Nagamachi

Sightseeing on wheels

Meet the guide in Kenrokutei, a historic place where important guests were entertained by lords in the past. Choose a standing-style tea ceremony if you have difficulty sitting on the floor. After that, begin the tea ceremony with a demonstration from the master on how to make tea. Listen to the instructions on how to use the tea utensils, so you can participate in the ceremony without problems. Next, try to make the tea by yourself, and then drink it. Eat some traditional wagashi from a famous confectioner. At the end of the activity, pose for a photograph. IMPORTANT: Our place is located in Kenrokuen Garden. An entrance fee to Kenrokuen Garden is required separately. This ticket does not include the entrance fee to Kenrokuen Garden.

Discover the beautiful town of Kanazawa on a fully customizable tour. Choose what you would like to experience, what time you would like to start your tour, and where you are staying, and the local partner will arrange a tour to suit you. Start your day by meeting your guide at your hotel, then choose to sites you wish to visit depending on your interests. Example 6-hour Itinerary: Meet your guide at your hotel in Kanazawa and begin your adventure. Visit Kenroku-en, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, and stroll through the garden of a feudal lord which took years to complete. Afterward, head to Kanazawa Castle Park and visit Kanazawa Castle. Discover impressive buildings and gardens which been successfully and accurately reconstructed in recent years. Then, enjoy lunch at Omicho Market and be amazed by the selection of fresh fish and local vegetables at "Kanazawa's Kitchen". Then, proceed to the Chaya District for a leisurely walking tour. See the area of Higashi Chaya known for its architecture retaining the grace of the Edo Era with its many miso stores, rice shops, and teahouses serving wagashi confections. Visit stores that practice the traditional folkcraft of Kanazawa and the Kaga Yuzen art of dyed fabrics.

Taste your way through the city center of Kanazawa as a private guide leads you through its streets on foot to sample local delicacies. Head to Kanazawa Station’s iconic Tsuzumi Gate after meeting your guide, and peer into the area’s bustling shops and cafes. Make your way down the main road to Omicho Market, the “Kitchen of Kanazawa," and join locals jostling their way through the 180 stands. Sample some of the best street food in the city, such as fried squid skewers. Take a break from feasting to explore Katamachi, a vibrant downtown shopping district that has plenty of neon-lit pubs, clubs, bars, and live music venues. Savor Kanazawa-style pork curry or Hanton rice at a no-frills restaurant. Squeeze in some sightseeing at Kanazawa Castle before indulging in a decadent specialty: glittering gold leaf ice-cream. Stop off at a dimly-lit izakaya (casual Japanese pub) to taste some of Japan’s freshest sashimi with a cold beer. Conclude the tour with a peaceful stroll to Oyama Shrine, known for its Dutch-style stained glass. Take a few extra minutes if desired to explore the famous Nishi Chaya geisha district.

This tour will start at Kanazawa Station at 9:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Information Center near the Shinkansen Ticket Gates. The tour begins at Kanazawa Station, where you will get on the bus at the bus terminal on the Kanazawa Port side of the station. After boarding the bus, you will ride about an hour on the highway through the beautiful mountains and then plains of the Hokuriku Region. Getting off the bus in the middle of a small town near the mountains, you have arrived in Inami. This area is famous for its woodcarving and there are over 100 professional traditional woodcarvers in the area. The main street of the thoroughfare towards the centerpiece of Inami, Zuisenji Temple. As you go along you can find examples of National Historic Treasures in woodcarving on and above many of the shops. Also, look for the cats because they are hidden everywhere. The town association says there are 32 but many other shops have also made their own cats in interesting locations. Finally, you will arrive at Zuisenji Temple, with its giant walls. As you approach you may feel like you’re about to enter a castle. Originally built in the 1300s, it burned down in 1735. That prompted a rebuilding that brought a famous wood carver from Kyoto. There are many intricate designs that include not only patterns on the gates but also dragons, lions, elephants and many of the other famous animals all over the grounds. After seeing the temple it is time for an early lunch in the town. There are two soba restaurants that your guide will recommend but feel free to walk around and enter some shops and eat wherever you seems good to you! Meeting back up at the parking lot, we will then head towards Gokayama, one of the two areas of the unesco World Heritage Site. The first stop is Ai-no-kura, one of the best preserved villages in the area. This area, secluded from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities, were vital to the economic prosperity of the entire state. The production of various agricultural products and sake were very important but also was the manufacture of gunpowder and paper. You will get your hands wet making paper using traditional Japanese methods. The next bus ride will take about 40 minutes before arriving at the unesco World Heritage Site that is Shirakawa-go. This beautiful village is famous for its picturesque townscape with the gassho farmhouses. We will start from the stunning observation deck where you can get many of the famous pictures of the entire village. From there we will head down the hill to the main where we will do a short tour of the area and enter into one of the houses. After a long day exploring around the region, we will return to the bus and head back to Kanazawa. The ride is a little over an hour so relax and enjoy the ride back to the station/hotel. If you have any questions about any other parts of your trip, this is a perfect time to ask!

