Ishikawa Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

(5 reviews)

Hi, everyone! I'm Lucy, and I'm happy to share a bit about myself with you. Originally from the south of France, my career in fashion and costume design took me across both France and Germany. However, in 2019, my husband’s career brought us to the enchanting city of Kanazawa, and it didn’t take long for this beautiful place to capture my heart. Over time, Kanazawa has become much more than my adopted home—it’s a city I’ve come to truly adore. Becoming a tour guide here has been a deeply fulfilling journey, giving me the chance to meet incredible people from all over the world and share the rich culture, history, and hidden treasures of this incredible city. When I’m not guiding tours, I enjoy exploring Kanazawa’s lesser-known gems, delving into pottery and crafts, or hiking through the stunning natural landscapes nearby. My goal is not just to guide you through Kanazawa, but to create a meaningful connection and share the beauty and inspiration I’ve found in this special place. I can’t wait to explore it with you!

Yoji K.

(49 reviews)

Hello, I'm Yoji, based in Kanazawa. I spent my formative years in Kanazawa and pursued my master's degree in the United States. Having lived in Washington D.C. and California for six years, I then resided and worked in China and various Southeast Asian countries. My passion lies in exploring new destinations and connecting with people worldwide. Now, it's my turn to extend the same hospitality I've received to you. I specialize in crafting personalized tours tailored to your interests and preferences. If you're a food enthusiast, you've come to the right place. For those seeking to delve into Japan's rich history and culture, I highly recommend joining my full-day tour in Kanazawa. Additionally, I offer tours to Shirakawago and Takayama. Let's embark on an unforgettable journey together.

Jorge S.

(1 reviews)

Originally born in Mexico City, where I spent the first eight years of my life, I grew up in Montreal, Canada, for 22 years. Fascinated by Japanese popular culture and history—I have a minor in Japanese history and am a history buff—I participated in the JET Program Canada, where I was placed in Shirakawa-go for three years as an ALT. Currently, I live in Kanazawa with my Japanese wife and son. As a tour guide in Kanazawa, I specialize in history, hidden gems, culture, shopping (especially Japanese popular culture products), and food. I strive to provide an excellent customer experience. Fluent in English (Native), French (Native), Spanish (Native), and a good grasping of Japanese. I can communicate effectively with a diverse range of guests. Thanks to my North American background and my extensive experience living in Japan, I offer explanations that are easy to understand for Western guests, enriching their understanding of Japan as a vibrant and unique living space. Additionally, I am currently studying to become an official National guide in Japan, further enhancing my expertise and ability to provide exceptional tours.

Raphaël P.

(6 reviews)

View All Ishikawa Tour Guides

Hello Explorers! Are you ready to discover Kanazawa like never before? I'm here to guide you on an exceptional journey through this captivating city. Since settling in Kanazawa in 2019 with my Japanese wife and our children, I've deeply integrated local life into the fabric of my tours. For me, this city is not just a place I work—it's my home. My diverse background in the service industry, from hospitality to performing arts, ensures that your experience will be both enriching and seamless. Prepare for picture-perfect moments, delectable local eats, insightful answers to your curiosities, and delightful tips that will enrich your stay beyond measure! Choose to explore Kanazawa with me, and let's create memories as rich and vibrant as the city itself!

New Ishikawa Tour Guides

Shoten S.

Hello, my name is Shoten, please call me Sho. I was born in a local area in Toyama prefecture. I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. After graduation, I continued to study English at a local English circle. In international activities, I also guided foreign people around Toyama Prefecture, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Gifu Prefecture. After retirement, I work as a guide interpreter and a translator. The Hokuriku region has many sightseeing spots, including beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, and traditional crafts like Takaoka copperware and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism, such as the Kurobe dam and industrial tourism. I look forward to welcoming you to the Hokuriku region.

Mika S.

