Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa
Half a day in Kanazawa

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. 

Where you’ll go

In central Kanazawa, tradition reigns supreme, with beautifully preserved Edo-era districts creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Japan. With your local host leading you down picturesque old-world streets, you could see two of these districts for yourself. You might explore the Nagamachi neighborhood, a historic samurai district at the foot of Kanazawa Castle where you’ll get a snapshot of life in Japan a century ago, or maybe you’ll visit entertainment district Higashi Chaya a mile north across Asano River, where old geisha houses have been converted into teahouses and restaurants, and workshops selling Kanazawa’s gold-leaf crafts are scattered throughout. Less than a mile west, the Omicho Market Area is the perfect place to join locals for a quick bite. 

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 4 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Private transportation on request

  • Hosted in English (On request: French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish)

  • Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Experience outline

  • 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

Things to know

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)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 7 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Reviews

    He gave us any time we need, answered all our questions and showed us all the lovely places we would like to see. We’ve had a great day with him. He introduced us in a typical local cafe and explained, how Japanese join their tea time. As well we visited a Samurai house and had a walk around this area.

    November 2023

    Susanne H

    We had a wonderful tour. Our day was well planned while still allowing flexibility for our interests. We covered a lot of the history, art and food of Kanazawa. Selda had beautiful English and was very warm and full of great answers!

    November 2023

    Jane B

    I had a great time exploring Kanazawa with Lucy. The route of the walking tour was very well planned that we covered all the key sights of interest. As a long-time expat resident in Kanazawa, Lucy brought both the local insights and the foreign perspectives. Knowing that I'm vegan, she also kindly offered tips on local restaurants with vegan options. I felt lucky, being able to walk around a charming city on a sunny day with a knowledgeable guide who has a great personality.

    November 2023

    Mischa L

    We had a great tour and a great guide for our visit to Kanazawa. Our guide was interested in what we wanted to do and was flexible to respond to our interests.

    October 2023

    Wendy O

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Kanazawa. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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