Kanazawa
Secret gems of Kanazawa
Hidden Gems • 3 hours
5.0
(107)
Secret gems of Kanazawa
Journey through Kanazawa's hidden gems with a local, gaining insider insights on an unforgettable tour.
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- With your local host, get off the well-trodden tourist trail and explore Kanazawa’s secret side
- Visit Utatsuyama Park, an expansive forest in the middle of the city with colorful wildflowers and several shrines
- Learn about mysterious geisha in compact Nishi Chaya, a single residential district where geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) live and train
- Let your host recommend a trendy cafe in riverside Kazuemachi, where traditional and modern Japan coexist
- Get more insider tips for unique 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.
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
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
Some of Kanazawa’s most precious districts are overshadowed by more famous areas – but seeing the city through a local’s eyes creates a new perspective. Explore a quiet residential area where pastel-colored Rakugan confections – a Kanazawa specialty – are produced, and learn more about mysterious geisha at the geisha museum and training ground. Visit Utatsuyama Park – an expansive forest in the middle of the city with over 100 types of wildflowers – then forego crowded Higashi Chaya in favor of storybook Kazuemachi, a small riverside district lined with wood-built, feudal-era buildings where ethereal geisha play music and locals move between trendy taprooms and galleries (why not let your host recommend a hidden haunt for a quick coffee?).
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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We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
Annette
Oct 2025
Akari gave us a perfect match between our expectations and what we really saw. She was able to individualize our tour according to our desires. Akari tried everything to make us feel comfortable. We very much appreciated our tour
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Katharnia
Oct 2025
Exceptional guide!!
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Madeleine
Sep 2025
I didn’t know where to start with Kanazawa with such a short time frame. We were put in touch with Katie, where we did a survey to see what activities would be suitable for our preferences and then chose from there. With some scheduling issues (on our end with transport) she was very accommodating and changed meeting times and also met us at our hotel. She is kind, full of knowledge of the Kanazawa history, area and best food spots! Once our tour with Katie was over she was very helpful with giving us information on the buses and transport around town. I would recommend this tour and hopefully you are us lucky us to get Katie for a guide.
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Meryl
Sep 2025
Iku was a fabulous guide. She curated my tour based on my interests and was extremely knowledgeable about my niche interests.
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Meryl
Sep 2025
Iku was a fabulous guide. She is extremely knowledgeable, she tailored my experience to my interests, and her English is excellent. I highly recommend her!
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Katharnia
Sep 2025
Harumi-san was an exceptional guide. Showed me what liked to see and gave me a lot of insides and information about the Kanasawa Geiko and Samurai district. Plus, thanks to her I ate the best mochi of my life
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