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All Highlights! Can also be a fully Personalized Tour!
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Joined 2024
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!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Your Hotel.
Samurai District.
After the presentation and a brief introduction, we will be heading to the Samurai District where History, Architecture, Stories will blend and special places be visited.
Omicho Market + Special Artisan’s Shops.
Heading to a 300 years old covered market where 180 shops display a folkloric mix of Fresh Seafood, Fruits & Veggies, Quick Snacks, Souvenirs, and more.
You can choose to make your own Hanko (signature stamp handmade by an artisan) and / or Buy (or only check) a Kitchen knife from the Newest Highest quality artisan’s knives you’ll find in Japan!
(I’ll be there to help you with recommendations & translation if needed too).
Kazuemachi (Geisha District)
We’ll walk through the Cutest neighborhood in Kanazawa where I’ll tell you all about Geishas’s History and fun facts!
Restaurant Break!
Whether you want to eat some local food or not; take your time to eat or not; I have many recommendations for us to eat at your pace for all diets & feelings of the day!
The famous Eastern Tea & Geishas District.
We’ll walk through the most famous spot of Kanazawa where old architecture, history, arts, snacks, and wonderful experiences blend together for an array of amazing memories.
Kanazawa Castle
We’ll walk to and through Kanazawa Castle and its amazing fortress, with a 400+ years of History.
Kenrokuen Garden.
Considered a Top 3 best in all JAPAN, Kenrokuen is a large garden full of wonderful scenes, transporting you in another realm, regardless of the weather & season.
I’ll be there to point you to a few specifics and best photo spots!
Walk back to the hotel
We’ll finish the tour quietly returning to your hotel.
I’m of course always happy to answer any questions you may have, help you have with queries and help you make a reservation for some of the best restaurants in town!
Ending Point
At 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 Fees.
Service with a smile.
Invaluable informations for the rest of your stay.
Costs for foods & drinks [The price will really depend on your preferences]; Entrance fees [generally $500 per person on average per place]; for you and guide.
Transportations if needed.
Insurance.
Tour Important Information
This is a walking and public transport tour—no buses or private cars. Be ready to explore the city on foot and experience it like a local!
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It might take time to craft the perfect itinerary if you choose to fully personalize it, so I kindly ask that you book at least one week in advance in this case - if you can.
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To ensure clear communication and avoid any confusion, I only speak directly with future participants, not third parties or tour company personnel.
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.
Kanazawa-based private guide offering deeply curated, seamless experiences across the region.
I have been living in Kanazawa since 2019 with my Japanese wife and our children, and over time have developed a deep understanding of the region: its history, craftsmanship, and everyday life. This is not simply where I guide, but where I live and build my life.
Over the past couple of years, I have led more than 500 private tours across Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Kaga, and beyond, working with international guests in English, French, and Spanish.
My background spans over 20 years in the international service industry, including hospitality, consulting for Michelin-level restaurants and traditional ryokan, and the performing arts. This experience naturally shapes the way I guide, combining structure, adaptability, and attention to detail, while keeping each day engaging and personal.
Each experience is carefully adapted to the people in front of me. Whether that means exploring major highlights, discovering quieter places, or adjusting the pace to create a smooth and memorable day.
If this approach resonates with you, I would be very happy to guide you.
Kind regards,
Raphaël
Reviews
Jonathan D.
“Incredible Local Insight and a Perfect Kanazawa Day”
Raphaël made our day in Kanazawa absolutely unforgettable. From the moment we started, he brought the city to life walking us through the Samurai District, Omicho Market, the Geisha District and Higashi Chaya, Kanazawa Castle, and the beautiful Kenrokuen Garden, all while sharing rich details about the local culture, history, and cuisine along the way. He has a wonderful way of making every stop feel meaningful, not just a checklist of sights. One of the highlights of the day was Raphaël taking us to a fantastic local shop where we picked out a beautiful chef's knife his knowledge and recommendations made all the difference in finding exactly the right one. He was attentive to our family's interests all day and made sure we left with a genuine understanding and appreciation of Kanazawa. We couldn't have asked for a better guide, and we'd recommend Raphaël to anyone visiting the city.
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Raphaël P.
Jonathan, It was an absolute pleasure showing you and your family around. I’m so glad we were able to fit so much into a single day while keeping the experience relaxed, genuine, and enjoyable. I have to say, you have an incredible son. It always warms my heart to see the special bond some parents share with their children, and the connection between yourselves was truly wonderful to witness. Keep it up, it was inspiring. I hope the rest of your journey is every bit as smooth and memorable as the beginning. And if you ever find yourselves back in Japan, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. It would be a pleasure to see you all again. Until then, enjoy putting your beautiful new chef’s knife to good use! My warmest regards to you and your family, Raphaël
Patrick H.
“Kanazawa tour”
We had a fantastic tour with Rafael. He is incredibly knowledgeable and enlightened us on many subjects. He also pointed us out to one of his favorite restaurants & we loved it. Definitely one of the best on our whole trip. He also helped us secure our train tickets to our next destination and that was super helpful. Kanazawa was fantastic & we were very happy to have included 3 days there in our itinerary. Highly recommend both Rafael and Kanazawa!
Raphaël P.
Patrick, Thank you so much for taking the time to write me a review after landing back home. I trust you have had a wonderful end of your trip. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to showcase a little bit of this wonderful region and will remain impress of most of the spots and experiences you decided to explore on a first time in Japan. Fantastic!! Wishing you three the absolute best back home and hope the overall experience in Japan would be one for your grandchild to keep close to heart for many years to come. Raphaël
Patricia C.
“Excellent tour!!”
Our clients had an amazing time with Raphael! Our clients toured all around Japan, and they said that Raphael was the stand-out guide during their trip. They said he truly went above and beyond, and made sure they had an excellent time in Kanazawa. We look forward to working with Raphael again in the future!
Raphaël P.
Patricia, Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review. I am very happy to hear it went wonderfully with your clients. Feel free to reach out when in need of a guide in Kanazawa and nearby region. Thank you again for the trust and opportunity. All the very best. Raphaël
$524/ per group
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