This Kanazawa Geisha District tour will introduce you to this beautiful and intriguing quarter of Kanazawa city’s long held culture and charm. Allow your guide to take you down the enchanting back streets to visit the less commercial aspects of this charming tea district. Where untouched enclaves take you back to samurai times when this entertainment district was in its heyday.  The Kanazawa Samurai District tour takes you back in time to one of the best preserved Samurai Districts in Japan. The streets are lined with mud and straw walls encapsulating the unspoiled extravagance of the Samurai era. Let your guide take you through this romantic enclave on a trip back in time with this tour. Feel the power and influence of the Lords of Kanazawa by visiting the Kanazawa Castle grounds and park area. View the beautiful white lead roof tiles, touch the formidable Ishikawa Mon gate, and enjoy the tranquility of Lord Maeda’s personal gardens. The defenses and grounds were constructed over hundreds of years as the country changed from war to peace, making them a combination of the best craftsmanship, ingenuity and design of the Edo period. Join the tour to make sure you don’t miss anything on your trip though this historical and political center of Kanazawa.

Discover Japan at your own pace with our self-guided tours and audio guides in several languages. Immerse yourself in the fascinating culture and beauty of this country while exploring historical monuments, sacred temples and breathtaking landscapes - don't miss this unique opportunity to experience Japan through your own eyes and ears! The complete tour of Japan includes the following destinations with audio guide (multilingual), with about 300 points of interest to get to know this beautiful country: - Tokyo (115 points of interest), with sections such as Minato, Central Tokyo, East Tokyo, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Taito. - Kyoto (78 points of interest), with sections such as: North Kyoto, South Kyoto, Higashiyama, Arashiyama, Gion and Kyoto Must-sees. - Nara (10 points of interest) - Takayama (13 points of interest) - Kanazawa (23 points of interest) - Nikko (15 points of interest) - Osaka (19 points of interest) - Koyasan (21 points of interest) Our tours are designed to introduce you to Japan's most iconic sights, from vibrant Tokyo to historic Kyoto. Each tour includes a multilingual audio guide that will provide you with detailed information about the places you visit. Our tours are ideal for: - People traveling alone or as a couple. - People who want to save money. - People who want to get to know Japan at their own pace. Book your tour today and start your trip to Japan.

With our audio guide, we will accompany you every step of the way, providing you with detailed information and tidbits about the places you will visit. Discover the secrets of Kanazawa, Japan, with this self-guided audio tour. Explore the most hidden places in this historic city, from hidden gardens to ancient temples. The audio guide (available in 6 languages) will guide you through a journey full of surprises and discoveries. Places with audio guide to visit at your own pace: - Nagamachi district - Kanazawa Castle - Higashi Chaya Geisha District - Kenroku Garden - Kanazawa Museum of Contemporary Art - Ishikawa Museum of Traditional Handicrafts - Tsuzumi Gate - Oyama Shrine - Myoryuji Temple - Nomura Family House - Omicho Market - National Crafts Museum - Kanazawa History Museum - Kanazawa Silk Museum - Kanazawa Gold Museum - Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge - Sai River - Mount Hakusan - Karakuri Museum - Dt Suzuki Museum - Nodayama Cemetery - Saigawa Ryokuchi Park - Daijo Temple Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore Kanazawa in a completely new and enriching way. Book your experience now and be amazed by the magic of Kanazawa!

Join a guided tour to explore the historical attractions of Kanazawa, including well-preserved Edo-era districts, restored residences, feudal-era tea houses, and a partially restored castle with a garden. Get plenty of time to explore the markets and grab a bite on the way. Start the tour by meeting your guide at Kanazawa Station. As soon as you leave the station building, the first sight will be immediately visible to you. See Tsuzumi-mon gate, a modern take on a traditional building style and a new symbol of Kanazawa. Walk towards the Nagamachi Samurai District using a side street lined with local residences and the occasional wooden temple. Reach a small neighborhood with houses that once belonged to low-ranking Samurai. Get a chance to enter these houses and see how Samurai of modest means lived their lives. Afterward, enter the Nagamachi Samurai District and walk down its crooked main street. With free time to explore on your own, buy local Kanazawa crafts and wares. Next up is Oyama Shrine, combining both Japanese and Western elements in a fusion that reflects the history of Japan in the 19th century. Head to the back of this shrine to explore a koi pond and a small garden, as well as a path that leads to a big wooden bridge. Cross this bridge before passing through an impressive gate to enter the Kanazawa Castle grounds. Take a well-deserved break at the Gyokusen-an tea house with views over a fabulous garden at the base of some of the castle’s enormous stone walls. Admire the purely Japanese interior of the tea house with unparalleled elegance and refinement. Treat yourself to matcha and artistic “Wagashi” sweets served by kimono-clad staff, while the guide shows you the proper way to drink matcha. Refreshed and ready to continue, head through the Kanazawa Castle grounds before crossing over to the entrance to the Kenroku-en garden. Enjoy free time for lunch with restaurant recommendations from your guide. After your break, follow your guide into the Kenroku-en garden, often listed as one of the best gardens in Japan. Learn how it was designed and created over 200 years ago on the order of the Lord of Kanazawa Castle. Continue to the famous Higashi-chaya Tea District, the symbol of Kanazawa and perhaps the most famous tea district in Japan outside of Kyoto. Stroll through streets lined with tall, 2-story wooden tea houses, some of which are painted red – a unique design feature to be found only in Kanazawa. Leaving Higashi-chaya, start the return trip back to the station, passing through the maze-like backstreets of Kazue-machi along the way.

