All Reviews for Japan Winter Tours 2025

I wanted to visit Shirakawa-go, so I searched online and made a reservation. The guide was very polite, unique, and even fluent in English, which made for a truly memorable day!

Fortunately, the weather was also great, and I was able to fully enjoy the beautiful Shirakawa-go! Thank you very much to our guide, Mr. Kuroda, the driver, and the trainee driver for all your help.

白川郷に行ってみたいと思いWEBで検索して予約に至ったのですが、
大変丁寧でユニークで、英語まで堪能なガイドさんでいらしたので、
大変思い出に残る1日となりました♪

運良く天候にも恵まれ、とても美しい白川郷を堪能できました！！
ガイドの黒田さん、運転手さん、研修中の運転手さん、大変お世話になりました。

The guide's explanations were very informative. There were also foreign tourists, so the English explanations were helpful. The introduction to souvenirs from Kanazawa was also useful.

ガイドさんの説明が勉強になりました。外国人観光客もいたので英語での説明内容も参考になった。金沢のお土産の紹介も参考になった。

Unfortunately, it was closed due to the rain, but the illumination was beautiful and we were able to see it from the Hanshin Expressway, which was very enjoyable. (＾＾)

あいにくの雨でオープンではありませんでしたがイルミネーションは
きれいで阪神高速の上からも見ることができてとても楽しめました（＾＾）

Initially, I participated with the expectation of a storm, but when we arrived, it was sunny, and even when it rained, it was just light rain, allowing us to fully enjoy sightseeing. For lunch, I thought it would mainly be wild vegetables, but it was very well-balanced and delicious. Even as a picky eater, I was able to eat everything and was very satisfied! If I had to say something, I would have liked to allocate 15 to 30 minutes of the time spent at Takayama to Shirakawa-go instead. Both the guide and the driver were very attentive and kind. Thanks to the guide's well-structured information, I was able to enjoy the sightseeing, and overall, it turned out to be a fulfilling tour, leaving me very satisfied!

当初、嵐の予報で覚悟して参加しましたが、降りたところでは晴れて、降っても小雨で、観光を満喫できました。昼食も、山菜中心になるのかなぁ〜と思っていましたが、とてもバランス良く美味しく、偏食な私でも全部食べれて、とても満足でした！強いて言えば、高山の見学時間を15分から30分白川郷に回して頂きたかったです。ガイドさんもドライバーさんも親身で良くして頂きました。ガイドさんのポイントを押さえた案内で観光も楽しむ事ができ、結果充実したツアーになり大満足でした‼

Participants were almost evenly split between Japanese and Chinese Singaporeans. I was amazed by the guide's interpreting skills. The claim that they had only been studying English for a year must be a joke. I found it very helpful to learn how certain expressions are used in English. Additionally, the guide took us to shooting spots that weren't in the guidebook. Thank you very much.

日本人と中国系シンガポールからの参加者がほぼ半々。
それに対してガイドの通訳の見事さには驚きました。
英語をやりだしてまだ１年との言葉は冗談でしょう。
なるほど英語ではこういう言い方なんだと非常に参考に
なりました。
また、撮影ポイントなどガイドブックにないところも
案内していただきました。
ありがとうございました。

I was finally able to visit Shirakawa-go with my family, and it was a wonderful experience. We participated in this tour as one of the events during our trip to Kanazawa. The tour ran from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM on the weekend, and we first had a hands-on experience making white shrimp rice crackers at "Sasara-ya" in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. Since my son has a shrimp allergy, they kindly provided him with kelp rice crackers instead, which was very helpful. Additionally, I appreciated the thoughtful consideration given to the souvenirs distributed on the bus.

Next, we headed to Shirakawa-go, starting with lunch. It was very fulfilling and delicious. I was very satisfied to have tried Hida beef and Hoba miso. I had assumed that Shirakawa-go would be covered in snow during this season and prepared accordingly, but unfortunately, there was no snow, which was quite disappointing. However, it may have actually been better for walking around. Among several houses, we toured the Wada House, a gassho-zukuri structure in a UNESCO World Heritage site in a heavy snowfall area. It was very interesting. That night, it started to snow, and it seems the next day was a snowy landscape. Before you go, I recommend checking the weather and live cameras on the Shirakawa-go Tourism Association's website. I believe taking a bus tour to Shirakawa-go was definitely the right choice. Thank you to our tour guide for a fun trip. Since there was no snow, I felt a bit disappointed and rated it four stars.

