Plan Status:
CULTURE/
EXPERIENCE/
FOOD/
NATURE
The Gokayama Grand Tour: UNESCO Sites, Iwana Delights & Washi Art
Toyama
8hours
A scenic day trip in a convenient car from Toyama Station to Gokayama Ainokura, a UNESCO World Heritage site, focusing on cultural immersion and local cuisine. The trip involves exploring a traditional Japanese village, savoring local dishes, and engaging in a hands-on paper-making experience.
Highlights
World Heritage Exploration: Discover Ainokura Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its distinctive Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Capture stunning photos from various viewpoints within the village. Unique Culinary Experience: Enjoy a delicious lunch at "Iwana" restaurant, renowned for its fresh char (iwana) dishes. Don't miss their specialty iwana sushi and fried iwana. Traditional Washi Paper Making: Participate in a hands-on washi Japanese paper making experience, learning traditional processes and creating your own unique paper items like postcards or bookmarks. Convenient Travel: this trip offers comfortable transportation with an interpreter guide driving a rental car, ensuring smooth and convenient travel via expressways Souvenir Shopping: Browse the shop at the washi making hall for authentic washi products and souvenirs.
Max. number of guests
4 People
Itinerary
9:00 AM Meet at the Toyama Station 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM: Drive from Toyama Station to Ainokura Village 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM: Arrive at Ainokura Village. 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Drive from Ainokura Village to "Iwana" restaurant 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Enjoy a delicious lunch at "Iwana" restaurant. 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM: Drive to the Gokayama Washi 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM: Participate in the washi Japanese paper making experience. 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM: Begin your drive back to Toyama Station (strop by at some secret scenic spots) 5:00PM Arrive back at Toyama Station As an option, you can also enjoy a Kokiriko Bushi dance performance, the oldest folk dance in Japan, after your meal. The fee for this is ¥15,000 per group, plus the admission fee. Please note that you need to book this at least one week in advance. If you choose this option, your itinerary will be delayed by one hour, and your return to Toyama Station will be at 6:00 PM.
Meeting point
Near the Shinkansen entrance/exit at Toyama Station or at your hotel if you stay in hotels in Toyama-city or its nearby cities.
What to bring
Cash: you may pay by cash as you have to pay for admission fee, restaurant lunch, experience fee) Sunglasses: you may want to use sunglasses in Ainokura if the sun is strong. Rain gear: you may need to use an umbrella or wear a rain jacket in Ainokura if it is rainy.
Precautions
The minimum number of participants for this tour is two. If you're a single participant, you can still take the tour by paying for two people. The fee includes guiding fee, transportation (car, gas, insurance, toll fee, parking fee). Lunch cost may be around 1800 yen per person. Fee for washi making experience is 800 yen per person. As reservation is required for washi making experience, you may have to book this tour at least 2 days prior to the actual tour date.
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About Attendant
"Hello! I'm Naoto Kaiba, your Toyama licensed guide, and I'm passionate about helping travelers discover the true essence of Japan. Having worked in tourism in Australia and explored the globe as a backpacker, I've gained a unique insight into what international visitors truly seek. My goal is to help you delve deeper into Toyama's authentic culture, revealing the pristine Japan that often remains a hidden gem. From history, architecture, and traditional arts to vibrant festivals, diverse food culture, and breathtaking nature, my interests are broad. Imagine discovering a hidden restaurant nestled in the mountains near a serene temple – those are the kinds of authentic experiences I love to share. If you're a nature enthusiast, I can also lead you on invigorating hikes or serene fishing trips through Toyama's stunning landscapes."