Kanazawa
Secret gems of Kanazawa
Hidden Gems • 3 hours
5.0
(87)
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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recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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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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Karen
Jun 2025
Akari was a lovely, interesting and informative tour guide. Her English is great! We really enjoyed our time with her. We would highly recommend a tour with Akari!
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Shirley
Jun 2025
Selda was communicative before the tour and worked with me to adjust the itinerary a few times based on changes in our other plans. She let me know in advance that there’s a festival during the weekend of our arrival and sent me the schedule so we could enjoy the activities. We loved all the stories and historical knowledge as well as the local foodie tips. Highly enjoyed our tour!
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Amanda
Jun 2025
Megumi was so knowledgeable and had many interesting stories to tell us.
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Lucy
May 2025
Amazing experience! I highly recommend this tour. My guide was very friendly and knowledgeable showing me sites and sharing information I wouldn’t have found on my own. She catered the tour based on my interests and adapted the activities throughout the day based off my needs.
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