Kanazawa Tours
Book a Private Kanazawa Tour with a Local Tour Guide
Kanazawa Highlights Tours
Kanazawa Must-See Places One Day Tour
Kanazawa
7 hours 30 min
I am originally from Kanazawa and I would like to tailor your Kanazawa tour only for you. Kanazawa is different from cosmopolitan cities like Tokyo and Osaka, but you can see well preserved Japanese culture and history. Please feel free to contact me what you want to visit and see. I will make an itenerary based on your request. Here is my propsosed itinerary but I am very flexible on it.
FROM$325/ per group
Yoji K.
5.00 / 5
(26 reviews)
Kanazawa half day tour
Kanazawa
4 hours
We visit Kenrokuen garden, Kanazawa castle park and Higashi Chaya Geisha district. We spend about one hour to visit many attractive points in the Gardens. We visit Ishikawamon gate and Kahokumon gate. We board on a bus to get to Higashi Chaya Geisha district and gold leaf workshop.
FROM$156/ per group
Takashi M.
4.71 / 5
(17 reviews)
Private Kanazawa Highlights 4hours
Kanazawa
4 hours
We will stroll the castle town while enjoy talking about history, culture, art, and local foods. The attractions we visit are Kenroku-en Garden, Nagamachi Samurai District, and Higashi Chaya District (Geisha district) during 4 hours. ※This is a customized private tour. So the destination during the tour can be switched by your requests. For example, customize the tour including craft experiences or specific interest area.
FROM$145/ per group
Yukari S.
5.00 / 5
(26 reviews)
Kanazawa Golden Tour
Kanazawa
7 hours
Kanazawa literally means "golden small river." Actually about 99% of golds are producedin kanazawa. I'd like to show you how to make gold leaves. Furtehrmore I can take you to Kenrokuen, Kanazawa Castle Park, Higashichaya district, Samurai residence district, and Omi Market. We use public city loop bus, so the transportation fee is 600 yen per person and the entrance fee is 1,400 yen per person.
FROM$247/ per group
Hideo Y.
4.55 / 5
(159 reviews)
Kanazawa Art, Culture, & Historical Tours
Personalized A Half Day Tour in Kanazawa
Kanazawa
4 hours
This is a personalized tour for people or group who want to explore Kanazawa in a half day (4hour). Kanazawa attractions: Kenrokuen park, Kanazawa castle park, Nagamachi Samurai District, Higashi Tea (Geisha) Street, Nomura house and so on. You can choose starting time at either 9am or 1pm. The Itinerary is one example. This tour is very FLEXIBLE AND DESIGNED ONLY FOR YOU.
FROM$169/ per group
Yoji K.
5.00 / 5
(26 reviews)
Kanazawa Full-day Tour
Kanazawa
8 hours
Tour Guide Services: Sightseeing tours with explanations of historical and cultural backgrounds of Ishikawa prefecture including Kanazawa city, which is one of the largest castle towns in Japan, and Noto peninsula, and the surrounding prefectures such as Gifu (including Takayama city and Shirakawa village), Toyama (including Gokayama village) and Fukui (including Eiheiji Zen Temple) are available at the option of the tourists. Brief History of Kanazawa: Origin: The name Kanazawa comes from a legend of a farmer who lived about 1,200 years ago, who found gold when he was washing yams, which led to the area being named Kanazawa which means Marsh of Gold. Buddhist Farmer State: Until about 500 years ago, Kanazawa was only a poor village. After some militant Ikko sect Buddhist priests founded a religious government, Kaga province (the southern district of Ishikawa prefecture) became a Buddhist farmer state. The Ikko sect maintained control over the district for nearly 100 years. In 1546, they erected a government at a temple site, which later became the site of Kanazawa castle. Kanga Feudal Clan: Kanazawa was taken over by Maeda Toshiie, the founder of the Kaga feudal clan, in 1583. Since then, the Maeda family, as the most powerful feudal lord, ruled over Kaga and its neighboring provinces for three centuries, a period of unparalleled peace and prosperity. This turned Kanazawa into Japan's fourth most populous city, a thriving metropolis of 120,000 in 1871 when the feudal provinces were abolished and modern prefectures established. The Wealth and Refined Culture: The province governed by the Maedas also