Private Tour

Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

Explore the beautiful town of Kanazawa on this customized, six-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.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kanazawa.

Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 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.

What To Expect

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•Admission Not Included

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•Admission Not Included

Options

Kanazawa 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide

Pickup included

Reviews

4.94

53 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Kanazawa with Asa
misweetpeas,
Jun 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had a day of adventure with our guide Asa in the city of Kanazawa. Our day started us off meeting Asa at the cruise terminal where although there was a slight hiccup with the meeting time, it went flawlessly from there. Our tour consisted of a couple of taxi rides and bus rides to different places of interest which we had picked out prior to the trip. Asa, lead us to and thru each teaching us so many things about the history and their significance. She explained to us not only important things about the past but also currently and how and why they still remain important to this day. It did seem apparent, but after making small talk earlier in the day, we did learn that she had been a teacher for her entire profession. During that conversation there was a very candid moment where we talked about her former career, and you could see the sparkle in her eye where she had a genuine love of teaching, still connecting with people, and the significance of her profession. She lead us thru our tour talking and teaching us along the way and yet stopping at appropriate times to let us soak things in, take a picture or to just recuperate at times. I could not believe the pep in her step and she could’ve probably out done all of us in a race. She was also thoughtful enough to buy each of us a small bento (or box lunch) for us to enjoy during a break and made sure that when she was completed with our tour, that we knew exactly how to get back to our cruise terminal. We had a very enjoyable day and an incredible experience of one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens, a historic castle, a “Ninja” temple and an open market. Thank you Asa!!! One of the most significant things at the end was that Asa humbly asked if we could write a short entry into a diary which she kept of all of her past tours. She claimed that it was meaningful for her to reflect back on as well as to help keep up her English. Asa told us that one of her main goals was to become a better guide, and Asa we would all not hesitate to say that you were, and are incredible. Thank you for the experience, your thoughtfulness and your patience with our large group. We are so happy that we had the experience you shared and provided with us.
A lot to see in Kanazawa...!
Brian S,
May 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We will have to make a return trip to Kanazawa – there wasn’t enough time to take in all it has to offer in just 5 or 6 hours. Kanazawa Castle and the adjacent Kenroku-en Gardens are a magnet during cherry blossom season, for good reason. Despite the crowds, this was a wonderful tour. Our guide, Shoten (“Sho”) Sasaki worked closely with us to develop the itinerary and led an excellent tour. The Higashi Chaya-gai district gives one a good feel for the days when Geisha entertained in local “tea” rooms – the buildings are lovingly preserved, although most are now shops and eateries (where you can sample ice-cream cones dipped in gold leaf). We’re sorry we ran out of time before seeing Nagayamachi Bukeyashiki (the samurai district) – next time! A great place to visit.
Excellent insight to Kanazawa
Martin s,
Apr 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
An excellent tour that was tailored to our requirements with a superb guide We learned so much not only about Kanazawa but Japanese history and culture and Yoshi was the perfect teacher
Great way to start your visit to Kanazawa
LUIS P,
Apr 25, 2025
- Viator
4.00
She is a local which is, I think, very important to get a proper feeling of the city and its people. I do recommend the experience, I think it is a great way to visit some of the city highlights and she will suggest other places to visit during your stay in Kanazawa
Great way to see Kanazawa!
Eric N,
Mar 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00
My guide, Shoten, was great. He contacted me in advance of my arrival to introduce himself and see if there were any particular sights or interests I was interested to see/do. I explained that I was interested in local handicrafts and architecture, he then prepared a personalized itinerary of Kanazawa. He was most informative and made it very easy to cover many sights that I could not do on my own. He even found an excellent restaurant to try Kanazawa's famous oden which fit right into the planned schedule. Highly recommended!