Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5.0
(120)

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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Ice Cream Smiles Under a Dappled Gold Screen

Ice Cream Smiles Under a Dappled Gold Screen

Serene Stroll by the Lake

Serene Stroll by the Lake

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

Olga Oct 2025

Great!!

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Daniel Oct 2025

Incredible experience! Our guide, Megumi, was an A+ guide and customized the tour based on what we were interested in. highly recommend!

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David Oct 2025

Great!!

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David Oct 2025

In a 3h tour of Kanazawa Akari showed us amazing places we definitely would have missed if we had just wandered about. She was very well knowledgeable of the history and culture. We thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend this tour!

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Danielle Oct 2025

Lots of interesting facts about what we were seeing and in response to questions, felt was a natural discussion not just reading from a list of things to say

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Sophie Oct 2025

Akari was a personable and knowledgeable guide and we felt like we had known her for years as soon as we met. She kept us engaged and we had spontaneous experiences while walking around. The only thing we would change would be to extend the service as 3 hours flew by. Thank you Akari! Sophie and Juliet

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