Kanazawa
Kickstart your trip to Kanazawa
City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours
5.0
(27)
Kickstart your trip to Kanazawa
Begin your Kanazawa journey with this essential tour; see key sights and get insider tips to enrich your stay in this historic city.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- See some of central Kanazawa’s most famous attractions (and a couple reserved for in-the-know locals)
- Explore beautiful nature, bustling city and historical sites in just three hours
- Take the opportunity to try some of Kanazawa’s most popular cuisine at Omicho Market
- Set yourself up for a successful trip by learning how to navigate the city like a local
- Have a helpful host to share expert 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.
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalized experience
3 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
Your hotel/apartment or any other central locationCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat 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 mostWhat you’ll do
Buckle up for a practical crash course in getting around Kanazawa like a pro – and a golden opportunity to check out a couple of the city’s must-sees along the way. With your sensei – er, local host – leading the way, you’ll get a feel for the city center, starting at the 120-year-old Kanazawa Station and its surrounding hub of stores, restaurants, and, of course, the exquisite Tsuzumi Gate, an unofficial symbol of the city. At Omicho Market, the “Kitchen of Kanazawa”, join locals browsing stalls packed with mouthwatering food (and get plenty of delicious recommendations from your local insider), then head to Kenroku-en Garden, a famous Japanese landscaped garden that’s conveniently situated right by the bustling downtown Katamachi shopping district.
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
Akari_Tsushima_Kanazawa_NSP000890
Akari_Tsushima_Kanazawa_NSP000890
Akari_Tsushima_Kanazawa_BR-1237301823
Akari_Tsushima_Kanazawa_BR-1237301823
2
8
17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting
Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.
recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
What travelers think of this experience
Martin
Jun 2025
Lots of background information, very authentic.
Show more
Sheila
May 2025
Our tour guide Zelda was brilliant very informative and passionate about Kanazawa.
Show more
Doug
May 2025
What I enjoyed the most was the one on one experience with Mouri, my host. At first I was skeptical of the tour as I was thinking this was going to be just another tour where they spew the same information to all tourists, but as I spoke out on what I wanted and Mouri listened, it became more intimate and interesting. We must have walked a hundred miles in those 3 hours because there was so much I wanted to learn and how much he enjoyed showing off his town. It was fabulous. Thank you Mouri !!!
Show more
Samantha
May 2025
Ike was amazing today she was a great host and ensured we were taken to places we may have missed ourselves. Great host thank you very much.
Show more
Julianne
May 2025
Iku was a wonderful guide from early communication in the lead up to the tour right through to our goodbyes at the end. Iku was knowledgeable and shared this with us in a very inclusive and warm manner. Iku tailored the tour around areas of personal interest to us and was very flexible and accommodating for any last minute alterations. Would highly Iku for anyone
Show more
Steven
May 2025
Katie is an excellent guide. Her communication prior to the tour was very good, leaving no uncertainty regarding the initial meeting place and the tour’s itinerary. She is a very friendly person with warm personality, very knowledgeable and her English is excellent. For any tourist planning a walking tour in Kanazawa, I definitely recommend Katie as their guide.
Show more