/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/44e15c38-a5f2-40ef-be9b-42793c505029.png)
Joined 2024
Raphaël P.
Available Areas
Ishikawa (Living), Kanazawa
Languages
English (Native), French (Native), Japanese, Spanish
Response Time
1 hour on average
Availability Updated
2 days ago
About Tour Guide Raphaël P.
Kanazawa-based private guide offering deeply curated, seamless experiences across the region.
I have been living in Kanazawa since 2019 with my Japanese wife and our children, and over time have developed a deep understanding of the region: its history, craftsmanship, and everyday life. This is not simply where I guide, but where I live and build my life.
Over the past couple of years, I have led more than 500 private tours across Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Kaga, and beyond, working with international guests in English, French, and Spanish.
My background spans over 20 years in the international service industry, including hospitality, consulting for Michelin-level restaurants and traditional ryokan, and the performing arts. This experience naturally shapes the way I guide, combining structure, adaptability, and attention to detail, while keeping each day engaging and personal.
Each experience is carefully adapted to the people in front of me. Whether that means exploring major highlights, discovering quieter places, or adjusting the pace to create a smooth and memorable day.
If this approach resonates with you, I would be very happy to guide you.
Kind regards,
Raphaël
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/15346/557e9a34-e8e5-4de4-a313-8e88bb5e3c53.jpg)
4 Hours - Kanazawa's Main Attractions ! Can be personalized to your liking!
This 4 hours itinerary covers the essential attractions of Kanazawa, providing a mix of historical insights, natural beauty, and local culture. Who is it originally designed for? 1] People wanting to max out all the Kanazawa essentiels in just a few hours! 2] People wanting to slowly focus on a couple spots in the city. However, feel free to let me know what you like & I'll make sure to cater the tour for you! 9:00am or 13:30pm Start! Let's explore the city!
4 Hours - Kanazawa's Main Attractions ! Can be personalized to your liking!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/15528/6b2345a5-bda7-4993-911f-5bece6c249a6.jpg)
All Highlights! Can also be a fully Personalized Tour!
Typical Full Highlights Day, but Each Tour Can be uniquely crafted for you. In the latter case; Share your age, interests, places you'd like to visit, experiences, activities, or special restaurants you’d love to try. As a local guide and father who's lived here for 5+ years, I’ll create the perfect personalized journey for you and your loved ones!
All Highlights! Can also be a fully Personalized Tour!
Perfect mix of Kanazawa Highlight & Nature Walk.
Starting Time: 7:00 to 10:00am. In this particular 6-hour Walking Tour, We explore some of the magic of Kanazawa. It promises a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, quirky stories, and delightful culinary experiences! <Bamboo forest / Riverside walk / Geisha districts / Old Tea house / Ninja Temple / Kutani Ceramics / Kanazawa Delights [Golden Ice cream / Fluffy Pancakes / Matcha Tea / Kaga Tea / Famous Omu Rice Omelet] / Perfect Photo Spots / Surprise.
Perfect mix of Kanazawa Highlight & Nature Walk.
Discover the Magic of Kanazawa: 9-Hour Walking Tour
Starting Time: 7:00 to 9:00am. In this immersive 9-hour walking tour, we delve into the enchanting beauty of Kanazawa. This tour promises a perfect blend of natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, fascinating stories, and delightful culinary experiences! <Bamboo forest / Riverside walk / All 3 Geisha districts / Old Tea house / Stunning Garden / Samurai District / Ninja Temple & Museum / Kutani Ceramics / Perfect Photo Spots / Surprise. KZ Delights [ex]: Golden Ice Pancakes - Matcha/Kaga Tea
Discover the Magic of Kanazawa: 9-Hour Walking Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/15148/fa621603-0af1-4bcd-a16e-983d0eaa7529.jpg)
Kanazawa & Beyond
Starting Time: 7:00 to 9:00am. Embark on a transformative journey that combines the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Japan with personal reflection and inner discovery. This 8-hour tour through Kanazawa and Tsurugi offers a unique blend of activities designed to help you reset, recharge, let go of daily stresses & find yourself a bit more.
Kanazawa & Beyond
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22448/ae8513a7-1e53-48f6-8829-6f0a2cb45c62.jpg)
FULL DAY in Kanazawa on Two Wheels — Ride, Explore, Feel
Ride through Kanazawa with ease and curiosity on an e-bike, discovering the city in a playful and effortless way. Glide from historic samurai neighborhoods to geisha districts, serene gardens, hidden streets, and scenic riversides, where every turn reveals a new story. With electric assistance, distances disappear and exploration flows naturally — a joyful journey through the spirit, beauty, and everyday rhythm of Kanazawa, adapted to your pace and interests.
FULL DAY in Kanazawa on Two Wheels — Ride, Explore, Feel
Reviews
Patrick H.
“Kanazawa tour”
We had a fantastic tour with Rafael. He is incredibly knowledgeable and enlightened us on many subjects. He also pointed us out to one of his favorite restaurants & we loved it. Definitely one of the best on our whole trip. He also helped us secure our train tickets to our next destination and that was super helpful. Kanazawa was fantastic & we were very happy to have included 3 days there in our itinerary. Highly recommend both Rafael and Kanazawa!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/44e15c38-a5f2-40ef-be9b-42793c505029.png)
Raphaël P.
Patrick, Thank you so much for taking the time to write me a review after landing back home. I trust you have had a wonderful end of your trip. I feel fortunate to have had the chance to showcase a little bit of this wonderful region and will remain impress of most of the spots and experiences you decided to explore on a first time in Japan. Fantastic!! Wishing you three the absolute best back home and hope the overall experience in Japan would be one for your grandchild to keep close to heart for many years to come. Raphaël
Patricia C.
