Ishikawa Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

(17 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.

Yukari S.

(26 reviews)

Hi! I'm Yukari. I'm a government licensed guide of Kanazawa city.(Kanazawa Visitor's Host) I was originally born and raised in Toyama prefecture. I had moved 2 times within Hokuriku region in my childhood for my fathers job. I've been living in Ishikawa for 16 years in total.(4years in my childhood and 12years since I married. ) I have a family of 4. I'm raising 2boys and have 2dogs. I love animals, nature, music, photos, camping, and good food. So if you feel that I might have a similar taste with you, my tour will bring you a satisfied explore. Here in Kanazawa, tourists have been increasing in number since the opening of Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2015. Many of foreign tourists are walking around throughout the city holding their smartphone by hand. Every time I see those people, I felt that I might be able to do something which make their trip more memorable. This is the reason why I took the license of Kanazawa Visitor's Host and started a local tour guide. Although I've just started as a tour guide in 2018,I sincerely enjoy making a personalized plan that every single guest would be able to make the day here in Kanazawa perfectly. I have ever lived in Toyama, Fukui, Ishikawa, Chiba, Tokyo (Japan),and Toronto (Canada). I have ever been to USA (Seattle, LA, CA, NY) Australia (Cairns) New Zealand(Auckland) Korea, China, and Canada (many cities). Let's go for Kanazawa tour just for you! Please feel free to contact me if you have any inquiries. Yukari

Lucy F.

(2 reviews)

Hello, everyone! I'm Lucy, and I'm thrilled to share a bit about myself with you. Originally hailing from the picturesque south of France, my life's journey has woven through the landscapes of both France and Germany, primarily within the realm of fashion and costume design. My heart, however, found its home in the enchanting city of Kanazawa when my husband's career led us here in 2019. Since then, this city has not only become my adopted home, but it's a place I've grown to adore. Now, guiding has become a source of immense joy for me. I cherish the opportunity to meet people from all corners of the world, sharing my knowledge about this incredible city and its cultural tapestry. Beyond the guided tours, my free time is often spent in exploration. Whether uncovering hidden gems in the surroundings or immersing myself in the world of pottery, crafts or hiking. I'm here not just to guide but also to connect, learn, and share the beauty I've discovered in Kanazawa. Looking forward to our journeys together!

Atsuko K.

(1 reviews)

大家好！我是日本國家註冊導遊Atsuko！我是從2013年開始從事這導遊工作。我原來是個九州的佐賀人,現在住在石川縣金澤市。我現在學習日本茶道。我可以帶您去以金澤市為主的觀光景點玩。金澤是一座充滿著日本武士文化的城市。除了必去的景點之外，這裡還有很多美食。讓我們一起尋找這裡的魅力吧。跟我一起漫步的話，一定會發現在網上看不到的事情！我等您預約！

Ali G.

As a foreigner resident of Kanazawa , where I have spent a number of years living, I offer tours of the city's well-known landmarks and historical sites. I have worked in Pakistan and Dubai in similar capacities.In addition, I received my master's degree from Peshawar University.I like difficult travel locations with lots of adventure.interested in history, customs, environment, wildlife, and landscapes. My ultimate travel goal and reward has always been meeting different kind of people internationally.

Sachi K.

(12 reviews)

Hi, I’m Sachi. I became a national licensed tour guide in English and Spanish after studying in Australia and teaching English at language schools. I enjoy making handicrafts, cooking and learning languages. I’m studying to be a licensed tour guide in French as well in the future. Kanazawa has a lot of fascinating things such as art, historic sights and good food. I’ll help you find the best way to enjoy your stay in Kanazawa. Let’s try out something new to make your trip unforgettable! I hope to see you soon!

Fujio N.

4.79 / 5

(14 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)

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.

Popular Ishikawa Private Tours

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.

(14 reviews)

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

Kanazawa Photo Strolling

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.

(26 reviews)

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.

(14 reviews)

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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