Full-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha | 9 hours

24 Reviews | Kanazawa
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 15 travelers in total.
Adult (13-100) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
2
Child (6-12) Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
0
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Full-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha
2 Adults x $148.64
$297.28
Approx Total
$297.28

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • Matcha Tea and Wagashi Sweets at a Tea House
  • Entry to the Shima Chaya Preserved Geisha House
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Entry to the Kenrokuen Garden
  • Lunch

Overview

Our tour offers the best route to see all of Kanazawa's must-see spots, and many of its lesser known gems, in one day on foot. Our knowledgeable guides will ensure you come away with an enriched understanding of the culture of Kanazawa. Guests will also have the opportunity to try Matcha and traditional sweets at a historical tea house, allowing them to feel a connection to Kanazawa and its customs after only a short time. Please consider participating in this tour if you want to make the best of your time in Kanazawa on a course that is exhaustive but not exhausting.

Meeting points

Kanazawa Station
Japan, 〒920-0858 石川県金沢市木ノ新保町1番1号

Open in Google Maps

The meeting point is outside of the Shinkansen Ticket Gates, across the concourse and in front of the information center. Look for a four large sumo wrestlers under the information center sign. Be sure to look for our guide wearing the SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tag.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

  • Ashigaru Museum

    The tour starts with a visit to the Ashigaru Museum. Ashigaru is a word describing low ranking Samurai, and here you can enter two homes that once belonged to Ashigaru families in the days of the Samurai. Outside, you will find beautiful landscaping, and inside faithfully preserved rooms granting a glimpse into old-school Japanese life.

    1 hour

  • Ruins of Nagamachi Bukeyashiki

    Next, you will be led through the former Samurai District known as Nagamachi. Here, the streets still maintain their handsome appearance and the visitor would be forgiven for thinking they have somehow landed in Old Japan. With a number of shops selling local crafts on the street, you will also have a chance to window shop for some goodies to take home.

    1 hour

  • Oyama Shrine

    Leaving the Samurai District behind, the guide will lead you through the Oyama Shrine on your way to Kanazawa Castle. Unlike most shrines in Japan, the entry gate here is made of brick, an unusual choice that speaks to its unique history. You will also pass through a small but beautiful garden on the way out the back of the shrine towards the castle.

    40 minutes

  • Gyokusen-an

    Having entered the castle grounds, you will next have time for a Matcha tea experience while enjoying views over a centuries old garden that spreads out before you. The Gyokusen-an tea house is a splendid example of Japanese design, and their Matcha and wagashi sweets are sure to delight. (Occasionally there are events at this tea house so we will go to a different tea house to have matcha and sweets)

    1 hour

  • Kanazawa Castle

    On the way to the Kenroku-en Garden, the tour will take you through the grounds of Kanazawa Castle. Marvel at the scale of the restored buildings which stand majestic over an expansive lawn on the castle grounds while your guide teaches you a bit about the Samurai history of Kanazawa and the origins of its riches and success.

    20 minutes

  • Kenrokuen Garden

    After time for a lunch break in front of the Kenrokuen Garden, we will enter into this breathtaking display of traditional Japanese design concepts. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy views over the city, and maybe even enter the home of the former Lord of Kanazawa's wife.

    1 hour 30 minutes

  • Higashi Chaya District

    Enjoy a taste of traditional tea district and Geisha culture at Higashi-chaya. Here, streets lined with fashionable tea houses from centuries ago await you, filled with eateries and craft shops. You will have free time after a guided walk to wander the streets here for yourself and perhaps have some ice cream or takoyaki topped with sheets of gold leaf.

    1 hour

  • Ochaya Shima

    The tour will next take you inside a tea house, or Chaya, once inhabited by Geisha and frequented by their wealthy patrons. The colorful walls and musical instruments here showcase the wealth and charming atmosphere of the Kanazawa tea districts in the golden days of the city. Your guide will be happy to answer any geisha related questions you may have.

    30 minutes

  • Kazuemachi Chayagai

    Leaving Higashi Chaya, we will pass by the Kazuemachi tea district on the way back to the station. Less crowded than Higashi Chaya, in this tea district Geisha still entertain customers, and if you are lucky you can hear the soft sound of a shamisen being plucked emanating from one of the small sidestreets.

    30 minutes

  • Omicho Market

    Finally, your guide will lead you through the Omicho Market. A staple of Kanazawa food culture, guests who wish to leave the tour here for dinner are free to do so. Otherwise, the guide will escort you back to the station.

    30 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 1 hour short of the posted 9 hours because there is a 1 hour lunch break that is included in the tour. The customers are able to choose their own restaurant to eat at with recommendations from the guide at this time.

Free Cancellation

June 18100% refund
June 19No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.8

24 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    23
  • 4 stars
    0
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    1

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 23 reviews with 5 stars

Fabulous walking tour of Kanazawa

Published on May, 2025

Our guide was wonderful - so knowledgeable and answered a million questions from our small group. The tour itself covered great ground across the city. Recommend!

Must-do tour of Kanazawa

Published on May, 2025

Absolutely brilliant tour of Kanazawa that covers almost everything there is to see. The tea ceremony was lovely and our guide Akari was super knowledgeable, gave great explanations and could answer all the questions we had.

Perfect tour for short stays

Published on Apr, 2025

Highly recommend this all day tour! Mike was a great guide! He was very knowledgeable and personable. It was a small group and we all bonded and had a great time. My husband and I only had one full day to visit Kanazawa and I feel like this tour hit all the great highlights that this beautiful city had to offer. Wear your walking shoes!!

One day in Kanazawa with the best guide.