became the second most abundant rice producing areas of feudal Japan only after the Shogunate. With an annual rice yield of a million koku (5 million bushels which could feed a million people for a year) the family could afford to develop an interest in cultural pursuits. Famous artists and craftsmen from all over the country were called in to produce lacquer ware, silk and pottery. Noh theater and tea ceremony were Maeda's special interests. Present-day Kanazawa: Today, Kanazawa has a population of 465,000 and is the capital city of Ishikawa prefecture and is well known as the largest castle town with Kenrokuen, the most beautiful Japanese landscape garden. A few years ago, it was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art. Since Maeda Toshiie's entrance into Kanazawa in 1853, the city has been completely untouched by war and thus retains much of its historic beauty. [Model Full-day Walking Tour (7~8h) Plan in Kanazawa] *Kenrokuen Garden: Constructed as the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle over a span of two centuries beginning in 1676, Kenrokuen garden is one of the three most beautiful strolling-type landscape gardens in Japan. The name Kenokuen translates as the garden combining six elements of scenic beauty. They are spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, waterways and panoramic views. Kenrokuen offers you its unique beauty each season. In spring, 400 cherry trees in bloom provide a feast of typical scenic beauty. In early summer, irises. In mid-summer, leafy trees offer you pleasant shade. In fall, the garden is beautifully colored with leaves of red and yellow. In winter, the trees are decorated with snow supports that look like big yellow umbrellas being opened. *Kanazawa Castle Park: The residence of the powerful Maeda lords for 14 generations, from 1583 to 1869, Kanazawa Castle was ravaged by fire in 1759, and again in 1881. All that remain of the original building is the monumental gateway to Kenrokuen, the lshikawamon, built in 1788. Its wrought iron work is a reminder of the historic feudal city's former greatness. Renovations have been going on to rebuild the castle since 1997. *Nagamachi Samurai (Warrior) District : The former samurai quarter of Nagamachi has been preserved, with its beautiful cobbled alleys that wind between low walls of ocher cob, old canals and sumptuous residences plunging the visitor into the atmosphere of former feudal times. *Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District: The grace and refinement of the pleasure district founded in 1820 still remains unchanged. Glimpsed through the dark wooden lattice work of its geisha houses, it is a closed, secretive universe like the Gion district of Kyoto. Three geisha houses can be visited. Kanazawa′s some 50 geishas still practice their profession, entertaining their clients with poetry recitals, tea ceremonies, elegant conversation, and song and dance accompanied by the shamisen. The area includes some gold-leaf shops. Kanazawa produces 99% of gold leaf made in Japan. *Omicho Market: There are hundreds of stands selling fruits and vegetables, fish and other foodstuffs in this covered market that is nearly 300 years old. A feast for the senses, the maze-like market also houses a number of small and inexpensive eating houses serving seafood and sushi. *21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: This vast, circular glass building, built by architects Sejima Kazuyo and Nishizawa Ryue, places emphasis on light and movement. Split into a series of zones (gallery, theater, children′s workshops, media laboratory, library) the museum is intended to be accessible to everyone and inspire a sense of playful discovery. Anybody can drop in whenever they want.
FROM$298/ per group
Fujio N.
4.79 / 5
(14 reviews)
Private Kanazawa Highlights 6hours
Kanazawa
6 hours
Kanazawa was a flourished castle town based on a Samurai culture. You can see a mixture of traditional culture and modern city. We will visit the highlights of Kanazawa in 6 hours. Depending on your interests, we will visit three or four attractions of Kanazawa within the tour.
FROM$217/ per group
Yukari S.
