Things to Do in Kanazawa

Join the traditions of Japan with a traditional tea ceremony experience in Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa. Immerse yourself in this cultural practice and savour local delicacies.

Embark on a 3-4 hour private walking tour through the charming city of Kanazawa, led by a professional English-speaking local guide. Explore a thoughtfully curated itinerary highlighting the city’s cultural treasures, natural beauty, and historical landmarks. You can customize your itinerary by selecting 3 places from the places listed on “itineraly below”, or if you’d like, your guide will be happy to give you some recommendations to customize your itinerary on the day based on your interests. Please write your request in the "Special Requirement" section. ・3-4 hour walking adventure through Kanazawa city ・Professional English-speaking guide ・Enjoy flexible tour – Visit 3 places you choose

Discover the history, culture, and beauty of the Japanese Alps on this tour through Kanazawa and Shirakawago. See iconic sites for an unforgettable day!

Create your own gold leaf masterpiece in Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya District. Learn the art of gold leaf crafting in a restored machiya-style building and take home a unique souvenir.

Up to 7 people private tour + PHOTOSHOOT by professional photographer!! Regardless of whether you are coming to Japan for the first time, or you’re an obsessed Japan lover, this intimate, private tour will be a unique experience to enhance your treasured memories in Japan. You will be taken to the Japan's most beautiful places, guided by a local English-speaking professional photographer. During the tour I will capture your magical moments, leaving you free to take in the sights without worrying about the best angles and light, or asking a stranger to take your picture! I am experienced in portrait and travel street photography, and my work has been published in many magazines, guidebooks including Lonely Planet and the city guides of tourism boards. A day out with me ensure you will have a knowledgeable, funny, local professional photographer, and Insta-worthy travel photos will be guaranteed!

On this private tour of Kanawaza, you'll visit this city with an English-speaking guide and travel back in time to Japan's Geishas and Samurais.

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-go. Travel from Kanazawa with a guide, try local food, and explore the beautiful mountain settlement.

Discover Kanazawa like a Local! Join my private, fully customized walking and bus tour, designed just for you. With over 23 years living in Kanazawa, I know the city’s hidden gems and fascinating stories you won’t find in guidebooks. ✨I have a Japanese nurse license. If you feel unwell during the tour, I can help you. After you book, we’ll chat to create your perfect 5–6 hour adventure. Whether you want to explore Kenrokuen Garden, Omicho Market, the Higashi Chaya District, Pokémon center Kanazawa, or Kanazawa Castle Park and Station. We’ll travel mainly by foot and local buses, making it easy and comfortable to see the best of the city. I love meeting new people and sharing conversation, so every tour is a personal experience. Let’s make your Kanazawa visit truly unforgettable-just for you! ☺️ ※Guests are kindly advised that the tour host cannot accept responsibility for any illness to unforeseen accidents occurring during the tour. ※ Childcare is available. Please ask freely!

Discover Shirakawago's Gassho-style houses, scenic mountain views, and local culture on this private trip from Kanazawa. Journey through Japan's rich heritage!

Through this tour, you can experience the local culture of Kanazawa city, and learn about Japanese history and its underlying religious beliefs with professional tour guide!

Regardless of whether you are coming to Japan for the first time, or you’re an obsessed Japan lover, this intimate, photoshoot session will be a unique experience to enhance your treasured memories to our beautiful city of Kanazawa. Regardless of being in Kimono or casual clothes we will capture your beautiful smile! Please choose Kenrokuen garden or Higashichaya for your photoshoot. If you would like to rent Kimono we can guide you to book your Kimono rental at one of kimono shops in Kanazawa. 100 fully professionally edited photos (We select best 100 out of 300-400 photos taken during the session) in 2 hour shoot session. 30 fully professionally edited photos (We select best 30 out of roughly 100 photos taken during the session) in 1 hour shoot session. Photos delivered via Dropbox or Google drive within 3-7days.

On this private day trip to Takayama, we'll take you to one of the most beautiful cities in the Japanese Alps and pass by its wooden houses.

Enjoy seamless bus transportation from Kanazawa to Takayama, with a stop for a self-guided walking tour at Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO site. Discover rich culture and stunning scenery.

Regardless of whether you are coming to Japan for the first time, or you’re an obsessed Japan lover, this intimate, private tour will be a unique experience to enhance your treasured memories to our beautiful city of Kanazawa. You will be taken to the city’s most beautiful places, guided by a local English-speaking professional photographer. During the tour I will capture your magical moments in Kanazawa, leaving you free to take in the sights without worrying about the best angles and light, or asking a stranger to take your picture! I am experienced in portrait and travel street photography, and my work has been published in many magazines, guidebooks including Lonely Planet and the city guides of tourism boards. A day out with me ensure you will have a knowledgeable, funny, local professional photographer, and Insta-worthy travel photos will be guaranteed!

