get the most out of their trips, and we believe a good tour with a local guide is the best way to ensure that. There is so much to see and do in Shirakawago, and the best way to get the most out of your time there is to have a local expert with you. GoWithGuide is committed to delivering unforgettable tour experiences, so let us help you create your next favorite memory.

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