Kanazawa Day Tour Natadera Temple, Craft Village and Geisha Dance

Kanazawa , Japan

Kanazawa Day Tour Natadera Temple, Craft Village and Geisha Dance

Active

(1 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the cultural allure of Japan on a one-day tour from Kanazawa. Visit the stunning Natadera Temple, established in the 700s, and stroll through its tranquil gardens. At Yunokuni-no-Mori Craft Village, engage in traditional crafts like Kaga Yuzen dyeing. The highlight of the day is a unique opportunity to witness a short live geisha performance in Yamanaka Onsen, where you can even join in on the dance. This immersive experience provides insights into Japan’s rich cultural heritage, making it perfect for travelers seeking authentic local experiences.

Depart from Kanazawa Station at 9:00 A.M. with an English-speaking guide.
Explore Natadera Temple and its historic gardens, known for their serenity.
Participate in Kaga Yuzen dyeing and then choose additional craft activities at the village.
Enjoy a memorable geisha performance with a chance to dance on stage yourself.

Available options

Kanazawa Day Tour Natadera Temple, Craft Village and Geisha Dance

What's included

Kaga Yuzen Experience Fee

Transportation to and from Yamanaka Onsen and between all destinations during the tour.

English-speaking guide

Entry fees at Natadera Temple, Yunokuni-no-Mori Craft Village and the geisha performance at Yamanaka Onsen.

Detailed itinerary

Natadera dates back to the year 717 and has been known for its scenic beauty for hundreds of years. The temple practices an interesting mix of Buddhism and nature worship, so the gardens have become renowned as a place of healing.

At the back of the garden lies the oldest part of the temple. The main shrine, designated as an Important Cultural Property, is carved out of a small cave. People believed that by passing through these caves, their spirits were cleansed.

Around the gardens, there are plenty of spaces that make for beautiful pictures, like this area which is a Inari shrine used for mountain worship. You can really feel peace and tranquility as you walk through these garden paths and take in the nature.

We will drive a short way to our next destination: Yunokuni-no-Mori craft village. This area offers a wonderful selection of different experiences making local crafts.

Inside the craft village, your guide will explain more about each of the experiences on offer. Depending on the activities that pique your interests, you will have enough time to do two or three experiences before leaving the park.

Before splitting up, we'll head into the area to try our hands at Kaga Yuzen. This traditional art dates back to more than 500 years ago. Over time, the patterns painted on the kimono became more intricate and elegant.

Once you've finished your Kaga Yuzen, you are free to explore the park. There are a couple of restaurants to get lunch and 23 other experiences on offer.

**Please remember that costs for any additional experiences after the Kaga Yuzen that you do at the park are not included on the tour.

The bus will head to Yamanaka Onsen, a quiet town tucked away in the mountains. We have a little time before the show starts, so your guide will take you on a short walk through some of the village's sights. There are also some shops you may wish to browse. If you tried your hand at lacquerware in the craft village, compare your work to the masters' on display in the shops - you may have discovered untapped talent!

Geisha will perform a variety of traditional dances and songs local to the region. Being able to see the geisha up close is a really magical experience. You can tell they have practiced years to do each movement perfectly.

We'll also see a performance of the traditional Kaga lion dance, shishimai. This dance is said to have first been done to celebrate the first lord of Kanazawa, Toshiie Maeda, arriving to the region after a century of war.

For the final dance of the show, the geisha will invite audience members onto the stage to do Goshugi no Mai, the dance of celebration. This dance is popular even into today as a celebration of Kanazawa's rich history, calling back to when it was considered among the mightiest cities in Japan.

As pictures are strictly forbidden during the performance, we recommend you take the chance and try dancing for yourself! The geisha will walk you through the steps (there aren't many!) before doing the dance with the group.

What's not included

There is time and places to eat at the Craft Village

Accommodation

Experiences at the craft village(other than Kaga Yuzen)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.

Meeting point

The meetup point is outside of the Shinkansen ticket gates, in front of the information center where you will see four large sumo wrestlers lined up. You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 9:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide wearing a tour tag.

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