4.96 / 5

(26 reviews)

My interests include art, architecture, food, sake, wine, and sustainability. In the past, I had the opportunity to visit destinations around the world. My passion for traveling and experiencing other cultures helped me recognize the beauty in my own culture, and inspired me to become a tour guide. I’m a fun, energetic, and passionate guide who’s ready to show you an unforgettable time in Japan, whatever your interests may be! Hida is a beautiful region tucked away in the Northern Alps, and its location helped preserve Takayama’s old town constructed by local master carpenters. On your tour, I’ll give you tips on what you should look for to appreciate traditional Japanese architecture. If you’re a sake lover, Hida is the place for you because the cold climate makes it suitable for brewing quality sake. I’m a licensed Sake Sommelier, and I’d love to take you to the breweries in town and give you some recommendations. I’ve also been trained to host art tours. If you’re interested in contemporary Japanese art, I recommend visiting Kanazawa, where you can find inspirational creativity in every corner! My goal is to help you discover the authentic Japanese way of life while feeling comfortable like a local rather than standing out like a tourist. Please let me know what kind of experience you’re looking for, and I will happily tailor a unique experience just for you. Fun facts about me! I was sponsored to travel around the world twice I was a torch runner in the 1998 Nagano Olympics I grew up in nature, eating wild plants and seeing many wild animals

Takashi M.

4.71 / 5

(17 reviews)

I was born and brought up in Kanazawa, and live in Kanazawa. So,I know every corner of this town. I am a national licensed tour guide. I started operating tour guide business in 2004 after retired from the local government office. I enjoyed hobbies when I found my spare time. In my twenties and thirties, I walked along many peaks of Northern Japan Alps during the summer mountain season. I travelled many places domestic and abroad. I also enjoyed skiing while I was in my forties and fifties. I have offered tour guides to over 1,000 tourists since I started tour guiding. I explain local history and culture, religion, traditional arts and crafts, and food, etc. I try my best to have customers' satisfaction, and make your tours enjoyable and memorable.Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet trains started operating between Tokyo and Kanazawa on March 14, 2015. It takes about 2 and half hours. You will be able to make one-day tour to Kanazawa from Tokyo. I look forward to having your application.

Fujio N.

4.80 / 5

(15 reviews)

Born and having spent most of my life in Kanazawa, I went into the export business for a major high-speed and automatic loom maker, where I worked for 38 years. When I was a university student in Kyoto, I occasionally worked part time as an English speaking guide. I have guided foreign tourists in Japan especially in my hometown for over 13 years starting soon after my retirement. I joined Kanazawa Good-will Guide Network in 2000 and had been its coordinator for six years from 2002, currently being its senior adviser. Furthermore, I organized Kanazawa Home-visit Association in 2003 that has received over 8,000 visitors from overseas, among whom 1,900 enjoyed experiencing Japanese culture in my own home. In 2012, I established the group for the interpreter guide with my friends and currently I am its coordinator. I am therefore very familiar with historical, cultural and industrial backgrounds of Kanazawa and its surrounding regions. My hobby is golf and my current official golf handicap is 15. Tour Guide Services: Sightseeing tours with explanations of historical and cultural backgrounds of Ishikawa prefecture including Kanazawa city and Noto peninsula, and the surrounding prefectures such as Gifu (with Takayama city and Shirakawa village), Toyama (with Gokayama village) and Fukui (with Eiheiji Zen Temple) Sample Itineraries: Model Plans in Kanazawa: Full-day tour (7~8h) Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District including gold-leaf shops → Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park → 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art → Nagamachi Samurai District → Omicho Market Half -day tour (4~5h) Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District including a gold-leaf shop → Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park → Nagamachi Samurai District Other popular optional spots are also available: Myoryuji (Ninja) Temple, D. T. Suzuki Museum, Oyama Shrine, Kaga Yuzen Traditional Industrial (silk kimono) Center, Nishida Family Garden (Gyokusen-en), Kazuemachi Chaya (Geisha) District, Ohi Pottery Museum, Kutani Porcelain Kiln, etc. Home-visit (2 hours) Visit a local home to enjoy talking with the host family over tea and to learn the distinctive Japanese lifestyle firsthand, where you might experience traditional culture such as a tea ceremony, flower arrangement, kimono dressing, calligraphy and paper- folding. Model Plans of one-day round trips by highway bus from Kanazawa 1. Noto peninsula (world agricultural heritage site with Wajima Morning Market, Wajima Lacquerware Center, Wajima Kiriko (gigantic festival lantern) Art Museum, Senmaida Terraced Rice Fields, Sojiji Zen Temple, Ganmon and Chirihama Beach Driveway), etc. 2. Takayama city (old merchant town), Shirakawa-go and Gokayama villages (world cultural heritage site with thatched-roof farm houses)

