Kanazawa Must-See Places One Day Tour
Joined 2023
I am originally from Kanazawa and I would like to tailor your Kanazawa tour only for you. Kanazawa is different from cosmopolitan cities like Tokyo and Osaka, but you can see well preserved Japanese culture and history. Please feel free to contact me what you want to visit and see. I will make an itenerary based on your request. Here is my propsosed itinerary but I am very flexible on it.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or JR Kanazawa station
Omicho Market
Kenrokuen Garden
Kenrokuen in Kanazawa is justifiably classified as one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens" alongside Mito's Kairakuen and Okayama's Korakuen. The spacious grounds used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle and were constructed by the ruling Maeda family over a period of nearly two centuries. Opened to the public in 1871, Kenrokuen features a variety of flowering trees which provide the garden with a different look for each season.
Kanazawa Castle Park
Kanazawa Castle was the residence of the Maeda clan, feudal rulers of the Kaga Domain (modern-day southern Ishikawa Prefecture). The first clan lord, Maeda Toshiie, entered the fortifications in 1583 and began rebuilding an impressive castle there. Kanazawa Castle had a large keep, multiple turrets and a palace, but the structures were destroyed by fires in 1602, 1631, and 1759. The oldest surviving structure is Kanazawa Castle Park’s symbolic Ishikawa-mon, built in 1788. the Hishi Yagura, Gojukken Nagaya, and the Hashizume-mon Tsuzuki Yagura have been faithfully reproduced based on old drawings and documents, making it an ideal location to experience a Japanese castle.
Lunch break
Please let me know if you have any food allergies, dietary restrictions, and preferences with your budget. Teppanyaki, Udon, Ramen, Curry rice, highend Omakase and so on.
Nagamachi Samurai District & Nomura house
Nagamachi was a samurai district located at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle, where samurai and their families used to reside. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals.
One of the main attractions of the district is the centrally located Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence displaying the lifestyle and artifacts of the era when samurai were prosperous.
Higashi Tea House Street
A chaya (lit. teahouse) is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform song and dance. During the Edo Period (1603 - 1868), chaya were found in designated entertainment districts, usually just outside the city limits. You may want tp try a gold leaf workshops at a gallery for a hands-on experience
Ending Point
At your hotel or JR Kanazawa station
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 up to 8 participants,
¥2,000 for transportations for guide(including round trip fare from home to your hotel)
Costs for foods & drink (around 2,000 yen per person) for you and guide, entrance fee for you and the guide.
-Kenrokuen 320yen per person, free for above 65 years old with ID.
-Nomura House 550yen per person. No entrance fee for the guide.
Transportation for participants (around 800 yen per person)
Please note that above costs are needed on the day of the tour.
Tour Important Information
We mainly use public bus and our own feet. However, if you prefer taking a taxi or renting a car with professional driver, please feel free to ask.
If you have food restrictions or allergies, please feel free to tell me.
Walking distance per tour.
Walking only: 10-12km walk
Walking and bus 7-8km walk
Walking and taxi 5-6km walk
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 2023
About Tour Guide Yoji K.
Hello,
I'm Yoji, based in Kanazawa.
I spent my formative years in Kanazawa and pursued my master's degree in the United States. Having lived in Washington D.C. and California for six years, I then resided and worked in China and various Southeast Asian countries. My passion lies in exploring new destinations and connecting with people worldwide. Now, it's my turn to extend the same hospitality I've received to you. I specialize in crafting personalized tours tailored to your interests and preferences. If you're a food enthusiast, you've come to the right place. For those seeking to delve into Japan's rich history and culture, I highly recommend joining my full-day tour in Kanazawa. Additionally, I offer tours to Shirakawago and Takayama. Let's embark on an unforgettable journey together.
Reviews
Steve L.
【PRIVATE CAR TOUR】A full day tour to UNESCO World Heritage, SHIRAKAWAGO & Old town, TAKAYAMA
“Spectacular ”
This was the second day in a row we toured with Yoji. Yesterday we covered Kanazawa, and today we covered Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Again, we started the day with a casual, but informative breakfast. From there we drove to Takayama and walked around the old town, visiting many sites and trying local delicacies. After we finished touring this great town, we drove over to Shirakawa-go to visit the Historic Village of Shirakawa-gō, one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yoji accompanied us to our gassho-zukuri and helped us get situated. Yoji went way above and beyond our expectations and was an absolute treasure to travel with. Five stars, two thumbs way up!!!️️
Yoji K.
Thank you very much for such a wonderful review on my tour. I can’t express my appreciation by words. Both of you treated me very well. I hope to see you again in NJ. Please stay in touch and enjoy the rest of your journey. I’m always here to assist you. Best regards,
“Cowabunga Kanazawa ”
Yoji was at our inn before the start of our tour. He was kind enough to take us to breakfast before beginning the day. After breakfast we visited the Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle (Park), the samurai district, and the geisha district before heading over to 1/3 Hamburger Factory for dinner. Since it was snowing and my wife was getting cold, Yoji offered and took us to a store to buy her a winter coat. Truly amazing! Great guide, great person!
Yoji K.
Dear Steve san, Thank you for such nice comment and review on my tour. When we met this morning, my sensor detected that today was going to be a fun day. I was right that It was very fun and wonderful day to me. Thank you for sharing nice photos and great time today!
“Excellent tour of Kanazawa with Yoji”
Yoji was an excellent guide! He was very personable, considerate, informative, and was able to answer all of our many questions about the sites we saw. He led us all around Kanazawa and we were able to see so many sites within one day because of him, like calling ahead for us to visit Myouryuji (Ninja Castle). He also expertly helped us snap several photos throughout. Because we're foodies, he also recommended Busaksu, a really amazing restaurant for dinner and it was one of our top eating experiences during our 3 week trip in Japan and all of 2024! He even helped us adjust a reservation we had when our US Google Voice number was unable to get through. Thanks so much Yoji!
Yoji K.
Dear Brandon san, Thank you very much for such a great review and comment on me and my tour. I am pleased to have such a great opportunity to meet both of you. Since I’m in Mexico already, I’m my response was late. It was fun walking with you even though it was very cold. I’m glad to hear that you liked the restaurant. I also happy to help you if you are having hard time to call or talk to the local. Thank you very much for choosing me as your guide. Please come back to Japan and Kanazawa!! Stay in touch! Yoji
$364/ per group
More tours by Yoji K.
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 CAR TOUR】A full day tour to UNESCO World Heritage, SHIRAKAWAGO & Old town, TAKAYAMA
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawago, renowned for its breathtaking Gassho-style thatched-roof houses, offering a glimpse into Japan's rural life and traditions. Then we go to Takayama boasting a beautifully preserved Edo Period historical center called 'Sannomachi'. Wander its charming streets lined with Edo Period buildings housing museums, galleries, sake breweries, and craft shops. Immerse yourself in Japan's rich history and traditional charm.
【PRIVATE CAR TOUR】World Heritage GOKAYAMA/SHIRAKAWAGO Tour from Kanazawa
Shirakawago, with its stunning Gassho-style thatched-roof houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that captivates visitors with its beauty. Recognized in 1976 for its cultural significance, it offers a glimpse into Japan's rural life and traditions. Surrounded by scenic landscapes, it attracts tourists from overseas. Shirakawago, which showcases Japan's changing seasons, retains a fantastical beauty of the countryside. Please enjoy the scenery that cannot be experienced in Tokyo Osaka, or Kyoto.
UNESCO World Heritage SHIRAKWAGO 1 Day tour by BUS from Kanazawa
Shirakawago was designated as UNESCO World Hetitage site in 1995. There are 60 Gassho-Zukuri farmhouses and about 40 Gassho-style storages in the village. The shape of big slanted roofs resembles in the gesture of bringing arms and hands together in prayer. This gesture is called Gassho in Japanese. We will visit Shiroyama observation deck, a typical Gassho farmhouse inside, and stroll through the village.
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kanazawa
Tailored Tour to Takayama / Shirakawago & Gokayama
This guided tour will bring guests to one/some of traditional destinations in Hokuriku and Hida region which cover the traditional streets, old government office building in Takayama and UNESCO's gassho-zukuri (A-shaped) houses in Shirakawago/Gokayama. The whole tour can be flexibly arranged based on guests' preferences and requests on either one way and round trip between Kanazawa and Takayama.
Best of Kanazawa - Half Day
Kanazawa is a charming city where old and new co-exist. Let's explore it together and see the richness of the culture throughout the day! In this tour, we will visit some of the highlights: Kenrokuen Garden, Samurai and Geisha Districts. We will move at your pace and take breaks as needed as this is a private tour. The itinerary may be adjusted depending on the weather or your health conditions on the day. It is most important for you to enjoy the time together and become a fan of Kanazawa!
Kanazawa in 3 hours
This is a highlight tour for first-time visitors. You will visit some of the most popular spots in Kanazawa, Oyama Shrine, Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden and one more spot of your choice. You will also stroll around in one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. Let's have fun and learn a lot about history and culture.
Private Kanazawa Highlights 4hours
We will stroll the castle town while enjoy talking about history, culture, art, and local foods. The attractions we visit are Kenroku-en Garden, Nagamachi Samurai District, and Higashi Chaya District (Geisha district) during 4 hours. ※This is a customized private tour. So the destination during the tour can be switched by your requests. For example, customize the tour including craft experiences or specific interest area.
