Full-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha

Kanazawa , Japan

Full-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha

Active

(63 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

Our tour offers the best route to see all of Kanazawa's must-see spots, and many of its lesser known gems, in one day on foot. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you come away with an enriched understanding of the culture of Kanazawa. Guests will also have the opportunity to try Matcha and traditional sweets at a historical tea house, allowing them to feel a connection to Kanazawa and its customs after only a short time. Please consider participating in this tour if you want to make the best of your time in Kanazawa on a course that is exhaustive but not exhausting.

Available options

Full-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha

What's included

Matcha Tea and Wagashi Sweets at a Tea House

Entry to the Shima Chaya Preserved Geisha House

English Speaking Guide

Entry to the Kenrokuen Garden

Detailed itinerary

The tour starts with a visit to the Ashigaru Museum. Ashigaru is a word describing low ranking Samurai, and here you can enter two homes that once belonged to Ashigaru families in the days of the Samurai. Outside, you will find beautiful landscaping, and inside faithfully preserved rooms granting a glimpse into old-school Japanese life.

Next, you will be led through the former Samurai District known as Nagamachi. Here, the streets still maintain their handsome appearance and the visitor would be forgiven for thinking they have somehow landed in Old Japan. With a number of shops selling local crafts on the street, you will also have a chance to window shop for some goodies to take home.

Leaving the Samurai District behind, the guide will lead you through the Oyama Shrine on your way to Kanazawa Castle. Unlike most shrines in Japan, the entry gate here is made of brick, an unusual choice that speaks to its unique history. You will also pass through a small but beautiful garden on the way out the back of the shrine towards the castle.

Having entered the castle grounds, you will next have time for a Matcha tea experience while enjoying views over a centuries old garden that spreads out before you. The Gyokusen-an tea house is a splendid example of Japanese design, and their Matcha and wagashi sweets are sure to delight. (Occasionally there are events at this tea house so we will go to a different tea house to have matcha and sweets)

Afterwards you will have time for lunch, too!

On the way to the Kenroku-en Garden, the tour will take you through the grounds of Kanazawa Castle. Marvel at the scale of the restored buildings which stand majestic over an expansive lawn on the castle grounds while your guide teaches you a bit about the Samurai history of Kanazawa and the origins of its riches and success.

Stop 6

After passing through the castle, we will enter into this breathtaking display of traditional Japanese design concepts. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy views over the city, and maybe even enter the home of the former Lord of Kanazawa's wife.

Enjoy a taste of traditional tea district and Geisha culture at Higashi-chaya. Here, streets lined with fashionable tea houses from centuries ago await you, filled with eateries and craft shops. You will have free time after a guided walk to wander the streets here for yourself and perhaps have some ice cream or takoyaki topped with sheets of gold leaf.

The tour will next take you inside a tea house, or Chaya, once inhabited by Geisha and frequented by their wealthy patrons. The colorful walls and musical instruments here showcase the wealth and charming atmosphere of the Kanazawa tea districts in the golden days of the city. Your guide will be happy to answer any geisha related questions you may have.

Leaving Higashi Chaya, we will pass by the Kazuemachi tea district on the way back to the station. Less crowded than Higashi Chaya, in this tea district Geisha still entertain customers, and if you are lucky you can hear the soft sound of a shamisen being plucked emanating from one of the small sidestreets.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

17 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

46 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

1 hour short of the posted 9 hours because there is a 1 hour lunch break that is included in the tour. The customers are able to choose their own restaurant to eat at with recommendations from the guide at this time.

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 meeting point is outside of the Shinkansen Ticket Gates, across the concourse and in front of the information center. Look for a four large sumo wrestlers under the information center sign. Be sure to look for our guide wearing the SNOW MONKEY RESORTS 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