Popular Ishikawa Private Tours

Kanazawa & Beyond

8 hours

Starting Time: 7:00 to 9:00am. Embark on a transformative journey that combines the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Japan with personal reflection and inner discovery. This 8-hour tour through Kanazawa and Tsurugi offers a unique blend of activities designed to help you reset, recharge, let go of daily stresses & find yourself a bit more.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route tour

10 hours

We visit Tateyama Murodo and Kurobe Dam lake. We walk Big Snow wall corridor during Spring time ( From Mid- April until Mid-June). We walk on mountain pathway around Mikurigaike pond in Summer and Fall. We board on trolley bus, ropeway, cable car, and arrive at Kurobeko Lake. We view spectacular water release operation during Summer and Fall.

Noto peninsula & Wajima city, a home town of lacquerware tour

8 hours

Noto peninsula juts out 100 km north into the Sea of Japan. The city of Wajima is located at the tip of the peninsula. The city is known for its morning market and home town of Japanese lacquerware. Wajima morning market is one of the three famous morning markets in Japan. It has more than 1,000 years history. Wajima is also known as the home town of lacquerware. It was designated as an important intangible cultural asset in 1977 by Japanese Government. Wajima lacquerware is famous for its durability and elegant designs. The tour starts from Kanazawa, and visit morning market, lacquerware museum and Kiriko festival lantern museum. The tour is disbanded at Kanazawa in the afternoon.

Day Trips from Ishikawa

Kanazawa

Gifu

Toyama

Fukui

Ishikawa Tour Reviews

Alya C.

4 / 5

Nov 12, 2019

Half-day Tour in Kanazawa

5 hours

Customized

Nov 12, 2019

“Knowledgeable Guide”

Fujio-San was very helpful with our group of 7 during our trip to Kanazawa. He brought us around must-visit areas and was very knowledgeable about their history. We were also very appreciative that he helped us communicate with our ryokan and restaurant reservations.

Fujio N.

Dear Alya, It was truly my great pleasue to guide your family and friends in and around Kanazawa including Shirakawago and Gokayama villages, world heritage sites. You will be heartily welcome whenever you come back. Thank you. Fujio

Nigel F.

5 / 5

May 6, 2019

Private Kanazawa Highlights 6hours

3 hours

May 6, 2019

“The whole time with Yukari was a great experience”

Very helpful and here knowlege of the area covered was really good

Yukari S.

Thank you very much for the sweet words! I enjoyed having the tour with lovely couple,too!

Daniel H.

5 / 5

May 3, 2019

3-Day Tour in Kanazawa and Hida region (For your company)

Customized

May 3, 2019

“3 days in kanazawa”

Yuichi organized everything for us in a perfect manner , travelling to shirakawa go and showing us Kanazawa in details and always keeping the time in a accordance the schedule.he was very kind ,helpful and with good trip advices all the way.we recommend to use his service of guide to every one coming to this area Thank you Yuichi

Yuichi W.

Hi Daniel. I'm delighted to hear from you again and appreciate your warmest compliment. I was so pleased that I could introduce traditional Japanese culture in Kanazawa and Takayama. And I also enjoyed learning your culture and customs from you, which was great opportunity to me. I hope to see you again in your country. Best Wishes, Daniel and please say hello to jennie and solly.

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