Echoes of Edo: A Journey Through Kanazawa's Samurai Heritage

Step back in time to the golden age of samurai culture as we trace the echoes of Edo through the preserved historical districts of Kanazawa. This immersive tour will transport you to the 17th century, when the city flourished as a prosperous samurai domain under the powerful Maeda clan.

Experience details

• Destination

  Kanazawa

• Category

  City highlight tours

• Duration

  8 hours

• Mode of transport

  Walking

• Available languages

  English • Español

• Highlights

  • Family friendly

• What's included

  Kids join for free

Here’s an overview of your tour

Your itinerary

• Meeting point

  Kanazawa

• Samurai District (Naga-machi)

  Wander through the iconic Nagamachi Samurai District, where the stately residences of former samurai lords line the streets. Discover the secrets of samurai family life as you explore meticulously restored bukeyashiki mansions and gardens.

• Oyama Shrine

  Oyama-jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Maeda Toshiie (1537–1599), the founder of the Kaga domain (present-day Ishikawa and around), and his wife, Maeda Matsu (1547–1617). It was built in 1873, shortly after the abolition of laws that prevented shrines from being dedicated to people other than the shogun.

• 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 possessions in terms of size and wealth.

• Gyokuseninmaru Park

  Gyokuseninmaru Garden is a traditional-style garden on the grounds of Kanazawa Castle. Its stepped design creates a sense of verticality. Design features include a stair-like waterfall that flows from one of the garden’s distinctive stone walls.

• Matcha and Wagashi experience

  Let's enjoy the view of the Gyokuseninmaru Garden with Matcha and sweets together.

• 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.

• Local meal

  Enjoy a local meal in Kanazawa at Omicho Market

• Geisha District (Higashi-Chaya)

  The geisha houses in Higashi Chaya have a stunning traditional appearance. A geisha house is characterised by the beautiful lattice on the outer side of its first floor, called “kimusuko”, and the Japanese-style guestrooms located on the second floor. During the Edo period, the construction of two-story buildings except geisha houses was prohibited, making their appearance all the more striking.

• Geisha District (Kazuemachi-Chaya)

  Kazue-machi is an old geisha district located along the river between Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge and Naka-no Hashi Bridge.

Select your local guide

Explore the city with our diverse Withlocals hosts—passionate storytellers offering unique perspectives on every tour.

• Monse

  The Ramen & Coffee hunter

  Monse

  5.0

  29 reviews

  I speak

  English • Español
  Choose

Good to Know

• Tips

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic
  • Be mindful of sharing the real secret spots - let's keep them a secret
  • Be aware of cultural norms & be mindful

• Included

  • Kids join for free

• Not included

  • Entrance tickets
  • Transport costs
  • Meal, drink and snack costs

• Cancellation

  • Receive a full refund for cancellations done 7 days before the experience date.
  • Your experience can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase.