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, Japanese, Korean, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a 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

    We enjoyed 4 hours with Maiko who has great knowledge of Kanazawa. She had great knowledge of local history, culture and local attractions. She was very accommodating of our interests and desires to modify the itinerary on the fly. We found her so approachable, conversational, and enjoyable. We particularly enjoyed the gardens and fish market; she also took us to a few additional shrines and booked us a tour of the ninja temple. Needless to say, despite the on and off rain showers, we were delighted to have made her acquaintance and have her as our guide.

    December 2022

    Lisa M

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.

Other experiences you may be interested in

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See all experiences in Kanazawa

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

Other experiences you may be interested in

Full day in Kanazawa
Kanazawa

Full day in Kanazawa

From preserved samurai and geisha districts to trendy shopping promenades, Kanazawa has it all.

$237.16 per person

8 hours

Eat like a local in Kanazawa
Kanazawa

Eat like a local in Kanazawa

$142.91 per person

3 hours

Top 10 Kanazawa in a day
Kanazawa

Top 10 Kanazawa in a day

$237.16 per person

8 hours

See all experiences in Kanazawa