Flexible Half-Day Discovery • 4 hours 5.0 (131)

Half a day in Kanazawa

Immerse yourself in a half-day private tour, crafted by a local insider, where iconic sights, geisha allure, and samurai history await.

If you have time, consider making the one hour journey to the historic, picturesque villages of Shirakawago

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • See an area of Kanazawa chosen by your knowledgeable host, but visit locations tailored to your interests
  • Explore central Kanazawa’s attractions, or head off the beaten track to hidden gems recommended by your host (or do a bit of both!)
  • Grab a bite at the “Kitchen of Kanazawa”, Omicho Market, the most popular market in the city
  • See some of the must-see sights, like Oyama Shrine and Kanazawa Castle
  • Have your local host share plenty of tips and recommendations for the rest of your trip

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalized experience
4 hours with a host
Walking experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)

What’s not included

Food and drinks
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Kanazawa Station Information Center - The host will be waiting in front of it by the main entrance.

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

A rival to Kyoto as the historic jewel of Japan, Kanazawa is a melting pot of Japanese art, culture, and tradition. With your local host to help you squeeze in as many sights as possible, you’ll experience the perfectly preserved history of this gorgeous city. Entertainment district Higashi Chaya is a must-visit for anyone hoping to spot elusive, ethereal geisha, while a tranquil stroll through Kenroku-en, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, should be on every bucket list. You could browse stalls at the 280-year-old “Kitchen of Kanazawa”, Omicho Market, and see the unique Oyama Shrine with its Dutch-style stained glass on the third floor, or maybe you’ll be content to spend hours at the impressive Kanazawa Castle, the historic seat of power of the Maeda samurai clan. 

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

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What travelers think of this experience

Jan Kaare Apr 2025

We loved her personality. She had much knowlegde about the areas we visited and presented it in a very interesting way. Our best guide in Japan so far. Her english was excellent.

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Rinat Apr 2025

The best guide ever. We wish we could have spent hours with her :) our top guide in Japan. Cris knows culture, food, local artists. It was a privilege to learn from her.

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Ann-Kathrin Mar 2025

We had a really good time with Criselda, our tour guide. She knew so much about the City and it was really worth the visit! Thank you so much.

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Philip Mar 2025

Quick tour of the important sites in Kanazawa. We visited many historical and beautiful sites in the city.

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Dean Mar 2025

Great tour, awesome guide. Criselda gave us a full experience of Kanazawa and the history and old world.

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Shari Mar 2025

Can’t say enough great things about my guide Fumir. She went out of her way to find my hotel and meet make our meet up easy breazy!! She took the time to incorporate my interest and show me things I never would have found. A zen garden, a modern water oasis, a cool vintage clothing store, a micro bar alley that was outrageously dope with an old American Jazz vibe, the National Craft Museum. She turned Kanazawa into the second best part of my trip. The other bring my stay at the world class Benesse Museum Hotel in the Seto Islands. Just stupendous!!!!

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