Kanazawa - Half Day Tour - Samurai Streets & Secret Temples (Customisation welcome!)
Explore Kanazawa’s rich heritage on a half-day tour! Stroll the Nagamachi Samurai District and visit the elegant Nomura House. Enjoy a museum of your choice, from Zen-inspired D.T. Suzuki to the vibrant 21st Century Museum or the National Crafts Museum. Discover the charm of Higashi Chaya and riverside Kazue-machi tea districts, then uncover hidden doors and secret passages at Myouryuji, the fascinating “Ninja Temple.”
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel or a location of your choice in central Kanazawa
- I will pick you up from your hotel or anywhere in central Kanazawa.
Samurai District & Nomura House
Step into Kanazawa’s Nagamachi Samurai District, where narrow lanes, earthen walls, and canals evoke the Edo period. Visit the Nomura Samurai House, a beautifully restored residence showcasing traditional architecture, elegant gardens, and samurai artifacts. This glimpse into samurai life reveals the culture, discipline, and artistry of Kanazawa’s warrior class.
OPTION: Choose one
Choose a museum to explore Kanazawa’s cultural depth:
• D.T. Suzuki Museum – Serene, Zen-inspired architecture and reflections on philosophy.
• 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art – Interactive, innovative contemporary installations.
• National Crafts Museum – Exquisite traditional lacquer, ceramics, and textiles.
• Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art – Regional masterpieces and treasures from the Maeda clan.
Higashi Chaya & Kazue-machi
Wander Kanazawa’s historic tea districts, Higashi Chaya and Kazue-machi, and immerse yourself in their timeless charm. Higashi Chaya, the city’s largest geisha district, features elegant wooden tea houses, gold leaf workshops, and traditional architecture. Explore quaint cafés, sample local sweets, enjoy sake tasting, and browse artisan souvenirs and crafts. Just along the Asano River, Kazue-machi offers a quieter, picturesque streetscape with preserved facades and intimate tea houses, perfect for leisurely strolling, enjoying riverside views, and discovering hidden gems like specialty shops and local delicacies. Together, these districts offer a rich sensory experience of Kanazawa’s history, culture, and culinary delights.
Myouryuji - 'Ninja Temple'
Visit Myouryuji, famously known as the “Ninja Temple,” a fascinating samurai-era site full of ingenious hidden features. Explore secret doors, hidden passageways, traps, and escape routes designed for defense, showcasing the clever architectural skills of its creators. Despite its nickname, the temple has no real connection to ninjas, but it offers a unique glimpse into the strategic thinking, craftsmanship, and history of Kanazawa’s samurai period.
Ending Point
I will drive you to your hotel or a location of your choice in central Kanazawa
Want to personalize this tour?
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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
- Private car: Honda Step Wagon, Including vehicle use, parking fees, fuel and insurance.
The car is used partially (pick-up / drop-off) and most of the part is conducted on foot.
- 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, 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 ensure you have cash with you, as some locations will not accept card payments. I can take you to an ATM if required.
* If you would like to customise the itinerary, I would be happy to do so. Please message me regarding this.
* Times are approximate, and we can be flexible to stay longer or shorter durations at each stop based upon your preferences!
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
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.
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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
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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
$161/ per group
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