念願だった白川郷へ家族で行くことができ、とても良い体験ができました。金沢旅行の中のイベントの一つとして、このツアーに参加しました。9:30 〜15：30の土日のツアーで、まずは富山県南砺市の「ささら屋」でしろえび煎餅の手焼き体験をしました。息子はエビアレルギーのため、代わりに昆布のかきもちを出してくださり助かりました。また、バスの中で、配られたお土産も、きちんと配慮して下さり、お心遣いが嬉しかったです。
次は白川郷へ。まずは昼食。とても充実していて美味しかったです。飛騨牛、ほうば味噌も食べられ大満足でした。この時期の白川郷は雪景色と思い込み、身支度も重装備で臨みましたが、なんと雪がなく、とても残念でした。しかし、散策にはかえって良かったのかもしれません。何軒かある中で、和田家の中を見学しました。世界遺産の豪雪地帯の合掌造り。とても興味深かったです。この日の夜から雪になり、翌日は雪景色だったようです。行かれる前には白川郷観光協会のサイトで天気やライブカメラが見られますので、確認されて行くと良いと思います。白川郷へは、やはりバスツアーが大正解だったと思いました。添乗員さん、楽しい旅をありがとうございました。雪がなかったので、ちょっと残念で星4つとさせていただきました。

I was looking forward to enjoying the snowy scenery of Shirakawa-go, but there was no snow at all and it was raining. I was quite disappointed, but when I went to Gokayama, I was greeted with beautiful snowy landscapes! It was truly moving. Thank you very much to our guide, Takeda-san. The stories about the Hokuriku region and the fun anecdotes were all very memorable. Thanks to the skillful coordination of the driver and Takeda-san, we were able to visit smoothly before many tourists arrived. The only downside was the lunch, which was a bit lacking! You mentioned it was your first time visiting, but aside from that, it was an excellent tour. Thank you very much. I had a great time.

雪景色の白川郷を楽しみに行ったのに、全く雪がなく雨が降っていました。残念で落ち込んでいたところ、五箇山に行くと雪景色に！感動しました。ガイドの竹田さん、大変お世話になりました。北陸地方の話や楽しい話など本当に心に残る事ばかりでした。また運転手の方と竹田さんの手際の良さで、多くの観光客が来る前にすんなり見学できました。ただ昼食だけはいまいちかなぁ！初めて行かれる所とおっしゃっていましたが！それ以外は申し分のないツアーでした。ありがとうございました。とても楽しかったです。

I want to experience this activity again next year. The view of the Midosuji Illumination from the double-decker bus was very beautiful.

また来年も体験したいアクティビティですね。2階建てバスから観る御堂筋イルミネーションの景色は、とてもキレイでした。

A few days ago, I was worried about the rain forecast, but I was relieved that it didn't rain on the day. I took my three grandchildren with me. Even though there were empty seats, I wished we could have been seated in a more viewable area, even if it meant splitting into pairs. I was looking forward to the illumination on Midosuji Line, but I was disappointed that the city of Osaka was too bright. After the illumination, we rode the Ferris wheel at Hep Five, and the grandchildren were thrilled, feeling like they were on a field trip.

数日前から雨の予報で心配していたのですが、当日は雨も降らずホッとしました。
孫3人を連れて行きました。
空席があるのに、2人ずつ別れてでも、もっと観やすい場所にして欲しかったです。
御堂筋線のイルミネーションを楽しみにしていたのですが、大阪の街は明るすぎて残念・・・。
イルミの後、ヘップの観覧車に乗って孫達は遠足気分で喜んでいました。

It was just an ordinary landscape that I usually pass by, but since the bus slowed down, I was able to see it from a different perspective. Also, the guide's explanations were easy to understand, and there were many things I didn't know, which made me feel like a tourist even though I live in Osaka.