If you want to stay connected during your visit to Japan, this eSIM card is perfect. This is the best way to stay connected!

Explore Kanazawa’s samurai and geisha culture on a guided walking tour. Visit the Nomura Samurai House, a paper umbrella workshop, and the “Ninja Temple.” Enjoy a local lunch in Nishi Chaya.

Explore the world heritage hamlet of Shirakawa-go on our 4-hour package tour with access to a private vehicle exclusively for you and your fellow travelers. Our English-speaking driver will take you to the World UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go. We collect you from your hotel lobby and whisk you off to the UNESCO village of Shirakawago. Our morning or afternoon driving tours are designed for those looking for convenient access to this beautiful but remote mountain village

Travel with the peace and comfort of knowing that, should you need assistance on your trip, Civitatis has your back - don't let anything spoil your trip!

Skip the typical tour. Discover Kanazawa with a passionate local on a private, personalized walk full of hidden gems, real stories, and authentic connection.

*** The tour starts from either Kanazawa or Toyama, not both on each day *** The stunning Japanese Alps stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan with beautiful scenery throughout. The Northern Alps in Toyama is the famous Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. This route stretches across a mountain range and goes over magnificent gorges, charming lakes and seemingly endless highlands. During the winter time this area is transformed into a white paradise, with snows walls that can stretch as high as 20 meters(60 feet). On this tour you will ride one of our company buses to get to Murodo, where you can walk along this snow wall and enjoy the other winter sights in the area. On the way there, we will have a brief stop in Ashikuraji, the traditional start of the climb to Mt. Tateyama. Learn about how people viewed heaven and hell and this mountains role in those. Let’s venture together into history and then the “Roof of Japan” and revel in this mountains region’s beauty.

Experience Japan's cultural heritage on a comfortable ride departing from Takayama. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go and end in rustic Kanazawa.

Experience making a handmade ring by hammering the texture using the Japanese traditional style called "Tankin." You will choose your favorite material, thickness, and texture, and then use special hammers and tools to customize your own ring. The entire process takes around 1 hour. Staff will carefully explain the steps and help you take remembrance photos. This workshop is highly recommended for a high-quality gift or souvenir. Embrace your creativity and enjoy our unique experience in Japan.

Near Kanazawa Station, in a 56‑year‑old school with multilingual AI translation and comfort year‑round. Master sushi and create 5 exquisite dishes—your once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.

Discover Kanazawa’s heritage on this private, expertly guided 7-hour tour of 10 must-see spots. Begin in the Nagamachi Samurai District at Nomura Samurai Residence, where you'll step back in time among serene gardens and samurai-era artifacts. Next, explore the Higashi Chaya District—famed for its geisha culture—and visit the enchanting Shima teahouse. Then, head to Omicho Market, a lively hub for fresh seafood and local specialties, before stopping by Oyama Shrine to admire its distinctive architecture and the striking Shinmon gate. Continue to Kanazawa Castle Park, celebrated for its grand gates and manicured grounds. Conclude at Kenrokuen Garden—one of Japan’s top three gardens—known for serene ponds, seasonal blooms, and panoramic vistas. This immersive journey blends history, tradition, and cuisine, making it an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking Kanazawa’s authentic charm.

Explore Kanazawa’s culinary and cultural gems: taste fresh seafood at Omicho Market, stroll along teahouses in Kazuemachi, and try Wasgashi (Sweets) in the enchanting Higashi Chaya (Geisha) District.

Our exceptional tour service will transport you in style and comfort from Kanazawa to Takayama. Take in the beautiful UNESCO village of Shirakawago on your way and at your leisure. Our professional English speaking driver guide will take you through the fairytale village on your way to Takayama.

Discover the Nagamachi Samurai District, Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en Garden, and Higashi-chaya Tea District with your guide on a tour of Kanazawa, once one of the wealthiest domains in old Japan.

Often overlooked when travelers head along the Sea of Japan, Fukui is another one of Japan’s prefectures that has as much history and natural beauty as any other. As the entrance to the Hokuriku region, Fukui has served as a crossroads for many important wars and trade routes throughout Japanese history. This tour will have you walk by the castle and also a temple where buildings form the former castle were moved, get stunning views of the modern city skyline from a hill with over a thousand years of history and dive into one of the head temples of Zen Buddhism in an idyllic mountain setting. Let’s dive deep into lesser traveled area of Japan that leave you wanting to come back to Fukui for more.

