This 4 hours itinerary covers the essential attractions of Kanazawa, providing a mix of historical insights, natural beauty, and local culture.
Who is it originally designed for?
1] People wanting to max out all the Kanazawa essentiels in just a few hours!
2] People wanting to slowly focus on a couple spots in the city. [In this case, the itinerary will be designed specially for you, and at your pace!]
However, feel free to let me know what you like & I'll make sure to cater the tour for you!
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel - Or "Starbucks at M'Za".
- If your hotel is centrally located, I will pick you up directly. Otherwise, we'll meet at the STARBUCKS in the M'ZA shopping mall, just across from the famous Omicho Market.
Omicho Market
Discover a 300 years old history market with 180 stands filled with local food and folklore!
Nagamachi [Samurai District] + Special Ceramics shop if wanted.
Explore this historic area with narrow lanes, earthen walls, and the beautifully preserved Nomura-ke Samurai Residence, showcasing traditional architecture and exquisite gardens.
Kenrokuen Garden & Kanazawa Castle
One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, featuring ponds, streams, walking paths, and tea houses. Highlights include the Kotojitoro Lantern and Kasumigaike Pond.
Adjacent to Kenrokuen, this partially restored castle offers insights into the region’s history with its impressive gates, storehouses, and gardens.
Kazuemachi
Kazuemachi, the smallest geisha district in Kanazawa, may be small in size, but its enchanting charm will leave you captivated. A visit here is sure to create unforgettable memories!
Higashi Chaya [Most famous Geisha District]
Higashi Chaya, Kanazawa’s most famous geisha district, is a historic area renowned for its beautifully preserved wooden teahouses that exude timeless elegance. Stroll through its atmospheric streets, where you’ll find shops offering exquisite gold leaf products, cozy cafes perfect for a relaxing break, and glimpses into the cultural heritage of traditional tea ceremonies. This district effortlessly blends history with charm, making it a must-visit destination.
Ending Point
I can provide you with tips to explore Higashi Chaya further, discover its shops and surroundings, guide you to your next destination, or assist you in returning to the market or your hotel.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide's Fee.
Service with a Smile.
Entrance of Garden & Samurai's House [app. 1000Yen].
Lunch or Special Experiences were not included in the base plan as I like to be flexible depending on my clients' requests.
Feel free to tell me what you're after [specific Or vague], so I can really cater that for you!
Let's have a great time and create memories together!
There might also be possibility on starting this tour around lunch time. Contact me to confirm. Thank you.
Hello Explorers,
If you're looking to discover Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Kaga and more, of the beautiful surrounding regions in a way few ever do—you’re in the right place.
Since making Kanazawa my home in 2019 with my Japanese wife and our children, I’ve immersed myself deeply into the local culture, traditions, and daily life. This city and its surroundings aren't just places I guide through—they’re part of my story.
With a rich background in tourism, hospitality and the performing arts, I bring a seamless, heartfelt energy to every tour, offering you not just information, but real connection and insight.
Get ready for picture-perfect moments, unforgettable local flavors, inspiring stories, and tips that will make your entire stay even more memorable.
Choose to explore with me, and let’s create experiences as rich, vibrant, and lasting as Japan itself.
Robin S.
“Money Very, Very Well Spent...”
We really can't say enough to recommend Raphael and his services as a guide to Kanazawa beyond saying it was one of the best decisions we made during our recent trip to Japan; Carol & I thank him from the bottom of our hearts! He was fun, knowledgeable, well-connected, personable, and an all-around interesting person to spend time with. His itinerary was curated, thoughtful, educational and designed to leave one with a tailored experience and deep appreciation for a truly wonderful city that's outside the typical Japanese city spotlight. We didn't realize it at the time, but Raphael's explanation of the role/influence of Maeda Toshiie paid huge dividends the rest of our trip and helped us connect many dots in our learning about Japan's history. And if spending 9+ hours with a fun guy learning about a fascinating city isn't enough, you can always ask Raphael about his views on coffee, izakayas, Japanese pancakes and Echizen cutlery -- as we did -- and he will deliver. Please do as we did and invest in a tour with Raphael. It will be a fond memory and money well spent.
Raphaël P.
Robin, Carol, Thank you SO much for this brilliant review. If I had wanted to write it for myself, I would not have done a better job. It was an absolute pleasure guiding you around, sharing some of Kanazawa's history, culture, arts, gastronomy and secrets & I am so glad you've truly enjoyed it! All the very best to you two! Hope to cross your paths again some day! Raphaël
Judy W.
“Amazing day in Kanazawa”
Raphael was an excellent , informative guide who was also very personable. He easily took us to all the highlights we wanted to see ( between raindrops). We all agree we give him a big thumbs up or 5 bright stars. Thank you for a great day.
Raphaël P.
Thank you so much, Judy! It was a real pleasure spending the day with you all—even if we had to dance between the raindrops! I'm so glad we made it to the highlights and that you enjoyed the experience. Your kind words and bright stars mean a lot. Hope the rest of your journey in Japan and on the cruise is being just as memorable! Please, Say Hi and thank you to the fellow Canadian friends for me too. All the best! Raphaël
Michael R.
“Wonderful tour for our family in Kanazawa”
Raphaël was a great guide for our family, customizing the tour to match our preferences and taking care to balance making it interesting for the adults and moving at a pace and with topics that were interesting for younger kids! He went out of his way to also accommodate an extra request of helping retrieve a left behind item for our daughter at a restaurant which made her day. Spending a morning with Raphaël is a great way to start your time in Kanazawa as he helps to orient you to the city and make recommendations that go beyond the tour as well.
Raphaël P.
Thank you so much, Michael! It was a real pleasure spending the morning with your family. I'm especially glad we could sort out the little restaurant adventure—moments like that make the day even more memorable. I hope you’ve had a fantastic rest of your trip in Japan. Thanks again for your kind words! Best, Raphaël
$261/ per group