普段通りすぎるだけの風景でしたが、バスのスピードを落として走行してもらえたので、違った風景を見ることができました。
また、ガイドの説明も分かりやすく、知らないこともおおかったので、大阪に住んでいながら観光気分になりました。

The rain that I was worried about stopped, and I was able to fully enjoy the display of lights. I had brought a shawl, but I was also lent a blanket, which helped me keep warm, and I was very grateful for that. The illumination from the expressway loop was fantastic.

心配していた雨も上がり、光の競演を満喫することができました。カイロも持参していましたがひざ掛けも貸していただき、寒さしのぎもでき大変助かりました。高速環状線からのイルミネーションは最高でした。

I thought it would be cold, but blankets and heat packs were provided, so it wasn't that cold. The night view was beautiful, and it was great. We got on the highway, and it was quite an interesting experience to drive on the highway with the roof open.

寒いかと思っていましたが、毛布やカイロが用意されていてそんなに寒くありませんでした。
夜景もきれいでしたし良かったです。
途中高速に乗りますが、屋根が開いた状態で高速に乗るのもなかなかできない体験なので、面白かったです。

スタッフは温かいバッグと毛布を提供してくれましたが、英語のガイドツアーはありませんでした。美しい光る木々を見逃してしまいました...

staff gave warm bag and blanket, but no English Guided Tour, we miss the beautiful shine trees on high way...

I was a bit worried about making a reservation easily with a credit card, but the tour exceeded my expectations and was truly wonderful. I was really moved by the night view of Osaka from the top of the open-top double-decker bus. I sincerely thank the guide and the driver.

カード決済で手軽に予約できて、それはそれで本当に大丈夫かと不安でしたが、予想以上期待以上に素晴らしいツアーでした。屋根だけない二階建てバスの上から見下ろす大阪の夜景に本当に感動しました。ガイドさんと運転手さんに心からお礼申し上げます。

Due to the large number of participants, we split into two buses: one for Japanese and one for foreigners. At Shirakawa-go, we had plenty of free time to explore, but since the kids got bored, it would have been nice to visit another location. The lunch was delicious, and the rice cracker baking experience was also a lot of fun. The guide's insights were valuable, and I’m glad I joined the tour instead of going on my own.

参加者が多かったため日本人のバス、外国人のバスと分かれて2つのバスで出発。白川郷ではたっぷり自由時間があり散策できましたが子供が飽きてしまったので、もう一箇所別の場所を観光できると良かったかな。昼食も美味しかったですし、おせんべい焼き体験も大満喫でした。
ガイドさんのお話もためになり、個人で行くよりツアーに参加して良かったです。

The conductor was friendly, and it was a fun trip. Shirakawa-go is best accessed by bus. Thank you very much.

コンダクターさんも気さくで楽しい旅になりました。白川郷はバスで行くのが一番ですね。ありがとうございました。

If you are in Kanazawa and wish to explore Shirakawago, this tour is it.
The tour departs from the JR Kanazawa station Bus terminal.
The tour was held in both Japanese and English.
I must commend the tour guide who spoke excellent English and very informative about Kanazawa and the tour destinations.
The lunch at the Shirakawago was very tasty.
After lunch, we visited Ainokura Village, which was much smaller, less crowded but equally attractive.
I highly recommend the tour to everyone.

My first visit to Shirakawa-go was the day after the first snowfall, and there was a light dusting of snow remaining. The beautiful mountains and the stroll around Shirakawa-go became wonderful memories. I was also glad to finally try the gohei mochi that I had wanted to taste.

The souvenirs recommended by the tour guide and the sushi restaurant were all hits, making for a very satisfying trip. Although we traveled by microbus, I think it allowed us to access routes that wouldn't have been possible otherwise.

Thank you to the driver and the tour guide for all your help.