5.00 / 5
(26 reviews)
金澤半天遊!跟我一起打卡金澤(Kanazawa)主要景點！
Kanazawa
4 hours 30 min
金澤(Kanazawa)是一座充滿著武士文化的城市。金澤從400多年前被開發之後,現在也在到處都能感覺到當時的氣氛。除了歷史悠久的氣氛之外,還有令人覺得時尚的地方。提到旅遊,不可缺少的美食也當然吃到,而且都好吃唷!當然我們也可以去買東西,一定會找到自己或親朋好友喜歡的伴手禮! 讓我們一起坐金沢觀光巴士,高效遊覽打卡這些景點吧!
FROM$163/ per group
Atsuko K.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Kanazawa Day Trip Tours
Kanazawa One Day Tour
Kanazawa
7 hours
The city of Kanazawa is very compact and you will be able to feel the appearance of the ancient samurai days in the feudal period as strolling the town and streets.
FROM$246/ per group
Yoshie K.
5.00 / 5
(33 reviews)
UNESCO World Heritage SHIRAKWAGO 1 Day tour by BUS from Kanazawa
Kanazawa
7 hours
Shirakawago was designated as UNESCO World Hetitage site in 1995. There are 60 Gassho-Zukuri farmhouses and about 40 Gassho-style storages in the village. The shape of big slanted roofs resembles in the gesture of bringing arms and hands together in prayer. This gesture is called Gassho in Japanese. We will visit Shiroyama observation deck, a typical Gassho farmhouse inside, and stroll through the village.
FROM$325/ per group
Yoji K.
5.00 / 5
(26 reviews)
Shirakawa-go Village
Kanazawa
8 hours
In Shirakawa-go, there remain about 110 thatched houses with steep raftered roofs which look like a pair of hands held togethered in prayer. The steep roofs are inclined at 60 degrees from the horizontal. you can see the whole image of the village from the observatory in Ogimachi Park. The bus fare between Takayama and Shirakawa-go on a round trip is 4,420JPY/person. while from Takayama to Kanazawa through Shirakawa-go is 3,390JPY/person.
FROM$247/ per group
Hideo Y.
4.55 / 5
(159 reviews)
Kanazawa Full Enjoyment of One Night & Two Days Tour from Tokyo
Kanazawa
2 days
This tour is one night, two days tour in Kanazawa that include various tour spots such as Kenrokuen-garden, Kanazawa castle, Samurai residence, Higashi Chaya district and Ohmimachi market. You can have an impressive experience by watching the remains of castle town established by a local feudal load ;Toshiie Maeda. Kanazawa is called “Little Kyoto” as a town having traditional beauty like Kyoto.
FROM$631/ per group
Kashima H.
4.67 / 5
(75 reviews)
Kanazawa Food & Drink Tours
Evening Food Tour in Kanazawa
Kanazawa
3 hours
Taste local food of Kanazawa! On this tour, we will visit a few restaurants and bars learning about Japanese food culture and ingredients. You will sample a drink and a shared plate at each location and we will hop around. Your evening will be spent with a local guide by going to her favorites places and sharing stories together. The locations will be adjusted accordingly to availabilities. Two spots are included as a default but contact me for more options.
FROM$260/ per group
Haru G.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)
The Best Gastronomy & Culture Tour in Kanazawa: Sushi, Seafoods, and Omakase
Kanazawa
8 hours
This tour is designed for clients to indulge in the rich food culture of Kanazawa, savoring its fresh ingredients and seafood. I will handle lunch and dinner reservations, ensuring a delightful gastronomic journey for you. Just as one wouldn't leave Paris without enjoying its art, departing Kanazawa without savoring its gastronomy would be a missed opportunity. I'll tailor the tour to your preferences, so let me suggest the perfect itinerary for you.
FROM$325/ per group
Yoji K.
5.00 / 5
(26 reviews)
Kanazawa food tasting with sightseeing tour (4H)
Kanazawa
4 hours
Embark on a captivating journey through Kanazawa, where sightseeing seamlessly intertwines with the exploration of its diverse culinary landscape. Let's blend the city's rich history and breathtaking attractions with the taste of its renowned food scene. In Kanazawa, every landmark visited is complemented by a culinary adventure, ensuring that your journey through this captivating city is a symphony of flavors and cultural discoveries.
