Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 8 hours 5.0 (6)

Top 10 Kanazawa in a day

Unlock Kanazawa's secrets with a local host by your side and explore must-see landmarks with hidden treasures sprinkled in between.

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

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Visit 10 of Kanazawa’s most iconic attractions in just one day
  • Explore several of its famous central neighborhoods including Kenroku-en and the Higashi Chaya geisha district
  • See landmarks like Kanazawa Castle and Tsuzumi Gate
  • Grab a snack of local street food at Omicho Market, the “Kitchen of Karawaza”
  • Let your local host offer tips and recommendations for more things to see and do on your trip

What to know before you go

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

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

What’s included

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

What’s not included

Food and drinks (but you can pre-book your lunch with us, simply contact hello@cityunscripted.com)
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

Kanazawa is home to centuries of preserved history – you could never see all of its top attractions in just one day, but what you could do is explore the heart of the city, and tick 10 of them off your bucket list! Higashi Chaya, the city’s famous geisha district, is a must-see, but Nichi Chaya in the south has a rich geisha tradition and some hidden gems of its own, like rakugan – Kanazawa’s pretty, pastel-colored sweets – and a geisha training ground. You’ll see iconic symbols of Japan’s historic heart, like the stately Kanazawa Castle, Omicho Market, and Kenroku-en Garden (one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens), but you’ll also explore the city’s contemporary side in Katamachi, a lively downtown district lined with trendy shops, cool cafes, restaurants, and bars.

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?

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of this experience

Ross, Apr 2023

Our guide was amazing, she was wonderful with our 10 year old son and had so much knowledge to share. She showed us all we asked to see plus extra would highly recommend Yukari

Show more
Dean, Mar 2025

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

Show more
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!!!!

Show more
Ana, Mar 2025

Lucy was very knowledgeable and made our tour of Kanazawa very pleasant. We would highly recommend this tour.

Show more
Rae, Mar 2025

Akari was easy to talk to as she showed me the sights. She has a great personality and was a pleasure to be with today.

Show more
Patricia, Mar 2025

She made us feel special as we toured Kanazawa today. She offered us personal insight that made our short visit spectacular and memorable.

Show more
SEE ALL REVIEWS