初めての白川郷。行ったのは初雪の翌日で、薄っすらと雪が残っていました。とても綺麗な山々も、白川郷散策もとてもいい思い出になりました。食べてみたかった五平餅も食べれてよかったです。
添乗員さんのお勧めのお土産もお寿司屋さんも、どれも大当たりで、大満足の旅になりました。
マイクロバスでしたが、マイクロバスだからこそ行けるコースだと思いました。
ドライバーさん、添乗員さん、お世話になりました。

I came to visit from the Kanto region. The autumn leaves in Kyoto were beautiful, but the shining illumination of Midosuji, along with the guide's friendly explanations, made me feel like I truly enjoyed the city of Osaka. The bus also took us through the Hanshin Expressway, which was quite impressive.

関東から遊びに来ました。京都の紅葉も良かったけど、光輝く御堂筋のイルミネーションにガイドさんの親切な説明がついて大阪の街を満喫したかのような雰囲気にさせてくれました。
バスは阪神高速も通り大迫力

The temperature wasn't too cold just now, but once I started running, it was indeed chilly. They provided blankets and hand warmers, but while I was taking pictures, my hands and face were freezing. Proper cold weather gear is definitely necessary.

The street trees reflect on the window glass at night, so I couldn't capture them as I wanted, which was disappointing. It might be just right to enjoy them with your eyes.

Lastly, I was told by the guide that the moment you see Midosuji from the highway is a highlight, and they pointed out the viewpoint, but to be honest, it wasn't visible at all. With cars and buses around, it didn't feel like a highlight at all, and I was shocked because I had high expectations. This year, it might just be my imagination, but it felt like there were fewer illuminations near the intersections, possibly due to a lack of light.

If you want to see the night view from Midosuji, it might be a good option.

今ほど気温は寒くなかったものの、走り出すとやはり寒く、膝掛けやカイロを配布してもらったけど、写メを撮っていたら手や顔は極寒。
しっかり防寒対策必要です。
街路樹は、夜になると窓ガラスに反射するので、思うように撮れなかったのが残念。
目で見て楽しむくらいがちょうどいいかも。
最後に高速から一瞬見える御堂筋がハイライトとガイドに言われて、ビューポイントの一瞬をココです！と言ってくれますが、はっきり言って見えません。周りに車やバスがあれば全くハイライトにはならず、期待しただけにショックでした…。今年は気のせいかもですが、交差点付近はひかりがなかったせいか、何となくイルミネーションが少なくなったように感じました。
御堂筋から夜景を通しで見るなら、良いかもしれません。

I thought it would be cold on the open deck bus, but the blankets and hot packs made it just fine! If you have a hat and a mask, you're all set!

It was truly a dazzling display of lights.

オープンデッキバスで寒いかと思ったのですが、ブランケットやホットカイロのサービスで大丈夫❗️
帽子、マスクがあれば完璧‼️

ほんとに光の競宴でした。

We participated as a couple on December 23rd. There were about six groups participating on a weekday. We were visiting Kanazawa for our honeymoon, and this tour was absolutely fantastic! Thank you very much. Besides us, there were participants from China and Indonesia, so surprisingly, the Japanese were in the minority. The guide was wonderful, accommodating everyone with Japanese, English, and occasionally Chinese. I recommend adding an extra night to visit Shirakawa-go when traveling to Kanazawa. Also, I think it would be great to use this tour. The weather was nice, and we had a wonderful time. Thank you!

12月23日に夫婦2名で参加。
平日で6組程の参加でした。
新婚旅行で金沢を訪れていましたが、今回のツアーはとても最高でした！ありがとうございます。
私達以外は中国とインドネシアの方でまさかの日本人が少数派でしたが、
ガイドさんは日本語と英語、時々中国語など参加者への配慮が行き届き素晴らしい方でした。
金沢へ旅行に行く際は一泊追加して白川郷へ行くことをおすすめします。
そして、是非こちらのツアーを利用されると良いと思います。
お天気も良く、素敵な時間をありがとうございました。

I wasn't expecting much because of the rain, but the illumination was beautiful as it reflected in various ways. At night, the car tail lights and red traffic signals looked like part of the illumination, and since Midosuji is one-way, it made it even more beautiful. Also, the guide was excellent. I would love to experience it again if I have the chance.

