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Tailored Shopping Experience in Kanazawa!

Tailored Shopping Experience in Kanazawa!

Shopping

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2025

Richard G.

5.00 / 5

(12 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kanazawa

English (Native), Japanese

5 hours

Private tour (only you and Richard G.)

Up to 6 people

Explore Kanazawa’s hidden gems and best shops with a personalised shopping tour designed just for you. Whether you are hunting for vinyl, retro and modern video games, musical instruemnts and pedals, handmade crafts, local ceramics, vintage fashion or unique souvenirs, this customisable experience highlights the city’s best options. Perfect for collectors, culture lovers and curious travellers alike!

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

10:00 AM

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.

Bespoke Itinerary!

Let me know what you are interested in, such as records, instruments, video games, anime, fashion, souvenirs, and more. I will design a custom shopping route just for you.

Your Experience May Include:

Music Lovers:

• Dig through vinyl at modern and vintage record stores featuring new releases, classics and rare finds.

• Visit music shops with guitars, synths, pedals, Japanese traditional instruments and even vintage recording gear.

• Explore the Phonograph Museum and hear the sound of music from over one hundred years ago.

Gaming, Anime and Otaku Culture:

• Retro game shops: From consoles, games and accessories to merchandise, rare finds and japanese only releases.

• Modern game stores: Shop for current generation consoles, games, accessories and more.

• Anime and manga: Discover figures, manga, Blu rays and collectibles.

• Pokémon Center: Pick up plush toys, clothing and exclusive items.

• Arcades: Take a break from shopping and enjoy crane games, rhythm battles or modern and classic cabinets.

Traditional and Artistic Finds:

• Shop for Kaga Yuzen silk, gold leaf, handmade washi paper and Kutani porcelain.

• Visit working artisan studios and buy directly from the makers.

Fashion and Vintage Style:

• Explore independent boutiques and second hand shops.

• Discover minimalist, retro and unique fashion finds.

Highlights:

• Custom route based on your interests.

• Add food or cultural visits if you would like a break from shopping.

Below is an example Itinerary (for gamers)

10:10 AM

Retro Game Shop 1

Kanazawa has many great stores for retro gaming collectors, offering shelves of pre-owned classics spanning Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, and other vintage systems. From rare Japanese-exclusive cartridges to boxed consoles and pristine accessories, the stock is ever-changing, making each visit a potential treasure hunt. Condition is clearly marked, with many items in excellent shape or complete with original packaging, making it perfect for serious collectors seeking authentic finds.

10:30 AM

Retro Game Shop 2

11:00 AM

Retro Game Shop 3

11:30 AM

Retro Game Shop 4

12:00 PM

Modern Game Store 1

Kanazawa is home to many vibrant gaming retailers, where the latest releases and must-have accessories line the shelves. Discover brand-new and pre-owned titles for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation, from chart-topping hits to limited editions you won’t want to miss. With colourful displays, occasional sales, and exclusive Japanese releases, these stores are a paradise for modern gamers eager to expand their collection and stay ahead of the next big launch.

As an avid gamer myself, I know which stores have the best selection based on different platforms, genres and where to find the best prices.

12:30 PM

Modern Game Store 2

01:00 PM

Modern Game Store 3

01:30 PM

Aeon Hakusan Mall

Aeon Hakusan Mall is a hub for gaming culture, offering everything from the latest video games and consoles to shelves of collectibles and merchandise. Browse dedicated shops stocked with Nintendo Switch and PlayStation titles, discover gacha capsule machines with endless surprises, and explore plushies, figures, and models. The mall also boasts a lively Capcom arcade, where retro and modern cabinets provide hours of play, making it a must-visit destination for gamers and pop culture fans alike.

It's also a great place to grab food!