Explore Kanazawa’s Omicho Market and Higashi Chaya District on a walking tour. Enjoy local sushi, street food, and sake, and capture memories with photos taken by your guide.

After the Noto earthquake, many of my grandfather’s beautiful Kutani ware pieces—vases, tea cups, and plates—were broken. I couldn’t throw them away because they held so many memories. Instead, I decided to give them a new life by transforming the fragments into unique accessories. As a former instructor of gold leaf art in Kanazawa, I’ve spent years working with gold, and its delicate beauty inspired this workshop. I hope you’ll enjoy the same sense of creativity and tradition. During the experience, you’ll also savor Ishikawa’s famous Kaga-bōcha tea, served on a 100-year-old Wajima lacquer tray, along with Kutani ware teacups that survived the quake. It’s a moment of history, craftsmanship, and hospitality—all in one experience.

Authentic calligraphy experience with a Japanese master in a real dojo where locals learn.Your writing becomes a work of art. Enjoy a special moment of focus and mindfulness through the brush.

Regardless of whether you are coming to Japan for the first time, or you’re an obsessed Japan lover, this intimate, private tour will be a unique experience to enhance your treasured memories in Japan. You will be taken to the Japan's most beautiful places, guided by a local English-speaking professional photographer. During the tour I will capture your magical moments, leaving you free to take in the sights without worrying about the best angles and light, or asking a stranger to take your picture! I am experienced in portrait and travel street photography, and my work has been published in many magazines, guidebooks including Lonely Planet and the city guides of tourism boards. A day out with me ensure you will have a knowledgeable, funny, local professional photographer, and Insta-worthy travel photos will be guaranteed!

Explore Kanazawa's highlights by e-bike! This tour covers key sites like Kazuemachi, Kenrokuen Garden, and Kanazawa Castle, showcasing the city's history and beauty with ease.

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Japan on this full-day tour from Kanazawa. Begin your journey at Shirayama Hime Shrine, dedicated to sacred Mt. Haku, then venture through the picturesque Hakusan Shirakawa-Go White Road, known for its stunning valley views and waterfalls. Conclude your adventure in Shirakawa-Go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can walk through historical thatched-roof houses and immerse yourself in local culture. Perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts, this tour includes guided insights and captivating sights. - Start the tour at 9:00 A.M. from Kanazawa Station - Visit the ancient Shirayama Hime Shrine and then Tedori Gorge - Travel along the scenic White Road with multiple sightseeing stops - Explore the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-Go

Embark from Kanazawa to discover Shirakawago’s unique gassho-zukuri houses and Kanazawa’s cultural gems (If option selected). Enjoy a day full of authentic Japanese tradition.

This tour lets you experience the authentic food culture of Kanazawa through Omicho Market and a local ramen stop. We begin by walking through Omicho Market with your guide, introducing fresh local seafood, market snacks, seasonal vegetables, and hidden gems. You’ll hear real stories from vendors and learn seasonal tips—insights into Kanazawa’s food culture that ordinary sightseeing cannot provide. After the market, we visit a local ramen shop carefully selected by your guide. These are places where local residents actually eat, not tourist-oriented restaurants. You can enjoy classic Japanese flavors such as soy sauce (shoyu), miso, and salt (shio) ramen. Instead of “just looking,” this tour blends eating, learning, and discovering, offering a deeply satisfying food experience. A compact tour perfect for those who want to understand Kanazawa through its flavors.

Discover the Yachiya Sake Brewery through a guided tour of its historic brewery. Learn about traditional brewing methods, then enjoy a curated sake tasting that reflects generations of craftsmanship.

Colors of Kanazawa – Afternoon Walking Tour with Hands-On Kaga Yuzen Experience Discover Kanazawa’s vibrant history, beautiful gardens, and traditional crafts in this fun and interactive afternoon tour! Stroll through Oyama Shrine and Kanazawa Castle, learning about the city’s samurai past before relaxing with a refreshing drink at a traditional café in Kenrokuen Gardens. The highlight of the day is a hands-on Kaga Yuzen workshop, where you’ll paint your own small traditional bag using vibrant dyes under the guidance of a local artisan – a special souvenir to take home. With a maximum group size of just 12 guests, this tour offers a personal and memorable experience, perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors.

Explore Kanazawa’s culture on a personalized walking tour. Guided by a local, uncover samurai districts, serene gardens, artisan workshops, hidden teahouses, and iconic landmarks—all at your own pace.