雨なので、実はあまり期待していませんでしたが、逆にイルミネーションが乱反射して綺麗でした。
夜は車のテールライトと赤信号迄もがイルミネーションに見えて御堂筋(一方通行)だから余計に綺麗でした。
又、ガイドのおねーさんの案内最高でした。
又機会があれば乗ってみたいです。

After work, I took the two-story rooftop bus departing from Osaka Station at 19:20 along Midosuji to Namba. It was my first time seeing the illuminations from above while even riding on the highway. My colleagues, who often hang out in Osaka, really enjoyed it too. I thought the seats were unreserved, but it was nice to have assigned seating. I initially thought 45 minutes might be short, but it turned out to be just right; any longer would have been a bit too cold. I was impressed that there were hand warmers and blankets provided at the seats. The Japanese guide's commentary was very good, but since it was a rooftop bus, it was a little hard to hear at times. It was a great value, and I felt like a tourist, which was very refreshing. I would love to participate in another bus tour.

仕事帰り大阪駅１９：２０発の２階建てのルーフトップバスで御堂筋を難波まで、そのあとなんと高速道路にものって、上からイルミネーションを見るなんて初めてでした。普段から大阪でよく遊ぶ同僚もとっても楽しんでいました。席は自由席と思っていましたがちゃんと指定されていてよかったです。時間も45分では短いかなと思ったけど、あれ以上だとちょっと寒すぎてちょうど良かったです。座席にはカイロやひざ掛けが用意されていて感激しました。日本語ガイドさんのお話しもとても良かったですがルーフトップなのでちょっとだけ声が聞き取りにくかったです。コスパもいいし観光客気分でとっても新鮮でした。また別のバスツアーにも参加したいです。

On time
Car is comfortable for 4 people with 2 small luggage.
Driver very nice and professional, she give us a lot of explanation, caring, polite, friendly and help to arrange for lunch.
Worth the price.
Our trip very comfortable.

I used it again this year, following last year. I would like to make it a year-end tradition. Thank you very much. The loan of knee blankets and the hot pack service were very helpful.

昨年に続き、今年も利用しました。
年末の恒例にしたいくらいです。
ありがとうございました。
膝掛けの貸し出しや、カイロのサービスはとても助かりました。

Unfortunately, the open bus had its roof closed due to the rain, but I was able to see the city's illuminations well from the high windows of the bus, which was great. Next time, I will try again on a sunny day!

あいにくの雨で、オープンバスの屋根は、クローズしてましたが、バスの高い車窓から、街のイルミネーションがよく見えて、良かったです。
次回は、晴れた日にリベンジします！

The illumination along Midosuji is a sight that cannot be experienced anywhere else. It was a refreshing tour where we could enjoy the night view of the city from a double-decker open bus, feeling the thrill of speed.

御堂筋の一直線上のイルミネーションは、他では味わう事の出来ない見応えがある。二階建てオープンバスで夜景の街を観賞でき、疾走感あり気分爽快なツアーでした。

The illumination on Midosuji seen from the bus was very nice. I enjoyed the guide's explanations, but it was a shame that I couldn't hear everything because the microphone volume was too low. Still, I had a great time enjoying the sights.

バスから見る御堂筋のイルミネーション、とても良かったです。
ガイドさんの説明もあり楽しめましたが、マイクの音量が小さいのか、全て聞こえなかったのが残念でした。
それでも十分、目で見て楽しめました。

The illumination on Midosuji was very beautiful, but perhaps because we were delayed due to traffic right after departure, we were driving quite fast on the highway, which made it cold, and the height of the double-decker bus made the curves a bit scary. It was also disappointing that I could only see the illumination of the Central Public Hall for a moment from the highway. Additionally, the voice of the guide Mike was too quiet, making it hard to hear.

御堂筋のイルミネーションはとてもきれいでしたが、出発直後に渋滞して時間がおしていたからか、高速道路を結構なスピードで走っていたので寒かったのと、２階建てバスで高さがあるからカーブが怖かったです。
中央公会堂のイルミネーションが高速道路から一瞬しか見れなかったのも残念でした。
あと、マイクの案内の声が小さかったので聞こえにくかったです。