Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour

Kanazawa , Japan

Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour

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(12 reviews)

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About this experience

Kanazawa’s cultural richness offers a unique charm distinct from both Tokyo and Kyoto. During the Edo period, Kanazawa was known as "Kaga Hyakumangoku," one of Japan’s largest cities. The Maeda family, who ruled the domain, focused their wealth on cultural development rather than military power, allowing Kanazawa to flourish as a cultural center.

As you explore with a guide, you’ll see the preserved aesthetic sense of the samurai throughout the city. Kanazawa was spared from war damage, leaving its historical sites intact, offering a rare glimpse into the past.

This tour includes key spots like Omicho Market, known as Kanazawa’s kitchen; Kenrokuen Garden, a masterpiece that showcases seasonal beauty; and the Higashi Chaya District, rich in 200 years of history. You’ll also visit hidden gems like secret streets with views of Japan’s oldest fountain.

With a local guide, you’ll gain deep insights into Kanazawa’s history and geography, discovering what makes the city so special.

Available options

Kanazawa Half-day Historical Walking Tour

What's included

Entrance fee to all the museum and garden

A cup of Matcha with seasonal Japanese sweet

Tour Photos

Traditional Japanese lunch called Kaga Cuisine

Detailed itinerary

Market beloved by locals more than 300 years

This tour begins at Omicho Market, which has a history of over 300 years and is known as Kanazawa’s kitchen. If you’re already feeling hungry, take the opportunity to try some local foods such as fresh seafood and locally produced vegetables (specifically called Kaga-vegetables) and fruits as you stroll through the market.

Our local guide explains the history and uniqueness of Kanazawa castle while walking by.

Kanazawa Castle Park and Kenrokuen Garden which shows totally different but all marvelous sides on each seasons and counted as one of Japan’s three great gardens, and learn about the Maeda family, who shaped Kanazawa’s culture.

Stop 3

One of the 3 best gardens in Japan

Have a traditional lunch called Kaga cuisine while seeing the oldest fountain remaining

Kanazawa’s local cuisine at a restaurant inside Kenrokuen, where you can try famous Kaga (Kanazawa) cuisine called Jibuni, while enjoying the view of Japan’s oldest fountain in front of you.

One of the 3 most famous Japanese sweets store, which has more than 390 years. Admission fee of Traditional sweets Museum and sweet & drink are included.

Indulge in wagashi and matcha, and learn about the process of making traditional sweets at a wagashi museum, deepening your understanding of Kanazawa’s history from a different angle.

Museum that we can see the actual tea house and instruments used by Geisha.

Visit teahouses (geisha houses) with over 200 years of history to truly feel the depth of Kanazawa’s heritage. The area offers plenty things to see, buy and experience, hear what your local guide should reccomend and enjoy them with your newly acquainted knowledge about Kanazawa!

The most iconic are from Kanazawa famous for Geisha and golden leaf

The highlight of this tour is the Higashi Chaya District, where traditional streetscapes remain preserved.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.7

12 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please inform us at least one day before the tour if you have any dietary requests or allergies to mention.

Note: Requests made on the day of the tour cannot be accommodated.

We are unable to accommodate gluten-free requests for this tour.

Because most Japanese restaurants are not fully ready for providing vegetarian menus, our tour provides only a limited selection of vegetarian options.

Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs of 40°C (110°F) and winter lows of -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour. The tour might be cancelled in case of unsuitable weather for safety reasons.

The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or baby stroller.

Out of respect for our other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time.

You will not be able to join the tour, get a refund or reschedule if you are late for the tour and miss the group.

Meeting point

In front of FamilyMart + Drug store Komeya Kanazawa Musashi Store

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