Kanazawa - Half Day Tour (Customisation welcome!)
Joined 2025
Discover the heart of Kanazawa on foot! This half-day walking tour is a great way to explore the city’s culture and history at a relaxed pace. From Omicho Market to Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, we’ll visit top sights and discover hidden gems. I’ll share stories about samurai, architecture, and local life. Custom routes and start points are welcome. The pace is flexible, with breaks as needed. Let’s enjoy Kanazawa and make some great memories!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kanazawa Station / Your Hotel
- I recommend to meet under the iconic Tsuzumi-mon Gate, symbolising Kanazawa’s blend of tradition and innovation. I have based this tour on starting at Kanazawa station. However, we can start at your hotel or a location of your choice, and I will adjust the route accordingly. When we begin our walk, I will give you an introduction to the city, including it's samurai history, famous local craftsmanship, and Edo-period architecture along the way.
Omicho Market
It is a leisurely 10 to 15 minute walk to Omicho Ichiba, Kanazawa’s bustling fresh market which has been a hub of activity since the 18th century.
We will explore local produce, including fresh seafood, seasonal snacks, sushi, delicious meats, teas, and fruits!
The atmosphere is part of the charm of this vibrant market, and there is something for everyone here.
Oyama Jinja Shrine
A 10-minute walk brings us to Oyama Jinja, a unique Shinto shrine dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the Kaga Domain. The shrine blends Japanese, Chinese, and European elements, most notably in its striking main gate, which was designed with rare Dutch-influenced architecture and stained glass windows from the Meiji period. We’ll stroll through the peaceful gardens, cross the picturesque stone bridge, and uncover fascinating stories of the Maeda clan’s legacy.
There are some great spots to take photographs here too!
Kanazawa Castle
We’ll enter Kanazawa Castle through the impressive Ishikawa-mon Gate, a surviving original structure from the Edo period. As we explore the expansive castle grounds, you’ll learn about the ingenious restoration techniques used to rebuild key sections, such as the traditional wooden joinery methods that use no nails. There’s also the option to detour to the tranquil Gyokusen’inmaru Garden, which has been beautifully restored to its original 17th-century design.
Kenrokuen Garden
Next to the castle lies Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens. We’ll take a guided walk and discover seasonal highlights, such as the plum flowers and cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in the summer, vivid autumn leaves, or the iconic snow-laden yukitsuri in winter. You’ll learn the meaning behind the name “Kenrokuen” and how its design reflects the Six Qualities of a perfect garden.
Optional Stop (Guest Choice)
Choose from:
- Shigure-tei Teahouse inside the garden
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (brief visit or exterior viewing)
- A local lunch spot or café for Kanazawa specialties
- I’d be happy to recommend food or shopping spots nearby, or along your walk back, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Ending Point
Kanazawa Station / 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 fee
- Guide admission fees (mine)
- Hotel pick-up within Kanazawa City Center
- Recommendations, laughs and a good time!
• Transportation (if you’d like to use a taxi or bus, please cover the fare)
• Food and drinks (feel free to choose and purchase what you like)
• Admission fees (yours)
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, and some locations may require shoes to be removed, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
*Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
*Please bring sufficient cash for entry fees and lunch, as some venues may not accept credit cards.
*This tour is mainly on foot, but taxis can be arranged if needed. If you choose to use one, kindly pay the fare directly at the time.
*This tour can be organised to use my car between locations. Please kindly message me to discuss this option.
Important message from the supplier
I’m based in Kanazawa but can take you anywhere in the Ishikawa, Toyama, Gifu, or Fukui areas. If you have a specific itinerary or destination in mind that isn’t listed in my current tours, feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to create a custom package tailored to your interests.
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 2025
About Tour Guide Richard G.
Hi, thanks for checking out my profile! I'm Richard, originally from England and now living in Kanazawa, Japan. I've been here for four years and have grown to love this amazing city and the surrounding Ishikawa prefecture.
With help from my wife and her family, who were born and raised in Kanazawa, I’ve discovered not only the famous sights and places to eat and shop, but also some of the lesser-known hidden gems. Whether you're into history, food, gaming, art, or shopping, there's something here for everyone. I'd love to help you explore it all!
Interested in local history and culture? Keen to try incredible hidden food spots? Want to shop for records, fashion and quirky items? Got a craving to go hunting for retro and/or modern video games? I have you covered!
I also have a 7-seater car, so I can take you to exciting places beyond Ishikawa if you're up for it!
Reach out and ask me anything, I am always happy to help!
$203/ per group
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kanazawa
4 Hours - Kanazawa's Main Attractions ! Can be personalized to your liking!
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!
4 Hours - Kanazawa's Main Attractions ! Can be personalized to your liking!
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 ).
Kanazawa -Loop Bus Tour
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.
Personalized Half A Day Tour in Kanazawa
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.
Private Kanazawa Highlights 6hours
