During this tour we will visit all of Kanazawa's many highlights. Thanks to the city's rich heritage, we will discover several preserved historical sites, visit wonderful gardens and hidden gems. We will talk about the local cuisine while strolling around the city's Market and get to know some of the finest crafts.
your Hotel or a place in the city center
Meet with Lucy
The tea houses and historic buildings of the Kazuemachi district, listed as Cultural Heritage of Japan since 2008 will immerse you in a refined atmosphere filled with nostalgia.
Discover the most emblematic geisha district of Kanazawa. The district’s traditional wooden buildings and lattice-work windows retain the atmosphere of their 200-year history. Today, many of these buildings function as cafes, restaurants, sweet shops or craft shops, but some are still operating geiko teahouses. Higashi-Chaya has many shops selling gold-leaf products, in fact Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan's gold leaf production. Gold leaf is used not only for decoration such as at the famous Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, but now also in cooking and sweets.
Omicho Market (also called Kanazawa's kitchen) has been the largest fresh food market in Kanazawa since the Edo period (1603–1867). Its busy network of covered streets holds over 180 stalls and restaurants that sell fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit, and many other local products.
Kanazawa Castle was home to the Maeda family (14 generations) who ruled over the Kaga area during the Edo period. It was built in 1580 but suffered many devastating fires. The castle was rebuilt using the traditional techniques of the time.
Oyama Shrine is dedicated to Maeda Toshie and his wife (the first feudal Lord of Kanazawa). We will cross the majestic entrance gate mixing Japanese, Chinese and western elements and admire the beautiful garden also called "Music instrument garden". Oyama Jinja is one of the most popular Shrines for Locals.
Rest a little bit around a light lunch, coffee, snack or ice cream.
The Nomura Residence in the Samurai District is the former estate of 11 generations of a middle-upper-rank samurai family. Its wonderful private garden awarded 2 stars in the Michelin green Guide. The Nomura family were responsible for horseback security for the Feudal Lords.
We will make a brief stop at the Matsuda Wagasa shop, the last standing Japanese umbrella atelier and shop in Kanazawa. This traditional method of umbrella making involves complex assembly procedures (more than 40 steps), each umbrella has a striking form even when closed. Once opened, they blossom into a world of magnificent colours and remarkable patterns.
Our journey continues to Nishi-Chaya, one of Kanazawa’s three historic “teahouse” entertainment districts. It was established in 1820 along with Higashi-Chaya as areas for geiko (the local name for geisha) to entertain wealthy patrons with music, dance, and games.
Myoryuji Temple in Kanazawa is full of trap doors, hidden rooms, secret passageways, and maze-like stairwells. These features have earned it the nickname “Ninja Temple”
if we want to break our step record, we can also walk
Kenrokuen is said to be one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. As a strolling-style landscape garden, it was created to entertain the important guests of the feudal lord residing across the bridge. Kenrokuen look always beautiful, whenever you visit it!
End of the tour
Katamachi in the very center of the city
Pick up at the place of your choice
Guide fee
Guides transportation and entrance fee
Transportation and entrance per person:
Single bus tickets or Bus Day pass 800¥
Entrance fee Nomura house 550¥
Ninja temple 1200¥
Kenrokuen Garden 320¥
Privat purchases
Important: Kids under the age of 8 cannot enter The Ninja Temple
All my tours are customisable according to your wishes.
Liability Disclaimer and Waiver:
Please read this document carefully before participating in the walking tour. By joining the tour, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined below:
1- Assumption of Risk:
I understand that participating in a walking tour involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to accidents, injuries, or incidents that may arise from walking in urban or natural environments.
2- Health and Fitness:
I certify that I am physically capable of participating in the walking tour and that I have no medical conditions or physical limitations that would prevent me from safely taking part.
3- Responsibility for Personal Belongings:
I understand that I am responsible for my personal belongings during the walking tour and that the guide is not liable for any loss, theft, or damage to my personal property.
4- Release of Liability:
In consideration of being allowed to participate in the walking tour, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue the guide from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, injury, or harm that may occur during or as a result of my participation in the walking tour, including but not limited to negligence or any other act or omission.
5- Severability:
If any provision of this waiver is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
By participating in the walking tour, I acknowledge that I have carefully read and fully understand the terms of this Liability Disclaimer and Waiver, and I voluntarily agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.
“Excellent Kanazawa 101 tour ”
My husband and I had a wonderful time with Lucy this morning. Since she is from Europe, her tour is perfectly aligned with our (US) perspective and interests, and she speaks perfect English! Also she is super friendly and has a great knowledge of Kanazawa and Japanese history and culture. We learned so much from her while are not overwhelmed by too much information that could happen for a scholastic tour guide. So we highly recommend her if you are interested in Kanazawa 101 tour!
Lucy F.
(3 reviews)Thank you Debra for your kind review. It was a pleasure to spend the morning with you and your husband and I wish you a wonderful time in Kanazawa and Japan. All the best, Lucy
“Wonderful day with an excellent guide”
We did a full day tour in Kanawaza with our guide Lucy. We thoroughly enjoyed our day. Our guide was excellent and we had great fun with her. She really cared for our needs and took us around all the main sights. She gave us a real perspective of the city and its people. We definitely recommend her. Gowithguide is also a very good company to deal with.
Lucy F.
(3 reviews)Thank you so much Rita for your kind words
“Informative and relaxing tour”
We really enjoyed this tour. Lucy was full of interesting facts and we really enjoyed talking with her. My mother had hurt her knee and Lucy paced the tour around us rather than the set itinerary. We really enjoyed our 1/2 day tour and would highly recommend Lucy.,
Lucy F.
(3 reviews)Thank you Louise for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the visit as much as I did. It was a pleasure to spend time with you and your mother.