The tour starts from Kanazawa Station. You will ride an electric bicycle instead of gas vehicles from the station to the Kenrokuen Garden's bike parking lot, and you can enjoy the scenery of Kanazawa while the riding (Not with entry, but only seeing with the guidance except the Kenrokuen Garden, Gyokusen’inmaru Garden and Gyokusen’an Rest House). You will watch and appreciate one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. "Kenroku-en" means a garden combining the six attributes of a perfect garden. As a strolling-style landscape garden, it incorporates fancy designs in every corner, achieving peerless scenery in each season. You will also visit the Gyokusen’inmaru Garden and Gyokusen’an Rest House to drink matcha green tea with tasting fresh wagashi sweet at the Japanese-style tatami room. There will be the English and Chinese guide through the tour, so you can also enjoy the explanation of deep information by the local guide. You are still able to ride an electric bicycle for the Kanazawa sightseeing if you put it back to the right cycle port spot in that day because a one-day bicycle pass is included in this tour. Therefore, after the end of the tour, you can still visit again and get entry for any spot you enjoyed exterior and had in mind while the cycling riding, but you need to pay entry fee for that spot then. Conditions of participation is foreign visitors to Japan, foreigners living in Japan, over the height of 145cm, and over the age of 9. The number of participants is from 2 to 7 people. Total fee is 12,000 yen (tax included) per person. It includes the cost of the transportation fee of a rental bike, earphones fee, the insurance fee, the entry fee for the Kenrokuen Garden, the fee for drinking Japanese green tea, the fee for tasting a traditional Japanese sweets called Jo-namagashi, and the English & Chinese guide fee. Event dates and time are 12:10pm - 16:00pm of everyday except from Apr. 27th to May 6th. Application period is until one day before the tour date. The access to Kanazawa Station is about 2.5 hours by the bullet train from Tokyo Station if you come from Tokyo, and about 2 hours by the limited express train and the bullet train from Osaka Station if you come from Osaka. The order of the sightseeing spots while the cycling is starting from Kanazawa Station, Kazuemachi Chaya District, Hakuchoro Road, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Nagamachi Samurai District, Katamachi-Korinbo Area, Kenrokuen Garden, Ishikawa-mon Gate, Kanazawa Castle, Gyokusen'inmaru Garden, Gyokusen’an Rest House, Nezumitamon Gate & Nezumitamon Bridge, Oyama Shrine, and lastly back to the Kenrokuen Garden's bike parking lot. The electric bicycles you will ride is had jurisdiction by Kanazawa city office, so you can gain a sense of security by that proper bicycles. Please make a reservation and join the tour!!

The Kanazawa Geisha District Tour will introduce you to this beautiful and intriguing quarter of Kanazawa city’s long held culture and charm. Be taken down the enchanting back streets to visit the less commercial aspects of this charming tea district. Where untouched enclaves take you back to samurai times when this entertainment district was in its heyday. The Kanazawa Samurai District Tour will take you back in time to one of the best preserved samurai districts in Japan. The streets are lined with mud and straw walls encapsulating the unspoilt extravagance of the samurai era. Be taken through this romantic enclave on a trip back in time with this tour. Feel the power and influence of the Lords of Kanazawa by visiting the Kanazawa Castle grounds and park area. View the beautiful white lead roof tiles, touch the formidable Ishikawa-mon Gate and enjoy the tranquility of Lord Maeda’s personal gardens. The defenses and grounds were constructed over hundreds of years as the country changed from war to peace, making them a combination of the best craftsmanship, ingenuity and design of the Edo period. Join this tour to make sure you don’t miss anything on your trip through this historical and political center of Kanazawa. Since the Edo period (1603~), Kenrokuen Garden has been regarded as one of the most beautiful feudal gardens in all of Japan. There is so much to see, such as the Kotoji-toro (lantern with features of a Japanese ‘harp’), the island with the ageless hermit, the lake and natural water fountain, the tea houses and so much more. Plum and cherry blossoms can be seen in spring, azaleas and irises in early summer, leaves with hues of red and yellow in autumn/fall and snow and yukizuri (traditional snow ropes) in winter. Let this walking tour transform your time there into a breathtaking experience.