*Why Mizuhiki? Because Mizuhiki is one of the traditional since more than 1100years! ago. Because Mizuhiki is very Japanese craft and unique to Japan. Because Mizuhiki is light and ideal for souvenir. Never needs space in your luggage. Because you can use in your daily life and is fit with normal outfits. *Why us? Because our knotting style is unique to Kanazawa. Because we have 15years experience of teaching Mizuhiki. We are proud of our teaching skills as a Japan's No1 Mizuhiki teacher. Because we are passionate to teach and tell Japanese culture.

Enjoy a day long bus tour from Kanazawa where you can see expert wood carving, try your hand at paper making and see the UNESCO World Heritage sites Shirakawa-go and Gokayama traditional homes.

Regardless of whether you are coming to Japan for the first time, or you’re an obsessed Japan lover, this intimate, private tour will be a unique experience to enhance your treasured memories in Japan. You will be taken to the Japan's most beautiful places, guided by a local English-speaking professional photographer. During the tour I will capture your magical moments, leaving you free to take in the sights without worrying about the best angles and light, or asking a stranger to take your picture! I am experienced in portrait and travel street photography, and my work has been published in many magazines, guidebooks including Lonely Planet and the city guides of tourism boards. A day out with me ensure you will have a knowledgeable, funny, local professional photographer, and Insta-worthy travel photos will be guaranteed!

Learn the basics of swordsmanship in a private lesson at an old temple in Kanazawa. Wear a samurai kimono and immerse yourself in the experience with a master instructor.

The Coast of the Sea of Japan has so much variety, from the beautiful golden beaches to beautifully treacherous cliffs. Tojinbo and the northwest area of Fukui is widely known for its dramatic cliffs, interesting rock formations and its sacred island. On this tour you will get a chance to fully experience this area as well as go to a historically prosperous port, Mikuni Port. Enjoy walking along the coast, exploring an uninhabited island, seeing the great cliffs and visiting National Heritage Site temples and shrines. Connect with the sea in this dive into the beauty of the scenery of the coast.

Discover the magic of koji and fermentation at a historic soy sauce and miso brewery in Kanazawa. Enjoy a guided tour, make miso soup, and savor a fermented food lunch, and more!

This is the ideal pick for time-tight travelers wanting to discover this beautiful town of Kanazawa's highlights in a day. Avoid the potential confusion of local bus system, and travel comfortably in a private vehicle instead. Enjoy the flexibility of being able to pick a set itinerary, or customize your own. Potential attractions include all Must-See spots in Kanazawa, so please explore at your own pace and visit sights such as Kenrokuen garden, one of the "Three Great Gardens of Japan"; the expansive Higashi Chaya District, a traditional teahouse district founded in the Edo Period; Omicho Market, Kanazawa's largest fresh food market; Nagamachi Samurai district. Your English speaking driver will fully support your six-hours tour. Note*: Tour details has a possibility of change depending on the place of your meeting point and traffic conditions. Please feel free to ask us if you have any special request for your itinerary. We will do our best to meet your request.

Embark on a scenic journey from Kanazawa to Kyoto, enjoying lush landscapes and cultural heritage. We recommend that you explore Kanazawa's historic sites, then visit Kyoto's iconic landmarks.

Experience the charm of Japan’s countryside with a private full-day tour from Kanazawa to Shirakawago and Takayama. Explore the historic village of Shirakawago, renowned for its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses and mountain scenery. Then continue to Takayama, a beautifully preserved town known for its traditional streets, local craftsmanship, and regional cuisine. This tour is fully customizable to suit your interests—whether you’d like to focus on history, food, scenic views, or a mix of everything. Travel in comfort with a private vehicle for up to 6 guests, enjoy the flexibility of your own schedule, and take in the stunning landscapes of the Japanese Alps at your own pace. A perfect day for those looking to explore beyond the city in a relaxed, personalized way.

Explore the highlights of Kanazawa with a private guide on a 4 or 6-hour tour. Enjoy the full freedom and flexibility of customizing your own itinerary.

The Kanazawa Historical Districts Tour offers a unique journey through time, immersing visitors in the rich cultural tapestry of one of Japan's most well-preserved Edo-period cities. Unlike other tours, this experience highlights three distinct historical areas: the Nagamachi Samurai District, the Higashi Chaya Geisha District, and the Kazuemachi Chaya District. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional samurai residences, explore exquisitely preserved tea houses where geishas once entertained, and admire the serene beauty of ancient wooden buildings along the Asano River. The tour also includes insights into the city's artisanal crafts, such as gold leaf production and Kutani pottery, making it a comprehensive and immersive exploration of Kanazawa's historical and cultural heritage. This tour is great for anyone who likes historical sites and wants some simple clues and explanations to understand ancient Japan better.