Free Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Kanazawa 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
2 Adults x $220.69
$441.38
Approx Total
$441.38
Pickup included
Inclusions / Exclusions
Mobile ticket
Offered in: Japanese, English
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kanazawa.
Icensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private Vehicle
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Overview
Explore the beautiful town of Kanazawa on this customized, four-hour walking tour. Your government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide will efficiently provide views of the city that most tourist do not get to see.
Start your day by meeting your guide at your hotel, then visit possible sites such as Kenrokuen, one of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan"; the expansive Higashi Chaya District, a traditional teahouse district founded in the Edo Period; or the 21st Century Museum, a museum of contemporary art.
Let us know what you would like to experience, what time you would like to start your tour, and where you are staying, and we'll arrange a tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa, an IHG hotel16-3 Showa-Machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, JP, 920-8518
ANA Holiday Inn Kanazawa Sky, an IHG hotel15-1 Musashi-machi, , Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, JP, 920-0855
APA Hotel Kanazawa Chuo1-5-24 Katamachi, , Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, JP, 920-0981
APA Hotel Kanazawa Ekimae1-9-28 Hirooka, , Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, JP, 920-0031
APA Hotel Kanazawa Katamachi2-21-1 Ikedamachi, , Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, JP, 920-0984
APA Hotel Kanazawa Katamachi EXCELLENT2-2-13 Katamachi, , Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, JP, 920-0981
APA Hotel Kanazawa Nishi3-127 Kobu, , Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, JP, 920-0362
APA Hotel Kanazawa Nomachi2-4-22 Nomachi, , Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, JP, 921-8031
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If ...
you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7. Read more ▼
Itinerary
Kenrokuen Garden
Kenrokuen (兼六園) in Kanazawa is justifiably classified as one of Japan's "three most beautiful landscape gardens" alongside Mito's Kairakuen and Okayama's Korakuen. The spacious grounds used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle and were constructed by the ruling Maeda family over a period of nearly two centuries. Opened to the public in 1871, Kenrokuen features a variety of flowering trees which provide the garden with a different look for each season.
1 hour
D. T. Suzuki Museum
The D.T. Suzuki Museum (鈴木大拙館, Suzuki Daisetsu Kan) is a small museum commemorating the life and works of Suzuki Daisetz Teitaro (1870-1966), a prominent Buddhist philosopher. The museum was opened in 2011 in the district of Kanazawa where Suzuki was born, a ten minute walk from Kenrokuen. On display are exhibitions showcasing the writings of D.T. Suzuki which allow the visitor to learn more about his life and philosophy. In addition, the architecture of the museum serves as an interpretation of D.T. Suzuki's life and religious scholarship; its use of clean, simple lines and open spaces causes visitors to pause and reflect.
1 hour
Myoryuji - Ninja Temple
Myoryuji Temple (妙立寺, Myōryūji), commonly known as Ninjadera ("Ninja Temple"), was built by the Maeda lords, rulers over the region during the Edo Period. While not actually associated with ninja, the temple earned its nickname because of its many deceptive defences.
Since the shogun imposed strict building restrictions as one way of weakening his regional lords, Myoryuji was designed to circumvent the restrictions and serve as a disguised military outpost. It was built with considerable defences and escape routes, so that its defenders could alert the castle in the event of an attack.
1 hour
Higashi Chaya District
A chaya (lit. teahouse) is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform song and dance. During the Edo Period, chaya were found in designated entertainment districts, usually just outside the city limits. Kanazawa has three, well preserved chaya districts, Higashi Chayagai (Eastern Chaya District), Nishi Chayagai (Western Chaya District) and Kazuemachi.
1 hour
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (金沢21世紀美術館, Kanazawa Nijūichiseiki Bijutsukan) opened in 2004 in downtown Kanazawa, just a few steps from Kenrokuen. It exhibits works of acclaimed contemporary artists from Japan and all over the world, and is among Japan's most popular art museums.
The architecture of the 21st Century Museum is unique and distinguishes it from other museums and buildings around Kanazawa. The museum is comprised of a circular building, 112.5 meters in diameter, with no facade or main entrance. It was designed without a front or back to discourage its patrons from approaching the museum, and consequently its art, from only one direction.
1 hour
Seisonkaku Villa
The Seisonkaku Villa (成巽閣, Seisonkaku) was built in the last years of the Edo Period by a Maeda lord for his mother. It is one of the most elegant, remaining samurai villas in Japan.
Located in the southeast corner of Kenrokuen, Seisonkaku is a large structure with a number of expansive tatami rooms on two floors. One of its interesting features is the roof which covers its garden viewing deck. It was built without supports that would interrupt the view of the garden.
1 hour
Nagamachi District
Nagamachi (長町) was a samurai district located at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle, where samurai and their families used to reside. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai residences, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canals.
One of the main attractions of the district is the centrally located Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence displaying the lifestyle and artifacts of the era when samurai were prosperous. In contrast is the Shinise Kinenkan Museum, a restored pharmacy displaying the lives of the merchant class which rose in prosperity as the samurai declined.