02:30 PM

Pokémon Center Kanazawa

Pokémon Center Kanazawa is a must-visit for fans of all ages, blending the magic of the franchise with the elegance of its Kanazawa location. Inside, you’ll find exclusive merchandise, plushies, trading cards, and seasonal goods featuring beloved characters, including designs unique to this store. Vibrant displays, themed décor, and interactive photo spots make it as much an experience as a shop, offering a colourful world where collectors and casual fans alike can immerse themselves in all things Pokémon.

Ending Point

Your hotel, or 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

What‘s included

- Pickup and drop off at your hotel or a location or your choice within central Kanazawa

- Guide Fee & Driver

- Car fees: Honda Step Wagon, Including vehicle use, parking fees, fuel and insurance.

- Car type: Honda Stepwagon (MPV)

What‘s not included

- Entrance fee for participants (where applicable... for example arcades, etc.)

- Lunch for participants

- Your purchases

* Please bring cash with you as some locations do not accept card payments. I will remind you of this at the beginning of the tour, and I can drive you to an ATM at the start of the tour if required or during our shopping trip.

Tour Important Information

* Please message me in advance with your shopping interests, and I’ll create a tailored itinerary for you. We can always adjust the plan on the day if you want, but having a plan makes it easier to explore and adapt!

* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

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

Richard G.

5.00 / 5

(12 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

Karen N.

5 / 5

Jun 12, 2026

Private Car Tour – World Heritage Villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Jun 12, 2026

Kanazawa

6 hours

“Visit to Shirakawa-go”

Richard is the best guide. He is extremely knowledgable, patient, considerate & a joy to be with. We had such a lovely day visiting Shirakawa-go, what a stunningly beautiful place to visit. We Would have no hesitation in recommending Richard. Thank you soo much Richard for making our day. Karen & Mark

Richard G.

Hi Karen and Mark, Thank you for your review and your kind words. You were both an absolute pleasure to spend time with, and very interesting and enjoyable to talk to. I hope you have a fantastic time during the rest of your trip. If you need any help or advice, please do not hesitate to message me. I am more than happy to help. Warm regards, Richard

Amy H.

5 / 5

Jun 9, 2026

Private Car Tour – World Heritage Villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama

Jun 9, 2026

Kanazawa

8 hours

“Richard goes the extra mile -- as a driving guide and as a person! ”

We had 2 tour days with Richard, and both were car tours. (He's a very safe and conscientious driver.) One to the Heritage villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama and the other day to Natadera Temple. Richard was very flexible and adapted our days to fit our schedule and interests. He offers options and expanded on our initial plans in a way that enhanced our vacation. Richard helped us understand some of the history of these places as well as their cultural significance. He has an engaging and low key British sense of humor. We enjoyed our time with Richard!

Richard G.

Hi Amy, Thank you for your review and for your kind words. It was a pleasure to be a guide for both of you during the time we spent together. I hope your time in Japan has given you many happy memories. I wish you both all the best for the future. Warm regards, Richard

Penelope L.

5 / 5

Apr 15, 2026

Kanazawa - Half Day Tour - Kanazawa Heritage & Garden Walk (Customisation welcome!)

Apr 15, 2026

Kanazawa

6 hours 30 mins

“Fantastic Family tour with terrific guide”

We had an absolutely fabulous day with Richard in Kanawaza. For our family of five, travelling around in taxis or PT is difficult. Richard picked us up literally metres from our cruise ship and travelling around with him was a breeze. We saw considerably more with Richard and his van than would have been possible on our own. Richard entertained us with interesting info about Japan, Kanawaza and life in Japan as a Westerner. It was great having him to take family photos and point out the best places to see, short cuts to make our day efficient and tips on what and where to eat. Should we ever visit Kanawaza again, Richard would be the first person we would call. 100% recommend.

Richard G.

Hi Penny, Thank you so much for your kind words and review. I had a great time with you and your family. You were all a delight to spend time with, get to know, and have a laugh with. It felt like I was showing friends around Kanazawa. Thank you to you and your family for being such a pleasure to be around. I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip, manage to find some Pokémon cards, and enjoy the sake! Warm regards, Richard