Kanazawa
Secret gems of Kanazawa
Hidden Gems • 3 hours
5.0
(95)
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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17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting
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recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
Lauren
Aug 2025
We loved this tour and Criselda made it extra special! We walked and explored the castle, Kenroku-en Garden, and samurai district. Criselda shared a lot of information and taught us a great deal. We love Japan and Kanazawa and are really glad we chose this tour. What a unique city.
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Marieke
Jul 2025
It was a great experience and because of the early start (8am) we had a quiet and pleasant experience ahead of the incoming (other) tourists. Great way to learn about the history of Kanazawa, its crafts and typical food specialties. Our guide was very knowledgeable and had great suggestions to do by ourselves the rest of the day.
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Marieke
Jul 2025
We really enjoyed the tour. Selda suggested to start early at 8am and because of that we could walk without a lot of other tourists around. The houses she showed us were beautiful and when we were done visiting the groups came in. We were very lucky because she knew how to manage that and give us the best experience. She also gave us good suggestions to do by ourselves in the afternoon.
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Koen
Jul 2025
Our guide Chris spoke English really well, she took our wishes into account, told fascinating stories during the tour and she had or look up answers to all our questions. Apart from that Chris proved to be a very sociable person. Highly recommended, absolutely!
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Jess
Jul 2025
Akari was our private tour guide in Kanazawa. She was wonderful and very helpful. We asked to go through a specific Samurai house and she added it to our itinerary and shared many interesting things about the history with us. She was patient and great with our 14 and 10 year old children. We also asked for many recommendations and she was able to help us. Thank you very much for accommodating us!
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Alicia
Jul 2025
Our guide Criselda was brilliant. She took us to several geisha districts and a samurai district, where she provided interesting historical context. Whilst walking she shared cultural insights about Japan - including about their everyday lives. Criselda also pointed out some great restaurants and shops. Overall it was a fantastic experience - Criselda is a thoughtful and intelligent guide!
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