Kanazawa All Must-Sees Private Chauffeur Sightseeing - English Speaking Driver

Kanazawa , Japan

Kanazawa All Must-Sees Private Chauffeur Sightseeing - English Speaking Driver

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(7 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This is the ideal pick for time-tight travelers wanting to discover this beautiful town of Kanazawa's highlights in a day. Avoid the potential confusion of local bus system, and travel comfortably in a private vehicle instead.

Enjoy the flexibility of being able to pick a set itinerary, or customize your own. Potential attractions include all Must-See spots in Kanazawa, so please explore at your own pace and visit sights such as Kenrokuen garden, one of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan"; the expansive Higashi Chaya District, a traditional teahouse district founded in the Edo Period; Omicho Market, Kanazawa's largest fresh food market; Nagamachi Samurai district.

Your English speaking driver will fully support your six-hours tour.

Note*: Tour details has a possibility of change depending on the place of your meeting point and traffic conditions. Please feel free to ask us if you have any special request for your itinerary. We will do our best to meet your request.

Available options

Regular(for 3 PAX or less)

Regular(for 3 PAX or less)<br/>Pickup included

Van(for 8 PAX or less)

Minivan(for 8 PAX or less)<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private vehicle

English speaking driver

Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list'

Detailed itinerary

A chaya (lit. teahouse) is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform song and dance. During the Edo Period, chaya were found in designated entertainment districts, usually just outside the city limits. Kanazawa has three, well preserved chaya districts, Higashi Chayagai (Eastern Chaya District), Nishi Chayagai (Western Chaya District) and Kazuemachi.

Stop 2

Kenrokuen (兼六園) in Kanazawa is justifiably classified as one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens" alongside Mito's Kairakuen and Okayama's Korakuen. The spacious grounds used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle and were constructed by the ruling Maeda family over a period of nearly two centuries. Opened to the public in 1871, Kenrokuen features a variety of flowering trees which provide the garden with a different look for each season.

From 1583 to the end of the Edo Period, Kanazawa Castle (金沢城, Kanazawajō) was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan, lords of Kaga, a feudal domain ranking second only to the Tokugawa possesions in terms of size and wealth.

The castle burnt down several times over the centuries, and the most recent fires of 1881 were survived only by two storehouses and the Ishikawa-mon Gate. The gate dates from 1788 and faces Kenrokuen. For several decades, Kanazawa University occupied the former castle grounds until the campus was moved to the city's outskirts in the early 1990s. Since then, a project is underway to rebuild the castle's former buildings. In the meantime, most central structures are standing again and make a visit more interesting.

Omicho Market (近江町市場, Ōmichō Ichiba) has been Kanazawa's largest fresh food market since the Edo Period. Today, it is a busy and colorful network of covered streets lined by about 200 shops and stalls. While most shops specialize in the excellent local seafood and produce, you can also find flowers, clothing, kitchen tools and more on sale.

Although the market is most exciting during the morning hours, it also gets quite busy around noon, when tourists and locals arrive to have lunch at restaurants inside the market. It is not unusual for lines to build in front of the popular restaurants, many of which specialize in rice bowls topped with fresh Kanazawa seafood.

Nagamachi (長町) was a samurai district located at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle, where samurai and their families used to reside. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals.

One of the main attractions of the district is the centrally located Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence displaying the lifestyle and artifacts of the era when samurai were prosperous. In contrast is the Shinise Kinenkan Museum, a restored pharmacy displaying the lives of the merchant class which rose in prosperity as the samurai declined.

What's not included

Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses

You cannot combine multiple tour groups.

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.

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