FROM$286/ per group
Lucy F.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)
Kanazawa Night Bites: A Culinary Tour
Kanazawa
3 hours
Discover the vibrant flavors of Kanazawa under the enchanting night sky with our "Kanazawa Night Bites: A Culinary Tour." Join us as we explore the city's hidden gems, from bustling street food stalls to intimate local eateries. Savor traditional dishes, fresh seafood, and innovative culinary creations, all while learning about Kanazawa's rich food culture and history. Perfect for food lovers and night owls, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of Kanazawa after dark.
FROM$260/ per group
Jorge S.
Kanazawa Nature & Outdoor Tours
Kanazawa city highlights meet nature tour (7H)
Kanazawa
7 hours
Todays tour is a walk towards quietness and tranquility. After some city highlights we'll go off the beaten paths and discover a very authentic facet of Kanazawa. Culinary delights, deep traditions, culture and spirituality, will accompany us into quiet neighbourhoods. we will learn all about Sake and enjoy a tasting before immersing ourselves in the tranquility of nature during a lovely and easy walk.
FROM$293/ per group
Lucy F.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)
Kanazawa Magic: Bamboo Forest, Geisha D., Gold, Sweet Treats & More!
Kanazawa
6 hours
Starting Time: 7:00 to 10:00am. In this particular 6-hour Walking Tour, We explore some of the magic of Kanazawa. It promises a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, quirky stories, and delightful culinary experiences! <Bamboo forest / Riverside walk / Geisha districts / Old Tea house / Ninja Temple / Kutani Ceramics / Kanazawa Delights [Golden Ice cream / Fluffy Pancakes / Matcha Tea / Kaga Tea / Famous Omu Rice Omelet] / Perfect Photo Spots / Surprise.
FROM$182/ per group
Raphaël P.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Magie de Kanazawa : Forêt de Bambous, Quartier des Geishas, Or, Douceurs et Plus Encore !
Kanazawa
6 hours
Lors de cette visite à pied de 6 heures, nous explorerons une partie de la magie de Kanazawa. Elle promet un mélange parfait de beauté naturelle, de patrimoine culturel, d'histoires insolites et d'expériences culinaires délicieuses ! <Forêt de bambous / Promenade au bord de la rivière / Quartiers des geishas / Ancienne maison de thé / Temple des Ninjas / Céramiques Kutani / Spots photo parfaits / Surprise. Délices de Kanazawa : Glace dorée - Pancakes moelleux - Thé matcha - Thé Kaga - Omurice
FROM$182/ per group
Raphaël P.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Kanazawa Unique Experience Tours
Kanazawa full day wellness tour
Kanazawa
7 hours
Embark on a 100% off the beaten paths wellness and nature tour. we will have the opportunity to feel "Zen" on your own personal way, experience Zazen meditation, guiding our minds towards inner harmony. Dive deeper into wellness with an outdoor yoga session. It's time to nourish your body with delectable, healthy cuisine. After Lunch we will walk on a peaceful path along a little bamboo forest, fruit plantations, leading us to a Temple with a nice view from where we will take a bus back.
FROM$358/ per group
Lucy F.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)
Kanazawa half day wellness tour
Kanazawa
4 hours
Embark on a 100% off the beaten paths wellness and nature tour. We will meet at Ishiura Shrine, Kanazawa's oldest Shrine and start our wellness walk from there. Our first stop will be D.T.Suzuki Museum and the first opportunity to feel Zen on your own personal way. After a short walk to a Soto Temple in Teramachi, experience the practice of Zazen meditation, guiding your mind towards inner harmony and balance. Dive deeper into wellness with a rejuvenating yoga session next to the Sai river.
