Kanazawa Uncovered: Highlights and Hidden Gems with a Local – 5-Hour Tour

Discover the best of Kanazawa in just 5 hours! This tour combines the city's iconic landmarks with hidden gems. From its stunning gardens and historic districts to tucked-away spots rich in culture and charm, this tour offers an insider’s perspective on the unique beauty of Kanazawa.

Experience details

• Destination

  Kanazawa

• Category

  City highlight tours

• Duration

  5 hours

• Mode of transport

  Walking

• Available languages

  English • 日本語

• Highlights

  • Family friendly

• What's included

  Entrance tickets • Private guide • Kids join for free

Here’s an overview of your tour

Your itinerary

• Meeting point

  Kanazawa

• Kenrokuen

  Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most famous landscape gardens, is a must-see in Kanazawa. Designed to embody the six ideal attributes of a perfect garden—spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, water features, and broad views—Kenrokuen offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and careful design. Stroll along meandering paths that lead to picturesque ponds, stone lanterns, and teahouses, each revealing a new scenic view. The garden changes with the seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to snow-covered landscapes in winter, making it a stunning destination year-round.

• Samurai residential district & Nomura house

  The Nagamachi Samurai District in Kanazawa offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past, where samurai families once lived during the Edo period. Walking through its narrow, stone-paved streets lined with earthen walls, you'll feel transported back in time. The district’s highlight is Nomura House, a beautifully restored samurai residence showcasing traditional architecture and artifacts, including samurai armor and weapons. Inside, visitors can explore elegant tatami rooms, a charming inner garden with a koi pond, and intricate woodwork. The Nomura House provides a unique window into the lifestyle and culture of Kanazawa’s samurai heritage.

• Ninja temple

  Ninja Temple (Myoryuji Temple) is famous for its deceptive design and hidden defenses, although it has no historical connection to actual ninjas. Built by the Maeda clan during the Edo period, it served as a fortified structure to protect against intruders. The temple features a complex layout with secret doors, hidden staircases, trapdoors, and escape routes, designed to confuse attackers. Visitors can take a guided tour to uncover these ingenious architectural tricks while learning about the temple's role in Kanazawa's history. Myoryuji’s mysterious and strategic design makes it one of the city's most intriguing attractions

• Higashi Chaya

  The Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa is one of Japan’s best-preserved geisha districts, offering a step back into the elegance of the Edo period. Its charming streets are lined with traditional wooden tea houses, where geisha once performed classical music and dance for elite guests. Today, many of these tea houses have been converted into cafes, shops, and museums, where visitors can explore Kanazawa’s rich cultural heritage. The Shima Tea House, a historic geisha house, offers a glimpse into the world of geisha with its beautifully preserved interiors. Strolling through Higashi Chaya's picturesque streets feels like traveling back in time.

Select your local guide

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

• Yoji

  A Travel-Loving Samurai

  Yoji

  5.0

  51 reviews

  I speak

  English • 日本語
  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

  • Entrance tickets
  • Private guide
  • Kids join for free

• Not included

  • Meals

• 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.

Reviews

• RachelAbout local YojiNovember 20, 2024
  5.0

  Best guide in Japan, worth the money

  "Yoji has a wide experience in many facets of life and has a deep knowledge and cares about the culture and history of Japan. His English is excellent and takes you to places you wouldn’t have gone to... show more

• StephenAbout local YojiNovember 6, 2024
  5.0

  Superb and informed guide

  "Yoji made the tour around Kanazawa such a pleasure. Whilst visiting all the major points of interest, the conversation flowed freely and we learned so much from him. He also had us trying food we wou... show more

• SylviaAbout local YojiOctober 26, 2024
  5.0

  A wonderful day with Yoji

  "The guided tour with Yoji was a great experience. He explained everything that is important to us. The conversations with him about Japanese society and politics were exciting and very entertaining. ... show more