Kanazawa Market and Oldtown Food and Culture Walking Tour

Kanazawa , Japan

Kanazawa Market and Oldtown Food and Culture Walking Tour

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(12 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Unveil the cultural charm and culinary wonders of Kanazawa on this 3-hour small-group tour. Start your journey in the enchanting Kazue-machi Chaya District and Higashi Chaya District, known for its preserved architecture and vibrant geisha culture. Stroll through the historic streets as your expert local guide shares insights into its rich history.

The tour culminates at lunchtime at the historic Omicho-Market. Here, you'll explore the 300-year-old food hub, renowned for its fresh seafood and seasonal delicacies. Your guide will lead you through an array of stalls, sharing insights into Kanazawa's rich culinary heritage while you savor local treats for your midday meal, concluding the tour with an unforgettable taste of Kanazawa.

- 3-hour small-group walking tour in Kanazawa
- Explore the atmospheric Higashi Chaya District, a geisha neighborhood
- Visit the famous Omicho-Market and taste local delicacies
- Learn about Kanazawa's rich culinary history from an expert guide

Available options

Kanazawa Market and Oldtown Food and Culture Walking Tour

What's included

Enjoy local tastings (e.g., street seafood, local snacks)

Detailed itinerary

A Whisper of Old Kanazawa.
Nestled along the banks of the tranquil Asano River, Kazue-machi feels like a town frozen in time. Unlike its busier neighbor, this district offers a quiet, poetic beauty. The long, narrow row of dark wooden chaya (teahouses) reflects perfectly on the river's surface, creating an unforgettable, picturesque scene, especially as dusk approaches.

We will take you to the Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa's largest and most famous teahouse quarter, where the preserved world of the Edo Period awaits. It is characterized by its beautifully uniform wooden architecture and atmospheric cobbled streets.

This district is one of the very few places in Japan where the chaya (teahouses)—where geisha traditionally entertained wealthy merchants and samurai with music, dance, and song—are still preserved and actively used. As you walk the meticulously maintained main street and peer down the narrow side alleys, your English-speaking guide will illuminate the district’s rich history.

Omicho Market. Known across Japan as "Kanazawa's Kitchen," this bustling, 300-year-old market is more than just a place to buy groceries—it's a high-energy spectacle of local culture and the freshest seafood imaginable. Unlike larger, more touristy fish markets, Omicho maintains its authentic local soul, operating daily for the chefs and families of Kanazawa.
Dive into the Buzz: Start your journey in the vibrant Omicho Market, the city's 300-year-old food hub. See why Kanazawa is famous for its seafood, often considered even fresher than Tokyo's due to its proximity to the Sea of Japan.
Taste Local Delicacies: Your guide will navigate the labyrinth of stalls, pointing out seasonal produce, exotic Kaga vegetables, and the freshest catch of the day. Enjoy local tastings (e.g., street seafood or local snacks) that you might hesitate to try on your own. Learn the secrets behind Kanazawa's rich culinary history.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.8

12 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If you plan to purchase souvenirs or other items at Omicho Market, please note that many stalls only accept cash and may not accept credit cards. We highly recommend bringing some Japanese Yen (cash) with you for a smoother shopping experience.

This is a group tour.

We will leave at on time, so please make sure to be there on time!

The tour may end slightly before or after the specified time. If you have plans or anything scheduled right after the tour, please let us know beforehand.

Weather Conditions : Tours may be canceled in the event of severe weather warnings issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Health & Physical Conditions : If you require special attention regarding physical difficulties during the tour, please inform us in advance. Otherwise, you may not be able to join the tour.

Cancellation Due to Force Majeure : In the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control — such as natural disasters, extreme weather, transportation strikes, government restrictions, pandemics, or other force majeure events — the tour may be canceled for safety reasons. In such cases, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer a full refund or alternative arrangements, depending on availability.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at in front of the monument at Hashibacho Ryokuchi (Hashibacho Green Space).
Your guide will have a green signboard saying "Japan Wonder Travel".

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