1 hour
Omicho Market
Omicho Market (近江町市場, Ōmichō Ichiba) has been Kanazawa's largest fresh food market since the Edo Period. Today, it is a busy and colorful network of covered streets lined by about 200 shops and stalls. While most shops specialize in the excellent local seafood and produce, you can also find flowers, clothing, kitchen tools and more on sale.
Although the market is most exciting during the morning hours, it also gets quite busy around noon, when tourists and locals arrive to have lunch at restaurants inside the market. It is not unusual for lines to build in front of the popular restaurants, many of which specialize in rice bowls topped with fresh Kanazawa seafood.
1 hour
Kanazawa Castle
From 1583 to the end of the Edo Period, Kanazawa Castle (金沢城, Kanazawajō) was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan, lords of Kaga, a feudal domain ranking second only to the Tokugawa possesions in terms of size and wealth.
The castle burnt down several times over the centuries, and the most recent fires of 1881 were survived only by two storehouses and the Ishikawa-mon Gate. The gate dates from 1788 and faces Kenrokuen. For several decades, Kanazawa University occupied the former castle grounds until the campus was moved to the city's outskirts in the early 1990s. Since then, a project is underway to rebuild the castle's former buildings. In the meantime, most central structures are standing again and make a visit more interesting.
1 hour
Kanazawa City Nishi Chaya Museum
A chaya (茶屋, lit. teahouse) is an exclusive type of restaurant where guests are entertained by geisha who perform song and dance. Kanazawa has three well preserved chaya districts, Higashi Chayagai (Eastern Chaya District), Nishi Chayagai (Western Chaya District) and Kazuemachi. Each of the three districts has its own charms and mix of shops, cafes and chaya restaurants.
The Nishi Chaya District (西茶屋街, Nishi Chayagai), is a compact area just a short walk from the Ninja Temple. It is much smaller and quieter than the Higashi Chayagai and has just one attraction open to the public: a museum, the Nishi Chaya Shiryokan, which displays the history of the district and is a meeting place for free tours of the area (Japanese only).
1 hour
Oyama Shrine
Oyama Shrine (尾山神社, Oyama Jinja) is dedicated to Maeda Toshiie, the first lord of the powerful, local Maeda Clan. The shrine was constructed in 1599 by Toshiie's successor, Maeda Toshinaga on Mount Utatsu. It was later moved to its present location.
Oyama Shrine is known for its unusual gate, which was designed by a Dutch architect, using elements of European and Asian religious themes. While the first story displays a mixture of Japanese and Chinese influence, the upper stories once served as a lighthouse and feature a Dutch style, stained glass window.
1 hour
Sample Menu
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
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.
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
5 stars
32
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
2
We perform checks on reviews
We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her
Reviews by TravelOne travelers
Showing 1-5 of 32 reviews with 5 stars
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Tour of the Samurai District of Kanazawa plus kimono museum
Published on May, 2025
We really enjoyed our time with Jasmine. Our interest was in the samurai era of Kanazawa’s history. She gave us an overview and explained Kanazawa’s history in relation to Japan of that time. Then we went to the samurai district. She explained along the way different levels of samurai society. She pointed out the house still occupied by a samurai descendent. Then we went to the Nomura house for a tour. She gave us information about each room about its use and original furnishings. After that we went to the Ninja Dera Temple which actually has nothing to do with ninjas. It was a temple for the Lord Maeda to be able to worship safely as well as a safe house for his retainers. Then we added in a stop at the yuzen kimono museum. We had time to have a snack and chat before our time was over.
Jasmine is very professional and agreeable to changes along the way. She is very knowledgeable and very good at explaining the history and significance of what we saw. We used the city buses to move around so that was something else she easily explained. We really enjoyed our time with her and highly recommend her.
Visit Kanazawa
Published on May, 2025
Being our initial trip to Japan, we decided to take the slightly unusual detour from the major cities and visit Kanazawa for a couple of nights. Not knowing anything about the city, we booked a private tour to learn about the place.
We were lucky to get Yoshi (Hideharu Yoshino) as our guide. Yoshi was an excellent host, with extensive knowledge of the city.
His tour took 4 hours, and we visited the tea house districts of the city, the gardens and the palace, before finishing at the Omicho Markets.
Yoshi’s knowledge included the samurai history of the city, the geisha traditions and the traditional housing that still exists.
An excellent place to visit, particularly with Yoshi as a guide.
Excellent tour of Kanazawa
Published on May, 2025
Our guide Hideharu Yoshino was very good. His English was great and he gave us a great tour. He did an excellent job of planning and organizing our visit. He stayed in contact with us from booking to arrival. I highly recommend him.
Great tour
Published on May, 2025
Our guide Joshi was very friendly, professional and his tour was very informative. This 4 hour walking tour was the highlight of our trip to Kanazawa.
A glimpse of the best in a short well organized tour
Published on Apr, 2025
The guide Sho is very helpful and prepared. Very easy to accomodate our requests. The tour was 4 hrs well organised we enjoyed very much
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