![Ishikawa Private Tour - Kazuemachi [Geisha district]](https://gowithguide.com/images/rp71WGuJlGU1-2NKb8LTvGqhhLz3_fNiudeRi3tXEkQ/f:avif/h:800/w:800/plain/gowithguide/profiles/56007/623cb765-0faa-4400-b09c-7733b80abeea.jpg)
![Ishikawa Private Tour - Evening Shots. [Higashi Chaya Geisha district]](https://gowithguide.com/images/bLrXtCbwhlBT5ILnheDceZWlAO-19yD6J5yr_yaMlmc/f:avif/h:800/w:800/plain/gowithguide/profiles/56007/fde80014-bd22-404c-acf7-9beafc56229a.jpg)
Joined 2024
Raphaël P.
Available Areas
Ishikawa (Living), Kanazawa
Languages
English (Native), French (Native), Spanish, Japanese
Response Time
2 hours on average
Availability Updated
Today
About Tour Guide Raphaël P.
Hello Explorers,
If you're looking to discover Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Kaga and more, of the beautiful surrounding regions in a way few ever do—you’re in the right place.
Since making Kanazawa my home in 2019 with my Japanese wife and our children, I’ve immersed myself deeply into the local culture, traditions, and daily life. This city and its surroundings aren't just places I guide through—they’re part of my story.
With a rich background in tourism, hospitality and the performing arts, I bring a seamless, heartfelt energy to every tour, offering you not just information, but real connection and insight.
Get ready for picture-perfect moments, unforgettable local flavors, inspiring stories, and tips that will make your entire stay even more memorable.
Choose to explore with me, and let’s create experiences as rich, vibrant, and lasting as Japan itself.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
4 Hours - Kanazawa's Main Attractions ! Can be personalized to your liking!
4 Hours - Kanazawa's Main Attractions ! Can be personalized to your liking!
All Highlights! Can also be a fully Personalized Tour!
All Highlights! Can also be a fully Personalized Tour!
Perfect mix of Kanazawa Highlight & Nature Walk.
Perfect mix of Kanazawa Highlight & Nature Walk.
Discover the Magic of Kanazawa: 9-Hour Walking Tour
Discover the Magic of Kanazawa: 9-Hour Walking Tour
Kanazawa & Beyond
Kanazawa & Beyond
Reviews
Robin S.
“Money Very, Very Well Spent...”
We really can't say enough to recommend Raphael and his services as a guide to Kanazawa beyond saying it was one of the best decisions we made during our recent trip to Japan; Carol & I thank him from the bottom of our hearts! He was fun, knowledgeable, well-connected, personable, and an all-around interesting person to spend time with. His itinerary was curated, thoughtful, educational and designed to leave one with a tailored experience and deep appreciation for a truly wonderful city that's outside the typical Japanese city spotlight. We didn't realize it at the time, but Raphael's explanation of the role/influence of Maeda Toshiie paid huge dividends the rest of our trip and helped us connect many dots in our learning about Japan's history. And if spending 9+ hours with a fun guy learning about a fascinating city isn't enough, you can always ask Raphael about his views on coffee, izakayas, Japanese pancakes and Echizen cutlery -- as we did -- and he will deliver. Please do as we did and invest in a tour with Raphael. It will be a fond memory and money well spent.
Raphaël P.
Robin, Carol, Thank you SO much for this brilliant review. If I had wanted to write it for myself, I would not have done a better job. It was an absolute pleasure guiding you around, sharing some of Kanazawa's history, culture, arts, gastronomy and secrets & I am so glad you've truly enjoyed it! All the very best to you two! Hope to cross your paths again some day! Raphaël
Judy W.
“Amazing day in Kanazawa”
Raphael was an excellent , informative guide who was also very personable. He easily took us to all the highlights we wanted to see ( between raindrops). We all agree we give him a big thumbs up or 5 bright stars. Thank you for a great day.
Raphaël P.
Thank you so much, Judy! It was a real pleasure spending the day with you all—even if we had to dance between the raindrops! I'm so glad we made it to the highlights and that you enjoyed the experience. Your kind words and bright stars mean a lot. Hope the rest of your journey in Japan and on the cruise is being just as memorable! Please, Say Hi and thank you to the fellow Canadian friends for me too. All the best! Raphaël
Michael R.
“Wonderful tour for our family in Kanazawa”
Raphaël was a great guide for our family, customizing the tour to match our preferences and taking care to balance making it interesting for the adults and moving at a pace and with topics that were interesting for younger kids! He went out of his way to also accommodate an extra request of helping retrieve a left behind item for our daughter at a restaurant which made her day. Spending a morning with Raphaël is a great way to start your time in Kanazawa as he helps to orient you to the city and make recommendations that go beyond the tour as well.
Raphaël P.
Thank you so much, Michael! It was a real pleasure spending the morning with your family. I'm especially glad we could sort out the little restaurant adventure—moments like that make the day even more memorable. I hope you’ve had a fantastic rest of your trip in Japan. Thanks again for your kind words! Best, Raphaël
Other Popular Tour Guides in Ishikawa
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.
Jorge S.
Originally born in Mexico City, where I spent the first eight years of my life, I grew up in Montreal, Canada, for 22 years. Fascinated by Japanese popular culture and history—I have a minor in Japanese history and am a history buff—I participated in the JET Program Canada, where I was placed in Shirakawa-go for three years as an ALT. Currently, I live in Kanazawa with my Japanese wife and son. As a tour guide in Kanazawa, I specialize in history, hidden gems, culture, shopping (especially Japanese popular culture products), and food. I strive to provide an excellent customer experience. Fluent in English (Native), French (Native), Spanish (Native), and a good grasping of Japanese. I can communicate effectively with a diverse range of guests. Thanks to my North American background and my extensive experience living in Japan, I offer explanations that are easy to understand for Western guests, enriching their understanding of Japan as a vibrant and unique living space. Additionally, I am currently studying to become an official National guide in Japan, further enhancing my expertise and ability to provide exceptional tours.
Criselda C.
Hello! My name is Criselda, but friends and family often call me Selda. Welcome to my page and I'm glad you're interested in knowing about the wonderful city of Kanazawa with me. I am originally from the Philippines and I've been living and working in the Hokuriku region for almost 7 years. I definitely consider Kanazawa as my home in Japan. Kanazawa is known for many things including gold leaf, a rich samurai history, its beautiful gardens, delicious seafood, and historic Geiko (Geisha) culture. I would love to introduce these things and so much more! Did you know Kanazawa is also home to the oldest sake brewery in the region? What about the local ceramics and laquerware? You can also participate in different workshops like traditional Japanese sweets-making class, gold leaf pasting, Kaga-yuzen (local kimono brand) painting, and sushi-making using local ingredients. There are many beautiful known spots and a lot of hidden gems in the area and I can't wait to introduce them to you. One of my hobbies is photography and I will surely capture your moments in the city to make your stay extra memorable. I'm excited to meet you in the Golden City, Kanazawa.
