4 Hours - Kanazawa's Main Attractions ! Can be personalized to your liking!
Joined 2024
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!
Itinerary
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.
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide's Fee.
Service with a Smile.
Entrance of Garden & Samurai's House [app. 1000Yen].
Tour Important Information
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.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Raphaël P.
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!
Reviews
Stephen N.
“Great day trip around Kanazawa with Raphael”
We highly recommend Raphael for tours in and around Kanazawa. My wife and I had a great day with Raphael touring the area around Kanazawa. Raphael is a charming and knowledgeable guide. He speaks English fluently (is a native French speaker) and is very comfortable speaking Japanese. He knows Kanazawa and the surrounding area very well, and is a curious and enthusiastic person. My wife has some dietary restrictions and Raphael was wonderful in helping us find good restaurants that could accommodate our needs. He was also really flexible and patient, and cheerfully made some changes in the planned schedule to suit our interests. We had a second day tour with Raphael, and when my wife wasn't feeling well, Raphael was very willing to pivot and the two of us changed our plan to include some hiking in the hills north of Kanazawa. Raphael has a very nice car that he uses for his day trip tours. Raphael was also really helpful in suggesting things we could do in Kanazawa on our own. We highly recommend Raphael. After a day together, we count him a friend and can't imagine a better guide to Kanazawa and area.
Raphaël P.
Dear Alyssa, Stephen, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. It was a true pleasure spending time with both of you and sharing not only the highlights of Kanazawa and its surroundings, but also the quieter, more personal sides of this region that I hold dear. Your flexibility, openness, and enthusiasm made guiding such a joy. I'm especially glad we could adapt the plans to suit your pace and interests—and that it was possible to accommodate your dietary needs without compromising on flavor and experience. That hike in the hills and picnic will stay in my memory as a wonderful, spontaneous moment shared! I’m truly touched by your words and very grateful to now count you as friends. Wishing you many more memorable journeys ahead—and should you ever return to Japan, know that you will always be welcome. Warmest regards, Raphaël
Stephen N.
“Great day trip out of Kanazawa with Raphel”
We highly recommend Raphael for tours in and around Kanazawa. My wife and I had a great day with Raphael touring the area around Kanazawa. Raphael is a charming and knowledgeable guide. He speaks English fluently (is a native French speaker) and is very comfortable speaking Japanese. He knows Kanazawa and the surrounding area very well, and is a curious and enthusiastic person. My wife has some dietary restrictions and Raphael was wonderful in helping us find good restaurants that could accommodate our needs. He was also really flexible and patient, and cheerfully made some changes in the planned schedule to suit our interests. We had a second day tour with Raphael, and when my wife wasn't feeling well, Raphael was very willing to pivot and the two of us changed our plan to include some hiking in the hills north of Kanazawa. Raphael has a very nice car that he uses for his day trip tours. Raphael was also really helpful in suggesting things we could do in Kanazawa on our own. We highly recommend Raphael. After a day together, we count him a friend and can't imagine a better guide to Kanazawa and area.
Raphaël P.
Dear Alyssa, Stephen, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. It was a true pleasure spending time with both of you and sharing not only the highlights of Kanazawa and its surroundings, but also the quieter, more personal sides of this region that I hold dear. Your flexibility, openness, and enthusiasm made guiding such a joy. I'm especially glad we could adapt the plans to suit your pace and interests—and that it was possible to accommodate your dietary needs without compromising on flavor and experience. That hike in the hills and picnic will stay in my memory as a wonderful, spontaneous moment shared! I’m truly touched by your words and very grateful to now count you as friends. Wishing you many more memorable journeys ahead—and should you ever return to Japan, know that you will always be welcome. Warmest regards, Raphaël
Carol C.
“Adapted Tour focused on Samurai district and Special Gardens”
Raphael was an excellent tour guide and showed us all the wonderful sights of Kanazawa. He is very knowledgeable on the Samurai & Geisha districts (a highlight of our Japanese adventure) and the beautiful gardens of Kanazawa. Raphael helped to make our trip of a lifetime to Japan very special and we would highly recommend him as your tour guide in Kanazawa.
Raphaël P.
Carol, Peter, Thank you So much for your lovely review. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you and guiding you around. I hope you keep a wonderful memory of your time here. Please, don't hesitate reaching out again if you ever come back. All the very best, Raphaël
$266/ per group
More tours by Raphaël P.
All Highlights! Can also be a fully Personalized Tour!
Typical Full Highlights Day, but Each Tour Can be uniquely crafted for you. In the latter case; Share your age, interests, places you'd like to visit, experiences, activities, or special restaurants you’d love to try. As a local guide and father who's lived here for 5+ years, I’ll create the perfect personalized journey for you and your loved ones!
Perfect mix of Kanazawa Highlight & Nature Walk.
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.
"Timeless Treasures: Moss Garden, Unique Temple, Craft Studio and Ceramic Village"
"Step into a world of timeless beauty and creativity with this curated tour. Wander through the tranquil Moss Garden, marvel at the unique architecture and surrounding and sacred 1300 years old history of Natadera Temple (My favorite in Japan), and experience the art of Japanese craftsmanship at a traditional local studio. End your journey in a charming ceramic village, where tradition meets creativity. This tour is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and artistry."
Discover the Magic of Kanazawa: 9-Hour Walking Tour
Starting Time: 7:00 to 9:00am. In this immersive 9-hour walking tour, we delve into the enchanting beauty of Kanazawa. This tour promises a perfect blend of natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, fascinating stories, and delightful culinary experiences! <Bamboo forest / Riverside walk / All 3 Geisha districts / Old Tea house / Stunning Garden / Samurai District / Ninja Temple & Museum / Kutani Ceramics / Perfect Photo Spots / Surprise. KZ Delights [ex]: Golden Ice Pancakes - Matcha/Kaga Tea
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kanazawa
Kanazawa -Loop Bus Tour
This tour is the best for first-time travelers to Kanazawa.A one day pass (JPY 500) for city loop bus can cover MUST-SEE sites in the city.We start from and end at JR Kanazawa station, basically visiting 4 places such as Omicho Market, Nagamachi Samurai District, Kenroku-en Garden and Higashichaya-gai (Tea House Street ).
Personalized Half A Day Tour in Kanazawa
This is a personalized tour for people or group who want to explore Kanazawa in a half day (5hour). 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.
Private Kanazawa Highlights 6hours
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.
Un recorrido de medio día para experimentar el mundo de las geishas.
Visitaremos el barrio de Higashi Chaya, el más grande de los tres barrios de Chaya en Kanazawa y el símbolo de Kanazawa. Visiten "Shima" en el barrio de Higashi Chaya y experimenten la atmósfera del entretenimiento de las geishas en el período Edo.
