Kanazawa , Japan

7 Hours Kanazawa Private Guided Tour

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About this experience

Immerse yourself in Kanazawa’s charm with this private, expertly guided 7-hour tour, covering 10 iconic spots. Start at Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's top three gardens, and explore its stunning scenery. Then, visit Kanazawa Castle Park, known for its impressive gates and tranquil gardens.

Next, discover Oyama Shrine, a unique blend of architectural styles, and take a memorable photo at the grand Shinmon gate. In the Nagamachi Samurai District, step back in time at the Nomura Samurai Residence and its beautiful garden.

For lunch, head to Omicho Market, a lively food hub where you’ll enjoy fresh seafood and regional specialties. End the tour in the Higashi Chaya District, home to Kanazawa’s geisha culture. Visit Shima, a well-preserved geisha house, and explore its history.

This private tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and cuisine, ideal for those seeking to experience Kanazawa’s unique traditional charm.

Available options

7 Hours Kanazawa Private Guided Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Admisson Fee for Geisha House Shima

Admisson Fee for Kenrokuen Garden

English Speaking Guide

Admisson Fee for Hishi Yagura of Kanazawa Castle Park

Admisson Fee for Nomura Family Samurai House

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is one of Japan’s most famous landscape gardens, known for its stunning beauty throughout the seasons. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese garden design, serene ponds, teahouses, and seasonal flowers. It’s perfect for peaceful strolls and photography.

Kanazawa Castle Park offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal era with its beautifully restored gates, stone walls, and iconic structures like the Ishikawa Gate. Surrounded by lush greenery and seasonal flowers, it’s a serene spot perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Hishi Yagura is a historic corner turret of Kanazawa Castle, offering panoramic views of the castle grounds. Visitors can explore its defensive architecture and learn about its role in protecting the castle.

Gyokusen-immaru Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden in Kanazawa Castle Park, featuring a large pond, lush greenery, and traditional landscaping. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll and appreciate seasonal beauty.

Oyama Shrine in Kanazawa honors Maeda Toshiie, featuring a unique fusion of Western and Japanese architecture in its sacred gate. Visitors can explore the peaceful garden, learn about the Maeda family, and enjoy seasonal events.

Nagamachi Samurai District preserves the rich history of Kanazawa’s samurai culture. Stroll through narrow lanes lined with earthen walls, traditional homes, and tranquil canals. The district’s timeless beauty and well-kept scenery offer a unique glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

The Nomura Residence in the Nagamachi Samurai District is a beautifully preserved samurai house, showcasing traditional architecture and artifacts. Its stunning Japanese garden, complete with a koi pond and stone lanterns, offers a tranquil glimpse into the lifestyle of the Edo-era elite.

Omicho Market is Kanazawa’s vibrant culinary hub, offering fresh seafood, local produce, and a lively atmosphere. On the tour, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring seasonal ingredients while immersing yourself in the bustling market vibes. Your guide will share insights into Kanazawa’s unique food culture, making it a flavorful experience.

Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa is a well-preserved historical area known for its traditional tea houses. Visitors can explore charming narrow streets lined with old wooden buildings, enjoy tea ceremonies, shop for crafts, and experience the atmosphere of old-world Japan.

Geisha House Shima, located in the Higashi Chaya District, is a beautifully preserved teahouse offering a glimpse into Kanazawa's geisha culture. Explore its elegant interiors, traditional tea rooms, and rare artifacts, immersing yourself in the refined world of Edo-period entertainment.

What's not included

Lunch Fee

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

This itinerary involves walking throughout the day, so it may not be suitable for those who are not confident in their walking ability or for wheelchair users.

Meeting point

Please meet your guide in front of the Kenrokuen Tourist Information Center. The guide will be holding a yellow sign .

About Kanazawa

Kanazawa, a beautifully preserved city on Japan's western coast, is renowned for its well-maintained Edo-era districts, traditional arts, and fresh seafood. Often overlooked in favor of more famous cities, Kanazawa offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that sets it apart from other Japanese destinations.

