Private Tour of Shirakawago from Kanazawa: Exclusive Half-Day Exploration of UNESCO Village

Experience a private tour of Shirakawago from Kanazawa, exploring the UNESCO village with exclusive access to a private vehicle and an English-speaking driver.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Shirakawago - Our English speaking driver will take you directly to the hamlet of Shirakawago. The UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go is nestled in the Japanese alps. You will spend 1 and half hours here, exploring the town and taking in lunch. Crossing the spectacular pedestrian bridge across the Sho river, your senses will be filled with the sounds…
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • English Speaking Driver
  • All fees and taxes included
  • Travel in a private car
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
Additional Information

Discover the globally recognized village of Shirakawa-go on our four-hour exclusive tour featuring access to a private vehicle solely for you and your companions. Our driver, fluent in English, will escort you to the World UNESCO location, Shirakawa-go.
Starting from your hotel lobby, we will swiftly transport you to the UNESCO hamlet of Shirakawago….

Location
Shirakawago
517 Hatogaya
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(18 Ratings)
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Shawna_r
Jun 2, 2025
Worth the money! - Tetsuro was an amazing guide who explained Shirakawa-go and the Ghasso-zakuri houses. We were able to even see workers repairing a thatch roof. We really enjoyed our tour. After he dropped us off at the train station I realized that I had left my purse in the van. Tetsuro was so kind to return it quickly. I hope all our future tours are as pleasant and informative as this one.
Review provided by Viator
Kimcarp
May 14, 2025
A beautiful town with fantastic guides - We have been on a lot of guided tours and would have to say this was one of our favourites. Our guides, Yasushi (Yeah Sushi) and Aiko were absolutely fantastic. They gave us a great introduction to Shirakawago as we drove from Kanazawa, which allowed us to understand what the town was known for, where to go and what to do. It can be a bit crowded, so was nice not to have to fight through the "mosh pits", and have to deal with the other tour's "scrums". We could really enjoy at our own pace. The town is beautiful and lots to see, and taste!! Definitely recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nickolas_m
Apr 11, 2025
Long but beautiful drive... - Long but beautiful drive through the mountains. We went in April so there was lots of snow on the ground. There's an overlook that's about a 20 minute uphill walk or you can take a shuttle bus in town to get up there. Practically no trash cans in the town so be prepared to carry any trash you make with you until you arrive back in Kanazawa. Overall a very relaxing, unique experience!
Review provided by Viator
Victorty8973th
Mar 12, 2025
Shirakawa - wow! - We had a great trip to Shirakawago. Our guide Tetsuro picked us up at our hotel. We had a quiet drive out. As the ladies slept, Tetsuro told me a bit about the region and Japan. The name means village by the white river, it takes a month of courses to get your driver's license in Japan, interesting tidbits like that. We were fortunate it was a sunny day and Tetsuro remarked that he had never seen the parking lot so empty. His quiet demeanor and knowledge really made our trip memorable. Would definitely recommend this trip with Tetsuro.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vacationer815569
Jan 24, 2025
It’s a UNESCO site, you’ll probably only visit it once, make it worth your while and get a guide - A half day trip of Shirakawago was the perfect amount of time for our family. It was definitely made better having Tetsuro to get us there, guide us around and share interesting facts about, not only Shirakawago but also Kanazawa, that we would not have known if not for him. All in all a great day out, finished off with a delicious, authentic lunch of soba noodles.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marcelocc7972uh
Jan 19, 2025
Excellent change - At first the tour was to Shirakawago, but since it was a Saturday and holiday season in Japan our guide recommended that we change the tour to the village of Ainokura. At first we were scared, but the change seemed great. We went and returned without traffic, the village had few tourists, the view is amazing, with the houses in the same style as Shirakawago covered in snow, we had a great experience and excellent photos
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Warwickh2025
Jan 15, 2025
Wonderful Tour - Fabulous tour provided by Kanazawa Tours. Our guide Tetsuro was lovely and extremely knowledgeable about the areas. Thank you very much.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bec2097
Jan 3, 2025
Fantastic Shirakawago - Visiting Shirakawago was a definite bucket list item ticked. Our guide Kumiko was fabulous. The suggestion to start the tour early was perfect as it meant we missed all the crowds and were able to really enjoy the village. Kumiko put so much special thought and effort to our trip and ensured we had the beat time possible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Olena
Dec 26, 2024
Exceptional - We (adults and three kids above 11 years old) had thoroughly enjoyed the private tour to Shirakawago. Our guide was exceptional: from the time he met us at our hotel to the time he brought is back. Very informative, caring and considerate.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nmn14162
Dec 12, 2024
Shirakawa Go. Gotta go! - Wonderful experience. Yuuka our guide was so friendly and knowledgeable. We had lunch with at the soba shop in Shirakawa Go. Very good. A must do if you are in Kanazawa
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $69
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).