Flexible Half-Day Discovery • 4 hours 5.0
(191)

Half a day in Kanazawa

Immerse yourself in a half-day private tour, crafted by a local insider, where iconic sights, geisha allure, and samurai history await.

If you have time, consider making the one hour journey to the historic, picturesque villages of Shirakawago

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • See an area of Kanazawa chosen by your knowledgeable host, but visit locations tailored to your interests
  • Explore central Kanazawa’s attractions, or head off the beaten track to hidden gems recommended by your host (or do a bit of both!)
  • Grab a bite at the “Kitchen of Kanazawa”, Omicho Market, the most popular market in the city
  • See some of the must-see sights, like Oyama Shrine and Kanazawa Castle
  • Have your local host share plenty of tips and recommendations for the rest of your trip

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalized experience
4 hours with a host
Walking experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Kanazawa Station Information Center - The host will be waiting in front of it by the main entrance.

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

A rival to Kyoto as the historic jewel of Japan, Kanazawa is a melting pot of Japanese art, culture, and tradition. With your local host to help you squeeze in as many sights as possible, you’ll experience the perfectly preserved history of this gorgeous city. Entertainment district Higashi Chaya is a must-visit for anyone hoping to spot elusive, ethereal geisha, while a tranquil stroll through Kenroku-en, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, should be on every bucket list. You could browse stalls at the 280-year-old “Kitchen of Kanazawa”, Omicho Market, and see the unique Oyama Shrine with its Dutch-style stained glass on the third floor, or maybe you’ll be content to spend hours at the impressive Kanazawa Castle, the historic seat of power of the Maeda samurai clan. 

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
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Celine Aug 2025

Our Guide Iku was very adaptive to our wishes and knowledgeable of the culture, art and history of Kanazawa. We had a great time and also felt like we could connect on a personal level. She gave us great tips and recommendations of spots we could yet visit and answered all of our questions thoroughly and to our complete satisfaction.

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Jaime Aug 2025

Our tour was absolutely outstanding from start to finish! Selda was warm, knowledgeable, and attentive to our interests, customizing the route so we could see hidden gems and avoid the crowds. We loved having the flexibility to explore at our own pace, ask plenty of questions, and enjoy a more personal experience. Everything was well-organized, comfortable, and stress-free. This was easily the highlight of our trip and we would recommend it to anyone

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Christopher Jul 2025

Harumi was absolutely lovely on our tour of Kanazawa. She was very knowledgeable on the history of the area and made our day extremely enjoyable.

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Christopher Jul 2025

Harumi was very welcoming and lovely to talk with. Her English is excellent and her knowledge of Japan is extensive. We loved having her guide us through the Samurai Village and Kenrokuen Gardens and Castle in Kanazawa. We recommend Harumi for any Japan tours!!

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Daniel Jun 2025

Akari was a wonderful tour guide. She made us feel right at home and meshed perfectly with my teenagers. We had a delightful and educational afternoon. I highly recommend Akari for this tour.

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Karen Jun 2025

What a delight it was to tour Kanazawa with Megumi! She is so knowledgeable about the area, Japanese traditions, and culture and gave our group flexibility to be on our own schedule for what was important for us. Wear your good walking shoes! We highly recommend touring with Megumi!!

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