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Joined 2025
Richard G.
Available Areas
Kanazawa
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
10 hours on average
Availability Updated
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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!
Important
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.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Private Car Tour – World Heritage Villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama on a private day trip from Kanazawa. Explore Gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs, visit scenic viewpoints, browse local crafts, and enjoy the quiet beauty of mountain life. These historic villages offer a rare window into Japan’s rural past. This tour is ideal for those seeking culture, nature, beautiful scenery, rich history, and a peaceful escape.
Private Car Tour – World Heritage Villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
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Kanazawa - Half Day Tour - Kanazawa Heritage & Garden Walk (Customisation welcome!)
Discover the heart of Kanazawa on foot! This half-day walking tour is a great way to explore the city’s culture and history at a relaxed pace. From Omicho Market to Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden, we’ll visit top sights and discover hidden gems. I’ll share stories about samurai, architecture, and local life. Custom routes and start points are welcome. The pace is flexible, with breaks as needed. Let’s enjoy Kanazawa and make some great memories!
Kanazawa - Half Day Tour - Kanazawa Heritage & Garden Walk (Customisation welcome!)
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Noto Penninsula Tour with local guide
Discover the natural beauty, rich traditions, and coastal charm of the Noto Peninsula. Visit the vibrant Wajima Morning Market, savour fresh seafood, and take in the breathtaking Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces. In the afternoon, choose your adventure: explore dramatic sea caves, encounter marine life at Notojima Aquarium, soak in the healing waters of Wakura Onsen, or find tranquillity at the mountain temple of Natadera. A scenic return drive brings the day to a close back in Kanazawa.
Noto Penninsula Tour with local guide
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Kanazawa - Half Day Tour - Samurai Streets & Secret Temples (Customisation welcome!)
Explore Kanazawa’s rich heritage on a half-day tour! Stroll the Nagamachi Samurai District and visit the elegant Nomura House. Enjoy a museum of your choice, from Zen-inspired D.T. Suzuki to the vibrant 21st Century Museum or the National Crafts Museum. Discover the charm of Higashi Chaya and riverside Kazue-machi tea districts, then uncover hidden doors and secret passages at Myouryuji, the fascinating “Ninja Temple.”
Kanazawa - Half Day Tour - Samurai Streets & Secret Temples (Customisation welcome!)
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Tailored Shopping Experience in Kanazawa!
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!
Tailored Shopping Experience in Kanazawa!
Reviews
Karen N.
“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
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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.
“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.
“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
Other Popular Tour Guides in Ishikawa
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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.
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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.
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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
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