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Kanazawa - Half Day Tour - Kanazawa Heritage & Garden Walk (Customisation welcome!)
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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 / A location of your choice in central Kanazawa
- I recommend to meet under the iconic Tsuzumi-mon Gate, symbolising Kanazawa’s blend of tradition and innovation. Alternatively, I will pick you up from your hotel or anywhere in central Kanazawa. 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 / A location of your choice in central Kanazawa
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 and drop-off within Kanazawa City Center by car (Note : This is basically a Walking tour for the remainder)
-Private car (Honda step wagon), fuel, parking
- 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!
Reviews
Debra B.
“The very best Guide”
Our family [5adults] really enjoyed Richard's english accent, whilst describing what we were seeing. We couldn't have done all we did, without him. Richard accommodated Aunty Vi, reducing her walking, by racing back to get the car. Truly, the best guide we had in Japan. if you are on a short trip 3 weeks like us, we Highly recommend a great guide as difficult to understand how to get to places & you need the narrative to understand.
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Richard G.
Thank you so much, Debra, for your review. It was a real pleasure spending the day with you and your family. I’m very glad you all enjoyed the tour and that Aunty Vi was comfortable throughout. I truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation, and I hope the rest of your trip was just as memorable.
Rose E.
““Unbearably” amazing experience ”
We had a wonderful day exploring the amazing world heritage villages around Shirakawa-go. Richard was a well-prepared informative and interesting guide, whose enthusiasm was infectious and who had a boundless patience and understanding when my autistic daughters became overwhelmed. He took our safety seriously and wore his bear bell at every stop. We felt like we had spent the day with a friend.
Richard G.
Thank you so much for your kind words. It was wonderful spending the day with you all in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. You are a lovely family with a great sense of humour, and you made the day feel more like an outing with friends than a tour. I am glad you enjoyed the bell. It certainly helps to keep things bearable, even when the mountains get lively! I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan, and please do not hesitate to reach out if you need any help or advice. Warm regards, Richard
Mike W.
“Very enjoyable half day with Richard”
Richard is one of the most informative and knowledgeable tour guides that we had the pleasure to spend time with. The tour was tailored to our request, with Richard driving us to certain locations. Hearing his firsthand knowledge of local culture as a Brit with a Japanese family living in Kanazawa was invaluable. We would highly recommend him for your tailored tour. Valérie and Mike
Richard G.
Thank you so much, Valérie and Mike, for your wonderful review. It was a real pleasure spending the day with you both and tailoring the tour to your interests. I’m so glad you enjoyed exploring the area and hearing about life here in Kanazawa. Your kind words mean a great deal, and I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Wishing you both all the best for the rest of your travels in Japan! Warm regards, Richard
$160/ per group
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