Top Attractions

Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen is one of Japan's three most beautiful landscape gardens. It features a variety of trees, ponds, and walking paths, and is especially stunning during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Nature 1-2 hours 320 JPY

Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle is a historic castle that played a significant role in the city's history. The castle grounds are open to the public and feature several restored buildings, including the Ishikawa Gate and the Gyokusin-en Garden.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (some areas may have a small fee)

Higashi Chaya District

Higashi Chaya is a historic geisha district that has been preserved to maintain its traditional atmosphere. The district features wooden teahouses, narrow alleys, and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, costs vary for shops and restaurants

Omicho Market

Omicho Market is a bustling seafood market that offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, produce, and local specialties. The market is a great place to sample Kanazawa's famous seafood dishes and pick up souvenirs.

Food 1 hour Free to explore, costs vary for food and souvenirs

Nagamachi Samurai District

Nagamachi was the former samurai district of Kanazawa, and many of the original samurai residences have been preserved. The district features narrow streets, traditional houses, and several museums.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to explore, costs vary for museums and exhibits

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaisendon (Seafood Bowl)

A bowl of rice topped with fresh, local seafood such as crab, shrimp, and scallops. Kanazawa is famous for its kaisendon, which features a variety of seafood sourced from the nearby Sea of Japan.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Jibuni (Duck Stew)

A traditional Kanazawa dish made with duck, tofu, and vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth. Jibuni is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for cold weather.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Gold Leaf Ice Cream

A unique and luxurious dessert made with local gold leaf, which adds a delicate crunch and a touch of elegance. The gold leaf is edible and safe to consume.

Dessert Contains dairy, may contain allergens

Kanazawa Sake

Kanazawa is known for its high-quality sake, which is brewed using local ingredients and traditional methods. The city has several sake breweries that offer tours and tastings.

Drink Contains alcohol

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mount Hakusan Onsen hopping in Kaga Onsen Exploring Shirakawa-go's traditional villages Staying in a traditional ryokan Exploring Kanazawa's gardens and parks Visiting Kanazawa's historic districts Attending a traditional tea ceremony Exploring Kanazawa's museums and art galleries

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

Spring brings cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, while autumn offers vibrant foliage and comfortable temperatures. These seasons are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kanazawa is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft is uncommon. The city is generally safe for solo travelers, women, and LGBTQ+ travelers, but it's important to exercise common sense and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter
• Avoid unsolicited offers for tours or services
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Komatsu Airport • 30 km from Kanazawa

By train

Kanazawa Station

By bus

Kanazawa Station Bus Terminal, Hokuriku Expressway Bus Stops

Getting around

Public transport

The Kanazawa Loop Bus is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. It operates on several routes and offers unlimited rides with a day pass.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kata-machi Higashi Chaya District Nagamachi District Korinbo

Day trips

Shirakawa-go

60 km from Kanazawa • Full day

Shirakawa-go is a remote mountain village known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The village is especially stunning during the winter when the heavy snow creates a picturesque landscape.

Kaga Onsen

30 km from Kanazawa • Half day to full day

Kaga Onsen is a group of hot spring towns in Ishikawa Prefecture, known for their therapeutic waters and traditional ryokan (inns). The area offers a variety of hot spring experiences, from public baths to private onsen in ryokan.

Mount Hakusan

50 km from Kanazawa • Full day to overnight

Mount Hakusan is one of Japan's three holy mountains and is known for its stunning natural beauty and hiking trails. The mountain offers a variety of hiking routes, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks.

Festivals

Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival • June Kanazawa Gold Leaf Festival • October Kanazawa Samurai Festival • November

Pro tips

Visit Kenrokuen Garden early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the stunning seasonal views
Try gold leaf ice cream, a unique and delicious Kanazawa specialty
Explore the narrow alleys and hidden courtyards of the Nagamachi Samurai District for a glimpse into Kanazawa's samurai history
Attend a traditional tea ceremony or geisha performance for a memorable cultural experience
Shop for gold leaf products and traditional crafts in the Higashi Chaya District for unique souvenirs