Kanazawa
Top 10 Kanazawa in a day
Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 8 hours
5.0
(6)
Top 10 Kanazawa in a day
Unlock Kanazawa's secrets with a local host by your side and explore must-see landmarks with hidden treasures sprinkled in between.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Visit 10 of Kanazawa’s most iconic attractions in just one day
- Explore several of its famous central neighborhoods including Kenroku-en and the Higashi Chaya geisha district
- See landmarks like Kanazawa Castle and Tsuzumi Gate
- Grab a snack of local street food at Omicho Market, the “Kitchen of Karawaza”
- Let your local host offer tips and recommendations for more things to see and do on your trip
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
8 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalized experience
8 hours with a host
Walking experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)
What’s not included
Food and drinks (but you can pre-book your lunch with us, simply contact hello@cityunscripted.com)
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 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
Kanazawa is home to centuries of preserved history – you could never see all of its top attractions in just one day, but what you could do is explore the heart of the city, and tick 10 of them off your bucket list! Higashi Chaya, the city’s famous geisha district, is a must-see, but Nichi Chaya in the south has a rich geisha tradition and some hidden gems of its own, like rakugan – Kanazawa’s pretty, pastel-colored sweets – and a geisha training ground. You’ll see iconic symbols of Japan’s historic heart, like the stately Kanazawa Castle, Omicho Market, and Kenroku-en Garden (one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens), but you’ll also explore the city’s contemporary side in Katamachi, a lively downtown district lined with trendy shops, cool cafes, restaurants, and bars.
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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What travelers think of this experience
Ross
Apr 2023
Our guide was amazing, she was wonderful with our 10 year old son and had so much knowledge to share. She showed us all we asked to see plus extra would highly recommend Yukari
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Jaki
May 2025
We wanted to see a lot in Kanazawa. So we hired a private guide for 3 hours to help us navigate all the logistics. Yukari proved invaluable in doing that. Yukari helped to get us to the more off beat places so we could see the more usual tourist places by ourselves. We got day passes for transportation on the loop bus. She pre booked us an appointment at the Myoryu-ji Ninja Temple at our request, and afterwards, we walked around a small Geisha district, ate delicious chili tofu (not hot chili) and tofu ice cream. We went to the Kimono Cente, and Yukari helped us purchase matcha mochi on our way to the park. We communicated well even if we had to clarify Yukari's English sometimes. Yukari went over and beyond to help us experience Kanazawa. It was very pleasant and memorable. We would definitely use Yukari again.
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Jairus
May 2025
We had an excellent experience with our guide Sho! He was so very friendly and worked with us to create an itinerary that matched what we wanted to see as well as our culinary interests, since we booked a tour over lunch. We particularly enjoyed sharing a meal with him, as he introduced us to yakiniku!
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Michael
May 2025
We had a great day with Katie. She showed us the best places of Kanazawa. Her deep knowledge made our tour of Kenrokuen Garden and the city to something special. Katie is aware of the western mentality. Thats makes her tour fascinating. We learned a lot about the difference between Western and Japanese culture. Understanding Japanese mentality and culture makes our further trip in this wonderful country even more enjoyable.
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Zara
May 2025
This was an amazing tour Megumi was so lovely and so accommodating she went above and beyond to help us with everything, the places we wanted to see, souvenirs we wanted to buy and even some shopping items. We got to see the Geisha district the samurai district and go inside the samurai house, the castle and the gardens. Also got to try some amazing seafood at the fish market. Best tour guide honestly. Would highly recommend.
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Michael
May 2025
Katie was delightful and gave us a choice of Kanazawa highlights to visit in our 4 hours. The Kenrokuen park was my favourite - incredibly beautiful. We saw a lot without rushing and Katie was very personable, great company and even ran over time in order to help me find her recommended instant dashi in a store.
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