“Excellent tour!!”
Our clients had an amazing time with Raphael! Our clients toured all around Japan, and they said that Raphael was the stand-out guide during their trip. They said he truly went above and beyond, and made sure they had an excellent time in Kanazawa. We look forward to working with Raphael again in the future!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/44e15c38-a5f2-40ef-be9b-42793c505029.png)
Raphaël P.
Patricia, Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review. I am very happy to hear it went wonderfully with your clients. Feel free to reach out when in need of a guide in Kanazawa and nearby region. Thank you again for the trust and opportunity. All the very best. Raphaël
Louise P.
“Best Halfday in Kanazawa ”
We had the best 4 hours in Kanazawa with our guide Raphaël P. We wish we had had more time to make it a full day. He allowed us to choose the locations to visit within our timeframe, was very knowledgeable of local and general Japanese history. Highlight I think was Kenroku-en. They work hard at preserving the beautiful trees
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/44e15c38-a5f2-40ef-be9b-42793c505029.png)
Raphaël P.
Louise! Thank you very much for choosing me as your guide! I agree, more time would have been nice but I really think we did the best we could looking at the constraints of the day. It was a pleasure guiding you all (and not only because you were all Aussies & I could reminisce on a few memories)! I wish you the absolute best second half of your trip! Kind regards, Raphaël
Other Popular Tour Guides in Ishikawa
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/78234/26edd56f-90d0-430d-a1cc-166a4c714429.png)
Naoto K.
Hello! I’m Naoto. I was born and raised in the dramatic landscape of Toyama, with Kanazawa as my favorite weekend playground since my young-hood. I am thrilled that you are considering the Hokuriku region for your Japanese journey. After living abroad and spending decades in Tokyo area, I returned to my roots with a clear mission: to share the authentic, soulful Japan that remains tucked away from the crowds. In Toyama and Kanazawa, you won’t just see history—you will feel it. This is a region of "hidden gems," where ancient traditions and pristine nature coexist in their purest form. I specialize in taking you where the tour buses don’t go. Whether we are: Unlocking Samurai Legacies: Exploring the hidden corridors of Kanazawa’s history and the delicate mastery of its gold-leaf artisans. Savoring the Secret Harvest: Dining at secluded mountain retreats or tasting the "jewels of the sea" fresh from Toyama Bay. Immersive Nature & Tradition: From the dramatic peaks of the Northern Alps to the quiet craftsmanship of woodcarving villages and local festivals. Pop Culture & Local Legends: Diving into the world of manga, anime, and folklore known only to those who live here. Because of my years overseas, I understand the curiosity and the "why" behind an international traveler's questions. I don’t just show you the sights; I translate the culture, bridging the gap between a visitor and a local. Every itinerary is 100% customized to your pace, your interests, and your sense of adventure. Let’s step off the beaten path together. Reach out today, and let’s start planning your one-of-a-kind Japanese adventure! [Qualifications] In addition to the government licensed guide interpreter (English), *Certified General Travel Services Manager *Advanced Language Proficiency EIKEN Grade 1 (Test in Practical English Proficiency - Top Level) TOEIC: 985 TOEFL iBT: 108 *The Historical Proficiency Test (Japanese History, Grade 2)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/61266/b8d78f90-6a18-45fa-87fb-4df7f4f5ca6a.png)
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/59427/7b7da693-8232-4cc9-a436-cc558ef3ae18.png)
Shoten S.
Hello, my name is Shoten, please call me Sho. I was born in a local area in Toyama prefecture. I majored in civil engineering at a college and am interested in historical infrastructures. After graduation, I continued to study English at a local English circle. In international activities, I also guided foreign people around Toyama Prefecture, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Gifu Prefecture. After retirement, I work as a guide interpreter and a translator. The Hokuriku region has many sightseeing spots, including beautiful landscapes like Kenrokuen Garden and Tateyama, tasty food like traditional Kaga dishes and fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, and traditional crafts like Takaoka copperware and Inami woodcarving. I introduce these spots and historical infra tourism, such as the Kurobe dam and industrial tourism. I look forward to welcoming you to the Hokuriku region.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/44064/f3172e5a-ca20-427c-a3ab-65022c520702.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/99d45c0c-3a39-42e9-86d8-c05da7ae49cb.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/4f71ea31-5372-4e18-847e-97b97b8a812c.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/ad97afcb-ff17-4c53-9ce2-9cc4be5a9fb5.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/73908cad-ab44-46ec-a9c1-2d45ae6dc7a9.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/8f34301f-e886-4df3-9751-cc79d5b29884.jpg)
![Ishikawa Private Tour - Kazuemachi [Geisha district]](https://images.gowithguide.com/filters:format(avif)/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/623cb765-0faa-4400-b09c-7733b80abeea.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/c550ba85-fbc3-4566-ab6f-3cb09a42468f.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/50c5ab4f-70f5-4e1c-8167-fd54a17d9bbe.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/1a322bcf-e1c0-416c-9197-103d2361d607.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/d9a5ce1d-81a0-4e6f-ac58-af13e144ef98.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/9fbb0d32-4095-4d1c-99fe-bbb865c62689.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/009f281d-ced8-40b8-acc4-81fb1a43c238.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/0fd8e2a7-a840-4761-b2e9-0f09241d46be.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/b975dfcb-d27f-412a-92a8-396fc7b89859.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/8f4bdbf0-885e-4a07-8347-45b375a61af0.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/aad58dad-88f4-4364-b12a-e6fcfcbb4f91.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/58b49c5e-d0ce-4e17-9664-7cba47211c41.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56007/673fd72f-eace-44c0-9965-6f706572e500.jpg)