FROM$254/ per group
Lucy F.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)
Kanazawa Off the Beaten Path Tours
Kanazawa’s hidden side in 4 hours
Kanazawa
4 hours
This immersive tour promises an escape from the bustling Main Street, offering a rare chance to discover a side of Kanazawa that often goes unnoticed by the average traveler. From historic districts to cultural gems, each stop on this off-the-beaten-path adventure unveils the city's rich tapestry of tradition, History, crafts, and local life. Step into authentic neighborhoods where samurai once roamed.
FROM$221/ per group
Lucy F.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)
Enchanted Path of Kokoro no Michi - Discover Hidden Gems Around Higashi Chaya Gai
Kanazawa
2 hours 30 min
Join me on an unforgettable journey through Kokoro no Michi, a mystical and serene path nestled behind the historic Higashi Chaya Gai in Kanazawa. This tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and intriguing folklore, perfect for those looking to experience the lesser-known wonders of the city.
FROM$163/ per group
Jorge S.
Kanazawa Nightlife Tours
Kanazawa Tour Reviews
“Great Day with Yoji in Kanazawa”
We were guided by Yoji today. Our first stop was Kenrokuen Garden and Castle. It was lovely garden - one of the most beautiful we have ever seen. A special highlight was seeing an eagle/kite bathing in a stream. It was a very special moment, and Yoji said he had never seen it before. The castle was very beautiful. After the garden and castle, we visited the samurai district, had lunch, and then visited the geisha district. Everything was serene, not crowded, and quite a change from what we have seen in the more populous Tokyo, Osaka, etc. We can highly recommend Kanazawa. We can especially recommend Yoji, who was knowledgeable, active, and kind. He organised the tour such that we were able to complete the tour despite the terrible heat. Thank you Yoji! We appreciate everything you did for us!
Yoji K.
(26 reviews)Thank you very much for your great review and comment on me. It was a wonderful time walking with both of you. Yes, it was terrible heat and humidity on that day. However, I had a great time talking with you in our conversation. Please stay in touch. I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip till the end. Take good care of yourself from this heat! See you soon.
X
Xavier C.
5 / 5
Jul 23, 2024
Personalized A Half Day Tour in Kanazawa
Kanazawa
4 hours 30 min
Jul 23, 2024
“Yuji is perfect!”
The day was perfect because Yoji is an extraordinary guide. He knows so much about Kanazawa - what to see, its history and culture; would recommend to anyone & everyone.
Yoji K.
(26 reviews)Thank you very much for your great comment and review on me. It was great time spending with your family and you. You all appreciate how beautiful and great Japan and Japanese culture is. You made me realize a lot of things to me. Have a wonderful time in the rest of your journey. Best regards, Yoji
M
Maria S.
5 / 5
Jul 22, 2024
3 Hours Walking Tour - Geisha & Samurai Districts
Kanazawa
3 hours
Customized
Jul 22, 2024
“Raphael, wonderful guide through Kanazawa, thanks so much!”
We really enjoyed our walk with Raphael. English perfect, knowledge about Kanazawa and Japanese culture also great. He has been living here already for many year with his wife and two kids. He is entertaining, flexible and knows where to go. Absolutely worth your while if you are here for a short stay. We requested a private tour for our family, learning about geisha's and samurai. Highly recommended!
Raphaël P.
(1 reviews)Maria, thank you very much for taking the time and writing such a lovely message. It was an absolute pleasure showing you and your family around. I hope you get to enjoy the rest of your journey! Keep smiling, keep laughing. You guys absolutely made my day. :) All the very best to your lovely family!
The best tours and activities
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Related Kanazawa Tour Guide Pages
Private Tours in Kanazawa
Travel like a real local. With our lineup of varied tours we want to help you customize and realize your ideal tour in Kanazawa. Our guides can arrange for you to visit areas specific to your interests, so there will be no filler in the itinerary!
Browse all the tours we offer in Kanazawa, and find the perfect one for you. The tours come in a variety of categories and lengths, so chances are you will be able to find the tour for you. Looking for something you couldn’t find in our lineup? Go ahead and send a message to one of the guides, they will create your tour for you!
Teaming up with a local guide and getting their help in planning the itinerary is the smart way to travel, so let them sort everything out for you.