Published on Apr, 2025

My wife and I have traveled a lot but this is our 1st review. This was one of very best experiences touring the city. Mike is very personable, passionate about his job and has a great knowledge of Japanese history and culture. Mike originally from Scotland so needless to say that his English is impeccable. (Not always the case for Japanese guide) Highly recommend Mike for anyone visiting Kanazawa!

Mike's Tour Makes Kanazawa Unforgettable!

Published on Apr, 2025

Kanazawa is rich in history and incredibly beautiful, but what truly made the difference was Mike, our guide. His exceptional knowledge and entertaining personality transformed this day into a precious memory. Without giving away too many spoilers, I can say we learned unexpected and hilarious things - like the surprising story behind the white wood in historical monuments. An absolute must-do tour! P.S. Mike's boss - he really deserves that promotion ;)

Compare Similar Experiences

Current

Full-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Ma ...
9582P61
time

9 hours

time Free Cancellation
24
World Heritage Shirakawa-go and Experien ...
28575P43
time

9 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
700
Kanazawa Half Day Tour (Private Guide)
88437P4
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
272
Kanazawa Full Day Tour (Private Guide)
88437P1
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
232
World Heritage Shirakawa-go Perfect Guid ...
28575P44
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
193
Kanazawa Highlights Tour including Kenro ...
22178P30
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
41
Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Governmen ...
Likely To Sell Out
92136P58
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
36
Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Governmen ...
92136P57
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
33
Kanazawa private half day/Photoshoot by ...
151842P3
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
27
Kanazawa private 1 day/Photoshoot by pro ...
151842P2
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
26
Photoshoot session by professional photo ...
151842P1
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
20
Guided E-Bike and Walking Tour of KANAZA ...
New On TravelOne
457551P2
time

4 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
7
Guided E-Bike and Walking Tour of KANAZA ...
457551P1
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
7
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
World Heritage Shirakawa-go and Experien ...
28575P43
time

9 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
700
Kanazawa Half Day Tour (Private Guide)
88437P4
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
272
Kanazawa Full Day Tour (Private Guide)
88437P1
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
232
World Heritage Shirakawa-go Perfect Guid ...
28575P44
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
193
[One-day bus tour departing from Kanazaw ...
Likely To Sell Out
181326P1
time

7 hours 45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
185
1 Day Private Charter Tour to Takayama & ...
389271P1
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
152
Ring making experience　 Completed in a ...
158773P1
time

1 hour

time Free Cancellation
104
Kanazawa Night Tour with Local Meal and ...
88437P6
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
90
[One-day bus tour departing from Kanazaw ...
Likely To Sell Out
181326P2
time

9 hours 15 minutes

time Free Cancellation
84
Private Tour Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Hida ...
88437P3
time

9 hours

time Free Cancellation
67
Takayama and Shirakawago/Photoshoot by p ...
151842P7
time

8 hours to 9 hours

time Free Cancellation
64
Gokayama and Shirakawago/Photoshoot by p ...
151842P5
time

6 hours to 7 hours

time Free Cancellation
43
Recently Viewed
Angkor Wat Sunrise Small Group Experienc ...
157452P1
time

8 hours

time Free Cancellation
45
Private Tour: Nazareth, Tiberias and Sea ...
5209PRVNAZAT
time

10 hours

time Free Cancellation
25
Naples Royal Palace & Spanish Quarter To ...
Likely To Sell Out
23258P171
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
12
Argentine Side Iguassu Falls - Private T ...
64106P2
time

7 hours to 9 hours

time Free Cancellation
2
Harry Potter Film Locations Guided Walki ...
3858P105
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
249
Full-Day Heritage of Ayutthaya Temple To ...
273038P10
time

7 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
4
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas Admis ...
9033ENTRY
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
100
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Plan your Next Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover

TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

Are you visiting Japan for the first time?

Travel Date

What is your general interest for this trip?

City Breakup


Travelers Details


Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Dining Preferences

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Transportation

What are your preferences for arrival/departure transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Guide Support

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Dining recommendations/reservations?

Flights Preferences

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Olive Oil Tasting Wine Making Workshops
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings High Tea
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Brunch Dinner Lunch Breakfast Restaurants Dinner and Show Tickets
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Whale Watching Shark Diving Wildlife Watching Wildlife Encounters Swim with Dolphins Zoos & Wildlife Parks Aquariums Safaris
    Hiking & Exploration
    Hiking Tours Glacier Walks Nature Walks National Parks Nature Parks Parks Natural Attractions Outback Tours
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Horseback Riding Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Sailing Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding Jet Ski Rentals
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Snorkeling Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Fishing Charters Eco Tours
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Attractions & Museums Planetariums
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Ghost Tours Crime Tours Underground Tours
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers Classic Car Tours
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Sufi Whirling Shows Easter Lunar New Year
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Spas Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    National Parks Nature Parks Involves Poverty Stricken Communities Involves Animals
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Walking Tours Self-guided Tours
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Cycling Cycling Classes Bike Rentals Bike Tours E-Bike Tours
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows Live Concerts Music Tours
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Festivals Mardi Gras Carnival Christmas Halloween Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Cultural Tours Culture Costume Dress Up Experiences Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Pottery Classes Photography Tours
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Helicopter Tours Heli-Hiking Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Hummer Tours Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Motor Sports Go Kart Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks Flyboarding
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Caving Sea Caving
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing Scavenger Hunts Fun & Games
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Sports Lessons Cycling Cycling Classes
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Private and Luxury Viator VIP Tours Once in a Lifetime Experiences Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator Exclusive Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations Photo Shoots
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Pack Animal Tours Ferry Services Water Transfers Water Parks Water Equipment Rentals
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Summer Winter Spring Break Winter Sports

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!