Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5.0
(91)

Secret gems of Kanazawa

Journey through Kanazawa's hidden gems with a local, gaining insider insights on an unforgettable tour.

If you have time, consider making the one hour journey to the historic, picturesque villages of Shirakawago

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 experience

What 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 most

What 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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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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Alicia Jul 2025

We loved our guide Criselda - she shared so much information about the history of Kanazawa but also about Japanese culture and culture and way of life. She is so intelligent and full of insights.

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Sophie Jul 2025

Not boring at all! Very interesting. The explanation is very useful and compact. The hidden gems were wonderful!

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Carlo Jun 2025

Akari was a fantastic guide in Kanazawa! Super friendly, easy to talk to, and very knowledgeable. We spent four wonderful hours chatting about everything—from local culture to daily life in Japan. She gave us great tips on what to see and do. An unforgettable and enriching experience. Thank you, Akari!

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Karen Jun 2025

Wonderful! The guide was lively, informative and interesting. I would highly recommend this tour!!!!

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